Detailed Itinerary Grand European Medley

CRUISE YEAR

21-night Cruise


Day 1

BASEL, SWITZERLAND – EMBARKATION
Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Upon arrival in Basel, enjoy a highlights tour of Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th century patrician homes. Then enjoy free time for lunch on your own before the drive to the ship. (D)

Basel

Day 2

BREISACH, GERMANY
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar. On your tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. Those wishing for a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike through the heart of the Kaiserstuhl, a volcanic region in the Rhine plain known for its unique landscapes, vineyards, and exceptional biodiversity. (B,L,D)

Breisach

Day 3

STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a short drive to the Place de la République before walking through the iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Strasbourg

Day 4

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you’ll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (B,L,D)

Ludwigshafen

Day 5

RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – LAHNSTEIN, GERMANY
Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Rüdesheim

Day 6

MONHEIM – DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY
Monheim is your gateway to the nearby city of Cologne, where you may join a guided tour of its enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. If you would like more time in Cologne, you may opt for a full-day excursion, which includes ample free time to explore independently. In the afternoon, explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. (B,L,D)

Monheim

Day 7

UTRECHT – AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Begin the day in Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. Then enjoy a scenic cruise on board your river cruise ship around Amsterdam before setting out on a boat specially designed for the city’s famous canals from which you will get a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B,L,D)

Utrecht

Day 8

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Enjoy a special tour of the world-famous Rijksmuseum. Considered The Netherlands’ national museum, the Rijksmuseum encompasses 800 years of Dutch history. Wander through the world’s largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art, where some of the most renowned works are housed, and marvel at such historic paintings as Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid.” (B,L,D)

Amsterdam

Day 9

AMSTERDAM – KAMPEN, NETHERLANDS
If you missed our canal cruise earlier in the itinerary, join us on board a specially designed boat as we glide beneath the bridges and alongside the iconic architecture for which Amsterdam is renowned. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise to Kampen. Here you will have the option to join the Giethoorn tour or for a more active afternoon you can enjoy a bike tour.

Amsterdam

Day 10

UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Utrecht. This city has served as the religious center of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the historical castle Slot Zuylen, originally built in the 13th century. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its gardens, moats and picturesque setting overlooking the Vecht River. (B,L,D)

Delta

Day 11

GHENT, BELGIUM
There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices. (B,L,D)

Ghent

Day 12

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride that takes you into Laeken Park, where you will see the unique architecture of the Far East Museums as well as the jaw-dropping iron molecule sculpture known as the Atomium. Alternatively, delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting. In the afternoon, visit Bouchout Castle, a 12th-century fortress built to protect the Duchy of Brabant from the County of Flanders and the lords of Grimbergen. (B,L,D)

Brussels

Day 13

ANTWERP, BELGIUM
Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travelers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America. (B,L,D)

Antwerp

Day 14

DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS – KINDERDIJK, NETHERLANDS
Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike. (B,L,D)

Dordrecht

Day 15

AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION – PARIS - EMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you board your comfortable train for the transfer to Paris. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as we take care of your luggage for you and whisk you off to Paris. Once in Paris, your luggage will be waiting for you in your stateroom. Enjoy dinner on board and wind down for the day as we sail to our next destination. (B,D)

Amsterdam

Day 16

LES ANDELYS, FRANCE
Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering Seine for a scenic cruise. (B,L,D)

Les Andelys

Day 17

LE HAVRE, FRANCE
During your time in Le Havre, set out on an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of the UNESCO-designated Le Havre. Alternatively, you have the choice of a bike tour through Le Havre. (B,L,D)

Le Havre

Day 18

LE HAVRE – NORMANDY BEACHES – CAUDEBEC EN CAUX, FRANCE
Experience the Normandy region with a variety of excursions. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulle and, finally, Arromanches. Alternatively, you can set out on a full day excursion to the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. In the afternoon, if you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux, you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum. (B,L,D)

Le Havre

Day 19

ROUEN, FRANCE
Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to go on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, Norman cheese and cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour. Then visit Bonnemare Castle, a 16th-century architectural treasure lined with picturesque poplar trees. (B,L,D)

Rouen

Day 20

VERNON, FRANCE
Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship for your excursion. You will have a choice of three excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside. (B,L,D)
*Monet’s Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead

Vernon

Day 21

PARIS, FRANCE
Travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Or enjoy the exquisite architecture of the Château de Malmaison, the former home of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, also known as “the most beautiful and curious garden in Europe.” Alternatively, stay in Paris explore the “City of Light” on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, experience the “City of Light” from a unique perspective when you board a modern river boat at the Port de la Bourdonnais, located on the banks of the Seine River near the Eiffel Tower. With exterior seating and viewing platforms, your one-hour cruise will be a dream come true as you glide along the river and underneath Paris’s ornate bridges. From the boat, you will take in panoramic views of the city’s iconic buildings and monuments, including the Musee d’Orsay and the Notre Dame Cathedral. (B,L,D)

Paris

Day 22

PARIS, FRANCE – DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Paris and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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