Rhine River Cruise in Tulip Season

Rhine River Cruise in Tulip Season

Tours Starts: Frankfurt, Germany

Tours Ends: Dusseldorf, Germany

Day 1

Depart US

Day 2

Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany

Welcome to Germany, where your journey begins! If you purchased airline tickets through YMT Vacations, a friendly representative will welcome you at the airport and transport you to your hotel in Frankfurt, a truly charming international city full of museums, shops, and restaurants that cater to English speakers. The evening is yours to enjoy until guests are invited to sit down for a delicious dinner at the hotel. Get acquainted with your traveling companions and learn about the exciting days ahead. (D)

Intercity Frankfurt Hotel or similar

Day 3

Frankfurt to Bonn

Enjoy a morning tour of Frankfurt, where you see the Römer, a medieval building that has served as Frankfurt’s city hall for over 600 years; Frankfurt Cathedral, an example of Gothic Roman Catholic architecture; and St. Paul's Church. Keep an eye to the skyline: 14 out of 15 of Germany’s tallest buildings can be found in Frankfurt. Enjoy lunch on your own in Bonn, the charming former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of legendary composer Ludwig van Beethoven. (B)

Hilton Bonn or similar

Day 4

Embarkation in Cologne (Departs at 4:00 PM)

Take a morning trip to Königswinter, a nearby mountain resort area. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll, or you can enjoy an optional funicular ride to the posh Schloss Drachenburg, a private villa built in the late 1800s and styled to look like the ultimate fairytale palace. Surrounded by lush gardens bordered by a dense forest, you’d be wise to keep your eyes peeled for long-haired maidens and lovesick princes. Embark on the A-Rosa Silva this evening, which boasts delicious food, a casual atmosphere, comfortable cabins, and incredible views. (B)

COG RAILWAY TO SCHLOSS DRACHENBURG:

Take the Drachenfels Railway (cog railway) and spend the morning exploring the enchanting Schloss Drachenburg. $45 p/p. Please add this option at time of booking. Requires a 5 minute walk from station to castle.

Days 5 & 6

Antwerp, Belgium (2:30 PM – Next Day 4:00 PM)

Rich in art and culture, Antwerp is also known as the “Diamond City” due to its role in the global diamond trade. Its sprawling diamond district covers a full mile, and is where approximately 84% of the world’s rough diamonds are cut. Antwerp is nearly as good at food as precious gems. The city is particularly enjoyable for foodies thanks to the many tasty Belgian specialties on offer–including waffles, chocolates, and the legendarily tasty Belgian fries—be sure to try them with a wide variety of dipping sauces! History buffs love Antwerp, as well. It is packed with innovative museums, including the Museum Plantin-Moretus, devoted to printing and the only museum in the world that is itself recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors will also enjoy The Museum aan de Stroom, or MAS, a unique museum-gallery whose 10th floor observation deck offers the best views in the city. Antwerp’s historic buildings include the Antwerp Zoo, which opened in 1843 and is one of the world’s oldest zoos; Renaissance-style City Hall, which dates back to the 16th century; and most famously, the 14th century Cathedral of Our Lady.

Day 7

Amsterdam, Netherlands (8:30 AM – 6:30 PM)

Today we continue to the magical city of Amsterdam. Discover the charm of the renowned Amsterdam canals, which provide an ideal vantage point to see the city's wonderful architecture. The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is widely considered to be one of Europe’s most sophisticated cities. Take an included trip to the breathtaking Keukenhof Flower Garden in nearby Lisse to enjoy one of the world’s largest flower gardens. This 79-acre oasis is planted with 7 million bulbs annually. It is most famous for its tulips, but the colorful springtime bloom also highlights hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations, and irises.

Day 8

Düsseldorf, Germany (4:30 PM – 11:00 PM)

Spend the day in Düsseldorf, a riverfront village that over the past century has transformed into one of Germany’s best-loved cities. It is the heart of the country’s media and fashion industries, and you will see many sharply dressed locals during your free time this afternoon and evening. If you want to experience the German version of British tea time, take a seat in a cafe and enjoy a leisurely kaffee und kuchen, or coffee and cake. You can’t go wrong with a big slice of streuselkuchen, or streusel cake, the most traditional option.

Day 9

Cologne, Germany (Disembark at 6:00 AM)

After disembarking this morning, your day continues with an informative city tour of Cologne, one of Germany’s most important metropolitan regions. You'll learn about how this former Roman province and influential medieval and Renaissance era trade base was nearly wiped out during WWII. Virtually all of Cologne’s buildings were built after the war, and the landscape is characterized by simple and modest post-war buildings, with just a few pre-war buildings that were either rebuilt or miraculously untouched during Allied air raids. Don’t miss the spectacularly spired Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, which was rebuilt after the war and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany’s most visited landmark. While you’re here, we recommend partaking in Kölsch, Cologne’s official beer, served in a traditional 200ml glass, called a Stangen, while you’re here. “Zum wohl” means “to your health,” and is a very common toast. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a delicious included farewell feast overnight in Dusseldorf. (D)

Wyndham Garden or similar

Day 10

Depart for US from Düsseldorf (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. 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 tours 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.