Compare Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure - Southbound 2019 by Tauck vs Contrasts of Switzerland by Trafalgar

Day 1 Welcome to Amsterdam & embark your riverboat

Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Amsterdam. A transfer is included from Amsterdam's Schipol Airport or Central Station to ms Grace or ms Inspire for the start of your riverboat cruise along the Rhine. Meet your riverboat crew for a welcome briefing, then kick off your fun family river cruise by joining your shipmates for a welcome dinner aboard the riverboat this evening.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 2 Canals, van Gogh & more in Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the remarkable capital of The Netherlands, is all about water; like Venice in Italy, it's dominated by a series of canals that link its many tiny islands. Known to the Dutch as grachten, the city's 17th-century canals fan out in crescent-shaped rings from the northern waterfront. Start your day with an orientation tour of Amsterdam, followed by a unique view of the city on a canal boat cruise through these historic waterways, hopping on and off to explore the city's heart, which feels more like a village than the compact center of a cosmopolitan city, with your local guide. Aboard the canal boat, you'll glide beneath curved bridges carrying walkers and cyclists - as well as trams and cars - and past the narrow former homes of merchants who stored their goods on the upper floors. Along the way, see a host of 17th- and 18th-century structures, the 19th-century Centraal Station, the city flower market and more. Your time in this amazing city includes a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, displaying the world's largest collection of works by Dutch Impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh. This afternoon, rejoin the riverboat in Utrecht and enjoy lunch onboard as she sets off along the Rhine, bound for Köln (Cologne), Germany.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 3 Historic Köln & dinner at a castle

Germany's fourth-largest city, historic Köln (also known as Cologne) was founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD; nearly destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II, modern Köln's unique mix of rebuilt, restored and new structures sprawls across both sides of the Rhine. After a full morning of cruising, arrive in Köln and begin your exploration with a guided walking tour of the city, dominated by the immense, twin-spired Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), whose construction only took six hundred years! Completed in 1880, this Gothic "Dom" was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. This evening, head to Burg Satzvey, a moated castle in Germany's Rhineland region dating back to the 12th century, for a grand dinner in the castle's banquet hall that transports your family back to the Middle Ages for some medieval fun! Later, return to the ship and continue your cruise to Koblenz.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Köln, Germany

Day 4 Koblenz, cycling & Carnival night

Awaken this morning in Koblenz, a beautiful city set at Deutsches Eck - the "German Corner" - where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. The city's roots go way back to the Middle Ages, when its prime location made it a powerful controller of trade along these important waterways. Today you can choose to join your local guide on a walking tour of Koblenz's Altstadt (Old Town), a delightful mix of medieval town squares, tucked-away corners, medieval churches, baroque residences and wine taverns. Or set off on a bicycling tour* through fields, forests and vineyards along the Rhine-Moselle (Rheinradweg) bicycle route. Bicycling is a countrywide passion in Germany, and the route's easy riverside trails take you through woods, meadows and Riesling winelands, offering views of passing pleasure boats and freighters on the river. Rejoin the riverboat for lunch and continue cruising past many castles overlooking the river, including Marksburg Castle. During the afternoon and evening's cruise, learn about the colorful history and traditions of "Carnival"; it grew out of celebrations leading up to the Christian observance of Lent, and has been an important part of the cultural scene in Germany (and in Köln in particular) for centuries. Have fun preparing costumes for and participating in an onboard "Carnival Night" celebration after dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Koblenz, Germany

Day 5 Heidelberg & castles on the Rhine

During a morning spent cruising the Rhine, keep your eyes peeled for riverside castles as you play our "I Spy a Castle" game, and hear legends and lore of the Lorelei - the mythical siren that was said to rise from the rocky bank of the river and bewitch passing sailors - from your Tauck Directors. As a major transport link across the heart of central Europe for centuries, the mighty Rhine River was a source of great riches for those who controlled the trade that plied its waters... and today, the cities, towns and castles along its banks remind us of that wealth and the power it created. Arrive late morning in Mannheim for a choice of sightseeing. Your family can choose to spend time on your own in Speyer, a medieval German town that thrived on trade in the 10th and 11th centuries, when construction began on its double-domed cathedral - built with natural glass windows and the first in Europe with a roof made entirely of stone; it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or travel to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town, where the narrow lanes of the Altstadt are lined with shops and cafés set within well-preserved 17th-century buildings. Ride a funicular up a hillside to visit the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, perched high above the city; your family will be awed by the castle's imposing ensemble of buildings from different centuries and architectural periods, radiating out from a central courtyard. Within its walls, you can feel the sweep of hundreds of years of history that was made here - and enjoy the sweeping views from its terrace and gardens. Back aboard the riverboat, enjoy a show put on by the ship's crew after dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Heidelberg, Germany

Day 6 French for a day in Strasbourg

Today your riverboat calls on the historic city of Strasbourg, France, surrounded by the hills of southern Alsace. Renowned for its fairy-tale charm - and as the "Crossroads of Europe" for its role as home to the European Union - Strasbourg is the cultural capital of the French region of Alsace. Have some Franco-styled fun as your family becomes "French for a Day" in Strasbourg during a morning filled with French language lessons, a sing-along featuring French songs, and a chocolate tasting! You can return to the riverboat for lunch, or stay in Strasbourg and spend the afternoon exploring as you please. Among the treasures you'll see here are the medieval canals, watchtowers and half-timbered houses of La Petite France, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; stately city residences; the modern buildings of the European Parliament' and the 11th-century Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. After returning to the ship, enjoy a gala dinner this evening in our main dining room, the Compass Rose.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Strasbourg, France

