Rhine River Cruise

A special tour planned and escorted by Gerhard Meng, highlighting the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg & Alsace, France including nine nights aboard the luxurious 5 star MV Heidelberg, sailing the famous Rhine & Mosel Rivers with many fascinating ports along the way.

The trip is available for groups on various dates (15 people minimum).

Please note, we have a special Rhine River Cruise scheduled for December 12th to 21st, 2008 -- Christmastime on the Mosel & Rhine.

Join me on an impressive journey as we travel through four countries full of sights that will bring to mind the great moments in European history. We'll take in the art, architecture and culture of some of Europe's most classic cities. Our journey will be by land in combination with a relaxing nine night cruise aboard a luxurious river ship on the famed Rhine and Mosel Rivers.

The 820 mile long Rhine River is considered by many to be the most important river in the world, both politically and economically. From its source in the Swiss Alps it flows through six countries before it reaches the North Sea, impacting the life and culture of all civilizations in the heartland of Europe. Crowned by castles, flowing with legends, the river became the most enduring and powerful symbol of Germany. We'll explore the Gothic cathedrals, lush vineyards and medieval villages along its banks from a unique perspective, as we sail Peter Deilmann's newest ship the MV Heidelberg.

The tour has been planned for your convenience. All gratuities, port charges, shore excursions, transfers and porterage are included in the cost of the tour. All meals, but one dinner and four lunches are included. Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are included with each dinner. I will be available to meet all flight arrivals in Amsterdam on the day the tour begins and will help with airport check-in on the day the tour is completed.

It would be my pleasure to have you join me!

Gerhard Meng, Director, Gerhard's Odysseys

DAILY ITINERARY

Sunday - to Europe
Departure for Amsterdam. Relax on your overnight flight across the North Atlantic.

Monday - Amsterdam
Arrival in Amsterdam. I'll be available to meet you at the airport. Our private coach will transfer us to our luxury hotel in the heart of the city. Remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure to stroll the historic streets or relax at the hotel.
Hotel Radisson SAS. Meals (D)

Tuesday - Amsterdam
Our day begins with a cruise along the lovely tree-lined canals flanked by gabled houses. We'll visit the renowned Rijksmuseum, featuring over one million art objects and we will make a special stop at a diamond factory. The afternoon is free to visit the Van Gogh Museum or go window shopping. Opening reception and dinner this evening.
Hotel Radisson SAS. Meals (B,D)

Wednesday - Amsterdam
A full day excursion to explore the surrounding countryside, discovering typical Dutch towns, windmills, cheese factories and flower farms.
Hotel Radisson SAS. Meals (B,L)

Thursday - MV Heidelberg
Off to fashionable Dusseldorf where we board our ship in time for the lavish welcome dinner. Enroute we visit the Kroller Muller Museum with one of the finest collections of modern art in the world and 276 works by Van Gogh. Meals (B,D)

Friday - MV Heidelberg
Morning tour of Remagen. The remaining towers of its famous bridge are now a Peace Museum, tracing the history of the bridge and the battles of March 1945. Meals (B,L,D)

Saturday - MV Heidelberg
We enter the Mosel River, the longest of the Rhine's tributaries. Castles, vineyards and fairytale villages hug the hillsides. Morning guided tour of Eltz Castle, bristling with towers, turrets, pinnacles and spires. Meals (B,L,D)

Sunday - MV Heidelberg
This is the best known wine growing region of Germany. Our walking tour of Bernkastel will include a stop at the local cellar for tasting. Be sure to try the fruity Bernkastel Doktor. Meals (B,L,D)

Monday - MV Heidelberg
Our morning coach excursion takes us to the small country of Luxembourg. Afternoon walking tour of Trier starting at the Porta Nigra gateway, the finest Roman relic in Germany. Meals (B,L,D)

Tuesday - MV Heidelberg
After a tour of historic Koblenz our ship sails past a succession of massive castles that crown the hillsides and we pass the legendary Lorelei Rock. After dinner stop in Rudesheim. Meals (B,L,D)

