Compare Captivating Rhine and Interlaken by Titan Travel
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Trip |
4.5 | Great
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Duration | 10 days |
Price From | $ 2,867 |
Price Per Day | $ 287 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | River cruise |
Lodging Level | Standard |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | |
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
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Meals Included |
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Description |
The Rhine is one of Europe’s longest and most important rivers, trickling from high in the Swiss Alps through four countries to the sea. This wonderful cruise follows this river from the lowlands of Amsterdam, through Germany and along its border with France, to Basel, before we stay two –nights in the resort town of Interlaken to travel up into the peaks of the Bernese Alps, nearly 3,000m above. And along the way there are multiple excursions that show off the very best of some grand cities - Amsterdam, Cologne, Mannheim, Freiburg and Strasbourg - pretty towns steeped in history - Rüdesheim, Breisach and Riquewihr - and stunning scenery - Heidelberg’s Philosopher's Walk the Schilthorn and the Rhine Gorge, lined with ruins of medieval castles and fortresses. |
Day 1: London - Amsterdam
VIP Outbound3 Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Gatwick Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Amsterdam. Upon arrival you will be met by your AmaWaterways representative and transferred to embark AmaKristina (5T) or AmaStella (5T). This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner on board.
Day 2: Amsterdam
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the canals of Amsterdam, taking in the distinctive town houses, the Magere Brug and the preserved home of Anne Frank and fellow Jews during their time in hiding. Next, we walk to Begijnhof, known for its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, and have some free time to explore. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour, taking in the Royal Palace and looming Westerkerk.
Day 3: Cologne - Koblenz.
On your guided tour of Cologne, stroll through the rustic alleyways of the Old Town, Cathedral Square and the city’s majestic Gothic cathedral, one of the largest in Europe and the destination of many pilgrimages. Alternatively, choose an excursion to explore Cologne on a bike tour or enjoy a Kölsch Beer, brewed only in Cologne, and local specialities tasting. We moor overnight in Koblenz.
Day 4: Koblenz - Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim
Cruise through the beautiful Rhine Gorge, passing numerous castle ruins and the legendary Lorelei Rock. We dock in the pretty winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Take this opportunity to sample the delicious local products on a wine tasting experience, take a gondola ride above the town to see the Romanesque Niederwalddenkmal Statue, or take a guided bike tour along the Rhine River to one of Germany's best wine regions. Later you’ll have free time to explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow passage lined with half-timbered shops and taverns. This evening, enjoy a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, with its wonderful collection of automated musical instruments, or enjoy some Rüdesheimer Coffee.
Day 5: Mannheim
Today’s destination is Mannheim. Take a half-day excursion to charming Heidelberg, with its magnificent castle, churches, old town squares, impressive university buildings and 18th-century student gaol, whose walls are still covered with graffiti etched by generations of Heidelberg students. Alternatively, follow the Philosopher's Walk to enjoy a panoramic view point of Heidelberg that has inspired artists and Romantic poets, or join a guided tour of the historic city of Speyer, known for its cathedral and the medieval Old Gate with its unusual clock towers.
Day 6: Strasbourg
Attractive Strasbourg is the capital of France’s Alsace region and a border city with an eventful past. Take a guided coach tour or bike tour of Strasbourg’s sights, including the Parc de l’Orangerie, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament and the Place de la République; located in the heart of the ‘German District’, it has a war memorial for the sacrifices of both Germany and France. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, known as Petite France, filled with pretty half-timbered houses. Alternatively, you may like to take a guided hike from the Orangery to the cathedral. The remainder of the day is free.
Day 7: Breisach
Take a walking tour of the pretty Alsatian town of Riquewihr, renowned for its historic architecture and Riesling wine, or choose a guided tour of the pastel-hued, historical city of Breisach and the nearby university city of Freiburg, visiting its medieval Münster, a Gothic cathedral famed for its elegant 116m-high spire. Your third option is a guided bike tour of Breisach that takes you through the Rheinau woods.
Day 8: Basel - Interlaken
After breakfast we disembark and transfer to Interlaken, where we check into the Lindner Grand Hotel Beau Rivage (4T+). The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this beautiful town.
Day 9: Schilthorn
This morning we take a train to the mountain village of Lauterbrunnen and board a cable car to travel up into the dramatic mountain peaks. As we ascend the Schilthorn, we’ll stop at Birg for a photo opportunity then, at the summit, nearly 3,000m above sea level, take in further incredible views of 200 mountain peaks. We take brunch at the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, where many scenes were filmed for the James Bond classic ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. You will have time to visit the Bond World 007 exhibition or visit the 007 Walk of Fame. We then descend to the village of Mürren, before taking the train and cable car back to our hotel.
Day 10: Interlaken - Basel - London
VIP Inbound We transfer to Basel Airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow Airport, where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle for the journey home.