Compare The Rhine and Moselle - Southbound 2023 by Tauck vs From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River by CroisiEurope

Day 1 Arrive Amsterdam

Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Amsterdam. A transfer is included from Amsterdam's Schiphol International Airport or Centraal Station directly to your riverboat. Your cruise on the Moselle and Rhine rivers begins when all guests check in at 4:00 PM. After a Discovery briefing, cocktail hour and a welcome dinner aboard ship, enjoy a musical performance in the lounge. Welkom aan boord!

MEALS : D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 2 A canal cruise in Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum

Enjoy a choice of excursions in Amsterdam today – your first choice is a visit to the famed Rijksmuseum, home to one of the world's most important collections of artwork by the Dutch Masters. Another option is a guided tour through the Dutch countryside with a visit to a tulip and vegetable nursery. You may return to the ship for lunch or remain in town. Following an afternoon at leisure, join us tonight for a Welcome Briefing followed by dinner in the Compass Rose followed by a special performance in the Panorama Lounge. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Day 3 Nijmegen and a day of choices

Disembark in Arnhem for your of excursions. Visit the art-filled Kröller-Müller Museum in De Hoge Veluwe National Park or join our local guide for a bicycle ride through the rolling parklands. This afternoon, drive to Arnhem for a visit to the Airborne Museum, rich with World War II history. Rejoin your riverboat in Nijmegen late afternoon.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

Day 4 Day of sailing and a castle dinner

A day of cruising awaits you today ahead of a very special evening. This evening, you're off to Engelskirchen for a visit to its neighboring castle, Schloss Ehreshoven. Built in the 14th Century and later expanded in the style of a grand Baroque manor house, the estate is surrounded by a moat, landscaped gardens, and a castle park. Schloss Ehreshoven is frequently used as a film location but this evening it's the elegant setting for a Tauck Exclusive cocktail reception and dinner with entertainment. Return to the ship late tonight to continue your cruise.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

Day 5 Historic Köln & a relaxing afternoon cruising

Spend the morning exploring the historic German city of Köln (Cologne), where you'll enjoy a choice of city tours with a local guide through the Old Town, with one option offering you the chance to explore a preserved World War II bunker! Return to your ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon cruising along the Rhine.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Köln, Germany

Day 6 Cochem, Reichsburg Castle & Moselle cruising

Arrive early this morning in Cochem, a jewel of a town complete with a Baroque town hall and ancient town gates – breathing in its historic charm and ambiance. Stepping ashore in this Moselle Valley town is like stepping into the pages of a medieval fairy tale. Explore Cochem either on a guided walking tour accompanied with a visit to picture-perfect 1,000-year-old Reichsburg Castle, which looks down on Cochem's quaint market square or on a bicycle ride to the town of Senheim, where you'll learn about the area's centuries-old winemaking traditions with a tasting of the excellent locally produced vintages. Return to your riverboat for an afternoon of cruising. Enjoy onboard commentary about the Moselle River, when your riverboat diverges from the Rhine as it leaves Cochem. Your ship arrives early this evening in the town of Traben-Trarbach.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Cochem, Germany

Day 7 A choice of activities in Luxembourg or Traben-Trarbach

Dock this morning in Traben-Trarbach and set off for a choice of excursions. On one, you're off on a journey to the tiny Grand Duchy of Luxembourg starting with a visit to the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; where over 5,000 American casualties of World War II's Battle of the Bulge lie buried here, as does General George S. Patton, followed by a walking tour of Luxembourg's well-preserved old town including the Cathedral, Parliament, the Palace of the Grand Duke, and centuries-old battlements that are today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, enjoy some time in the charming spa town of Traben-Trarbach, where you have the choice of an orientation tour – or a guided bicycle ride along the Moselle River. Dinner tonight is back aboard your ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Day 8 A walking tour of Trier and time in Traben-Trarbach

On an excursion to Trier, enjoy a guided walking tour where you'll discover an ancient city that lays claim as being one of the oldest in Germany – during a walking tour that includes both medieval treasures and sites dating back to Roman times, from a 2nd-century city gate and the 4th-century basilica to a 16th-century fountain featuring images of St. Peter. Reboard your riverboat for an afternoon of classic river cruising, watching the scenery slip by from the Sun Deck as your riverboat glides along the Moselle; enjoy dinner aboard ship tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Trier, Germany

Day 9 A day cruising along the Moselle

A wonderful day of cruising along the Moselle awaits today. Following dinner this evening, your ship arrives in the town of Koblenz, where you may join your Tauck Director on a walk into town.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

