Rhine River Cruise: Food & Wine Basel, Strasbourg (docking in Breisach, Germany), Mannheim, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Amsterdam 8 Days / 7 Nights

Transcription

1 EUROPE Rhine River Cruise: Food & Wine Basel, Strasbourg (docking in Breisach, Germany), Mannheim, Rüdesheim, Cologne, Amsterdam 8 Days / 7 Nights

2 Rhine River Cruise: Food & Wine 8 Days / 7 Nights Discover 6 destinations in 4 countries on the adult-exclusive Rhine River Cruise: Food & Wine, an all-inclusive epicurean sailing with AmaWaterways, a leader in luxury river cruising. You'll visit world-famous breweries, award-winning wineries and local pubs, all while experiencing world-class culinary delights amid some of Europe's most scenic regions.

3 FLIGHT INFORMATION: Arrive: Basel Airport (BSL) Return: Amsterdam Airport Schipol (AMS) AGES: Minimum Age: 18+ Suggested Age: 18+ MEALS: 7 Breakfasts 6 Lunches 7 Dinners 2019 RHINE RIVER CRUISE: FOOD AND WINE HIGHLIGHTS Riquewihr Food & Wine Tasting Tour Taste local flavors and amazing wines produced in this lovely medieval town. Amsterdam Canal Cruise See this picturesque city and its remarkable attractions as you glide down one of its 165 canals. Adolf Störzel Wine Tasting Visit the famed Bassenheimer Hof's cellar to sample the vineyard's wonderful wines. Volendam Tour Visit this classic countryside fishing village and see what traditional life is like in The Netherlands. French Macaron Baking Class Learn how to make this decadent French treat from the local chef aboard the ship. Alsace Canoeing in Strasbourg Paddle a canoe on the waterways through the enchanting landscapes of this scenic region. Medieval Wine Caves Head down to the basement caves of Cave Historique Des Hospices and its ancient wine barrels. Rhine Gorge Castle Cruise Sail through the Rhine Gorge and the lovely shoreline that's populated with 30 iconic castles. Heidelberg Castle Tour Discover the history of this renowned storybook castle that dates back to Porsche Museum & Mercedes-Benz Museums Rev up for visits to these museums dedicated to automotive legends. Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum Marvel at this massive collection of mechanical music boxes and instruments. Rüdesheim Gondola Ride Take to the sky via a gondola ride to Niederwald Monument for amazing panoramic views.

4 DAY 1: Basel, Switzerland Meal(s) Included: Dinner Accommodations AmaMora Transfer from Basel Airport (BSL) to the AmaMora Ship Be escorted from Basel Airport to your new home for the next 8 days, the luxurious AmaMora Ship. Check Into Your Stateroom Your Adventure Guides help with the check-in as you familiarize yourself with your well-appointed stateroom. Look around the ship and discover its many fantastic amenities including the heated pool, fitness center, massage and hair salon, giant chessboard, library, sun deck and lounge. Special Welcome Reception in Basel: Swiss Cheese & Wine Enjoy a taste of Switzerland at a special welcome event that features delicious Swiss cheese and wine! Captain's Welcome Cocktail & Dinner On Board the Ship Meet the Captain and your fellow Adventurers as you enjoy your first scrumptious dinner, featuring local beer and wine, onboard.

5 DAY 2: Strasbourg, France Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations AmaMora Breakfast On Board the AmaMora Start your day with a hearty breakfast with your fellow Adventurers. Half-Day Activity Options These excursion are offered in the morning and afternoon. OPTION A: Riquewihr Food & Wine Tasting Tour Traverse the cobblestone streets of this quaint medieval town. Satisfy your hunger with some local food flavors of this lush region. Get a taste of the great wines produced in the village, including the Riesling, which Riquewihr is known for. Explore the vineyards that produce some of the most noted wines in the world. OPTION B: On Your Own in Strasbourg Explore the capital city of the Grand Est region with its German and French influenced architecture, including the Gothic Strasbourg Cathédrale and its astronomical clock and sweeping views of the the Rhine River from its spire. You can also discover the many museums, as well as a host of shops and cafés throughout this magnificent city.

6 Lunch During Your Excursion Enjoy a delicious lunch served during your excursion, featuring local beer and wine. Half-Day Activity See above excursions, which are offered in the morning and afternoon. Dinner On Board the Ship Return to the ship for a delectable evening meal, featuring local beer and wine. After Dinner Evening Activity: Enjoy Karaoke On Board the Ship Delight in karaoke entertainment.

