Tauck River Cruises, The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam, August 14, 2023

Cruising from: Zurich, Switzerland;

Departure Date: 14 August, 2023;

Cruise Line: Tauck River Cruises;

Cruise Ship: MS Inspire;

Duration: 10 days;

Ports of Call: Zurich, Bern, Lucerne, Colmar, Baden-Baden, Rudesheim, Cologne, Dordrecht, Amsterdam, Amsterdam;

Day 0 Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zurich. It is located in north-central Switzerland at the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich. Most of Zurich's sites are located within the area on either side of the Limmat, between the Main railway station and Lake Zurich. The churches and houses of the old town are clustered here, as are the most expensive shops along the famous Bahnhofstrasse. Many museums and art galleries can be found in the city, including the Swiss National Museum, the Kunsthaus and newer Theater 11 in Oerlikon. Zurich is Switzerland's centre of economic life and education

Day 1 Bern, Switzerland

Bern, the capital of Switzerland is a small and compact town, with a lovely atmosphere, picture-perfect cobblestone streets and beautiful views of the river Aare. The Old Town is where visitors will find all the main sights. Most of it is pedestrian-only and the distances are short, making it a paradise for those who like to explore towns on foot. Bern is famous for being home to some very peculiar fountains, attributed to 16th-century artist Hans Gieng

Day 2 Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne, nestled between a backdrop of towering mountains and a sparkling lake, is one of Switzerland's most visited cities. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland. Tradition and modernity stand side-by-side with ease in Lucerne, as the town has also earned a reputation for itself with innovative design. The futuristic Culture and Convention Centre, designed by leading French architect Jean Nouvel, is one the architectural highlights of the town.

Day 3 Colmar, France

Colmar is a city and commune in north-eastern France. Nestled among vineyards, its traditional houses, canals, floral displays, amazing cuisine, famous wines and charming accommodation make Colmar an place to explore. Every season, it offers a richly diverse range of cultural, sporting, nature, relaxation, and culinary enjoyments.

Day 4 Baden-Baden, Germany

Baden-Baden is one of the world's best-known spa towns and one of the most popular places to visit in Germany. Baden Baden is also a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, with many golf and tennis clubs, as well as equestrian sports such as horse racing. Baden-Baden is rich with elegant architecture from the opulent casino, to the charming cathedral. In the city's centre, there is a charismatic church and the natural surroundings of the Lichtentaler Allee with bountiful blooms, towering trees, and the sparkling Oos river that runs parallel to the picturesque pathway.

Day 5 Rudesheim, Germany

Rudesheim is a German town in the Rhine Gorge, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in this region. Rudesheim is known for two things: wine and the Rhein (Rhine) river. A historical landmark Drosselgasse is an integral part of the town's past. Rudesheim offers restaurants, cafes, bars, wine stalls, gelaterias, souvenirs shops and hotels. Next to its extensive vineyards, the city's rich cultural and historic background make it one of the most intriguing places to visit in the country.

Day 6 Cologne, Germany

Cologne is fourth largest city in Germany and largest city of the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia. One of the key inland ports of Europe, it is the historic, cultural, and economic capital of the Rhineland. Cologne is famous for its 12 great Romanesque churches - especially the magnificent Cologne Cathedral - all an easy walk from the historic Old Town. Its university is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. Among its attractions are Roman remains, medieval churches, Baroque palaces, and museums that reflect such diverse subjects and the various products for which it is known: fragrances, mustard, and chocolate.

Day 7 Dordrecht, Netherlands

Dordrecht is a city and municipality in the Western Netherlands, located in the province of South Holland. Because of its long and important role in Dutch history, Dordrecht has a rich culture. The medieval city centre is home to over 950 monuments. The city also has 7 historic churches and 6 museums in a relatively small area and hosts around 20 cultural and historical festivals and events every year. There are excellent restaurants to dine in and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures in the vast and watery expanse of nearby Biesbosch National Park.

Day 8 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. Amsterdam has a rich history and famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist Anne Frank, artists Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza. Beside many parks, open spaces, and squares throughout the city, Amsterdam is famous for De Wallen, the red-light district. It is an unusual city to explore.

Day 9 Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands. Amsterdam has a rich history and famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist Anne Frank, artists Rembrandt and Van Gogh, and philosopher Baruch Spinoza. Beside many parks, open spaces, and squares throughout the city, Amsterdam is famous for De Wallen, the red-light district. It is an unusual city to explore.