Day 10 Boppard & the Lorelei

Tauck's Rhine-Moselle river cruise departs the Moselle today and returns to the Rhine, arriving in Boppard for your choice of a two-hour bicycling excursion along the Rhine or, stay on the riverboat as it glides through the Middle Rhine Valley, listening to the legend of the Lorelei and discover for yourself why this beautiful part of the river – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – has inspired composers, writers and artists for centuries. Have lunch onboard, and gain insights on the Lorelei Valley and legends associated with the many castles you'll pass on your way through the region from your Tauck Director. Enjoy dinner aboard ship tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Boppard, Germany

Day 11 Historic Heidelberg Castle or a winery visit & tasting

Enjoy a day in the historic college town of Heidelberg, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe as well as the setting for the famous operetta, The Student Prince, or visit a centuries-old family winery for a tour and tasting. In Heidelberg, take a walking tour for a close-up look at the Old Town, and ride a funicular up to the imposing Heidelberger Schloss, perched 300 feet above the city; view its examples of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Perhaps you'll be as captivated by this lovely old city as America's first travel writer, Mark Twain, was when he spent three months here with his family. Enjoy lunch at a local brewery in the heart of the old town with free time to explore. Alternatively, visit the Karl Schaefer winery for a tour, tasting and a light lunch before returning to the ship for an evening of cruising.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Heidelberg, Germany

Day 12 The Black Forest spa town of Baden-Baden or Stuttgart

Stuttgart enjoys a reputation as an industrial powerhouse; a cradle of both the automobile and motorcycle industries in the 19th century, it's the corporate headquarters of both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. But the city also possesses a charming, small-town atmosphere, tucked into an inviting urban landscape of historic sites, lakes, parks, gardens, vineyards and forests. Your excursion features a walking tour of the city's historic center, where you'll see the restored Altes Schloss (Old Castle), most of which dates to the 15th century, and its inner courtyard; the palatial 18th-century Neues Schloss (New Castle), completely rebuilt after nearly being burned to the ground during WWII. Later, you'll explore the Porsche Museum – a dazzling ultramodern showcase featuring more than 80 vehicles on display, ranging from some of designer Ferdinand Porsche's earliest models to concept cars, prototypes and Porsches of the present, in exhibits that chronicle the history of the legendary car company. As an alternate option, travel by coach to the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden where you'll discover that the elegant Belle Èpoque period is still alive and well. For many generations, wealthy folks have flocked here to see and be seen, and to take the healing thermal waters for which the town is famous. Join us on a walking tour and time spent on your own discovering some of the town's treasures ranging from the ruins of Roman baths to the ornate, 250-year-old Belle Èpoque casino, the Kurhaus, which movie star Marlene Dietrich once described as "the most beautiful casino in the world." You'll also have an optional opportunity to visit the Caracalla Spa in town before returning to the riverboat for the evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Baden-Baden, Germany

Day 13 A taste of France, past and present, in old Strasbourg

Your Rhine cruise continues today to stunning Strasbourg, France – the seat of the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights, as well as the capital of the historic Alsace region. You'll see the Parliament buildings and step back in time to discover La Petite France, noted for its medieval half-timbered houses set beside lovely canals, on your choice of a walking tour or a small group excursion off the beaten path to unique local shops. While visiting the famous Gothic Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, you'll be inspired by the graceful, expressive statuary of the Pilier des Anges (Pillar of Angels), and the magnificent stained glass windows. Spend free time this afternoon exploring the "crossroads of Europe" as you wish before returning to the riverboat.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Strasbourg, France

Day 14 Basel or Rhine Falls and a farewell dinner

The Tauck Difference in European river cruising is all about where you go, what you do, and who you meet on your shore excursions – and today, you have a choice! First choice is spending the day in Basel, a beautiful city on the banks of the Rhine River. You'll get a good overview on a brief sightseeing tour that is followed by a walking tour in the Old Town – see the bright-red Rathaus, Basel's Town Hall. After lunch, explore more of one of Europe's most attractive and best-preserved Old Towns on your own, perhaps taking in one of the city's 40 museums. Your second choice is a trip to the town of Schaffhausen for an excursion to the Rhine Falls, the largest plain waterfall in Europe, which you'll experience on a boat ride. Return to the ship in Basel; this evening, bid the captain and crew a fond adieu at the ship's farewell reception followed by dinner aboard the riverboat as your Rhine cruise concludes.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Basel, Switzerland

Day 15 Journey Home

Tour ends: Basel. Fly home anytime. Upon disembarking the riverboat (no later than 9:00 AM), transfers are included to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg or Basel's SBB train station; guests can also transfer to Zürich Airport or Zurich Hauptbahnhof (train station). Please allow 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

LODGING : ms Grace

PORTOFCALL : Basel, Switzerland

Day 1 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll enjoy dinner on board.