Day 7 Alpine fun by rail to Mt. Pilatus & in Lucerne

Depart your riverboat this morning for an excursion to Switzerland's Lake Lucerne area and Mt. Pilatus - where mountain peaks, forests and meadows straight out of a picture book await your family. Travel to Alpnachstad at the edge of shimmering Lake Lucerne, where you'll board the world's steepest cogwheel train for your ascent to the summit of Mt. Pilatus. Climbing to the very top (Oberhaupt), nearly 7,000 feet high, is most definitely part of the fun, as you travel upward at a really steep 48° angle, while drinking in the views of Alpine meadows and mountain streams. Mt. Pilatus, by the way, was so named because (a) ancient Roman governor Pontius Pilate was rumored to have been buried there, or (b) it resembles the belly of a large man (perhaps Pilate) lying on his back - depending on which local legend you believe! Head back down the mountain at your leisure to lovely Lucerne for fun with fondue and a Swiss folklore show, prior to catching up with the riverboat in the historic city of Basel. Lying at the center of the "Three Corners," where France, Germany and Switzerland meet at the Rhine, Basel's city skyline is dominated by the 14th-century Münster Cathedral. Join us for a farewell reception followed by dinner, as your riverboat overnights in Basel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Lucerne, Switzerland

Day 8 Journey home

Tour ends: Basel. Disembark your riverboat this morning by 9:00 AM. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Euroairport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg or Basel SBB Bahnhof, or to Zürich Airport or Zürich Hauptbahnof (Zürich Central Train Station). Fly home anytime. Allow 3 hours for flight check-in. For guests wishing to spend more time in Basel, ask at booking about extending your stay with an additional hotel night at Tauck's hotel.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Basel, Switzerland

Day 1: Welcome to Zürich

Zürich is your springboard to a spectacular journey through Switzerland. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers to explore the city's ancient heritage and modern verve during your orientation tour this afternoon. This evening, attend a Welcome Reception to launch your Swiss experience.

Mövenpick Airport

Welcome Reception

Day 2: Onwards by Train to St. Moritz

Our love affair with the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland begins on a scenic train journey via Chur to the stylish resort of St. Moritz, set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake St. Moritz. Admire the inspiring natural setting and perhaps travel on one of Switzerland's most spectacular rail routes across the Bernina pass this afternoon, enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.

Reine Victoria

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Catch the Glacier Express to Zermatt

Embrace the glamour and romance of a bygone era. Watch the epic alpine landscapes drift past as you chug along one of the world's most unforgettable rail journeys from the comfort of the Glacier Express. Cross hundreds of bridges and the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet (2,044 m) above sea level. Enjoy an included lunch on board as you journey past lakes and glaciers bound for the resort town of Zermatt, at the foothills of the imposing Matterhorn. Your Tour Director will take you on an Orientation of the town.

Ambassador

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Zermatt at Leisure

Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.

Ambassador

Breakfast

Day 5: A Train Journey to Lakeside Geneva Connect with Locals

This morning we board a train to Geneva and continue through green pastures to La Ferme Enchantée for a memorable Be My Guest experience over lunch. This sustainable farm also hosts beehives, and we meet the beekeeper during our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This afternoon we return to sophisticated Geneva where the orientation will include views of the Old Town, Jet d'Eau and the Flower Clock, paying tribute to the city's centuries-old watchmaking traditions. Later, explore the sights of this lakeside city on your own. Stroll through the ancient maze of medieval streets and quiet squares or consider a cruise – enjoying views of the lakeside villages.

Warwick

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Journey on the Golden and Brünig Pass to Interlaken and Lucerne

Picture-perfect landscapes are our constant companion as we journey from Geneva along the Golden Pass route. Passing through Interlaken, enjoy superb views of the Bernese Oberland and Brünig Pass on the way to Lakeside Lucerne. See the Iconic Chapel bridge and the poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of the Swiss Guards who bravely defended Louis XVI during the French Revolution on your orientation tour. The evening is free to spend as you wish, but you could choose to show off your vocal talents and learn how to yodel during an optional fun-packed Swiss folklore show with fondue dinner.

Radisson Blu

Breakfast

Day 7: Explore Medieval Lucerne

Mountain peaks surround you as you spend a day at leisure in beautiful lakeside Lucerne. Consider an Optional Experience to a nearby Mountain Peak, explore the medieval streets and shop for delicious Swiss Chocolate. Before we enjoy our Farewell dinner together, you might want to enjoy an Optional Experience riding a carriage through one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain villages.

Radisson Blu

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Journey Home

We say a fond farewell to Switzerland and newfound friends at the end of a remarkable Swiss holiday. Your Travel Director will give you tickets for the short train journey from Lucerne to Zürich Airport, which can be used at your convenience, on the last day of the tour, for your onward journey.

Breakfast