Holland and Germany River Cruise March 08
Day by Day Itinerary
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Click the map to have a larger version open in a new window |
Here's a lovely cruise through the heartlands of Holland
and Germany, including time on the storied Rhine river and
the beautiful Mosel.
You'll travel through beautiful scenery and visit lovely
towns redolent with history on your Holland and Germany
River Cruise. |
This is the itinerary for the March 2008 Holland and
Germany River
Cruise,
and may slightly change between now and departure.
Please note that Amadeus offer a wide series of cruises (details
on their website
here), and if you'd prefer a different
cruise or date, we can offer you an across the board 5%
discount on any/all cruises operated by Amadeus (this
discount is on cruise prices only, not on land extensions or
air fares).
Click here for the main
details of this cruise and the booking form to confirm your
interest.
Itinerary
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Day 1 (Saturday 8 March 2008 -
or sooner) :
Leave the US |
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Fly to Amsterdam today or earlier on an overnight flight |
You should leave the US today or
earlier, so as to arrive in Amsterdam on Sunday (or sooner) in
time for the start of the Holland and Germany River Cruise. |
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Day 2 (Sunday 9 March) :
Board our cruise boat in Amsterdam |
Lovely Amsterdam is a city where the water is never far away
Amsterdam is a city with a wide range of varied nightlife
entertainments
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Welcome to Amsterdam, a modern city with a rich and
fascinating history.
Stroll along the canals of this
delightful 700-year-old European capital with its elegant
and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, lively
marketplace and exciting nightlife. Perhaps visit one of the
city’s renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van
Gogh Museum or the Hortus-botanical gardens. You will find
the Anne Frank house here as well.
The city is also noted
for its diamond cutting trade, and tours are available to
diamond cutting workshops.
Tonight meet your fellow
passengers at a Welcome Dinner.
Included meals - Dinner |
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Day 3 (Monday 10 March) :
Amsterdam, then cruising to Germany |
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A typical Amsterdam canalside scene
What better souvenir to buy (other than tulips!) than a pair
of traditional wooden clogs |
Enjoy a morning cruise through the historic canals of
Amsterdam. After, there’s time to shop before your ship
sails out of Amsterdam Harbor.
There's an afternoon information briefing on the ship, and
lots of beautiful scenery to enjoy as the ship cruises east
towards Germany.
Included Meals: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner |
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Day 4 (Tuesday 11 March) :
Düsseldorf and Cologne |
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The 'Ko' area of Dusseldorf - excellent shopping on a
beautiful riverside setting.
Cologne's cathedral towers over the 'Old Town'. |
You arrive in Düsseldorf, this morning, mooring on the
fashionable Rhine Embankment next to the historic Old Town.
Here, you will disembark for a walking tour to see the
Burgplatz with its Old Castle Tower, Marktplatz with the
Town Hall and the sophisticated shopping of the Kings
Avenue.
Later, cruise along the fabled Rhine to Cologne, arriving in
the afternoon. Time remains for a city tour, a
highlight of which is the fabled 13th-century Gothic
cathedral.
The ship overnights in Cologne and is minutes away from the
Old Town, perfect for after dinner exploration.
Included Meals: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner |
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Day 5 (Wednesday 12 March) :
Frankfurt |
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One of the castles above the Rhine river
Frankfurt's historic town square |
Today, take in the stunning beauty of the castles along the
Rhine as you sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, and
cruise past the famous Lorelei Rock.
In the afternoon, arrive in Frankfurt, the bustling
metropolis on the Main River. Here you will enjoy a
guided walking tour of the historic city center "The Romer."
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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Day 6 (Thursday 13 March) :
Mainz or Heidelberg and Koblenz |
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Heidelberg and its massive castle
Mainz Cathedral
Another Rhine Castle
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You have two choices for your morning today. Either
disembark for a trip to Mainz or travel by motorcoach to
Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town.
In Heidelberg you would visit the red-walled Castle, the
Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and enjoy
the beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg
below. Then there is a walking tour of old Heidelberg and
free time for lunch on your own before returning to Mainz.