Day 2 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)

This morning, we offer two excursions depending on your package.CLASSIC package: Panoramic tour of the city and a visit to a diamond merchant. Amsterdam is one of the most unique and extraordinary cities in the world. Enjoy a highlight tour of all the major sites, including the tallest windmill in the Netherlands, the De Gooyer. We’ll then heading over to the dazzling floating flower market. DISCOVERY package: An off-the-beaten-path bike tour of Amsterdam. We’ll leave on foot to head to the bike rental office. Once equipped, we'll set out on a bike tour to discover places only the locals know about. As we ride, we’ll pass in front of many famous monuments and sites, including Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Anne Frank House, Nieuwmarkt, the Rembrandt House Museum, and much more!This afternoon, join us for an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Keukenhof Gardens.(1)(only on pre-booking before departure) Tour the beautiful spring gardens at your own pace. Don’t forget to visit the Orchid House, the Japanese Garden, and the 19th-century windmill on the edge of the tulip fields! Keukenhof also contains the works of 25 artists. To make your visit more active, you can take a boat trip through the fields or bike ride through the surrounding area.During the off-season, we’ll visit Haarlem instead.We’ll return on board in Amsterdam. Join us for an evening of dancing in the lounge. Our ship will cruise to Nijmegen overnight.

Day 2 AMSTERDAM or surroundings(3)

This morning, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided panoramic tour of Amsterdam.DISCOVERY: Bike tour of Amsterdam in search of its most secret and unique locations.In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Visit the Keukenhof Gardens(1)(only on pre-booking before departure). Outside the opening dates of the park, guided tour of Haarlem.We'll return on board in Amsterdam for an evening of dancing. Our ship will cruise to Nijmegen through the night.

Day 3 NIJMEGEN

Join us on an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Netherlands Open-Air Museum in Arnhem. This national museum focuses on the everyday life of Dutch people throughout the country’s history and includes old homes, farms, and factories from different regions. You can stroll through the attraction at your own pace or take the authentic trams.Our ship will cruise to  Cologne overnight. Enjoy an evening of entertainment on board.

Day 3 NIJMEGEN

This morning, join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of the open-air museum in Arnhem.Our ship will cruise to  Cologne overnight. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Day 4 COLOGNE - KOBLENZ

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Cologne, the crossroads of Europe since the Middle Ages. We’ll see the immense, Gothic cathedral—the tallest twin-spire church in the world and the most visited landmark in Germany. We'll then head over to the Old Town to stroll the streets and pass in front of the famous Farina Fragrance Museum. Our ship will start to cruise up the Rhine to Koblenz early this morning. Enjoy a stroll to see the famous Deutsches Eck.

Day 4 COLOGNE - KOBLENZ

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Cologne. Our cruise will then continue along the Rhine to Koblenz. In the evening, enjoy a stroll to see the famous Deutsches Eck.

Day 5 KOBLENZ - MAINZ

We’ll cruise to Mainz in the early morning, traveling through the magnificent Rhine Valley.Excursion for both packages: Tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum. This tour on foot will take us to the city’s magnificent cathedral. We’ll then stroll down the picturesque streets of the Old City to the Gutenberg Museum.Join us for an evening of dancing in the lounge. Our ship will begin to cruise to Strasbourg.

Day 5 KOBLENZ - MAINZ

We'll cruise up the most beautiful part of the Rhine River all the way to Mainz. Join us for the excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum.Enjoy an evening of dancing after dinner. Our ship will cruise to Strasbourg through the night.

Day 6 STRASBOURG - BREISACH

We’ll arrive in Strasbourg in the afternoon.Excursion for both packages: Boat tour of Strasbourg and a visit to its cathedral (only on pre-booking before departure). Like many European cities, Strasbourg has a striking mix of architecture that includes a broad range of traditional structures next to bold modern designs.After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. Our ship will begin to cruise to Breisach. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 6 STRASBOURG - BREISACH

We'll arrive in Strasbourg in the afternoon. Excursion for both packages: Boat tour of Strasbourg and a visit to its cathedral (only on pre-booking before departure).We'll return on board after our tour and cruise to Breisach. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.

Day 7 BREISACH - BASEL

This afternoon, join us for an excursion for both packages: A guided tour of Colmar and the Unterlinden Museum.(2) Colmar is a colorful city bursting with Alsatian charm. We’ll spend time in the romantic Little Venice neighborhood before visiting the Unterlinden Museum. The museum exhibits span 7,000 years—from prehistoric times to modern art. The most regarded masterpiece in its collection is the polyptych by artists Niclaus of Haguenau and Grünewald.We’ll begin to cruise to Basel. Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 7 BREISACH - BASEL

This afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Colmar and the Unterlinden Museum(2).Afterwards, we'll cruise to Basel. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Day 8 BASEL

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.