Rhine River Cruise in Tulip Season

Rhine River Cruise in Tulip Season

Tours Starts: Frankfurt, Germany

Tours Ends: Frankfurt, Germany

Day 1

Depart for Germany

Overnight in flight

Day 2

Arrive in Frankfurt

Welcome to Deutschland! 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, where you will learn about the days ahead. (D)

Frankfurt Airport Hotel or similar

Day 3

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

Today begins with a guided tour of Frankfurt, a charming international 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. Next, stop in enchanting Heidelberg for lunch on your own. Home to a beautiful baroque old town, Germany's oldest university, and the stunning Heidelberg Castle, it is one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations. We'll then continue to Strasbourg to embark the ms Beethoven. Settle in on the Beethoven and enjoy dinner onboard as you sail to Iffezheim. (B)

Day 4

Rüdesheim to Koblenz

The morning, cruise down the Rhine to Rüdesheim, where you will discover famous Roman-era vineyards and breathtaking views of the river. In Rüdesheim, enjoy time on your own to explore the famous Drosselgasse, the central area of the city's lively Old Town. Make a point to look up at least once at the chiming bells that punctuate daily life in Rüdesheim—the town has two massive carillon bells, found in the tower of the Rüdesheimer Schloss restaurant and hotel, and in the windows of Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet. In the evening continue sailing toward Koblenz.

Day 5

Cologne to Düsseldorf

Today we cruise to one of Germany's most important metropolitan regions, Cologne. We set out to discover the city before continuing to Düsseldorf, the City of Fashion. Look for the Rhine Tower—the world's largest digital clock— and the famous Königsallee.

Day 6

Düsseldorf to Amsterdam

Today we continue from Düsseldorf 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. 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.

Day 7

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world thanks in large part to how 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 the end of the 19th centuries on the bastions of the city walls. In addition, Amsterdam has a bustling Diamond District, the famous Bloemenmarkt floating flower market, one of the most fragrant places in Amsterdam thanks to its thousands of blooms, and the 79-acre Keukenhof flower garden. 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 overflowing with spectacular pieces, including works from Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and of course, van Gogh.

Day 8

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

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

Thon City Centre or similar

Day 9

Cologne City Tour and Frankfurt

Today we discover Cologne on another guided tour, 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 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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany’s most visited landmark. In addition, 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. We then continue to Frankfurt, where your evening ends with an included farewell dinner. (B, D)

Intercity Frankfurt Airport or similar

Day 10

Depart for Home (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.