Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle River Cruise, May 20-27, 2026, with Barnard Griffin Winery

DAY 1: MONDAY, MAY 18

ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM

You will be met upon arrival at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) and transferred to your hotel.

OVERNIGHT: NH Liedseplein Hotel (2 nights)

DAY 2: TUESDAY, MAY 19

AMSTERDAM TOUR, RIJKSMUSEUM

This morning enjoy a city tour followed by a visit to the Rijksmuseum — the national museum of the Netherlands. They tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now — with the great Dutch masters as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. There will be a special Vermeer exhibition at the museum during the time you are in Amsterdam (10 Feb. – 4 Jun. 2023).

This afternoon is at leisure to continue to explore the museum or the incredible city of Amsterdam on your own. Tonight enjoy a classic Dutch meal at the Café Van Puffelen. (B,D)

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, MAY 20

ZAANSE SCHANS – EMBARKATION

Following check out at he hotel, we will visit Zaanse Schans — a recreated Dutch village where life in the 17th century is carefully preserved. Enjoy authentic windmills, houses, barns, a cheese factory, Clog Shoe demonstration & museum, a pewter foundry and craft shops. Lunch on your own. Arrive at the ship, AmaPrima, between 3-4pm. (B,D)

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, MAY 20

AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION

Board the ship for your Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle cruise. (D)

DAY 2: THURSDAY MAY 21

AMSTERDAM

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: FRIDAY MAY 22

DÜSSELDORF – COLOGNE, GERMANY

 Located at the confluence of the Dussel and Rhine rivers, Dusseldorf is a hidden gem. Whether it be history, art, architecture, beer, or fashion, Dusseldorf has something for everyone. For those interested in fashion, one of the highlights of the walking tour through Dusseldorf will include the Königsallee shopping street. Enjoy the local beer called “Altbier” in one of the lively brewhouses before you head back to the ship. As an alternative, Join a guided tour through Cologne’s Old Town and to the Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Active guests will instead want to join a guided bike tour through Düsseldorf. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: SATURDAY MAY 23

RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM

 Cruise along the Rhine River and take in some of the dozens of castles that line its path before reaching Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to admire the Rheingau. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: SUNDAY MAY 24

MAINZ – LAHNSTEIN

Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including the gleaming Old University and grand Staatstheater, with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid15th century Gutenberg Bibles. Alternatively, join a tour through Wiesbaden. View the historic theater before reaching one of the highlights of the city, its famous thermal spring which is called “Kochbrunnen,” and enjoy a taste the pure hot spring water. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. Later in the day, cruise to Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles. Cap the day off with an exclusive visit to Burg Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: MONDAY MAY 25

MOSELLE VALLEY – COCHEM

 Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its halftimbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can hike up to the Reichsburg Castle or go on a guided bike tour through Cochem. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: TUESDAY MAY 26

BERNKASTEL

Walk through Bernkastel’s colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour. If you prefer to explore the town with your taste buds, join us for a winery visit and tasting. Hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century and cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the Moselle. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: WEDNESDAY MAY 27

LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to our crew as you prepare for your return flight home or onward to Brussels. (B)

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

LUXEMBOURG TO BRUSSELS

This morning experience the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This small, landlocked country, headed by the Grand Duke Henri, has a population of 576,000 people. Luxembourg City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the exceptional preservation of the fortifications and buildings, going back to the 10th century. See Old Town, the Grand Ducal Palace and view the Alzette and Petrusse gorges from high atop the battlements, the American Cemetery and grave of WWII General George S. Patton Jr. Enjoy a late lunch at Am Tiirschen, perhaps the city’s most historic eatery with a profoundly medieval ambience. TIP: Try the Luxembourg specialty Kniddelen — bacon dumplings with mustard sauce! Later this afternoon arrive in Brussels and the lovely Hotel Metropole. The capital of Belgium, greater Brussels covers 62 square miles with a population of 2.1 million inhabitants. Brussels is a marvel of 19th century neo-classical buildings, combined with tasteful modern day structures. This is the de facto capital of the European Union. The EU Secretariat and NATO headquarters are here. Most residents are bilingual in French and Dutch, with English spoken as a second language by a third of the population.

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Le Plaza Brussels  (3 nights)

DAY 2: THURSDAY, MAY 28

BRUSSELS

Brussels is known for its cuisine and gastronomy as well as its historical and architectural landmarks. This morning see the iconic sites of the Brussels city center: the Grand Place, Sablon and Royal districts. Stroll the Rue Royale and see Parliament, the Royal Palace and St. Michael Cathedral. Walk, explore and photograph the historic Grand Place and the naughty Manneken Pis. Enjoy a guided tour about Belgian chocolate; its history, fabrication and varieties. Belgian chocolatiers constantly experiment with new flavors. Sample hazelnut, dark ganache, salted butter caramel, ginger, tea, coffee, saffron and chili! Tonight dine at the Belga Queen, one of the Brussel’s great restaurants. (B,D)

DAY 3: FRIDAY, MAY 29

BRUGES

With your guide travel by train one hour to Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium. Bruges is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage protectorate. Its port, Zeebrugge, is an historic center for fishing and European trade. In the city center’s Burg Square, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall) has an ornate carved ceiling. Nearby, Markt Square features a 13th-century belfry with a 47-bell carillon and 250 foot tower with panoramic views. Lunch today is in a delightful Bruges bistro. This afternoon return to Brussels by train. (B,L)

TIP: Bring your Belgian beer goggles! 

DAY 4: SATURDAY, MAY 30

DEPART BRUSSELS

This morning you will be transferred to Brussels Airport for your onward flight. (B)