7 DAY 3: Strasbourg, France Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations AmaMora Breakfast On Board the Ship Begin your day of exciting activities with a good breakfast. Morning Activity Options OPTION A: Canal Boat Tour and Leisure Visit to the Strasbourg Cathédral de Notre Dame Take a Strasbourg city tour on the Batorama Canal Boat and pass by this city's main attractions including towers, covered bridges and the Vauban dam and through this city's various districts such as the renowned Petite France. Explore this fascinating city the capital of the Alsace-Champagne- Ardenne-Lorraine region and the seat of the European Parliament. Enjoy an "at your leisure visit" to Strasbourg Cathedral de Notre Dame, built in 1439 in the grand Gothic style, with Renaissance-era stained-glass windows and a famous astronomical clock created in Explore and discover the beauty of a truly marvelous city with some On Your Own time in Strasbourg.

8 OPTION B: Alsace Canoe Trip Enjoy a scenic canoe trip paddling on the Alsace waterways through the enchanting landscapes of this scenic region. OPTION B: Explore the Wine Caves of Cave Historique Des Hospices Discover wine caves in the medieval basements of Cave Historique Des Hospices, a hospital founded in In its wine museum, 40 ancient wine barrels mark the history of the region one containing wine from Enjoy wine tasting the fine Alsatian varieties that have been more recently put in barrels and then bottled right there in the caves. Lunch On Board the Ship Savor lunch highlighting Strasbourg s unique cuisine influenced by both the French and German cultures. Local beer and wine is also included. Refuel to be ready for the afternoon activities! Dinner On Board the Ship Return to the ship for a delectable evening meal, featuring local beer and wine. Afternoon Activity Choose one of these options for half-day activities in the afternoon: OPTION A: Take a French Macaron Baking Class Learn how to make delicious French macarons from the respected local chef on board the ship.

9 DAY 4: Mannheim, Germany Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations AmaMora Choose either the full-day activity or the half-day activity. Breakfast On Board the Ship Say hello to your fellow Adventurers as you get ready for the day ahead with a tasty breakfast. Full-Day Activity: Porsche Museum and Mercedes-Benz Museum with Lunch Take excursions to the Porsche Museum and Mercedes-Benz Museum and learn the history of these 2 legendary automobile companies. Both museums house a variety of extraordinary automobiles, offer insights into how they were designed and introduce concept cars that might inspire future models. Between museum visits, enjoy lunch amongst the locals with a view of the largest square in Stuttgart, Schlossplatz. Or Half-Day Activity OPTION A: Tour Heidelberg and the Famous Heidelberg Castle Visit Heidelberg Castle with a costumed guide telling you the fascinating history of this fortress and home of royalty, built in 1614 and considered an important Renaissance structure. Explore Heidelberg, Germany's oldest and most renowned university

10 town. Spend time on your own in Heidelberg, exploring the baroque buildings, shops and beautiful waterfronts. Lunch On Board the Ship or On Your Own Time in Heidelberg For those who didn t choose to participate in the full-day activity, enjoy lunch on board the ship, which features local beer and wine or On Your Own time in Heidelberg. Dinner On Board the Ship OPTION B: On Your Own Time in Mannheim Take your time and explore this modern city located where the Rhine and Neckar meet. Mannheim is nicknamed die Quadratestadt, or city of the squares, because it is laid out in a grid pattern. It is the home to the world s first bicycle and motorcar, as well as some beautiful parks. Return from a fun-filled day for a tasty dinner, featuring local beer and wine. Share stories of your experiences with your fellow Adventurers. Evening Entertainment Spaghetti Ice Cream Watch the famous spaghetti ice being made and then delight in tasting this spectacular ice cream dessert! Created in the 1960s, this scrumptious spaghetti-lookalike is made first by reimagining the pasta. Watch vanilla ice cream as it s pressed through a potato ricer to resemble spaghetti and then placed on a bed of whipped cream, with strawberry sauce poured over it to represent tomato sauce and almonds or shaved white chocolate sprinkled on top to look like parmesan cheese. Delizioso!

11 DAY 5: Rüdesheim, Germany Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations AmaMora Breakfast On Board the Ship Wake up to a delightful breakfast with fellow Adventurers. Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, which contains one of the largest collections of beautiful mechanical music boxes, giant pianos and other automated instruments, dating from the 18th to the 20th century. Morning Activity Options OPTION A: Biking Around Rüdesheim* Enjoy biking on your own through the quaint town of Rüdesheim and the surrounding wine country that is the birthplace of acclaimed pinot noir and Riesling wines. OPTION B: Adolf Störzel Vineyards Walk and Wine Tasting Discover the charm and beauty of the Adolf Störzel vineyards and walk amongst the grapes that produce some of the region s most unforgettable wines. Then, enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by soft pretzels inside the Bassenheimer Hof s cellar.

