Compare Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan - Southbound 2022 by Tauck vs From Basel to Amsterdam : The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River by CroisiEurope

Day 1 Embark on your cruise in Amsterdam

Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Welcome to Amsterdam! Transfers are included from Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Centraal Station to your riverboat, where embarkation will begin any time after 4:00 PM. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception followed by a leisurely dinner as you settle into your floating hotel for a memorable weeklong cruise on the Rhine and a visit to Italy's sparkling Lake Como region and remarkable Milan.

MEALS : D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 2 Amsterdam & its canals

Awaken in Amsterdam and disembark the riverboat to be introduced to this unique city in two distinct ways – on an orientation tour of the city center, and aboard a canal boat cruise. As you float through the city's 17th-century network of canals you'll pass under bridges, check out the distinctive houseboats, see the historic buildings lining the canals, and watch the locals navigate the city on their bicycles. After your canal cruise, enjoy some free time in Amsterdam before getting back onboard your riverboat to sail to Dusseldorf, Germany.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 3 A choice of discoveries in Düsseldorf

Arrive this morning in Düsseldorf – one of Germany's wealthiest cities, known for its charming Altstadt (Old Town) on the riverfront; its modern avant-garde architecture; Königsallee ("the Kö"), a super high-end shopping street near Altstadt; and a lively promenade by the river. Walk off the riverboat into town for your choice of a "Taste of Dusseldorf" walking tour focused on the city's history, architecture and culinary traditions, along with some tasty local treats; a craft beer tour that visits a number of breweries to offer a sampling of the varieties of dark Altbier the region is known for; or a bicycling excursion along the city's Rhine River waterfront. Back aboard ship this afternoon, your riverboat continues on towards the Middle Rhine. As you cruise, enjoy an onboard lecture by your Tauck Director.

MEALS : L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Düsseldorf, Germany

Day 4 Middle Rhine cruising & an exclusive palace dinner in Wiesbaden

Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through the Middle Rhine Valley. It's a great day to enjoy your riverboat's amenities, and your Tauck Director provides commentary as you glide past sloping vineyards and rocky bluffs, sharing the stories of the Lorelei Rock and the castles standing watch onshore. Arrive this evening in the city of Wiesbaden. With a name that translates to "meadow baths", Wiesbaden is one of Europe's oldest spa towns, famous around the world for its hot springs, which have been in use since Roman times, and blossomed during the Middle Ages. Join for tonight's Tauck Exclusive evening featuring dinner and entertainment at Schloss Biebrich, an 18th-century Baroque palace on the bank of the Rhine in Wiesbaden.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

Day 5 The many charms of Old Heidelberg

Drive to Heidelberg today for a guided visit to the splendid ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a sprawling red sandstone compound high above the city, and a reminder of 600 years of history, followed by a walking tour of town. Check out the Heidelberg Tun, the biggest wine barrel in the world (and walk on top of it). Learn about centuries of movers and shakers, and the romantic story of the Elisabeth Gate, built in 1615 as a present from Elector Frederic V to his wife Elisabeth Stuart, the daughter of King James I of England. He had the triumphal arch secretly crafted in sections and put up as a whole the night before her birthday to surprise her the next morning. The views of the Neckar River Valley from the castle are unforgettable. While strolling in Old Town Heidelberg below, be sure to try a Heidelberg Student Kiss – a special treat invented in the 19th century by a sympathetic chocolatier to give young men a way to express their affections for young women they were not allowed to talk to! Lunch today is at a local beerhouse, then meet your riverboat in Germersheim and spend the afternoon cruising south. You'll have time to enjoy the gym, get a massage… or curl up in a chair on the Sun Deck with a snack and your favorite drink. Have dinner onboard tonight followed by some evening entertainment.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Heidelberg, Germany

Day 6 Explore the Alsatian wine route

This morning, your riverboat arrives in historic Strasbourg, France – capital of the Alsace and known as the "Crossroads of Europe," home to the European Union's headquarters. You have two choices for exploring today. Drive along the bucolic Alsatian wine route, through countryside where some of the world's best Rieslings are made; following lunch, enjoy a tasting at one of the local wine cellars before returning to the ship in Strasbourg. Alternatively, bicycling is a a great way to explore the Black Forest's scenic mountain and lakeside trails. Today's guided cycling excursion takes you to the Black Forest resort village of Hinterzarten, renowned for its hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and ski jumping. You'll also visit Lake Titisee, one of the region's prettiest lake regions. Pedal along lakeside trails and through the woods on your ebike, and enjoy lunch and a Black Forest cake demonstration, returning to Strasbourg to continue cruising to Basel, Switzerland.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

