November 2016 Rhine River Cruise
Sailing on AMA WATERWAYS AmaCerto on November 16, 2016
Switzerland, Germany, France and Amsterdam, Netherlands!
NEW "In Celebration of Wine" Themed cruise departure From
M & E Unlimited Travel!
2016 AMA WATERWAYS Rhine River Cruise!
Departs the USA on November 11, 2016!
Itinerary Includes 2 Nights Pre-Cruise in Lucerne Switzerland!
CRUISE:
The Enchanting Rhine (2016)
Spend 2 nights in Lucerne, Switzerland pre-cruise.
7 night cruise – Travel to Basel & return from Amsterdam
The Rhine River
The stunningly beautiful Rhine River Valley has long been a paradise for wine lovers. Steeped in legend and myth, in a region rich in fairytale castles, the Rhine Valley - the heartland of the Holy Roman Empire – has more castles than in any other river valley in the world. Many have survived the ravages of war, neglect and time, and stand like sentinels on the cliffs above quaint riverside villages.
Your cruise itinerary takes you through two of the most celebrated wine regions in Europe. You will sample Rieslings and other distinctive light white wines at various wineries, including some of Germany’s oldest and most renowned vineyards. Further north, savor the vin d’Alsace and explore picture-book hamlets at your leisure, meandering along narrow cobbled streets worn from centuries of use.
Wineries abound throughout the Rhine Valley and you will have many opportunities to experience the flavorful products of local viticulteurs all along the river. Back on board, relax with friends, take in the breathtaking scenery and allow yourself to slip backwards in time, pulled along by the silver thread of the gently flowing Rhine.
Day 1
ARRIVE IN ZÜRICH, SWITZERLAND
Arrive in Zürich and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2
ZURICH
Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zürich will include Grossmünster, St. Peter (with the largest church clock face in the world), Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zürich. The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore the town on your own. You might return to the Old Town, which offers engaging cafés, restaurants and a wealth of nightlife, or shop along Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf. (B)
Day 3
ZURICH - LUCERNE
Enjoy a free morning in Zurich, followed by a scenic drive to Vitznau on Lake Lucerne, located at the base of Mount Rigi. Admire the spectacular scenery surrounding the lake during a lake cruise that will take you to Lucerne. You will dock within walking distance of your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. (B)
Day 4
LUCERNE
After breakfast, a walking tour will take you along Lucerne’s famous cobblestone streets to see monuments, fountains, public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon offers free time to shop for watches, knives and delicious Swiss chocolate. Or, you can join the optional tour and cable car ride (seasonal) to the top of a Swiss Mountain. (B)
Day 5
LUCERNE - BASEL - EMBARKATION
This morning, depart from Lucerne, visiting the Lion Monument en route to Basel. Arrive in Basel for a city tour before boarding your luxurious river cruise ship. Switzerland’s second largest city is ideally located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. 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. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Aboard Wine Toast as you commence your wine-themed itinerary through some of Europe’s most enchanting and historic wine regions. (B,D)
Day 6
BREISACH, GERMANY
This morning, enjoy a wine lecture and tasting during a scenic cruise to Breisach, Germany. This afternoon, you have your choice of excursions: a scenic tour of the villages of Breisach and Freiburg, or a visit to the wine village of Riquewihr. Both excursions include a special wine tasting opportunity. The ship moors overnight in Breisach. (B,L,D)
Day 7
STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Alsace’s principal city is situated on the Ill River where it flows into the Rhine at the German border. This morning, take a tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobblestone streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock, timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. As an alternative, take a guided bicycle tour (capacity controlled) past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament, and Place de la Republique. In the afternoon, you will travel down the fabled “Alsace Wine Road” to visit Obernai, where you will sample Riesling, Gewurztraminer and other famous wines of this region. (B,L,D)
Day 8
MANNHEIM - HEIDELBERG - RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY
This morning, enjoy a wine lecture and tasting onboard Arrive in Mannheim, where you have a choice of one of three excursions this afternoon. Your first option is a half-day excursion to the historic university town of Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon wine cask) and enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. Or, for your second option, enjoy a hike up the Philosopher's Path up to a panoramic view point of Heidelberg. Your third option is a city tour of Speyer one of Germany’s oldest cities, is known for its cathedral, numerous churches and the medieval Altpörtel (Old Gate). This evening, enjoy a sumptuous Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs Dinner with wine pairing as you cruise to Rüdesheim. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to a remarkable collection of old robotic and self-playing musical instruments, or enjoy a tasting of Rüdesheimer coffee, a local specialty. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim. (B,L,D)
