Offer Expired
Waiting for Cruiseline update
Flowers tumble from baskets lining streets of half-timbered houses, and lights glint off quiet canals. The spires of medieval churches and castles appear around each bend in the river, and vineyards climb the verdant hillsides. Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to the Romans. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses guarding territory and trade routes, and that now tower above the water as romantic ruins. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg; stroll through the fairytale towns of Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Rüdesheim; and taste delightful whites wines in the villages where the grapes are grown. Beethoven and Byron were completely enchanted by the region’s romantic splendour — experience it all from the perspective of a luxurious Rhine River cruise and see how much it inspires you!
Changes to S.S. Antoinette 2016 Departures French water authorities have announced major repair work on the lock at Kemps on the Rhine beginning in Spring of 2016. This work will unfortunately affect embarkation and disembarkation of the S.S. Antoinette during all 2016 departures of “Castles along the Rhine." View changes to S.S. Antoinette departures.
Multigenerational family-friendly program (Select sailings) Share the enchantment of this region with the special young people in your life. These cruises not only feature unique, fun-filled adventures for families to enjoy together, they’re also packed with culturally and historically significant experiences designed to spark creativity and life-long learning.
Important Terms
- * Rates quoted are in Australian dollars.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes any bonus nights, special offers or discounts listed in the inclusions.
- Surcharges may apply due to demand, Christmas & New Year's Eve, school or public holidays, trade shows, special events & other unforeseen circumstances.
- Prices may be based on Dynamic Rates and as such, may fluctuate at anytime without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, or at the property's discretion.
Itinerary
Day 1:
Basel (embark)
Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, where you will be transferred to the ship.
Day 2:
Breisach (Kaysersberg and Riquewihr or Colmar)
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Alsatian “Village Day” or Colmar city tour
Starting from medieval Breisach, the gateway to the Black Forest, you will cross the Rhine and head for the Alsatian Wine Road to Colmar. You may prefer to linger in Colmar’s enchanting historic center or continue on to the wine villages of Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, where you will ramble along narrow lanes and pass half-timbered medieval houses. Whichever you choose, you’ll be treated to an Alsatian specialty, flammekeuche, a delectable flatbread topped with bacon and onions. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.
Day 3:
Kehl (Strasbourg)
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Strasbourg by canal or exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Strasbourg walking tour
Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” The heart of the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is crisscrosse with medieval canals. You’ll board a canal boat and cruise past ancient covered bridges and their watchtowers, the picturesque Petite France district with its beautiful half-timbered houses and flower-filled window boxes, and the magnificent Gothic cathedral. Or, if you prefer, take an intimate walking tour through Old Town, strolling through lively Broglie Square to elegant Place Kléber. Learn about the culinary traditions of Alsace and indulge in tasty pastries and coffee at a charming café. Then spend your afternoon at leisure in this beautiful city.
Day 4:
Germersheim (Speyer)
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Speyer walking tour or exclusive Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate visit and tasting
A guided walking tour through Speyer reveals a medieval town with a grand heritage and a compact historic center dominated by the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe. With its basilica laid out in the form of a Latin cross, this architectural marvel is a symbol of medieval imperial power. Nearby, a well-preserved mikvah, or ritual bath, bears witness to a Jewish community that dates to roughly the same era; it is the oldest remaining bath of its kind in Europe. Alternatively, come with us to discover a unique aperitif—wine vinegars made from grapes grown in the wine lands of the Palatine—with a visit to the Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate, where antique vinegar recipes find new life. Tour the cellars and taste the honey- or herb-flavored elixirs made there.
Day 5:
Rüdesheim, cruising the romantic Rhine River, Boppard
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Exclusive Castle Vollrads wine tasting and guided Boppard village stroll
Explore Ru¨desheim and its famous Drosselgasse, a narrow alleyway lined with wine taverns and shops, at your leisure. Then be our guest at a princely wine tasting at prestigious Castle Vollrads, a handsome 14th-century castle perfectly situated in the vineyard-covered hills of the Rheingau (a region renowned for its delicious Rieslings). Later, find a spot on deck for an afternoon of scenic cruising along the romantic Rhine and take in the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Picturesque castles appear around every bend in the river of this astonishing 40-mile stretch. End your day with a guided stroll around Boppard, a quintessential wine village on the shores of the Rhine.
Day 6:
Cruising the romantic Rhine River, Koblenz
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Koblenz walking tour or aerial cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
Awaken on the romantic Rhine and enjoy a morning cruise along the castle-lined river. Then, choose a walking tour highlighting the appeal of ancient Koblenz—its charming lanes and historic squares, the picturesque alleyways and fountains in the old quarter, and the 12th-century churches of St. Florin and Our Beloved Lady; or take a thrilling ride on an aerial tram across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for dazzling views overlooking the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers.
Note: The aerial tram to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is only available on tours that depart on or after April 1st.
Day 7:
Cologne
Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour with Cologne Cathedral visit
Stroll through the narrow streets of Old-Town Cologne with your guide as you make your way to Cologne Cathedral, the city’s most famous landmark. Inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the earthly remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi—are believed to lie at rest. You’ll learn about the history of the cathedral and its artwork, especially the pieces surrounding the Shrine of the Magi. Christian pilgrims have been flocking here for centuries. In fact, one of the cathedral’s expansions was intended to accommodate the many faithful who travel from far and wide to experience the wonder of this sacred site. In the evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.
Note: On Sundays and Catholic holidays, guided tours inside the cathedral are not allowed, but individual visits are still welcomed.
Day 8:
Amsterdam (disembark), transfer to the airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in bustling Amsterdam.
Note: Order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water levels or other uncontrollable factors.