If you choose the Mainz option, your guided walking tour of
this beautiful town includes the famous Gutenberg Museum,
home of the world's first printed bible.
After lunch, the ship will cruise to Koblenz, situated at
the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers.
After dinner, the ship will arrive in Koblenz, just in time
for your Cruise Director to escort you on an evening walk
around the town.
Included Meals: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner |
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Day 7 (Friday 14 March) :
Cochem |
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The small town of Cochem on the banks of the Mosel, as
viewed from its castle
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The ship is now on the beautiful Mosel River, and will spend
the morning cruising along the river, with its steep sided
banks of vineyards.
After lunch, we stop in Cochem, where you'll enjoy a guided
visit of Reichsburg Castle, with spectacular views of the
river.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
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Day 8 (Saturday 15 March) :
Bernkastel to Trier |
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Bernkastel, on the banks of the Mosel
Trier's downtown on market day |
You'll arrive in Bernkastel early this morning and explore
this quaint little town on your included walking tour.
Strategically located in the middle of the Mosel
wine-producing region, Bernkastel boasts over 500 years of
documented wine history. You've probably seen its name
on the label of many German white wine bottles..
Then onto Trier, Germany's oldest city, for a guided tour
which will introduce you to the city's rich ancient Roman
past, including the Roman Baths, site of ancient gladiator
games.
Included Meals: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner |
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Day 9 (Sunday 16 March) :
Cruise ends in Trier |
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Return home today, or extend your time in Europe either with
one of the offered options or any other arrangements you
wish to make yourself |
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for
your flight home, or extend your vacation any which way you
choose - read on for two options.
Included Meals: Breakfast |
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Option 1 : Day 9 (Sunday
16 March) :
Tour/Transfer to Paris |
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Luxemburg is a small but wealthy nation |
If you wish to travel on to Paris before returning home,
this is a convenient way to do so.
You'll travel by coach, first to
Luxemburg where you'll enjoy a tour of the Grand Duchy and
some free time; then travel on through the French
countryside, arriving into central downtown Paris late this
afternoon.
This optional extension is $130 per
person.
Included Meals: Breakfast |
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Option 2 (day 1 of 4) : Day 9 (Sunday
16 March) :
Paris Extension |
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A view of downtown Luxemburg.
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If you'd like to enjoy a fully arranged stay in Paris for
three nights after your cruise, Amadeus offer this option
for your consideration, comprising a transfer/tour from
Trier to Paris and then three nights stay at the luxurious
Hilton Paris Hotel.
This option is $960 for one person
or $1200 for two people.
You'll travel by coach, first to
Luxemburg where you'll enjoy a tour of the Grand Duchy and
some free time; then travel on through the French
countryside, arriving at your central downtown hotel late
this afternoon.
Included Meals: Breakfast |
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Option 2 (day 2 of 4) :
Day 10 (Monday 17 March) :
Paris sightseeing |
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Yes, Paris is on a river, too (the Seine). Perhaps
treat yourself to a short cruise on a 'bateau mouche' (river
cruiser) during your time in Paris.
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After breakfast, enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this
morning's guided tour.
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the
commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs
Elysées and much more.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own..
Included Meals: Breakfast |
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Option 2 (day 3 of 4) :
Day 11 (Tuesday 18 March) :
Free day in Paris |
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A famous and familiar view of Paris by night |
A
full day in the "City of Lights" is free for you to enjoy.
Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower,
built for the 1889 World's Fair; gaze at the Impressionist
collection at Musée D'Orsay; stroll along the Seine; or
choose one of the various optional tours that are offered.
Included Meals: Breakfast |
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Option 2 (day 4 of 4) :
Day 12 (Wednesday 19 March) :
Paris extension ends |
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Return home today or extend your time in Europe any way you
wish
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Your extension to Paris ends this morning after breakfast
(extra nights at the hotel can be added for an extra fee if
required).
Included Meals: Breakfast |
Click here for the main
details of this cruise and the booking form to confirm your
interest.
Originally published
1 Nov 2007, last update
30 May 2021
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