Wednesday - MV Heidelberg
This morning we visit Mannheim's palace, a replica of Versailles. In the afternoon you'll have leisure time for shopping in the city. Meals (B,L,D)

Thursday - MV Heidelberg
City tour of Strasbourg before continuing along the Route du Vin. Lots of small medieval villages with bright flower gardens along the way. We'll have a real Alsatian lunch and stop in Riquewihr for specialty wine tasting. Meals (B,L,D)

Friday - MV Heidelberg
Morning arrival in Breisach with the cathedral of St. Stephen, built between 1200 and 1500. Good shopping for locally crafted cuckoo clocks, wood carvings, glass and pottery. The nearby vineyards produce excellent high-quality wines. Meals (B,L,D)

Saturday - Mainz
Our morning walking tour will include the famous Gutenberg Museum that honors the printing pioneer Johanne Gutenberg. He built the first printing press in Mainz in 14C. Last minute opportunities to shop this afternoon. Farewell dinner featuring regional delicacies for our last evening together.
Hilton Hotel. Meals (B,D)

Sunday - return to USA
Pack up your happy memories. Our adventure comes to a close this morning as we regretfully bid farewell to Europe and jet back to North America from Frankfurt International Airport, arriving home the same day. Meals (B)

Questions? Call us at 503-223-2402

PRICE PER PERSON: $4,155 per person based on a group of 20 to 25 people.
In order to offer the lowest possible price, the trips are priced according to the number of participants on the tour. The cost will be lower with more people in the group, and the cost will increase if there are fewer people. Price can also be reduced if you wish fewer meals or other services included. The standard of hotels you choose will also change the price.
Price was last up-dated on February 22, 2008. Subject to change.
TOUR COST INCLUDES:
• Nine nights aboard the deluxe MV Heidelberg, extra large outside cabin.
• Four nights accommodation in outstanding, deluxe and first class hotels.
• 34 meals -- buffet breakfast daily, nine lunches & twelve specialty dinners unique to the region, including the Welcome & Farewell dinners. **While cruising an additional daily mid-morning bouillon will be served and traditional afternoon tea or coffee with pastries.
• Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks with all dinners.
• "Get Acquainted" reception and special dinner the first night of the tour.
• Land transport and transfers by private luxury motorcoach.
• Personalized tours of most towns visited with local guide and entrance fees.
• All gratuities, port charges, taxes, service charges for the restaurants, hotel staff, coach drivers, local guides and the MV Heidelberg crew. No additional tipping required.
• Porterage and handling of luggage at all hotels and on the ship.
• Amsterdam Airport meeting of all flights, with transfer to hotel.
• Frankfurt Airport transfer and check-in assistance at end of tour.
• Laminated luggage tags and "tour information" packet.
• Other additional features mentioned in the itinerary.
• A careful balance of free time to pursue your own interests.
• Escorted by Gerhard Meng.
• Special feature: a brisk pre-breakfast or after dinner walk for those who would like to start or finish the day with a bit of exercise.

GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 29 GUESTS MAXIMUM

The MV Heidelberg:
Enjoy total relaxation and uncommon comfort aboard our 5 star "floating hotel." The extremely large cabins (190 square feet) will impress you. All cabins are outside, with spacious private facilities, air conditioning, telephone, music centers & color TV. Twin or queen beds are available and all cabins on the two upper deck have full length French doors that open. While sailing enjoy the scenery from the sun-deck or the viewing lounge with its panoramic windows. Gather together in the lounge or the relaxing library. You may also wish to work out in the fitness center, enjoy the sauna and steam room and have a relaxing massage. There will always be plenty to do on board and in the many fascinating ports-of-call along the way. The readers of Conde Nast Travel Magazine have consistently rated the Peter Deilmann ships amongst the top river ships in the world.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHIP, click here

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR CHRISTMASTIME
MOSEL & RHINE RIVER CRUISE • December 12th to 21st, 2008, click here

TOP