ROMANTIC RHINE - 2011: Felicity

One of Europe's most legendary rivers awaits on this mesmerizing journey along the Rhine. Enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam and an excursion to Heidelberg, as well as guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Also sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in pretty Rudesheim, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz.

INCLUDED FEATURES

CRUISE:
Deluxe 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

AMSTERDAM:
Welcome reception; canal cruise

COLOGNE:
Guided sightseeing

KOBLENZ:
Guided sightseeing

RHINE GORGE:
Cruise through the gorge

RUDESHEIM:
Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; special treat

MAINZ:
Visit the Gutenberg Museum

HEIDELBERG:
Take pictures of the castle

STRASBOURG:
Guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral

BREISACH:
Excursion to the Black Forest

MEALS - (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain's reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements; complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day

NOTE

Add a Monograms Independent Vacation
Add "London, Paris & Amsterdam" pre-cruise.

Notes:

In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.

Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland's capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)

Day 2 Amsterdam

There is no better way to see the city than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age." Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Cologne, Germany

Cologne is one of Germany's largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kolsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original "eau de cologne." (B,L,D)

Day 4 Koblenz-Rhine Gorge-Rudesheim

Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In Rudesheim, SIEGFRIED'S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there's free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg

Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Main is Germany's largest and most important wine town. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you'll visit the GUTENBERG MUSEUM. Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university town. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing red sandstone castle towering above the city, and enjoy free time to explore. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Strasbourg, France

Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kleber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest

Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany's BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivaled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. Surely the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest cherry cake. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Basel, Switzerland (Disembarkation)

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Departure flights should not leave Zurich Airport before 10 am. (B)

Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)

Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.

Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships' crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as "included" in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.