Cruise from Basel to Amsterdam
A special Holiday Cruise tour planned and hosted by Gerhard Meng,
highlighting the Christkindle Markets in the villages and cities along the Rhine River
Join me on a relaxing river cruise as we visit some of my favorite towns and villages on the banks of the famed Rhine River. We’ll explore Gothic cathedrals, lush vineyards and medieval villages along the way. Wherever we go, it will be a Christmas wonderland with the magical Christkindle markets and the festive holiday decorations. Our journey will be by land in combination with a seven night cruise aboard one of Europe’s newest and most deluxe river ships, the MS AmaCello.
The tour has been planned for your convenience. All gratuities, port charges, shore excursions, transfers and luggage handling are included in the cost of the tour. All meals, but one dinner and two lunches are included. Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are included with each dinner.
It would be my pleasure to share this special trip with you at this special time of year.
DAILY ITINERARY -- December 8th to 17th, 2011
Thursday, December 8th – Stuttgart
Arrival in Stuttgart, home of Mercedes-Benz. The day is free to explore the local market with wooden toys, pottery, twinkling ornaments and traditional edibles of gingerbread, roasted almonds and grilled sausage. Evening reception. Maritim Hotel.
Friday, December 9th – Baden Baden
This morning we travel through the Black Forest, center of the cuckoo clock industry. Wood carvings, glass and pottery are also local crafts. Afternoon walking tour of the spa town of Baden Baden with the famous Kurhaus. Europaischer Hof Hotel.
Saturday, December 10th – Basel
Travel to Basel, located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. We’ll tour the city before boarding our ship on the Rhine in time for the welcome dinner.
Sunday, December 11th – Breisach
Today we explore medieval Colmar (France), situated along the Alsatian Wine route. The town is beautifully decorated and offers five Christmas markets. We’ll have a tasting of the excellent wines.
Monday, December 12th – Speyer
On our visit of the charming capital of Alsace, Strasbourg, we’ll see the European Parliament and the Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. The market dates back to the 16th Century.
Tuesday, December 13th – Worms
This morning we explore Heidelberg with its pink sandstone castle, looking down from its hillside vantage point. Worms is one of Germany’s oldest cities with Romanesque architecture.
Wednesday, December 14th – Koblenz
After walking the narrow alleys of Rüdesheim, we cruise the Rhine Gorge, passing the legendary Lorelei Rock and a succession of massive castles that crown the hillsides.
Thursday, December 15th – Cologne
On our afternoon tour you’ll see many of the historic highlights of Cologne, including the 13th century Gothic cathedral that towers over the old town. Free time to explore the Christmas markets.
Friday, December 16th – Amsterdam
Today we cruise Amsterdam’s lovely tree-lined canals flanked by beautiful 17th century gabled houses. If time allows you may wish to visit one of the many museums and the lively marketplace.
Saturday, December 17th – return to USA
Our adventure comes to an end. Breakfast at leisure and morning transfer to Amsterdam airport.
If you have time you may wish to arrive several days early and join us in Frankfurt. Monday afternoon (Dec. 5th) we travel from Frankfurt to Speyer for a two night stay -- Hotel Domhof. Wednesday (Dec. 7th) we continue to Stuttgart. The $595 per person ($165single surcharge) – includes three nights additional accommodation, guided tour of Speyer, transportation, two dinners, three breakfasts, taxes and service charges.
PRICE PER PERSON: $2,195 land cost ($1,195 single room surcharge)
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GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 32 GUESTS
RESERVATIONS: Notify us that you wish to join the tour. Your space will be reserved and a sign-up packet will be forwarded with registration form and an invoice for deposit. Upon receipt of your deposit, an information packet will be forwarded with further confirmation of your reservation and details to help prepare for the tour. Full and final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Airfare is not included in the tour price. Flight arrival and departure times should coincide with Gerhard’s group transfer schedule to/from the hotel, ship and airport that will be provided on the day the tour starts. Specific transfer times will be listed in the information packet, which is forwarded upon receipt of the tour reservation form.
EXTRA NIGHTS: If you wish to arrive a day or two early in Stuttgart or reserve extra nights in Amsterdam, please contact us for more information. There is also an option of joining the tour in Frankfurt on December 5th and travel with us for an additional three nights.
CABIN UPGRADES: Options and pricing will be detailed and included in the sign-up packet.
THE MS AMACELLO:
Enjoy total relaxation and uncommon comfort aboard our floating hotel. The ship was newly built in 2008 and accommodates a maximum of 148 guests in well appointed cabins. While sailing enjoy the scenery from the sundeck and the viewing lounge with its panoramic window or relax in the library. The wellness area offers a fitness center, beauty salon and massages. All staterooms have river views and offer bathrobes, television with English news programs, a safe, hair dryer, telephone and the choice of twin or double beds.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHIP, click here
View the Tourist Office Web sites for some of the destinations we visit – click here
2011 detailed tour itineraries:
November 19th to November 27th – Celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in Germany
Includes Frankfurt, Rothenburg, Feuchtwangen, Ulm, Lindau & Munich
November 27th to December 5th – East Germany
Dresden, Seiffen, Annaberg, Leipzig, Weimar, Erfurt & Frankfurt
December 4th to December 13th – Cruising on the Danube with AMA Waterways
Budapest, Vienna, Passau, Regensburg, Nürnberg & Frankfurt (hosted by Tina Lynch)
December 8th to December 17th – Cruising on the Rhine with AMA Waterways
Stuttgart, Baden Baden, Basel, Colmar, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne & Amsterdam