Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise vacation along the Rhône and Rhine Rivers. The views will be spectacular so be sure to pack your camera so you can capture the romance and splendor of this magical journey. Your river cruise vacation begins in Arles—famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. The city of Tournon is beautifully nestled among vineyards and you’ll go on a guided walk of this medieval treasure with plenty of Roman ruins and a fascinating 16th-century castle. Lyon is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. You’ll stop in Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, well known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. In Strasbourg, France, stroll through the picturesque La Petite France district. Visit the ruins of Heidelberg’s castle, or stop in Mainz for a guided walk and a visit to the captivating Gutenberg Museum. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Your last stop in Germany is Cologne, where a guided walk shows you the highlights of this 2,000-year-old city. A stay in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam is the perfect way to conclude this sensational European river cruise. And the best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s “Golden Age."

Included Features:

Day 1 Arles (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 3 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes

Day 4 Viviers: Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 5 Tournon-Vienne: Choice of guided walk in Tournon or bike with your Adventure Host; choice of guided walk in Vienne or hike with your Adventure Host

Day 6 Lyon: Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill

Day 7 Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône: Cheese tasting on board

Day 8 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)-Beaune-Basel (Embarkation): Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; transfer to Basel; onboard welcome reception

Day 9 Breisach: Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to a local winery in Breisach or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 10 Strasbourg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 11 Mainz: Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or hike up Philosophers' Way; visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz

Day 12 Rüdesheim-Rhine Gorge-Koblenz: Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the legendary Rock of the Lorelei; free time in Koblenz

Day 13 Cologne: Choice of “Cologne Highlights” walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 14 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 15 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): Your cruise ends this morning