Rhine in Flames

Enjoy a discovery tour through the beautiful city of Strasbourg. After a short coach trip through the city, the tour continues with a walk through the lovely, historic old part of the town and includes a visit to the famous cathedral Straßburger Münster (not possible on Sundays and public holidays, sometimes with security check). During a boat cruise on the river, discover the famous quarter, “Petite France”. This former mill and tanner district still maintains its medieval charm. Some of the beautiful, half-timbered houses on the banks of the river Ill are up to 500 years old. You will enjoy Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, the Council of Europe and all the other wonders that Strasbourg holds in store for you.

Experience the Black Forest at its very best and immerse yourself in a region rich in tradition, nature, and history. This varied excursion takes you from Strasbourg through one of Germany’s most renowned landscapes, combining impressive natural scenery with authentic Black Forest culture.

The first highlight is a visit to Triberg, home to the famous Triberg Waterfalls, among the highest waterfalls in Germany. After enjoying a shared lunch, the journey continues to the Vogtsbauernhof, one of the Black Forest’s most well-known open-air museums. During a guided tour, you will gain fascinating insights into the traditional life of Black Forest farmers in centuries past. Historic farmhouses, traditional craftsmanship, and lovingly preserved details bring the region’s history vividly to life. Afterwards, there is time to enjoy coffee and cake and to explore the extensive museum grounds at your leisure.

Speyer, the time-honored imperial city on the Rhine, looks back on a rich and eventful past. Historic testimonies of ecclesiastical architecture, façades of different building epochs, winding alleys and romantic squares characterize the face of the city today. On today’s walking tour, pass by the Romanesque Imperial cathedral with its striking twin-towered portal, the Old Gate of Speyer and passy by the revered baroque Church of the Holy Spirit. Continue with a visit to the medieval Judenhof, one of the most important Jewish medieval sites in Germany. The Jewish community had a storied history in Speyer reaching back over 1,000 years. View the remains of the Jewish courtyard, which was the central area of the Jewish quarter and consisted of the synagogues, and a ritual bath (Mikveh). Speyer calls itself the “Brezelstadt” or “Pretzel Town”, at the end of your walk make a stop at a local shop for a pretzel to snack on as you explore the town on your own before returning to the vessel.

A comfortable coach will take you to Heidelberg, the world famous University City on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. Heidelberg was discovered quite early by romantics to use for diverse literature, songs and paintings. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone has been a ruin, maybe the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads also into the castle garden. From the Grand Terrace you will have a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late-gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall.

Embark on a scenic hike along Heidelberg’s legendary Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Walk), a picturesque trail offering breathtaking views of the old town, the Neckar River, and the majestic Heidelberg Castle. As you walk, your guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s rich history, its world-renowned university, and the philosophers, poets, and writers who once wandered these very paths.

This hike is a perfect blend of nature and culture, allowing you to enjoy Heidelberg’s stunning landscapes while delving into its intellectual and artistic heritage.

Level: ACTIVE, Moderate
Distance: approx. 5,5km / 3.5miles

The unique Winzerexpress train takes you from the dock of the ship to the "Siegfried Mechanical Music Cabinet" for a musical adventure with historical self-playing instruments. Continue your guided tour with a walk through the picturesque town. Explore the heart of the old town of Rüdesheim - the Drosselgasse - where wine houses and garden taverns invite you to linger. Immerse yourself in the history of the city and visit the Eagle Tower, a part of the city wall, and the fortifications from the 15th century.

Discover Koblenz, one of the most beautiful and oldest cities in Germany with more than 2,000 years of history. During a walking tour in the romantic side streets between the Basilica of St. Kastor and the Church of Our Lady, view the most important sights of Koblenz.  Continue your excursion by cable car, built for the International Garden Show, high above the Rhine to the impressively situated Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is the second largest preserved fortress in Europe. The fortress dates back to 1000 AD and evolved to its present form between 1817 and 1828. Today, the fortress houses the Koblenz State Museum with its diverse exhibitions including the history of the fortress, the Army Memorial and a youth hostel. 

Join soprano Bethany Barber on a musical journey along the Rhine! Through the music of composers such as Beethoven, the Schumanns, Offenbach, and more—the real-life legends with connections to the Rhine—she’ll sing you the myths and stories that make this river so special.

The harmonious combination of the unique Moselle landscape, centuries-old vineyards, and rich cultural heritage makes Cochem a particularly popular destination. Explore the town on a walking tour through its narrow, winding streets and soak up its charming atmosphere.

During the excursion, you will also have the opportunity to visit Cochem Castle. Perched high on a rugged cliff, this impressive fortress dominates the town’s skyline. From the castle, enjoy breathtaking views of the Moselle Valley, with its dreamy mixed forests and terraced vineyards – a truly unforgettable sight.

Please note: Visit to Cochem Castle is subject to availability.

Cologne is a city with a history spanning over 2,000 years, and traces of its rich past can be seen throughout the Rhine region. On this walking tour, explore the Cologne Cathedral and the charming old town. As you wander through the narrow cobbled streets and lively squares such as the Alter Markt and Heumarkt, you’ll get a true sense of life in Cologne, both past and present.

Step inside the cathedral (subject to opening hours and religious services) to admire its stunning Gothic architecture. With its twin towers soaring 157 meters, the Cologne Cathedral has been the city’s iconic landmark since its completion in 1880 and remains Germany’s most-visited attraction. At the end of the tour, enjoy a refreshing glass of Kölsch, the signature beer of Cologne and the surrounding Rhineland, as you soak in the atmosphere of this historic city.

Founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age as a result of its innovative developments in trade. Today, the city has one of the largest historic centers in Europe, with about 7,500 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century. The center consists of 90 islands, linked by 1.300 bridges. On the city tour through the Dutch metropolis, you will see the Maritime Museum, the Jewish Quarter and the Museum Quarter. As there is no better way to see the city than cruising on the water, the tour will end by a canal cruise boat trip.

Experience the picturesque landscapes of North Holland in an active yet relaxed way on an E-Bike tour through idyllic Waterland. The tour begins with a short ferry ride into the peaceful countryside, where cycling is easy and safe.

The route takes you along historic dikes, canals, and green meadows, past traditional windmills, farms with cows and sheep, and charming historic villages. Along the way, enjoy expansive panoramic views of the Wadden Sea and the unique waterways that make Waterland so special.

This is an active, nature-filled, and leisurely excursion, perfect for anyone who wants to explore North Holland in an authentic and sustainable way.

Level: ACTIVE, Easy
Distance: approx. 22km / 14miles

Experience Dutch culture up close on a fascinating tour through picturesque landscapes and historic villages. Visit Zaanse Schans, a charming open-air museum featuring historic windmills and traditional green wooden houses. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the interior of a windmill and learn more about its traditional mechanics.

As you pass by the cheese farm, you can sample the famous Dutch cheese and gain insight into its production. A live demonstration by a wooden shoe maker will also show you how traditional clogs are crafted. Afterward, explore Marken, a former island known for its charming stilt houses and unique atmosphere.

Enjoy a scenic drive through the idyllic Dutch countryside and return to Amsterdam with unforgettable impressions – a true cultural experience awaits!