12 Lunch On Board the Ship Take a break between your morning and afternoon activities with a refreshing lunch, featuring local beer and wine. Afternoon Activity Options OPTION A: Biking Around Rüdesheim* Enjoy biking on your own through the quaint town of Rüdesheim and the surrounding wine country that is the birthplace of acclaimed pinot noir and Riesling wines. On Your Own Activity Options OPTION B: Adolf Störzel Vineyards Walk and Wine Tasting Discover the charm and beauty of the Adolf Störzel vineyards and walk amongst the grapes that produce some of the region s most unforgettable wines. Then, enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by soft pretzels inside the Bassenheimer Hof s cellar. OPTION A: Rüdesheim Gondola Ride to Niederwald Monument Be thrilled as you travel by gondola up to Niederwald Monument, a famous Germania monument that offers panoramic views of the Old Town, wine country and Rhine River. OPTION B: Rüdesheim Coffee-Tasting Explore Rüdesheim and stop to savor a cup of the famous local coffee. Iconic Castle Cruise Through the Rhine Gorge Behold 30 castles in all their magnificence! Sail through the Rhine Gorge, with the AmaMora's Cruise Manager commenting on the castles' fascinating history and offering insights about the area. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage, the beautiful Upper Middle Rhine Valley along the shoreline is splendid to behold. Also, participate in a Rüdesheimer coffee demonstration and tasting on the sun deck. Dinner On Board the Ship Enjoy another excellent dinner, delivered with flare by the ship's outstanding Chef and staff and featuring local beer and wine.

13 DAY 6: Cologne, Germany Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations AmaMora Breakfast On Board the Ship Enjoy an early morning breakfast on board with fellow Adventurers. Half-Day Activities Choose One of These Morning Options: OPTION A: Cologne Walking Tour, Leisure Visit to the Cologne Cathedral and Fragrance Museum Take a Cologne walking tour and explore this incredible 2,000-year old city, restored with Gothic architecture and abounding with churches, museums and galleries. Enjoy an on-your-own exploration of the famous Cologne Cathedral, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the storied history of fragrance and how traditional German eau de cologne is made on a privately guided tour. OPTION B: Cologne Walking Tour, Leisure Visit to the Cologne Cathedral and Chocolate Museum Take a Cologne walking tour and explore this incredible 2,000-year old city, restored with Gothic architecture and abounding with

14 churches, museums and galleries. Enjoy an on-your-own exploration of the famous Cologne Cathedral, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the history and culture of chocolate at your leisure on a self-guided tour of the Chocolate Museum. Enjoy tasting some amazing chocolate and creating your own chocolate bar. Cologne Pub Tour Take the Cologne Pub Tour and explore the fine beers of the region. Lunch On Board the Ship and Depart for Amsterdam Tapas are available beginning at noon for your enjoyment between excursions. A late lunch is served around 2:30 PM as the ship departs. Local beer and wine are included. Say goodbye to Cologne and head towards Amsterdam, continuing your picturesque voyage down the Rhine River. Afternoon Frühschoppen Take a break and enjoy a beer with sausages and pretzels as your Adventure Guides tell you about what lies ahead when you disembark tomorrow morning in Amsterdam. Dinner On Board the AmaMora As you cruise towards Amsterdam, savor a delectable dinner accompanied by local beer and wine, on board the ship.

15 DAY 7: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodations AmaMora Breakfast On Board the Ship Begin your day with a delicious breakfast and get ready for the adventures ahead. Amsterdam Canal Cruise Travel by boat along one of the 165 canals that are Amsterdam's lifeline. Along the way, view this 800-year-old city's famous historical center and some of its most memorable and beautiful attractions ancient churches, quaint canal houses, picturesque bridges, cobblestone streets and more. Morning Activity Choose One of These Options: OPTION A: Discover History at the Rijksmuseum Discover the art and history of Amsterdam in The Rijksmuseum. This national museum displays nearly 8,000 pieces of art dating from the 9th to 19th centuries. Housed in over 150 rooms in an impressive, gold-leaf building, magnificent fifteenth 15th to 17th century paintings are on display masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, among others. It also houses some outstanding 19th century works as well as a remarkable Asian collection. OPTION B: Visit the Van Gogh Museum with Painting Workshop Explore The Van Gogh Museum with over 1,000 paintings, drawings and letters of Vincent Van Gogh. This museum contains the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world. Learn about Van Gogh's personal history,

