Enchanting Rhine Cruise, November 1-8, 2025, with Richard Olsen-Harbich of Bedell Cellars

Day 1: Tuesday, October 28

ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

Arrive in Zurich and check in to your hotel.

OVERNIGHT: TBD (2 Nights)

Day 2: Wednesday, October 29

ZURICH SIGHTSEEING

Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)

Day 3: Thursday, October 30

ZURICH – LAKE LUCERNE

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lake Lucerne, where you’ll enjoy a cruise across its tranquil waters. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend a picturesque mountain on a cable car ride, Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your hotel. (B)

Day 4: Friday, October 31

LAKE LUCERNE

Discover Lake Lucerne’s unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)

Day 5: Saturday, November 1

LAKE LUCERNE – BASEL – EMBARKATION

Check out of your hotel and visit the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. Later, head to Basel. Upon arrival in Basel, enjoy a highlights tour of Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th century patrician homes. Then enjoy free time for lunch on your own before the drive to the ship. (B,D)

Day 1: Saturday, November

ARRIVE BASEL – EMBARK AMAVIOLA

Upon arrival in Basel, transfer to ship AmaViola between 3:00pm and 5:00pm

Day 2: Sunday, November 2

BREISACH, GERMANY

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. 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. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” 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. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Monday, November 3

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then 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. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Tuesday, November 4

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Wednesday, November 5

RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – LAHNSTEIN

Your exploration of Rüdesheim* continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Thursday, November 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 this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Friday, November 7

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

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. (B,L,D)

**Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Day 8: Saturday, November 8

AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the AmaViola. Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Day 1: Saturday, November 8

ZAANSE SCHANS

Disembark AmaViola and board our coach to Zaanse Schans, a recreated Dutch village where life in the 17th century is carefully preserved. Enjoy authentic windmills, houses, barns, a cheese factory, pewter foundry and craft shops. Tonight, dinner is at leisure (B)

Overnight: Nh Leidseplein Hotel or similar (2 nights)

Day 2: Sunday, November 9

AMSTERDAM TOUR, VAN GOGH MUSEUM

Experience Amsterdam aboard a vintage tramcar. Take in the canals, 16th century canal houses, iconic bridges and cobblestone streets for which Holland’s principal commercial city is renowned. This afternoon visit the Van Gogh Museum, home to many Dutch Impressionist’s masterpieces including Sunflowers, Irises and multiple self-portraits of and by “Vincent”. Tonight, enjoy a farewell Dinner at the elegant restaurant.  (B, D)

Day 3: Monday, November 10

DEPART AMSTERDAM

You will be transferred to Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport for your homeward flight. (B)