Rhine River Cruise in Tulip Season

Rhine River Cruise in Tulip Season

Tours Starts: Frankfurt, Germany

Tours Ends: Frankfurt, Germany

Days 1 & 2

Fly to Frankfurt, Germany

After an overnight flight, arrive in Frankfurt. Guests who have booked their air with YMT Vacations will be met by a local YMT representative at the airport and transferred to the hotel (guests who have made their own air arrangements must make their own way to the hotel). In the evening, meet your fellow travelers for an included welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Novotel Frankfurt City or similar

Day 3

Cologne and Embarkation

After a panoramic city tour of Frankfurt, head north on the German Autobahn to discover the beautiful city of Cologne during a city tour. The city’s highlights include the grand cathedral in the center where the remains of the 3 Wisemen are said to be kept, a German chocolate museum, a vibrant art scene, and of course, plenty of shopping. In the afternoon, the crew of the A-ROSA Silva will greet you aboard with roses in hand, in keeping with A-ROSA tradition, before you set sail for the Lowlands northbound. (B, D)

Days 4 & 5

Antwerp, Belgium (2:30 PM –4:00 PM next day)

Wake up this morning to a quiet scene on the river. The sundeck will be the best viewing post as meadows with livestock and Dutch windmills glide by. Enjoy the tranquil scenery or visit the onboard spa for a relaxing massage before you arrive in charming Antwerp, Belgium. It's long been a powerful magnet for everyone from fashion moguls to art lovers and diamond dealers. In the mid-16th century it was one of Europe’s most important cities and home to baroque superstar painter Pieter Paul Rubens, as you’ll see regularly here. There are numerous places to admire his works across the city. Despite severe WWII bombing, Antwerp retains an intriguing medieval heart with plenty cobbled lanes, a riverside fortress, and a truly impressive cathedral. The Silva will remain in port overnight, allowing you plenty of time to explore the many cafes, shop for diamonds or take a bike tour with one of the on board guides. (B, L, D)

Day 6

Amsterdam (8:30 AM–11:00 PM)

The tulip capital of the world awaits this morning as we dock early in the “Venice of the Netherlands." Explore Amsterdam on your own or with one of the organized shore excursions. As it is tulip season, prepare to see them in abundance at the local flower markets or during an optional visit to nearby Keukenhof Gardens. Though the word Keukenhof translates into “kitchen garden” it is so much more than that. Also known as the Garden of Europe, it is the world’s second largest flower garden. Approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted annually in the park, which covers an area of 32 hectares (79 acres). If you ever wanted to see tulips in Holland, this would be the best place! A great way to end the day here would be an optional evening canal tour with one of the local barges, a befitting farewell to this vibrant, modern, yet still traditional and romantic city. (B, L, D)

Day 7

Düsseldorf (4:30 PM–10:00 PM)

After a leisurely morning on the river arrive in Düsseldorf, the “City of Fashion” in Germany. The Rhine Tower that stands over the river here is not only the city’s landmark but the world’s largest digital clock. Stroll along the famous Königsallee for some window shopping before visiting old town and tasting the famed local beer, the “Alt.” (B, L, D)

Day 8

Disembark in Cologne, to Speyer via Heidelberg

It is time to bid farewell to the A-ROSA Silva after docking in Cologne this morning. Today’s route takes you to Heidelberg first. The picturesque city with its baroque-style historic buildings, surrounded by vineyards and famous for its historic castle, will surely enchant you. Enjoy a city tour here and some time for lunch on your own. Then on to historic Speyer. It became a significant religious center early on when the Diet of Speyer united the followers of Luther in a protest against the Church of Rome in 1529. The term “Protestant” originated here. The handsome town today has an eminently walkable center – hardly damaged during WWII – distinguished by the magnificent 11th century Imperial Cathedral of Speyer, one of Germany’s largest and most important. Its crypt contains the tombs of eight German emperors and kings. (B, D)

Ibis Styles Speyer or similar

Day 9

Rüdesheim to Frankfurt

Your last full day on tour takes you to the romantic town of Rüdesheim, surrounded by gently sloping vineyards and famous for its local wine, brandy and specialty coffee. Careful — the local coffee and brandy are mingled in the “Rüdesheimer Kaffee” concoction! Enjoy your time here by strolling through the small cobblestone streets or wandering through the vineyards, which you can also visit by small train. In the center, Drosselgasse is a lane lined with shops, taverns, and restaurants. Perhaps visit the enchanting Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet that exhibits a curious collection of automated musical instruments. The Germania statue, signifying German unity, guards over the river and the town here. A cable car takes you to it and you can enjoy breathtaking views from there. (B,D)

Novotel Frankfurt City or similar

Day 10

Depart for Home

It’s time to say goodbye and to travel back home with plenty of memories from your European river cruise and tour. If you have booked your air through YMT, you will be transferred to Frankfurt Airport for your return flight to the US. Should you have booked air on your own, you will have to arrange your own return transfer from the hotel.

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.