Great European Journey-By River and Rail

Depart Home City/Geneva

Depart for Geneva, Switzerland. Please check your bags from your gateway city to your arrival city. Be sure to attach the provided  luggage tags for each piece of luggage, including carry-ons. Your claim checks should have the following airport code: GVA.

Geneva, Switzerland | Montreux

Arrive at Geneva International Airport.

Take a scenic guided transfer to beautiful Montreux, where you’ll check in to the first-class Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, with panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Free time: Settle in and make your own plans for lunch. The Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk at the hotel stands ready with dining suggestions.

Walking Tour of Montreux. This afternoon, take a guided walk of Montreux, known as the Jewel of the Swiss Riviera. Stroll along the lakeside promenade — lined by lush gardens and art installations — and revel in gorgeous mountain views. Montreux, known for its music scene, was home to Queen’s Freddie Mercury, who died here in 1991. Visit a statue of him here on the lakefront. Walk through the picturesque Old Town, with its cobbled streets and multi-colored stone buildings. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own, perhaps visiting some of the shops. (Moderate activity level)

Welcome Reception: Join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception this evening at the hotel.

Free Time: Make your own plans for dinner tonight.

Montreux | Lake Geneva

Free Time: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel, then spend the morning at leisure. Walk along the lakefront or continue to explore Montreux on your own.

Chillon Castle. In the late morning, depart to visit the 13th-century Chateau de Chillon, an imposing medieval castle situated at the lake’s edge. During your tour, note the painted walls in the Grand Burgrave Hall and the original 15th-century wooden ceiling in the Grand Ducal Hall. The castle was also famously used as a prison, and, completing the romantic image, the covered bridge was once a drawbridge. (Moderate)

Lake Geneva Cruise. Following the tour, board a Belle Époque paddlewheel steamboat for a two-hour cruise along the shores of Lake Geneva. This scenic body of water — the largest lake in central Europe — was a requisite stop on the Grand Tour of Europe during the 19th century, and its beautiful vistas inspired many artists and writers. In fact, Byron and Shelley met here and spent some days just as you are doing — boating on the serene waters! Savor a delicious lunch in the ship’s elegant dining room as forested hillsides and picturesque villages glide by. (Moderate)

Free Time: Spend time this afternoon and evening at leisure, and make your own plans for dinner. Please visit the Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk for sightseeing and dining suggestions.

Gruyères | Broc

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel this morning. Then depart for today’s excursion: a unique gourmet foray into two of Switzerland’s most beloved products, cheese and chocolate.

Gruyères. Board a comfortable, modern train to travel along the Golden Pass route — gazing out at breathtaking Alpine scenery — from Montreux to Montbovon. From there, a short countryside drive takes you to the charming medieval town of Gruyères. At La Maison du Gruyère, a local cheese factory, discover the secrets of the town’s world-famous cheese, watch its production and try some samples. Then set off to explore the picture-postcard historic town. Have lunch in a local restaurant. (Moderate)

Broc. Continue to the small village of Broc to the famous Maison Cailler chocolate factory for a fun and captivating tour. Learn the secrets of chocolate-making and, of course, taste the delicious final product! (Moderate)

Transfer back to the hotel. Make your own plans for dinner tonight. The Gohagan Travel Hospitality Desk is happy to offer dining suggestions.

Montreux | Basel | Breisach, Germany | Embark Ship

Savor a delectable breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Marvel at the beautiful scenery on a drive to Basel.

Basel, an Alpine Art Hub. Arrive in Basel, Switzerland’s only port. Ancient Basilia was a Roman settlement established in 44 B.C. — nowadays it’s a vibrant, modern city known for its annual Art Basel festival of contemporary art. Enjoy a guided city tour and lunch at a local restaurant. (Moderate)

Transfer to Breisach, Germany and embark Amadeus Queen, your home for the next week! Settle in to your cabin and unpack. This afternoon, attend a welcome briefing and safety drill. Enjoy a relaxing dinner on board tonight (and every night on the cruise!).

Strasbourg, France

Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board each morning of the cruise.

Strasbourg. Discover the medieval grandeur of Grand-Île, the historic center of Strasbourg and a UNESCO World Heritage site, during a walking tour. See the bridges and watchtowers of the 13th-century Ponts Couverts, and meander past the many half-timbered houses in the canal-lined Petite France district, where tanners, millers and fishermen once lived during the Middle Ages. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, an exquisitely ornamented Gothic beauty. Gaze at its famed Astrological Clock, created by a team of artists, mathematicians and technicians during the Renaissance. Across from the Cathedral, notice the Kammerzell House, now a hotel and restaurant. This beautiful building dates to 1427; cheese merchant Martin Braun, then owner, commissioned the incredible exterior work in 1589. (Moderate)

Free Time: Return to the boat for a delicious lunch. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. If you’d like to return to town, hop on a shuttle or borrow a bicycle from the boat.

