Rhine River Cruise in Tulip Season

Visit Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and France on this relaxing river cruise. See the vineyards of Rüdesheim, and the canals of Amsterdam. Explore delightful museums, sprawling flower gardens, and much more, as you glide along one of the world’s most beautiful waterways.

During your time in Amsterdam, you will be engulfed by the sweet smell of countless blooms at the Bloemenmarkt floating flower market. You will also see the 79-acre Keukenhof flower garden’s thousands of blooming tulips.

You’ll find yourself in Cologne on your final day of the tour. It’s traditional to raise a glass of Kölsch beer and toast to your fellow travelers’ health!

Check out our Travel Blog for more tips and ideas for your Rhine River tour!

Add-Ons

3-In-1 Shore Excursion Package

Explore more of Germany and Amsterdam with this value-packed add-on that features three tours

Tour Includes

4 Countries

• Germany
• Belgium
• France
• Netherlands

Sightseeing

• Frankfurt
• Strasbourg
• Rudesheim
• Cologne
• Amsterdam
• Brussels

Cruise Accommodations

• 5 Nights
• River cruise aboard the ms L’Europe

Hotel Accommodations

• 3 Nights
• Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy

Meals

• All meals and select drinks onboard ship
• 3 Breakfasts and 3 Dinners on land portion

Service

• A professionally trained English-speaking local tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.

Baggage Handling

• To and from your hotel room and cruise ship cabin throughout your  tour for one piece of Checked Baggage per person.

Rhine River Cruise in Tulip Season

Tour Starts:

Frankfurt, Germany

Tour Ends:

Frankfurt, Germany

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Day 1

Depart for Germany

Overnight in flight

Day 2

Arrive in Frankfurt

If you purchased airline tickets from YMT, a representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to the hotel. This evening, relax on your own and get to know your fellow travelers over an included welcome dinner at your hotel, and learn about the days ahead. (D)

Intercity Frankfurt Airport Hotel or similar

Day 3

Frankfurt City Tour, Strasbourg, and Embarkation (6:00 PM)

Today begins with a guided tour of Frankfurt, a charming city full of museums, shops, and restaurants that cater to English speakers. See Frankfurt Cathedral, a great example of Gothic Roman Catholic architecture; St. Paul’s Church, where President Kennedy made a stirring speech in 1963; and the Römer, a medieval building that has served as Frankfurt’s city hall for over 600 years. We’ll continue to Strasbourg where you will have time for lunch and to explore on your own, and then embark on the ms L’Europe. Settle in and enjoy dinner onboard as we set sail. (B, D)

Day 4

Mannheim (8am-9am), Nierstein (1pm-2pm), Rudesheim (arrive 4pm)

Spend the day visiting three enchanting riverside towns. Start in Mannheim, known for the dazzling Mannheim Palace and for being the birthplace of the automobile and the bicycle. Next, see the stunning wine capitals of Nierstein and Rüdesheim. In Rüdesheim, visit Brömserburg Castle, a tenth century fortress converted into a wine museum. You may choose to join the optional excursion package which today includes, Heidelberg, home to a beautiful baroque old town, Germany’s oldest university, and Heidelberg Castle. It is one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. (B, L, D)

Day 5

Depart Rudeshiem (8 AM), Cologne (4 PM - midnight)

Today we cruise to Cologne. It is home to Cologne Cathedral, which was built in 1164 and is one of Germany’s most visited landmarks. (B, L, D)

Day 6

Amsterdam (arrive 5 PM)

You’ll arrive at the magical city of Amsterdam late afternoon. Discover the charm of the renowned Amsterdam canals, which provide an ideal vantage point to see

the city’s wonderful architecture. There are four large canals surrounding the center—the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Singel canals. The Singel

river was transformed into a canal in the 14th century to become part of the city’s defensive belt, while the other three were conceived at the beginning of the

Golden Age as a means to expand the city. The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is widely considered to be one of Europe’s most sophisticated cities. (B, L, D)

Day 7

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the world’s most extraordinary cities, and it is largely evident in the way it celebrates its past. For a perfect example, look no further than the De

Gooyer Windmill, which at 87 feet is the tallest wooden mill in the Netherlands. It is the last of a large group of corn mills built between the 17th and 19th centuries

on the bastions of the city walls. Included in your tour is a visit to the 79 acre Keukenhof flower garden, where you will enjoy the sights and scents of tulips in bloom. Amsterdam is also the ultimate destination for art lovers. During your free time here, perhaps visit some of the museums devoted to Vincent van Gogh, modern street art, and contemporary art. Be sure not to miss one of the finest museums in the world, the 200-year-old Rijksmuseum. It is filled with spectacular works from Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and of course, van Gogh. (B, L, D)

Note: Ship will dock in Amsterdam or surroundings, dependent on port authorities

Day 8

Disembarkation in Amsterdam and Brussels City Tour (9:00 AM)

Disembark in Amsterdam this morning and travel to Brussels for a tour of its most famous landmarks (included). Explore the historic Grand Place, the quirky Manneken Pis, and the Atomium, as well as cultural institutions such as La Monnaie, and the Royal Museums of Art and History. Boasting cafes, museums, and flower markets, Brussels is a fantastic city to explore. Let your mind wander as you take in one of Europe’s most welcoming capitals. (B, D)

Bedford Hotel or similar

Day 9

Cologne City Tour and Frankfurt

On another guided tour today we discover Cologne, a former Roman province and influential medieval and Renaissance-era trade base that was nearly wiped out during WWII. Virtually all of the city’s buildings were built after the war, and the landscape is characterized by simple and modest buildings, with just a few that were miraculously untouched during Allied air raids. Don’t miss the spectacularly spired Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, we recommend partaking in Kölsch, Cologne’s official beer, served in a traditional 200ml glass called a Stangen. “Zum wohl” means “to your health,” and is a very common toast. Your evening ends in Frankfurt with a farewell dinner (included). (B, D)

Intercity Frankfurt Airport or similar

Day 10

Depart for Home (B)

OPTION: 3 Shore excursion package -Heidelberg City Tour, Rudesheim Wine Tasting & Museum, Amsterdam City Tour – Call for pricing

** ship will dock in Amsterdam or surroundings, dependent on port authorities.

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

FAQs

Add-Ons

Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Call us for pricing, and remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Here are the pricing guidelines for reference:
$ – Less than $100 USD
$$ – Between $100 and $200 USD
$$$ – More than $200 USD

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3-In-1 Shore Excursion Package

Explore more of Germany and The Netherlands with this value-packed add-on that features three experiences: Guided Tour of Heidelberg and its Castle, Vineyard and Museum in Rudesheim, and Amsterdam City Tour.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of Heidelberg Castle’s outdoor and the old city. Pass by the Church of the Holy Spirit, the most famous church in Heidelberg, and take advantage of some free time to wander through the streets and shops before returning on board.
• Narrated ride through Rüdesheim vineyards aboard a mini-train, guided tour of Siegfried’s Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments and leisure time to explore the city on your own
• Panoramic tour of Amsterdam with stops to take pictures and free time to explore on your own

Note: Our price for the optional shore excursion package offers a fantastic value. Excursion package tours cannot be sold individually.

Duration: Varies

Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

Price: $$$