From The Netherlands to Switzerland, we cruise along one of the most important and attractive rivers in Europe. Delight in the panorama of the myth-enshrouded Middle Rhine Valley, take a detour along the romantic Moselle and explore some of the pretty towns along the way.
Day 1 We make our way to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Then across France, through Belgium and into Amsterdam to board the Amadeus Cara. Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner.
Day 2 After a restful night on board, we set sail and discover the beauty of the Dutch waterways as our ship glides towards Hoorn. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Amsterdam before rejoining the ship in Hoorn. The afternoon is spent cruising to Ijsselmeer.
Day 3 After a morning cruising, we arrive in the vibrant city of Cologne, with its rich cultural history, historic Old Town and many worldfamous sights, including the wonderful cathedral. There is an optional walking tour to get some historic insight into the city. In the evening, our ship continues to take us south.
Day 4 Today we detour onto the Moselle River to the little town of Cochem, where the magnificent castle dominates the landscape. There is an optional tour with wine tasting or you could simply stroll through the narrow streets among half-timbered houses soaking up the atmosphere. This evening we set off towards Koblenz.
Day 5 This morning we arrive in Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful towns, where you can explore at leisure, or join an optional guided walking tour. Spend this afternoon on deck as we cruise along the most beautiful section of the river – the legendary Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Late afternoon we arrive in Rüdesheim, a town well known for its wine making. There is an optional walking tour to the Mechanical Music Museum.
Day 6 After breakfast, explore Mannheim, or join an optional excursion to Heidelberg. This afternoon’s visit is to the Rhineland-Palatinate town of Speyer, where there is an optional guided walking tour of the historic centre. This evening the Captain invites you to a Gala Dinner, full of wonderful regional dishes.
Day 7 We cruise into the Alsace region of France and reach Strasbourg, where we have an included guided coach tour of this wonderful city’s sights. After lunch on board, take in the beauty of the romantic Rhine as we move towards Switzerland.
Day 8 We disembark after breakfast, and travel through Switzerland and into France to our overnight hotel near Reims.
Day 9 We continue our journey northwards. We have an afternoon crossing from Calais to Dover, and then we make our way to the local area to meet our taxis.
The new Amadeus Cara has cabins split over four decks, most with lowerable panoramic windows which extend across the entire cabin front. The Cara offers a panoramic restaurant, bar/lounge, river terrace, sun deck, fitness room, hair salon, massage room and gift shop. There are spacious deluxe cabins and suites available, and all cabins offer spacious bathrooms, infotainment systems, flat screen TVs, telephone, cabin safe, mini bar and air conditioning which can be individually regulated. There is a lift, but it does not serve the sundeck