Romantic Rhine and Mosel River Cruise 2013

Highlights

• Experience the Rhine and Mosel Rivers by cruising through the heart of central Europe aboard out exclusively chartered river vessel MS Amadeus Princess.
• Overnight accommodations in Lucerne, Switzerland and an included walking tour.
• After boarding, unpack just once in your comfortable outside stateroom.
• Included shore excursions escorted by local English-speaking guides in Lucerne, Strasbourg, Boppard and Cochem
• Explore beautiful Reichsburg Castle on an included excursion.
• Included narrated canal cruise in Amsterdam.
• Enhanced touring experience with the use of a personal audio headphone system.
• Narrated cruising through the UNESCO World Heritage Region of the Rhine River Valley including the legendary Lorelei Rock.
• All meals included onboard. Enjoy a variety of international cuisines. All four-course dinners are served with complimentary regional wines. Afternoon tea and snacks are served daily in the lounge.
• Comfortably furnished lounge and bar area with large sofas and large picture windows.
• Evening piano music in the lounge.
• Enjoy local cultural entertainment onboard.
• French balconies featured on Strauss and Mozart Decks
• 22 Meals (8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 8 dinners)
• Airport transfers when air is provided by Mayflower
• International Cruise Director and Mayflower Tours expert staff onboard, plus local guides for shore excursions
• $50 in Mayflower Money

Description

Welcome Aboard!

You’ll feel a sense of adventure as you imagine the historic events that occurred along these rivers where the ever-changing scenes of castles, kingdoms and cathedrals unfold before your eyes. From the comfort of a cozy lounge or out on the Sun Deck, cruise on two rivers that have determined the course of European history. From Basel, Switzerland, cruise through France, Germany and The Netherlands as the Rhine River meanders its course. Admire centuries-old architecture, marvel at some of the world’s most dramatic river scenery and explore charming historic towns and villages. Cruise the beautiful Mosel River with its steep valleys rich in vineyards which produce some of the finest wines in the world.

Lucerne, Switzerland - The Historic Center of the “True” Switzerland

Once a simple fishermen's village, Lucerne is a picturesque town surrounded by mountains and meadows, whose name means “Alpine Splendor”. Your vacation begins with an overnight in Lucerne and an included walking tour. See the highlights including the city’s landmark, the famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge with its paintings of heroic town events, that crosses the Ruess River. See the 17th-century Renaissance Town Hall, town squares and the Lion Monument, all set amongst the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps.

Strasbourg - Capital of the Alsace Region

Between France and Germany lies lovely Strasbourg, with its monumental cathedral featuring carvings as delicate as any piece of lacework. Strasbourg is one of Europe’s most attractive cities. Culturally influenced by both countries and the seat of the European Parliament, your included city tour features the charming and fascinating Old Quarter, “La Petite France” with its typical Alsatian half-timbered houses and the magnificent gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock.

Speyer/Heidelberg

Take an optional excursion to Heidelberg, famous for its red-walled 16th-century castle. With its picture-postcard houses and maze of roofs, Heidelberg represents the essence of German Romanticism. Enjoy free time before returning to the vessel.

Rüdesheim - One of the Rhine’s Most Delightful Towns

Nature and history have left a rich heritage here in the wine-growing Rheingau region whose origins date back to pre-Roman times. The inescapable romanticism of the Rhine, the historic palaces and ancient castles, excellent Riesling and Pinot Noir wines, together with Rüdesheim’s famous hospitality and conviviality give the town a very distinctive atmosphere. Home to three medieval castles, Rüdesheim provides a fascinating look through German history. See Market Square and aristocratic mansions. Stop in a beer hall or wine tavern on the lively Drosselgasse, filled with music and song, and sample the best of genuine Rhine hospitality.

Boppard

Boppard lies in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage area of the upper part of the Middle Rhine. Its history dates back to the Romans and the finest preserved Roman fortifications in all of Germany can be seen. In the Middle Ages it became an important commercial and shipping center and therefore the town has an historic marketplace and many fine historic mansions along the Rhine promenade. Enjoy an included walking tour of this quaint, historic town.

