Experience Switzerland & Holland with your private guide before you relax on a Rhine Cruise, Begin your relaxing cruise of the enchanting Rhine River in vibrant Amsterdam, enjoying her legendary canals and colorful surroundings. Visit the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the historic university town of Heidelberg, the charming medieval town of Strasbourg, and enjoy an excursion to the legendary Black Forest region. Conclude your journey amidst Switzerland’s stunning scenery and world-famous cities, enjoying lake-side excursions and Alpine vistas.

Cruise Departure Dates:

Amsterdam-Basel route:
2012 Departures: Apr 12, Apr 26, May 10, Jun 21, Aug 30, Sep 13, Sep 27, Oct 11, Oct 25, Nov 8 ; 2013 Departures: Mar,29, Apr 12, 26, May 10, 24, Jun 7, 21, Jul 5, 19, Aug 2,16, 30, Sep 13,27, Oct 1,11,15, 25, 29, Nov 8,22 2013

Basel-Amsterdam route:
2012 Departures: Apr 5, Apr 19, May 31, Jun 28, Jul 26, Aug 9, Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 1, Nov 15; 2013 Departures: Apr 5,19, May 3,17, Jun 14, 28, Jul 12, 26, Aug 9, 23, Sep 6, 20, Oct 4,8, 12, 22, Nov 1,5,15.

*Please note, cruise itinerary may slightly alter depending on seasonality.

Zurich is Switzerland's most important city economically, and a major European business centre. Zurich also boasts the biggest and best cultural attractions in the nation. The Swiss National Museum, Switzerland's largest church and a truly international selection of restaurants are just a few of the attractions that draw visitors to this beautiful city. Zurich embraces change. It was one of the leading lights of the Reformation and even today the city has an exciting Modern Art movement best seen in the excellent Kunsthaus and the Fraümunster Church. More traditional entertainment can be found at the Opera House and from the Tonhalle Orchestra, one of Europe's finest musical ensembles.

Enjoy an airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

The Best Western Hotel Glockenhof (4*) Is a city hotel with Zurich tradition, located just a few steps from the famous Bahnhofstrasse and in easy walking distance of Lake Zurich and the main station. Hotel has two restaurants which you can choose from. The hotel also provides you with a complimentary newspaper, a concierge, multilingual staff and foreign currency exchange. Rooms feature remote control 16-inch cable television with CNN, mini-bar and data-ports.

Overnight at Best Western Htl Glockenhof (4*).

Enjoy a half day city tour with private vehicle and English speaking guide to Lucerne.This excursion leads you to Central Switzerland and its most impressive landmarks: Lucerne and the proud rock pyramid of Mt. Pilatus! On your way enjoy your drive through the Sihl Valley to Zug and alongside the pretty Lake of Zug. At the quaint town of Küssnacht you reach the beautiful Lake of Lucerne, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Reflect on the history of Lucerne which celebrated its 800th anniversary in 1978, as you walk through the 14th century Chapel Bridge, or as you visit the Musegg Town Walls and the Lion Monument. Before returning to Zurich, take some time to explore the storybook old City of Lucerne on your own. (Note: the Lion Monument will not be visible from mid April until mid May as it will be covered for clean up).

Overnight at Best Western Htl Glockenhof (4*).

Basel is Switzerland's third most populous city (166,209) inhabitants. With 731,000 inhabitants in the tri-national metropolitan area (as of 2004), Basel is Switzerland's third-largest urban area. Located in northwest Switzerland on the river Rhine, Basel functions as a major industrial centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The city borders both Germany and France.

Enjoy a train station transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Enjoy a train ride from Zurich to Basel.

Meet your driver for a private train station transfer with vehicle and English-speaking driver. 

Hotel Muenchnerhof (3*) Situated in front of the exhibition centre Messe Basel. The hotel has 12 single rooms, 20 double or twin room and 3 Junior Suites which are all renovated with en-suite bathroom, telephone, radio, safe, hairdryer and TV. Underground-parking is available for hotel guests. Breakfast is available to guests each morning. Guests are invited to serve themselves from the breakfast buffet. At lunchtime and in the evenings, guests may select dishes from an à la carte menu.

