Rhine Highlights

Discover the cities along the Rhine with guided tours, museum visits and an exclusive tour of a Baroque palace on a river cruise between Basel & Amsterdam.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Basel

Raise your glass to the marvelous cruise ahead of you at this evening’s welcome reception. Your journey into wonder is about to begin. (Please ensure your flight arrives before 12.00pm).

Day 2:

Strasbourg

Visit Strasbourg, where you’ll discover La Petite France and stroll through the old town, with its half-timbered houses and distinctive Alsatian winstubs. Alternatively, journey to Mittelbergheim in the Alsace and sample some of the best wines the region has to offer. If you wish, you can also taste your way around the local market with your on board chef through our ‘Shop with a Chef’ offering. Or you can opt to tour the beautiful Black Forest, the setting for Hansel and Gretel and so many other fabulous tales. Boston Wine School Enhancement: Wine & History: The Critique Of Pure Riesling. Comparative tasting class of Alsace Riesling and German Riesling. Did you know that this part of the Rhine represents the farthest advance of ancient Roman occupation in northern Europe? West of the Rhine…Romance languages. East of the Rhine…Germans. Let’s discuss! Jonathon will share colorful history of this wine rich region.

Day 3:

Mannheim

Explore the historic university town of Heidelberg, with its fine Renaissance Castle, or discover the unique Technik Museum in the charming river-side town of Speyer, where you’ll see wondrous technological exhibits not to be found anywhere else. Enjoy a private tour of a fine Baroque-period Palace, before experiencing a sublime classical concert. It’ll be an evening of grandeur unlike any other, and a chance to create memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Day 4:

Rüdesheim - Koblenz

Succumb to charming Rüdesheim, where you’ll board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Marvel at the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, before arriving in Koblenz. Board a cable car in Koblenz for a scenic journey over the Rhine River to the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. It’ll be a moment to remember, and a great opportunity to mingle with newfound friends against yet another spectacular backdrop, whilst toasting the day’s end. Boston Wine School Enhancement: Meet The Wine Maker! Enjoy a Tasting Class plus lunch with Johannes Leitz, wine maker at Leitz Vineyards. Wine & Geography: The Rheingau. Here, the Rhine meets the Taunus mountains and takes a hard west turn then another hard north turn then all the way to the sea. This part of the river is the only German wine region with such strong south facing vineyards.

Day 5:

Koblenz

Take advantage of a guided tour of this historic city, which straddles two of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Alternatively, discover Cochem – a true medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River. Cochem will make you feel as if you’re stepping straight into a fairy tale and you’ll be able to explore this charming city on a guided tour that culminates in a visit to the iconic Reichsburg Castle. Boston Wine School Enhancement: Vineyard tour, cellar tasting class plus dinner at S.A. Prüm with Raimund Prüm. The Mosel rises in France way to the west and barely flows - it sort of meanders and floods its way to the Rhine. All this flooding over the millennia has created a unique soil that expresses itself uniquely in its Riesling. Let’s enjoy!

Day 6:

Cologne

Discover medieval Schloss Burg castle, or stroll through Cologne and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral. Either way, it’s a great day to see and discover.

Day 7:

Amsterdam

Cruise through the iconic canals that have made Amsterdam world famous. Alternatively, discover charming Volendam, with its unusual raised homes and quaint wooden church before heading to the equally charming village of Edam, famous for its round cheese. Boston Wine School Enhancement: Optional online Exam. The Boston Wine School Certificate Exam has 25 questions and lasts for one hour. You may complete the test on your cell phone, laptop, tablet, or pen and paper. All group participants will receive a certificate. If you choose to take the exam, you will receive TWO certificates — one of participation and one Certificate of Examination.

Day 8:

Amsterdam

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Amsterdam airport for your onward or homebound flight. You’ll be taking a lifetime of wonderful memories back with you.

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