Day 7 Choose to discover either Zurich or Basel

Today you have two great Swiss cities to decide between. One possibility is to drive to Zurich, a world capital of banking (not to mention chocolate), for a walking tour with a local guide. Visit Bahnhoffstrasse, the city's exclusive shopping boulevard, connecting lovely Lake Zurich with the main railway station. Head into Zurich's Old Town to wander through Niederdorf, a pedestrian area of winding streets, lined with shops, artisan studios, and restaurants. You'll pass by two important places of worship, the Romanesque Protestant church Grossmünster and Fraumünster, once an abbey home for aristocratic ladies, graced with stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch in a historic Guild House. Your other possibility for the day is to stay in Basel and embark on a walking tour of its Old Town with a local guide before setting off to explore on your own. There's much to discover; the city is known for its many contemporary buildings by noted international architects, and it has the highest density of museums in the country, including the world-class Basel Art Museum. Have dinner back aboard your riverboat, docked in Basel for the night.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Basel, Switzerland

Day 8 By rail through Switzerland & the Alps to Milan

After breakfast onboard, bid your crew farewell and disembark your riverboat in Basel for a high-speed train journey to Lugano. Have you ever ridden through a mountain? "Great things are done when men and mountain meet," wrote the poet William Blake, and he could have been talking about the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which you'll go through today, zipping through the base of the Alps. At 35 miles long, it's the longest railway tunnel in the world, a major feat of engineering that took 17 years to complete. Enjoy some free time in Lugano to explore; later in the afternoon, drive across the border into Italy for arrival in Milan, a city that reigns as a world capital of fashion and design. Check into the Hotel Principe di Savoia, a splendid 1920s landmark decorated in classic Italian and Art Deco style that is centrally located on the Piazza della Repubblica. Home to the national stock exchange, Milan has been Italy's financial engine since the Industrial Revolution, and is known for its upscale culinary scene and shops, which you'll discover as you explore the city on your own this evening.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Hotel Principe di Savoia

PORTOFCALL : Milan, Italy

Day 9 Discovering Milan… and "The Last Supper"

Immerse yourself in magnificent Milan on an orientation and walking tour that includes an outside visit to the incredible Gothic Cathedral of Milan, il Duomo, the third largest Catholic church in the world. It took 500 years to finish this forest of spires and pinnacles topped by the iconic statue of the golden madonnina. Steps from il Duomo, stroll through the city's premier gathering place, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a.k.a. "the living room of Milan." This massive yet elegant shopping arcade, topped by an airy glass octagonal dome, was built as a symbol of Italian unity in the late 19th century and named after the first king of Italy. The afternoon is free. You might want to take in La Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, where Maria Callas sang her heart out… Pinacoteca di Brera, a great art collection including works by Raphael, Bellini, Piero della Francesca, and Caravaggio… the fashion district between pedestrianized Via della Spiga, via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, and Corso Venezia… or the mildly bohemian Navigli neighborhood of canal-side bars, restaurants, and shops. As you go, be sure to taste the traditional flavors of Milan – sipping a Campari bitter aperitif and sampling dishes like yellow risotto, cassoeula, and ossobuco. But tonight, you have reservations for a Tauck Exclusive – a private viewing of Milan's pièce de resistance, Leonardo da Vinci's mural, The Last Supper, which adorns the dining room at the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent and has a way of drawing the viewer in. You might just feel as if you could walk into the picture, sit down at the table, and strike up a conversation with the apostles (subject to availability; the day of visit may vary).

MEALS : B

LODGING : Hotel Principe di Savoia

PORTOFCALL : Milan, Italy

Day 10 Villas and villages of Lake Como

You're off for a day's tooling around Lake Como, one of Italy's most beautiful lakes, in the shadow of the snowcapped Alps – a mecca for the well-heeled on holiday since ancient Roman times. Drive to tiny Tremezzina, where you'll board a boat for bellissima Bellagio. Your Tauck Director leads an orientation walk in this resort village, known as "the Pearl of the Lake," and you'll have a bit of free time. Take in the lake views and explore the centuries-old buildings, stone lanes, and cobbled stairways lined with shops. A boat cruise shows you more of Lake Como, which the poet William Wordsworth described as "a treasure whom the earth keeps to herself." The forested shoreline is punctuated by small towns with ancient stone bell towers and opulent villas. Disembark the boat in the town of Cernobbio and head back to Milan, where you'll join us this evening to cap a memorable journey with a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Principe di Savoia

PORTOFCALL : Milan, Italy

Day 11 Journey home

Tour ends: Milan. Fly home anytime; a transfer from Hotel Principe di Savoia to Milan Malpensa or Linate Airports OR Milan's Central Train Station is included. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport. For additional hotel nights in Milan, ask at booking.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Milan, Italy

Day 1 BASEL

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll enjoy dinner on board.Navigation towards Breisach.