Overnight at Muenchnerhof (3*).

Enjoy a cruise along the Rhine River. The Rhine has been a vital and navigable waterway carrying trade and goods deep inland. It has also served as a defensive feature and has been the basis for regional and international borders. The many castles and prehistoric fortifications along the Rhine testify to its importance as a waterway. Aboard your luxurious cruise ship, you'll be able to relax in comfort as you traverse the river between interesting ports-of-call.

A private car with English-speaking driver will transfer you to the Basel city port.

Arrive in charming Basel and embark your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner.

The MS Amacello debuted in 2008. The vessel set new standard in European river cruising and offer a number of features, which no other European river cruise ship can match. The vessel carries 148 passengers in unequaled luxury, comfort and style and is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service.

Overnight at AmaCello / AmaLyra (BLD) (Stateroom).

Today, choose between a city tour of Colmar or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, enjoy your drive through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Your tour will include a stop at a cuckoo clock factory. As an alternative, choose to travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” During your city tour, you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses; the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns; canals and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine cellar visit and wine tasting, where you will enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter.

Overnight at AmaCello / AmaLyra (BLD) (Stateroom).

Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. Enjoy a canal cruise of this picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. Then take a walking tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobbled streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the afternoon, a guided bicycle tour (capacity controlled) will take you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament, and Place de la Republique.

Overnight at AmaCello / AmaLyra (BLD) (Stateroom).

This afternoon, arrive in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for the Speyer Cathedral, many churches and the Altpörtel (old gate) with a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a city tour of medieval Speyer or half day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. As an alternative, a guided bike tour is also available in Speyer (capacity controlled).

Overnight at AmaCello / AmaLyra (BLD) (Stateroom).

Today you'll arrive in Rudesheim, where you will enjoy an afternoon wine tasting with a local vintner. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time. You'll also get to visit the historic Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum today, housing a remarkable collection of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Overnight at AmaCello / AmaLyra (BLD) (Stateroom).

Upon arrival in Cologne, enjoy a guided walking tour through the old part of the city and a visit to the fabled 13th-century gothic cathedral. As an alternative to a walking tour, take a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). Later on, the ship will cruise to Duesseldorf.

You'll arrive in Dusseldorf and take a motor coach to Venlo, where you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo. Bringing together more than 100 exhibitors from dozens of countries, the Floriade Expo grounds will feature five themed zones connected by wooded areas. Each of the zones contains its own horticultural exhibits, cultural attractions, activities, restaurants, music, dance and theatrical performances.

Overnight at AmaCello / AmaLyra (BLD) (Stateroom).

After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then, enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see the great landmarks of Amsterdam including a photo stop at a Windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship.

Overnight at AmaCello / AmaLyra (BLD) (Stateroom).

Disembark your ship this morning, completing your cruise journey in Amsterdam.

Meet your driver for a private port transfer.

Meet your private driver and guide at your hotel for your half-day tour to the Zaanse Schans. The Zaanse Schans is a delightful old hamlet on the banks of the river Zaan with characteristic green wooden houses, charming stylized gardens, small hump-backed bridges, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and charming little shops. This enchanting hamlet gives an excellent impression of how a typical Zaanse village must have looked like in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Apart from the cluster of windmills and houses there are also several museums, restaurants and a visitors' centre to be found. The Zaanse Schans has become one of the top tourist destinations in the Netherlands. Return to hotel.

The NH Amsterdam Centre (4*) is conveniently located at lively Leidse Square. The Lounge 'L in the lobby of the hotel is the perfect place to plan your day or unwind after seeing the sights. Relax with a hot or cold drink, and if you're hungry enjoy lunch or dinner while people-watching over bustling Stadhouderskade and Leidse Squarehot.

Overnight at NH Amsterdam Center (4*).

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer from hotel. 

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).