16 how conservators restored his paintings and more. Get an intimate view of some of his greatest masterpieces, including "Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom," as well as many works of his contemporaries. Then, express yourself in a painting workshop designed to bring out the artist in you! Lunch On Board the Ship Enjoy a relaxing lunch, along with local beer and wine, with your fellow Adventurers before you set off on your afternoon excursions. Afternoon Excursion: Countryside Visit to Volendam, a Fishing Village Tour the classic fishing village of Volendam, located near IJsselmeer Lake just outside of Amsterdam. With its beautiful harbor home to old fishing boats and residents who still wear traditional clothing such as pointed bonnets, it represents traditional life in The Netherlands. And See the Sights in Zaanse Schans, Decorate Your Own Clog and See a Cheese-Making Demonstration Take in the community of Zaanse Schans, located amidst a meadow landscape and appearing as if it's straight out of a child's storybook, with iconic wooden windmills and other structures that have been moved and reassembled here piece by piece to bring the history of this area to life. Feel welcomed by this community as you stroll past wooden houses, shops and museums. Try your hand at clog-decorating and see a cheese-making demonstration. Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party & Dinner On Board the Ship Join the Captain for one last cocktail party and scrumptious dinner, featuring local beer and wine. Say farewell to him and your fellow Adventurers and share the experiences you encountered on this magical adventure.

17 DAY 8: Amsterdam, The Netherlands Meal(s) Included: Breakfast Accommodations None Breakfast On Board the Ship Enjoy one last breakfast on the ship as you close your incredible adventure. Transfer to the Amsterdam Airport Schipol (AMS) Get assistance with your luggage and be escorted to your next stop to the Amsterdam Airport Schipol (AMS).

18 RHINE RIVER CRUISE VACATION TIPS PREPARING FOR YOUR ADVENTURE Required Travel Documentation If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a valid passport to enter Switzerland, France, Germany, and The Netherlands (Holland); and return to the United States. It must be valid for 6 months beyond your intended stay and have at least 2 blank pages remaining. Allow yourself sufficient time to have your application processed if you are applying for a new passport or renewing an expired passport. Visit the U.S. Department of State for more details. Note: You do not need a visa to travel to Switzerland, France, Germany, and The Netherlands (Holland) for less than 90 days, within each 180-day period. Guests 17 years of age or younger may be required to show additional documentation when traveling with a single parent. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the Consulates or Embassies of Switzerland, France, Germany and The Netherlands (Holland) for information on documentation requirements. What to Pack Please limit your baggage to one piece of luggage per person plus one carry-on. With frequent security changes, we recommend that you check with your air carrier as well as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for current restrictions. The following is a list of clothing and other items you may want to bring: Clothing T-shirts (short/long-sleeved) Collared shirts Jeans or long pants Dress/skirt (optional) Shorts Lightweight rain jacket Hat Swimsuit

19 Walking shoes Sandals Miscellaneous Valid photo ID Medication Camera/video camera Sunglasses Sunscreen Umbrella Extra batteries or charger for camera Weather The climate along the Rhine River is temperate and unpredictable. Please check the local weather at prior to traveling. Recommended Reading Discover more about this destination. Longitude Books offers great books and maps to help you get the most out of your travel. Choose from a selection of reading recommendations, prepared especially to enhance your Adventures by Disney vacation. The Adventures by Disney Vacation Protection Plan Protect your vacation investment with coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, reimbursement for trip delays, medical protection, baggage protection and 24-hour assistance. This inclusive travel insurance offered by Adventures by Disney is underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and is as easy as a phone call to learn more and purchase. Find out details about the Adventures by Disney Vacation Protection Plan. EN ROUTE Arrival/Departure Information Day Airport Code Arrival/Departure Time Arrival 1 BSL No later than 2:00 PM Departure 8 AMS Anytime (although Guests must check out of their staterooms by 9:00 AM) DURING YOUR ADVENTURE Currency The unit of currency in France, Germany and The Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). The unit of currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). ATM machines are available in most places along your adventure so you may obtain cash in the local currency. Most hotels and restaurants accept major credit cards or debit cards. Gratuities Adventures by Disney has taken care of gratuities for all included meals and activities, such as tips for porters, housekeepers, drivers, activity providers, local experts and all crew. Gratuities for your Adventure Guides and Cruise Manager are also included.