Day 2 BREISACH

In the morning, free time in Breisach.This afternoon, join us for an excursion for both packages: A guided tour of Colmar and the Unterlinden Museum.(2) Colmar is a colorful city bursting with Alsatian charm. We’ll spend time in the romantic Little Venice neighborhood before visiting the Unterlinden Museum. The museum exhibits span 7,000 years—from prehistoric times to modern art. The most regarded masterpiece in its collection is the polyptych by artists Niclaus of Haguenau and Grünewald.Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 2 BREISACH

In the morning, free time in Breisach.This afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Colmar and the Unterlinden Museum(2).Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Day 3 BREISACH - STRASBOURG

The morning will be spent cruising through the vineyards dotting the hills along the Vosges mountain range, the Black Forest, and the Alsatian plains.Excursion for both packages: Boat tour of Strasbourg and a visit to its cathedral (only on pre-booking before departure). Like many European cities, Strasbourg has a striking mix of architecture that includes a broad range of traditional structures next to bold modern designs.Join us for an evening of dancing in the lounge. Our ship will cruise to Mainz.

Day 3 BREISACH - STRASBOURG

We'll arrive in Strasbourg early this afternoon. Excursion for both packages: Boat tour of Strasbourg and a visit to its cathedral (only on pre-booking before departure).Enjoy an evening of dancing as our ship starts sailing towards Mainz.

Day 4 MAINZ - KOBLENZ

Join us for an excursion for both packages: Tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum. This tour on foot will take us to the city’s magnificent cathedral. We’ll then stroll down the picturesque streets of the Old City to the Gutenberg Museum.Afterwards, we’ll cruise through the romantic Rhine Valley and enjoy the amazing scenery as we travel to the legendary rock of the Lorelei. We’ll have dinner on board, and then visit the city with our host or hostess.

Day 4 MAINZ - KOBLENZ

Join us for an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum.We'll return on board and cruise up the most beautiful part of the Rhine River towards Koblenz, passing numerous castles as well as the infamous Lorelei Rock along the way. This evening, join our hostess for a tour of the city.

Day 5 KOBLENZ - COLOGNE - DÜSSELDORF

We’ll begin to cruise to Cologne, passing the cities of Andernach, Konigswinter, and Bonn. As our ship approaches Cologne, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Seven Hills (Siebengebirge), known for the myths and fairytales about its origins. We’ll arrive at the end of the morning. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Cologne, the crossroads of Europe since the Middle Ages. We’ll see the immense, Gothic cathedral—the tallest twin-spire church in the world and the most visited landmark in Germany. We'll then head over to the Old Town to stroll the streets and pass in front of the famous Farina Fragrance Museum. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. You’ll be transferred to Düsseldorf by coach. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 5 KOBLENZ - COLOGNE - DÜSSELDORF

We'll depart for Cologne, reaching it later this morning. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Cologne on foot. Our tour will allow you to wonder at the majestic cathedral, the old town as well as the famous Fragrance Museum (exterior only.) Enjoy time at leisure in the city before we head back to the ship in Düsseldorf by coach. Tonight is our gala evening and dinner. 

Day 6 DÜSSELDORF - NIJMEGEN - AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Netherlands Open-Air Museum in Arnhem. This national museum focuses on the everyday life of Dutch people throughout the country’s history and includes old homes, farms, and factories from different regions.  You can stroll through the attraction at your own pace or take the authentic trams. As you enjoy your day, the ship will cruise to Nijmegen. We’ll return on board in Nijmegen and begin to cruise to Amsterdam. Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 6 DÜSSELDORF - NIJMEGEN - AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of the open-air museum in Arnhem. Meanwhile, our ship cruises towards Nijmegen where we'll board it again after our tour. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Day 7 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)

This morning, we offer two excursions depending on your package.CLASSIC package: Panoramic tour of the city and a visit to a diamond merchant. Amsterdam is one of the most unique and extraordinary cities in the world. Enjoy a highlight tour of all the major sites, including the tallest windmill in the Netherlands, the De Gooyer. We’ll then heading over to the dazzling floating flower market. DISCOVERY package: An off-the-beaten-path bike tour of Amsterdam. We’ll leave on foot to head to the bike rental office. Once equipped, we'll set out on a bike tour to discover places only the locals know about. As we ride, we’ll pass in front of many famous monuments and sites, including Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Anne Frank House, Nieuwmarkt, the Rembrandt House Museum, and much more!This afternoon, join us for an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Keukenhof Gardens.(1)(only on pre-booking before departure) Tour the beautiful spring gardens at your own pace. Don’t forget to visit the Orchid House, the Japanese Garden, and the 19th-century windmill on the edge of the tulip fields! Keukenhof also contains the works of 25 artists. To make your visit more active, you can take a boat trip through the fields or bike ride through the surrounding area.During the off-season, we’ll visit Haarlem instead.

Day 7 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)

This morning, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided panoramic tour of Amsterdam.DISCOVERY: Bike tour of Amsterdam in search of its most secret and unique locations.In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Visit the Keukenhof Gardens(1)(only on pre-booking before departure). Outside the opening dates of the park, guided tour of Haarlem.

Day 8 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.