Welcome Reception: Join your fellow travelers for the Welcome Reception and Dinner later tonight.

Mannheim, Germany for Heidelberg

Heidelberg. Dock in Mannheim and journey to romantic Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its grand castle, built in the 13th century, overlooking the picturesque Neckar Valley. Take in the ancient castle walls, surrounding grounds and gorgeous views. One of the more intriguing features of the castle is the world’s largest wine barrel in its basement, complete with a dance floor on top. Take a walking tour in the lively, cobblestoned Altstadt (Old Town), filled with Renaissance and Baroque gems, such as the old bridge, Alte Brücke. As you cross it, keep your eyes peeled for a most singular statue—of a monkey with a mirror! (Moderate)

Free Time: Return to the boat for a delicious lunch and free time in the afternoon.

Rüdesheim | Lorelei

Riesling in Rüdesheim. Arrive in the heart of Riesling wine country today. Ride on the Winzerexpress, a mini train that will take you on an informative tour through the vineyards, featuring a stunning view of Rüdesheim and the Rhine. The tour ends with a wine tasting in the picturesque old town. (Moderate)

Head back to the boat to settle in for a delicious lunch on board, or stay and lunch in town, if you wish.

Unforgettable Cruise on the Rhine Gorge. The Rhine has been an important passage connecting Europe’s northern and southern parts since prehistoric times, making trade and cultural exchange possible. Small settlements sprang up along the riverbanks 2,000 years ago and evolved into a string of small villages and towns. Now this enchanting Upper Middle Rhine Valley, also known as the Rhine Gorge and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles, palaces and fortresses. Marvel at the breathtaking vistas, complete with vineyard terraces along the steep valley walls. These views have inspired great artists, poets and composers over the past few hundred years—as you glide along this magnificent stretch of river, perhaps you will be reminded of the paintings of J.M.W. Turner, the words of Lord Byron or the music of Richard Wagner’s “Ring Cycle.” Admire the striking outcrop called Lorelei Rock—a symbol of Rhine Romanticism that inspired myriad poems and songs.

Cochem

Cochem. Sail through a splendid, narrow section of the Moselle River, lined with colorful towns and tiered vineyards, then dock in charming Cochem. As you disembark, delight in the brightly painted houses on the riverfront. On a walking tour, stroll the narrow cobblestoned streets and take in the squares and half-timbered houses. Visit Reichsburg Castle, perched atop a forested cliff high above the town. The original castle here was demolished by King Louis XIV’s troops in 1689. The building sat in ruins for almost 200 years before a wealthy businessman bought and refurbished it, in a neo-Gothic style. The castle offers the most stunning views of the river, valley and town… a wonderful photo opportunity! (Active)

Free Time: Return to the boat for lunch on board. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Stay in town, if you wish, to lunch and explore Cochem on your own. Enjoy a delicious dinner tonight.

Cologne

Cologne. One of the largest European cities in medieval and Renaissance times, Cologne is known for its lively spirit. On a walking tour, meander down winding lanes in the medieval old town, appreciating the colorful houses, leafy squares and picturesque courtyards. Have you ever wondered why your bottled fragrance is called Eau de Cologne? The term is French for “water of Cologne,” and the world’s oldest perfume factory has been located here since 1723.

But Cologne may be most famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, Kölner Dom, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This location has been occupied by Christian churches since the fourth century, and the current cathedral was built over a period of more than 630 years, finally completed in 1880. The cathedral houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, a gilded reliquary, the largest one in Europe. Admire the cathedral’s impressive exterior on our walking tour. (Moderate)

Free Time: Return to the boat for lunch on board. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Stay in town, if you wish, to lunch and explore Cologne on your own.

Cruising | Amsterdam, Netherlands

As we sail to the Netherlands, enjoy time this morning on the riverboat. Exercise in the fitness center, indulge in a sauna or steam bath in the wellness area, or simply relax on deck with a book. After a delicious lunch, disembark in Amsterdam.

Canal Cruise. Set off on a private cruise through Amsterdam’s world-famous UNESCO-inscribed canals, which have been connecting the city since the early 17th century. Glide under iconic bridges and past brightly colored houses, stately stone buildings and hundreds of cyclists! (Moderate)

Farewell Reception: This evening, attend the Farewell Reception and Dinner, and raise a glass to your great European journey!

Amsterdam| Return to Home City

Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) for your return flight home.

If you have reserved the Amsterdam Post-Tour Extension, please refer to the separate preliminary itinerary for the extension for more information.