Start in Amsterdam during their Floating Pride, a unique and exciting and sexy way to enjoy this amazing city. Other sites of interest in Amsterdam include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, the Red Light District and lots more. After the excitement of Amsterdam, you’ll visit all the highlights of the legendary Rhine. In Germany, see the many charming castles that dot the riverbanks as you sail by, and tour both Marksburg Castle and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Admire Cologne, the jewel of the Rhine, with its awe-inspiring Dom, and experience the lush landscape of the Black Forest region. Also, explore Amsterdam’s lovely canals and glorious museums, multicultural Strasbourg in France, and the inviting nightlife in Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse. So much to see!
AUG 7
Amsterdam, Netherlands
You’ll board your cruise today, after enjoying a few days in Amsterdam. Today is the big Floating Pride Parade, so, enjoy free time and get out and enjoy the craziness. Remain docked overnight. (D)
AUG 8
Kinderdijk
Sail to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a tour of this ingenious network of windmills and other flood management devices. You learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, plus you enter an actual working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Return aboard for lunch and an enjoyable afternoon of Dutch diversions: sample some of the many handcrafted Dutch cheeses and jenever, a distilled juniper liquor, and try your hand at sjoelen (Dutch table shuffleboard). Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
AUG 9
Cologne
Continue along the Rhine this morning; you may choose to take part in a lively discussion of German culture on board. Arrive midmorning in Cologne and disembark for a walking tour. Stroll through Old Town past St. Martin’s Church, and spend some time inside Cologne’s Dom, a remarkable Gothic cathedral whose construction was begun in 1248 and which was only completed in 1880. Explore the dockside taverns, cafés and shops on your own—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dinner is served aboard and we remain docked until midnight. (B, L, D)
AUG 10
Koblenz & Rüdesheim
Proceed along the Rhine, disembarking to tour 700-year-old Marksburg Castle and its museum. Lunch aboard as you enjoy this scenic passage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where castles overlook the river from their hilltop locations.
Arrive in Rüdesheim in the late afternoon. Spend free time in the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse and sample a glass of locally produced wine at one of the restaurants or wine bars—dine aboard or stay in town if you prefer. Remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)
AUG 11
Heidelberg & Speyer
Cruise through the morning enjoying brunch and the passing scenery. Arrive in Mannheim and disembark for a journey to Heidelberg to see Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386. Then visit the beautiful sandstone ruins of imposing Heidelberg Castle, and take in the scenery of the Neckar River Valley and the city’s many red rooftops from its hilltop location. Continue with a walking tour through the Old Town to Heidelberg’s renowned gates.
Rejoin your ship in Speyer this afternoon and take some time to look around. You dock in full view of the imposing Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 11th century on the site of a former basilica, the building’s design was highly influential upon Romanesque architecture for centuries to come, and is the final resting place of eight German monarchs. Its soaring interior features graceful rows of sandstone columns and a large stained glass window installed in the western façade during a later Gothic period. (B, L, D)
AUG 12
Strasbourg
Dock this morning in Kehl and disembark for a guided tour of Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and tour the interior of the city’s famed cathedral. The afternoon is free to further explore this Alsatian city’s blend of French and German cultures—fabulous churches, medieval covered bridges, beautiful parks and some lovely Art Nouveau and modernist architecture. Dine aboard and enjoy free time this evening in the quaint little city of Kehl. (B, L, D)
AUG 13
Breisach
After cruising through the night you arrive during breakfast in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. Take a scenic excursion through the area’s renowned mountain landscape, rolling meadows and dense forests. Once there, visit a local workshop and see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration. Return to Breisach for some free time before an early evening departure. Or, choose an optional excursion to the quaint Alsatian town of Colmar, or an optional walking tour of a working vineyard. Dine aboard while you cruise on to Basel, arriving around midnight. (B, L, D)
AUG 14
Basel, Switzerland
After breakfast, you will disembark and we can take you to the airport for your return flight home* Or, extend your journey with 2 nights in Lucerne. Enjoy the scenic landscape of the Swiss Alps with a view from your hotel, situated on the banks of beautiful Lake Lucerne. Or, extend your stay to Paris or Berlin or Munich. Europe awaits. (B)
To view the Riverboat details go here:
http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/rivercruises/europe-rhine-amsterdam-basel-2010/vha/decks.aspx
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*Prices are subject to availability at time of booking. Everyone in our group is seated together. This is not an All Gay cruise. For all gay cruises click here. Please see the individual cruise line website or brochure for complete terms and conditions. Cruise brochures are available upon request. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this offer, however we ask your understanding should an error occur. CST# 1008676-10
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Cruising with Pride Cruises & Resorts ™ 101 W. 4th St. Suite 400, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Toll free: 800-477-1088 | Local: (714) 619-8850 Ask for Tom, your gay travel specialist. CST#: 1008676-10 |
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