Captivating Rhine Cruise, July 4-11, 2026,
with Brian & Jennifer Bumgarner of Bumgarner Winery & Vineyards

Day 1: Thursday, July 2

ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM

You will be met upon arrival in Amsterdam and transferred to your hotel.

OVERNIGHT: NH Liedseplein (2 nights) or similar

Day 2: Friday, July 3

AMSTERDAM

This morning after check-out, visit the Van Gogh Museum, home to many Dutch Impressionist’s masterpieces including Sunflowers, Irises and multiple self-portraits of and by “Vincent”. Later this afternoon board your Tuk Tuk to take in the canals, 16th century houses, iconic bridges and cobblestone streets for which Holland’s principal commercial city is renowned. Tonight enjoy a classic Dutch meal at the elegant De Vigg Vlieghen restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3: Saturday, July 4

ZAANSE SCHANS – EMBARKATION

Visit 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. Arrive at the ship AmaViola approximately 4pm. (B,D) 

Day 1: Saturday, July 4

ARRIVE AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION

Board the ship AmaViola in Amsterdam for your Captivating Rhine cruise. (D)

Day 2: Sunday, July 5

AMSTERDAM

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam to Utrecht, where you can explore this charming town on a walking tour or sip beer during a special tasting tour. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Monday, July 6

DÜSSELDORF & COLOGNE, GERMANY

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 4: Tuesday, July 7

RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim*. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D) 

Day 5: Wednesday, July 8

LUDWIGSHAFEN

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 enjoy panoramic views of the city. 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D) 

Day 6: Thursday, July 9

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

Strasbourg 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 before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Friday, July 10

BREISACH, GERMANY

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. 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. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

Please Note: Black Forest Hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

Day 8: Saturday, July 11

BASEL – DISEMBARKATION

After breakfast, cruise only passengers bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. Those purchasing the 4-night Switzerland post-cruise tour continue to Lucerne and Zurich. (B)

Day 1: Saturday, July 11

BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARKATION – LAKE LUCERNE

After breakfast, disembark the ship and before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel, 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. After that, depart for Lake Lucerne. Upon arrival into Lucerne, you will visit the Lion monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside. The American writer Mark Twain praised the monument as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.” (B)

Day 2: Sunday, July 12

LAKE LUCERNE

Today, enjoy a walking tour of Lucerne, situated where the Reuss River flows into Lake Lucerne. Small cobblestone streets, squares with fountains and frescoed buildings typify Lucerne. Easily the symbol of the city, the Chapel Bridge is a medieval covered bridge and is one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. (B)

Day 3: Monday, July 13

LAKE LUCERNE – ZURICH

Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise. 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 Zurich hotel. (B)

Day 4: Tuesday, July 14

ZURICH

Switzerland’s largest city seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. (B)

Day 5: Wednesday, July 15

DEPART ZURICH

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)