Swiss Alps & Rhine Castles 2026
July 25 - August 4, 2026
Uncover the magic of fairytale castles, centuries-old vineyards, and breathtaking glacial landscapes on this unforgettable Rhine River journey, complete with a luxurious stay on the shores of Italy’s famed Lake Como. Begin your adventure where Alpine grandeur meets Mediterranean elegance in a retreat beloved by the rich and famous. Stroll through charming lakeside villages, cruise across shimmering waters, and soak in the stunning mountain views before making your way to Switzerland’s vibrant city of Basel.
From there, step into the storybook charm of France’s Alsace region, where half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets in Strasbourg offer a glimpse into the past. Then, continue into Germany, where the grand city of Cologne, the scenic vineyards of Rüdesheim, and the historic university town of Heidelberg await. Sail through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, where 40 castles rise dramatically from the riverbanks, each with its own tale to tell.
Your journey concludes in the iconic canals of Amsterdam, where Dutch charm and rich history create the perfect finale to an incredible voyage. Spanning Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, this all-encompassing cruise and land experience showcases some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes—truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
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Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany. Alternatively, you may opt to visit Lucerne with a full-day excursion. In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of Swiss wines or venture to the powerful Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall.
Meals: B, L, D
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Strasbourg 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, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.
Meals: B, L, D
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Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four 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 enjoy 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet 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.
Meals: B, L, D
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Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fischmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Meals: B, L, D
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There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes.
Meals: B, L, D
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