 Amsterdam to Switzerland Rhine river cruise itineraryDay 1 Amsterdam - Utrecht Selected early morning coach pick-ups and a journey to Dover for the 10.00am crossing to Calais. Alternatively, join at port or at the Holiday Inn Ashford North. After disembarkation, your coach continues through France and Belgium to Amsterdam, one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. Here, you are welcomed on board your cruise vessel, MS Britannia or MS Hispania. You will then begin with an evening dinner cruise to the Dutch city of Utrecht. Those taking the air option will fly direct from the UK and transfer to the vessel. Passengers taking the overnight crossing from the north of England or Scotland, will depart the previous day and join the vessel on Day 1 for dinner. Day 2 Utrecht - Arnhem As you awake for breakfast, the vessel will begin a gentle cruise through Holland to the Dutch city of Arnhem, made famous in the film, A Bridge Too Far. Arriving around lunchtime you will have the opportunity to explore the city or to take advantage of the optional excursion to the Airborne Museum, which portrays in detail the heroic events during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944. The museum shows how airborne forces were planning to capture the bridges over the Rhine, Waal and Maas. Day 3 Arnhem - Wesel This morning you will gently cruise along the Rhine to Wesel in Germany. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional half-day excursion to the charming 2,000-year-old Roman town of Xanten, with its narrow streets, city wall, forum, temple, thermal baths and amphitheatre, before continuing to the Castle of Moyland (entrance fees not included). Day 4 Wesel - Düsseldorf The vessel will slip quietly out of Wesel heading for Düsseldorf, one of Germany’s most famous towns with its mix of Classical and Avant Garde architecture. In the afternoon, take the optional half-day excursion to the city of Wuppertal, which includes a ride in the King’s Carriage* on the city’s suspended monorail. Carriage No. 5, used by Kaiser Wilhelm II and his wife Auguste Viktoria in 1900, has survived through to the present day. The beautiful vehicle was completely renovated with plush covered seats, gold-coloured deco curtains and fin de siècle ornamental glass panes. (Journey lasts approximately 30 minutes.) *On some days the King's Carriage does not operate, in this instance a standard carriage will be used. Day 5 Düsseldorf - Cologne - Königswinter As you enjoy breakfast, we will cruise to the ancient city of Cologne, well known for its cathedral, Eau de Cologne and its beer, called Kölsch. Cologne also has a chocolate museum, so the included city tour will be well worth taking. In the evening, while enjoying your three-course meal, the vessel will cruise to Königswinter. Day 6 Königswinter - Boppard - Rüdesheim In the early morning, you will cruise through the countryside to Boppard. Arriving in time for an early lunch, you can enjoy free time in Boppard before rejoining the vessel for a cruise through the scenic Middle Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim. After dinner, there’s a fantastic opportunity to join us on a guided tour of the famous Siegfried’s Mechanical Musik Kabinett, housing a remarkable collection of perfectly preserved mechanical musical instruments. Our excursion also includes a visit to Adolf’s wine cellar in Rüdesheim to taste the famous local wines. Day 7 Rüdesheim, - Mannheim (for Heidelberg) - Speyer This morning your vessel will gently cruise to Mannheim, Germany’s largest river port and a bustling city where there’s plenty to see and do. In the afternoon, join an included excursion by coach to Heidelberg and its extraordinary castle (entrance fee not included). The inspiration for many famous artists, this university town is far-famed for its philosophers and thinkers. Day 8 Speyer - Greffern - Strasbourg Setting off before breakfast, you will cruise to Greffern. After lunch we will travel by coach to Strasbourg, famous for its sandstone Gothic cathedral and medieval Gothic timber-framed houses. This historic French city has an intriguing mix of French and German influences, best seen in the many inviting cafes, patisseries and restaurants. Wander through the cobbled streets of Petite France and you’ll find an area of old-timbered houses and pretty canals to rival any in Venice or Bruges. The city’s cathedral stands proudly in the middle of a wide, cobbled square, lined with attractive restaurants, wine bars and bierkellers. We will rejoin the vessel in Strasbourg for dinner. Day 9 Strasbourg - Breisach In the late morning, we will arrive at the ancient Celtic town of Breisach. Captured by Julius Caesar, the city boasts two Romanesque gates and a German Gothic cathedral. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional excursion to the enchanting Black Forest. From Breisach you will past the Feldberg, the highest point in the Forest, to a clock factory which houses one of the largest cuckoo clocks in the world. Also included is a tour to experience the best of the Black Forest scenery, taking in enchanting wooded valleys full of traditional houses and farms. Day 10 Breisach - Basle Your last cruise on this holiday will take you to the famous Swiss city of Basle. In the afternoon, you can either explore the city or take an optional tour to Lucerne, a beautiful alpine oasis set against a background of snowy peaks. Renowned for its medieval townscape, historic Chapel Bridge and excellent shops, the lakeside city of Lucerne is one of Switzerland's most popular tourist destinations. You’ll have ample time in the city to explore the famous bridge with its paintings, the narrow streets of the old quarter, and vintage plazas dotted with towers and fountains. Day 11 Basle And so your journey ends as you bid farewell and rejoin the coach for the journey to Calais and the 7.00pm ferry/Eurotunnel crossing to Dover/Folkestone. Upon arrival, we will return you to your original departure point. Those taking the air option will transfer directly to the airport for the return flight to the UK. Passengers returning on the overnight crossing to the north of England or Scotland, will transfer to the departure port and arrive in the UK the next day. Alternative itinerary Timings are correct at time of publish but may be subject to change. Final itinerary and timings will be confirmed with your final travel documents. 
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