Cochem - Cozy Wine Taverns

Along the beautiful Mosel River, countless vineyards with varying shades of green and squares of grapevines unfold before your eyes. Cochem, rated one of the prettiest villages along the Mosel, is best known for its fortified gates, pastel-colored or half-timbered buildings, Baroque towers and vintages of Mosel Riesling wine. Enjoy an included guided tour of the 19th-century Reichsburg Castle with its many spires and mighty brick walls that provide contrast to the surrounding lush vegetation.

Cologne - One of Germany’s oldest cities

When you visit 2,000-year-old Cologne, the largest city in Germany during the Middle Ages, you're sure to be enchanted by the blend of Romanesque churches, simple post-war buildings, and classic modern architecture. On an optional excursion take a drive around this beautiful city, where perfumed water was first created and Cologne gets its name. Visit the magnificent cathedral, the largest in Germany, which took 600 years to construct and serves as the symbol of the city. In the cathedral, see the Shrine of the Three Magi, a masterpiece of goldsmith artistry.

Amsterdam, Holland – The “Venice of the North”

With its winding tree-shaded canals, ornately gabled 16th-century townhouses, hundreds of bridges and tulips everywhere, Amsterdam is a garden of earthly delights. Like the diamonds that make it famous, Amsterdam shines with works of the world’s greatest artists. Mayflower also includes a narrated canal cruise where you get a view of the city from a different perspective as you pass historic buildings, lovely townhomes and churches from water level.

Keukenhof Gardens

Join us for an optional excursion to Keukenhof, also called the “Garden of Europe.” Known throughout the world for its open-air flower exhibition only two months a year, admire gorgeous flowers at the height of tulip season.

Day-by-Day

Accommodations

Lodging

Day Two

Hotel Flora or similar, Lucerne, Switzerland

Days Three through Nine

Aboard the MS Amadeus Princess

Deck Plan

Ship Details

MS Amadeus Princess

The 158-passenger fully air-conditioned MS Amadeus Princess is a gracious river cruise ship with an elegant touch. The interior is decorated with wood and contemporary furnishings and its warm colors and comfortable furniture offer a very inviting atmosphere. Attentive onboard staff takes care of your needs to ensure your comfort and enjoyment throughout the cruise.

Comfortable, Well-appointed Staterooms

After boarding, unpack only once. All staterooms onboard offer excellent outside views. The Mozart and Strauss decks feature suites and staterooms with French balconies. Staterooms on the Haydn Deck have a window. Each luxury stateroom is fully equipped with comfortable furnishings which include color television, individual heating/air conditioning controls, safe, telephone and a private bathroom with shower. Bathtubs are available in the suites on the Mozart Deck.

All Meals Included Onboard

Three meals daily are served graciously at one leisurely single seating in the exquisite dining room and feature local and international specialties. All dinners are four courses and are Stateroom served with complimentary regional wines. While dining, you have splendid views of the passing scenic landscapes through the large picture windows. You’ll find complimentary coffee and tea served throughout the day in the lounge. Enjoy a special treat of afternoon and late evening snacks daily in the lounge.

Ample Public Spaces

The classic and inviting main lounge has large picture windows and is furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs. It is one of the many ideal places from where guests may choose to enjoy this unique river cruise. The cozy, full-service bar and dance floor is a welcoming area of the main lounge. A wide range of drinks awaits you, and the bar staff ensures that the glasses are full and the ambience is convivial. The open Sun Deck offers a putting green, walking track and affords panoramic views of the ever changing scenery along the banks of the rivers.

A musician will entertain each evening enhancing the classic environment and relaxed atmosphere aboard the ship. Unique entertainment such as dancers or musicians will be scheduled in the lounge. A gift shop offers both sundries and souvenirs and the Amadeus Club has an internet station available for your convenience.

Wellness Center

A fitness center, massage area and hairdresser are available to enhance your relaxation onboard and provide rejuvenation and comfort.

Dates & Rates

* This departure operates from Zurich, Switzerland to Amsterdam, The Netherlands

All staterooms are outside with private bathroom and shower, hair dryer, radio, television, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, safe and telephone.

† Staterooms on this deck and suites feature French balconies

Call for air rates and schedules from your city to or from Zurich, Switzerland and to or from Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Destination Map