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Basel- Your cruise starts in Basel, the third most populous city in Switzerland. Located on the banks of the Rhine in the northwest of the country were the borders of Germany, France and Switzerland meet, Basel is one of the latter’s most important cultural centres. Basel boasts a number of theatres and many museums and the Museum of Fine Arts possesses the world’s oldest art collection accessible to the public. This evening why not join our optional city tour featuring the many highlights in the heart of this surprising city. |
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Strasbourg – The MS Switzerland II slips silently away from Switzerland overnight and this morning we arrive in France to berth in Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region of Eastern France. The city has an enchanting medieval quarter and many historic buildings such as the Gothic cathedral and the Baroque Palace. In the morning you can join us on an optional tour encompassing all the city’s highlights, both contemporary and classic; Petit France, Gutenbergplatz, the building of human rights, the cathedral and much more. |
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Mannheim / Heidelberg / Rüdesheim- Continuing our gentle cruise upstream along the Rhine brings us to our next port of call, Mannheim. With approximately 315,000 inhabitants, Mannheim is a lively city, the impressive Mannheimer Palace and the 19th century water tower being two of the city’s main attractions. From Mannheim you can join our excursion to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. This splendid city is famous for its wonderfully historic centre and its beautiful castle towering above. In the castle’s wine cellar lies the biggest wine barrel in the world with a capacity of 221.726 litres and another of Heidelberg’s impressive sights is the Alte Brücke across the Neckar-river. In the afternoon the MS Switzerland II sets sail for Rüdesheim, arriving during dinner, giving you a chance to explore this lively riverside village later this evening if you wish. |
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Rüdesheim /Koblenz – This morning the ship remains moored in Rüdesheim, a charming old wine town much loved by its many visitors. Perhaps best known and much photographed is the long narrow street, the Drosselgasse, lined on both sides with quaint wine taverns, where you can taste some of the exquisite white wines for which this region is so renowned. In the early afternoon the ship will leave Rüdesheim to cruise through the impressive Rhine Gorge, where amazing castles perched in extraordinary locations appear at almost every turn as the river meanders its way through the steeply sided valley. It is in this reach that we pass the legendary ‘Loreley Rock’, soaring some 120 meters above the waterline and marking the narrowest point on the Rhine between Switzerland and the North Sea. In the late afternoon we will reach Koblenz.The 2000-year-old town of Koblenz is beautifully situated at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister river, the Moselle. Its abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings, narrow alleyways and relaxed atmosphere make Koblenz a friendly town where its guests feel right at home |
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Koblenz / Cologne – From Koblenz you can join us on an excursion commencing with a city tour through Koblenz before taking in the beautiful scenery of the picturesque Lahn valley en route to the delightful spa town of Bad Ems. Here you can enjoy a short walking tour to visit the fascinating mineral springs and the impressive casino. After lunch we leave for Cologne where will arrive in the late afternoon. After dinner free time to discover Cologne. Drink a typical ‘Kölsch’ beer or take a stroll through the narrow, cobble-stoned alleys will of the old down of the city. |
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Cologne – Today features a visit to Cologne, the most populous city on the Rhine and most famous for the ‘Kölner Dom’, Germany’s largest cathedral, towering above the river right at its heart. But it is not just religion that is important in this city. The inhabitants of Cologne love life, especially in summer. The terraces along the river, the many bars in the old centre and the wide shopping streets make Cologne a very enjoyable place in which to stopover. |
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Amsterdam – We reach our final destination early today, giving you the opportunity to explore this wonderful city at your own pace. Amsterdam is renowned for its superb museums and the recently reopened ‘Rijksmuseum’ is certainly worth a visit. It plays hosts to one of Europe’s most famous paintings, Rembrandt’s Nightwatch, and many other classics that you will recognise. You may also wish to join us on an optional excursion to the typically picturesque villages of Volendam and Marken, where you will learn about traditional Dutch life and the country’s remarkable history. To end your cruise in style why not join our fascinating late night canal tour around the centre of Amsterdam. |
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Amsterdam – After breakfast, sadly it’s time to disembark and bid farewell to the friendly crew of the MS Switzerland II. |
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