20 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I book my Adventures by Disney vacation? To book your vacation, please call our Reservation Center at (800) and speak with a Vacationista or contact your travel agent. If you are outside the U.S., please call (866) and speak with a Vacationista or contact your travel agent. What airport do I fly into and out of? ARRIVAL: On this itinerary, we will pick you up from Basel Airport (BSL) upon your arrival. Your flight should arrive no later than 2:00 PM.DEPARTURE: On the final day of the itinerary, we will transfer you to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Your flight may depart anytime. However, all Guests must check out of their staterooms by 9:00 AM. Are transfers included if I arrive or depart from different locations or at different times from the itinerary? No. Transfers are only included from the specified arrival/departure airports and hotels. Can I extend my vacation beyond the Adventures by Disney itinerary? Yes, you may stay in Basel before or Amsterdam after our itinerary. Extended stays are available at special rates if booked through Adventures by Disney Travel Services, Inc. in conjunction with a cruise package and cannot be combined with any other offer. Please contact a Vacationista at (800) for further information. How will our group travel between destinations? During this adventure, transportation between destinations is provided by private ship. Transportation to and from excursions is on private motor coaches. How strenuous are the activities? While this adventure is not considered physically strenuous, most days will include 2 or more hours of city walking, sometimes on uneven cobblestone streets. While nearly all of the trip's featured activities are gentle if examined separately, the full range of activities requires a moderate amount of stamina in order to get the

21 most of your vacation. What ages are appropriate for this adventure? Because of the nature of the Rhine River Cruise: Food and Wine, this is an adult exclusive cruise for ages 18+. If you have any questions, please call a Vacationista at (800) Is alcohol included with meals? Wine and beer are included during scheduled meals in the ship's dining room. Can you accommodate special dietary needs? Adventures by Disney will make a reasonable effort to accommodate some special dietary needs at no additional charge. Unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate all special dietary needs requested. Please contact a Vacationista at (800) in advance of your departure to advise us of your needs. Is this itinerary appropriate for travelers with special needs? Please note that this vacation includes activities that present certain challenges to Guests with special needs. It is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing assistance. Neither Adventures by Disney nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist Guests onto transportation vehicles. Contact a Vacationista at (800) to discuss your needs. What types of meals are served on this Adventures by Disney Trip? Typically, breakfast is buffet-style. Dinners and lunches usually include fish, meat and pasta or rice entrées; vegetables and salad; and desserts and fruit. Some meals on the trip are served buffet-style while others offer a limited-choice menu. Given the nature of group travel, we regret that à la carte menu choices may not always be available. Child-friendly choices are available at all meals, however. Menu items are subject to change due to the availability and seasonality of foods. If you have any questions or concerns about dining at any time during your vacation, your Adventure Guides will be happy to assist you. What if Adventures by Disney cancels the adventure prior to departure?

22 We will make every reasonable effort to operate the vacations as advertised; however, we reserve the right to curtail or modify the itinerary, or to substitute activities, hotels, meals or transportation as we deem necessary. We further reserve the right to reduce the number of Adventure Guides to one, and to modify other services to accommodate a smaller group, if a minimum number of Guests is not reached. Similarly, we may marginally exceed the stated group maximum size if necessary to accommodate a family. Please also note that during certain holidays and peak periods, some activities may be disrupted or unavailable. None of these modifications or changes shall affect the land package price. We reserve the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to its commencement for any reason, such as if there are too few Guests, or if the quality of the trip or the safety of the Guests would, in our opinion, be compromised, such as may result from unforeseen circumstances (acts of God) or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control. If we cancel your trip prior to its commencement because there are too few Guests: (i) we will attempt to re-book you on another departure of the same itinerary, subject to availability, and we will bear any reasonable airline re-booking charges; however, if we are unable to rebook you, we will issue a full refund of your land package price and Plan (unless you have filed a claim); and (ii) if you booked airfare through us, we will issue a full refund of your airfare; and (iii) if you did not book airfare through us, we will reimburse you for your reasonable out-of-pocket (subject to proof) airline cancellation charges or, in the case of bookings using frequent flier miles, a reasonable cancellation service fee, provided you have exercised best efforts to mitigate such charges/fees; and (iv) the aforesaid payments. Is travel insurance available? Yes, you can protect your vacation investment by adding the Adventures by Disney Vacation Protection Plan to your reservation. Get details about the Adventures by Disney Vacation Protection Plan.