From Basel to Amsterdam, tantalize your taste buds and immerse yourself in the rich brewing traditions of Europe's heartland. Take a front-row seat on an enchanting journey that takes you along the Rhine and through its designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 40 castles strung like pearls on its riverbanks and to magnificent cities and charming villages alike. Explore the timeless allure of the Rhine River alongside the history and heritage of European beer, promising an experience that will delight both beer enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.​​

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What's included in this trip:

• 7-night cruise in elegantly appointed accommodations

• A knowledgeable local Beer Expert

• 2 onboard beer tastings/lectures

• Up to 4 beer-themed excursions in addition to city tours, bike rides,
  hikes and more

• Fine dining at every meal including specially curated beer and
  culinary experiences

• Professionally trained Wellness Host leading wellness activities

• Live local entertainment

• Unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi access

• A knowledgeable local Beer Expert

• 2 onboard beer tastings/lectures

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Optional Land Package Inclusions

• Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast and city tour

• Transfers between hotel and ship
   

Onboard Features:

• Panoramic Lounge with bar, piano and dance floor

• Walking track, Sun Deck pool with swim-up bar and fitness room

• Hair salon and massage services (additional costs apply)

• Entertainment-On-Demand with high-speed Internet, movies, music and English-language TV

• Marble bathrooms, multi-jet showers, soothing bath products, cotton bathrobes, slippers and hair dryer

• Generous closet and storage space with in-room safe

• Individually controlled air conditioning in stateroom

• Connecting staterooms and triple/quad occupancy available in select staterooms

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What's not included:

• Airfare and pre/post cruise accommodations - assistance with either is available upon request

• Airport transfers

• Travel protection - available upon request

• All other beverages except of the ones mentioned above

• Taxes & Gratuities (recommended): Gratuities can be pre-paid at $157 per person for the 7-night cruise

• Use of the telephone in each cabin

• Items purchased in the Gift Shop

• Salon services for hair and massage

• Port charges of $224 per person

• Optional shore excursions that might be offered in addition to our daily included shore excursion program

 

The Itinerary:

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• Day 1 (Basel): Board the ship in Basel for your Enchanting Rhine cruise.

 

• Day 2 (Breisach): Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Visit Brasserie Artisanale St. Alphonse, where a master brewer will walk you through the process of brewing and the history of beer before enjoying a beer tasting. Alternatively, step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking 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 a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions.

 

• Day 3 (Strasbourg): Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. In the afternoon, enjoy a special beer tasting showcasing Alsatian flavors. 

 

• Day 4 (Ludwigshafen - 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.

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• Day 5 (Rüdesheim - Lahnstein): Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards on a wine tasting tour. 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 or savor some of the local flavors during a beer tasting tour.

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• Day 6 (Düsseldorf): As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, and afterward, kick up your feet with a German beer tasting, sampling the best local brews Düsseldorf has to offer. For those seeking an active excursion, you can choose to cover more ground with an active bike tour of Düsseldorf. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and end your excursion with a tasting of world-renowned Kölsch beer. 

 

• Day 7 (Amsterdam): Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. Begin the day with a scenic cruise around this beautiful city before setting out on Amsterdam’s famous canals. Embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you 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. 

 

• Day 8 (Amsterdam): Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your flight home.

 

 

Questions? 

Contact Tom Demeter at (602) 842-1802 or tdemeter@tropicarrow.com or use the form below to request a quote.