Day 9
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE CASTLES – KOBLENZ
This morning you will have the option to take one of three excursions: a Gondola Ride above the town to see the Niederwalddenkmal Statue followed by wine tasting with a local vintner, a guided hike through the town and surrounding vineyards, or a guided bike tour along the Rhine River to one of Germany's best wine regions. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s most famous and charming street, a narrow passage lined with shops and taverns. This afternoon, your ship departs for Koblenz and cruises through the Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, with hillsides dotted with fairy-tale castles. After arriving in Koblenz this evening, your Cruise Manager will take you on a walking tour through this charming town. The ship moors here overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 10
KOBLENZ – COLOGNE
This morning, enjoy an onboard wine lecture and tasting as the ship cruises to Cologne, famous for its university and legendary 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Upon arrival, you will take a walking tour through the old part of the city and visit the cathedral. Afterwards, head to a local pub for a tasting of Kölsch, a distinctive yellow-hued beer brewed only in Cologne. (B,L,D)
Day 11
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Arrive in Amsterdam at mid-day. Admire beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches and 16th-century merchant houses on a guided canal boat cruise. Later, take a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, exploring the city’s most notable sights, followed by free time in Amsterdam. This evening, enjoy one last night with your fellow passengers at the Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 12
AMSTERDAM –DISEMBARKATION
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Why a RIVER CRUISE?
With river vessels accommodating a mere 150 passengers, you will never wait in a long line to board or disembark. Smaller tours and intimate meal settings with open seating create a warm, personal atmosphere accentuated by five-star service. Your inclusive vacation provides incredible, value from the champagne breakfast and free-flowing hand-selected European wines with lunch and dinner to a fleet of bicycles, free Internet access, included sightseeing excursions and live cultural entertainment onboard. On a river cruise, your vacation’s price tag doesn’t keep adding up.
Our Group Rates:
Category E stateroom (fixed window): $2049 per person plus tax
Category C stateroom (French balcony): $2948 per person plus tax
Category BB stateroom (French & Outside Balcony): $3448.00 per person plus tax
2 Nights Pre-cruise in Lucerne, Switzerland add on $877 per person
Port Charges $168 per person
Single rate available upon request
NOTE: Staterooms are extremely limited so book today!
DEPOSIT: $400 per person
FINAL PAYMENT DUE: 90 days prior to departure
BOOK BY: June 30, 2016 to reserve at our low promotional rates!
INCLUSIONS:
2 nights hotel in Lucerne, including daily Buffet Breakfast
•Transfer from Lucerne to the ship in Basel
•7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom
•Most staterooms offer French balconies or revolutionary Twin Balconies
•Life enriching tours and excursions daily
•Entertainment on demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library and English language TV stations
•Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
•Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms
•Gourmet dining with all meals included during your cruise
•Multiple dining venues on select vessels
•Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner on board
•Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
•Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner, Wine Events
•Special highlights including lectures, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and piano music
•Bicycles to explore on your own & guided bicycle tours
•Services of professional Cruise Manager
•All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
•Transfers between hotel and ship are included with the purchase of cruise and land package; airport transfers are included with the purchase of airfare from AmaWaterways
•All local taxes
DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT This YEAR! A River Cruise is the ultimate Europe experience!
CONTACT GERRI TO BOOK by June 30th to secure your cabin choice!
800 834 4357. gerrilyn@gipsontravel.com
M & E Unlimited Travel Services
Email: gerrilyn@gipsontravel.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/thetravelconcierge
Location: 8613 Lenox Way, Montgomery, AL, United States
Phone: 800 834 4357
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Twitter: @gerriv2010