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Day 4 - October 31 | Excursion To Heidelberg, Germany–Mainz
This morning, an excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university, which was
founded in 1386. Visit the ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the
most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. You’ll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the “World’s
Largest Wine Barrel.” At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, it holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a
dance floor on top of it! In the afternoon, arrive in Mainz, which today is Germany’s largest and most
important wine market. The Altstadt (Old Town) has many intriguing shops and the whimsical
Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz is a tribute to the jesters at the city’s annual
Carnival celebration. Gutenberg, father of modern printing, was born here. During a GUIDED WALK, you’ll
visit the captivating GUTENBERG MUSEUM. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - November 1 | Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge–Koblenz
This morning, dock in pretty Rüdesheim, a typical Rhine Valley wine town. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM to see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes
from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, and enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT. Downstream from Rüdesheim is the
dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs
rising 400 feet above the water. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted
siren song lured sailors to their doom. Then, arrive at the place where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet—
the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with its impressive statue of German Emperor William I. Join your Local
Guide for a WALKING TOUR of 2,000-year-old Koblenz, which reveals an eventful past through its castles,
fortress walls, towers, squares, and monuments. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - November 2 | Cologne
One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and
is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between an included GUIDED CITY WALK or
JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale
lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years! (B, L, D)
Day 7 - November 3 | Amsterdam, Holland
Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This
delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants has a distinct
ambiance. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant
grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” There’s free time this
afternoon to enjoy the city or perhaps join an optional excursion. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - November 4 | Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)