Captivating Rhine Cruise, April 27 - May 4, 2023, with Peter & Betsy Spann of Spann Vineyards

Day 1: Tuesday, April 25

ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM

Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.

OVERNIGHT: Grand Hotel Kranpolsky or similar (2 nights)

Day 2: Wednesday, April 26

AMSTERDAM

Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)

Day 3: Thursday, April 27

AMSTERDAM, ZAANSE SCHANS – EMBARKATION

Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th to
18th century village. (B,D)

Day 1: Thursday, April 27

ARRIVE AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION

Arrive in Amsterdam and board your luxurious river cruise ship, the M/S AmaSiena. (D)

Planning Your Travel:

• Transportation from the AmsterdamAirport (AMS) to the cruise ship is available through AmaWaterways.

If booking your own flights:

• For those arriving in Amsterdam on the same day as embarkation, AmaWaterways offer coach transportation to the port of embarkation. Cost is $30 per person and must be booked with Expanding Horizons at time of final payment.
• Private Car Transportation:BlackLane Global Chauffeur Services.
• Services subject to change without notice.

Day 2: Friday, April 28

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. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Saturday, April 29

COLOGNE, GERMANY

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus and the Festival Hall. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and Reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with apple sauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Sunday, April 30

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. 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 Schloss Johannisberg. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum 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: Monday, May 1

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 be rewarded with 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 Altpörtel, Old Gate. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Tuesday, May 2

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 before walking through its iconic “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. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Wednesday, May 3

BREISACH, GERMANY

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head 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 countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (B,L,D)

NOTE: The Black Forest Hike operates subject to weather conditions. Refer to final documents for details.

Day 8: Thursday, May 4

BASEL – DISEMBARKATION

Cruise only passengers disembark after breakfast.Those purchasing the 4-night post cruise Switzerland tour depart 9am for Lucerne. (B)

Planning Your Travel:

• Transportation to the Basel Airport (BSL) for onward flights can be arranged on board your cruise ship it the cruise manager. Cost is $60 per person.
• Services subject to change without notice.

Day 1: Thursday, May 4

BASEL TO LUCERNE

Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lucerne, discover the unrivaled beauty and charm of this pristine city on a walking tour. Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)

OVERNIGHT: Astoria Hotel Lucerne or similar (2 nights)

Day 2: Friday, May 5

LUCERNE

Today, stop at the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)

Day 3: Saturday, May 6

LUCERNE TO ZURICH

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

OVERNIGHT: HOTEL – TBD (2 nights)

Day 4: Sunday, May 7

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: Monday, May 8

DEPART ZURICH

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