AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND: Cruise through the canals & walking tour
ARNHEM, HOLLAND: Tour through Dutch history at the Open Air Museum
COLOGNE, GERMANY: City center tour including the famous Dom Cathedral
KOBLENZ, GERMANY: Walking tour of Old Town includes the Monument of Emperor Wilhelm I & the Schängel Fountain
HEIDELBERG, GERMANY: Tour of this university town & its castle ruins
STRASBOURG, GERMANY: Boat/bus/walking tour includes Palace de la Republique, Orangerie, and Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame
Included Features:
Accommodations in river-view cabin category of your choice
1 night accommodation with breakfast at a first class hotel (Movenpick, Novotel or similar)
A total of 21 meals (8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)
Free flowing house wine, beer, soft drinks for dinner daily
Potted water in cabins replenished daily
Captain’s welcome cocktail and farewell dinner
Total of 7 included sightseeing tours with local English speaking guides, entrance fees and transportation
All on board activities, early riser breakfast, afternoon tea and cakes, late night snacks and free 24 hour self-service coffee station
Services of professional English speaking Cruise Director throughout
Audio units included on all tours and excursions
New and enhanced safety protocols applied to all sailings
Not Included:
International airfare (can be priced separately)
Port fees and cruise fuel surcharges (listed separately in Pricing & Departures)
Transfers if purchasing Cruise Only (must be arranged and paid for in advance)
Any travel and document fees including Visa requirements
Optional tours as outlined in itinerary (minimum number of people required to operate)
Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone, liquor, souvenirs, etc.
Tips to Crew, Cruise Directors, local guides and other staff along the route (suggested Tipping amounts will be advised)
Any increases in costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as: additional fuel surcharges, exchange rates or Government imposed taxes and fees not known at this time
WELCOME TO THE NETHERLANDS! Transfer to your first class hotel. Due to various arrival times no meals or activities are planned. However, with a rich cultural life, a wide range of entertainment, and an excellent public transport system, Amsterdam has managed to retain its small-town feel and is easy to explore on your own.
Day 2 AMSTERDAM Wonders & Windmills Tour Embarkation after 4:00 PM (B, D)
After breakfast, depart on your morning excursion to see the wonders of the windmills! Your first stop will be at the village of Zaanse Schans, the famous open-air museum featuring 6 windmills and more than 30 houses built in 16-17th centuries, all of which invite you to discover the countryside life of Medieval Holland. Then, continue on to Edam, the home of the famous Edam and Gouda cheeses. Here you will visit a cheese factory that will show you how the cheese is made along with a free tasting! Then it is on to the beautiful village of Volendam renown for its colorful timber houses and old fishing boats lining the harbor. Your final stop will be in Marken where you will visit a clog making factory that produces the famous hand-made Dutch wooden clogs. Then it’s back to Amsterdam port to embark your floating hotel.
Day 3 AMSTERDAM Walking Tour & Canal Cruise – Set sail 11:00 PM (B, L, D)
Your morning sightseeing will begin with a one hour cruise through Amsterdam’s fabled canals followed by a walking tour of the city center featuring Dam Square, Anne Frank’s House (exterior), Museum Square, the Flower market and other attractions! Tonight, a welcome cocktail and crew introduction will precede dinner.
Day 4 ARNHEM 6:00 – 14:00 (B, L, D)
North of the port lies one of the biggest attractions of the Netherlands, the Open Air Museum of Arnhem. Here, completely reconstructed historical monuments are manned by volunteers who will immerse you into the life of the past. This included tour will take you back to a setting of merchant’s homes, 19th century farmhouses and mills of the golden age with samples of life on the farms, fields, factories, wine taverns, and shops. The people, dressed in authentic costumes and settings, will regale you with stories about their “way of life” and maybe serve you a cup of coffee or a pint of beer in ‘the good old way’. A lively and humorous presentation of old Dutch customs and habits. Sail on to Cologne.
Day 5 COLOGNE, Germany 8:00 – 21:30 (B, L, D)
WELCOME TO THE GERMANY! Your included walking tour of this fabulous city, will feature the Hey Market, Festival Halls, Town Hall, Jewish Baths, Old Market, and famous Dom, the remarkable Gothic cathedral whose construction began in 1248 and was only completed in 1880! Return to the ship for lunch. The balance of the day is free for optional tours and activities.
Koblenz: Enjoy a delightful morning walking tour of the Old Town including St. Castor’s Basilica, the Monument of Emperor Wilhelm I and the town’s landmark, the “Schängel” Fountain. After dinner on board, you may want to take a leisurely stroll through Rudesheim, this ancient town of timber houses and cobblestone streets dating from the 1500’s!
Day 7 MANNHEIM 12:30 – 18:30 (B, L, D)
Located on the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, and home to Mercedes Benz and many other major corporations, the city is the launching point for our included excursion to Heidelberg, one of the oldest and most famous university towns of Germany, Heidelberg is also one of the country’s most endearing small cities, famous for its historical baroque center, spirited student atmosphere, beautiful riverside setting and ancient bridge crossing the Neckar River. The impressive hilltop castle is home to the largest wine barrel in the world, holding over 220.000 liters of wine! Return to the ship for dinner.
Day 8 STRASBOURG (port of Kehl) 9:00 – 19:00 (B)
WELCOME TO FRANCE! Your morning boat/bus/walking tour of this UNESCO’s World Heritage site will begin with a 1 hour boat cruise along the canals offering unique views of half-timbered houses and impressive European institutions. This will be followed by a bus/walking tour of Palace de la Republique, Orangerie, EU Parilament, and Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame. Lunch will be served at a typical French restaurant followed by free time to explore on your own or return to the ship to prepare for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner!
Day 9 MAINZ, Germany Disembarkation 9:00AM (B)
As all good things must come to an end, after breakfast, bid your crew goodbye and disembark with a suitcase full of memories! (Services end with breakfast)
Day 0 FLY USA – GERMANY (Frankfurt) (O)
Meals and services as per airline policy.
Day 1 MAINZ, Germany Embarkation after 4:00PM (B, D)
WELCOME TO GERMANY! Upon boarding your floating hotel and check-in, enjoy a welcome snack in the lounge. Explore the cruise ship prior to an information briefing followed by dinner.
Located on the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, this industrial city is home to Mercedes Benz and the launching point for your included excursion to Heidelberg, one of the oldest and most famous university towns of Germany. Heidelberg is also one of the country’s most endearing small cities, famous for its historical baroque center, spirited student atmosphere, beautiful riverside setting and ancient bridge crossing the Neckar River. The impressive hilltop castle is also home to the largest wine barrel in the world, holding over 220.000 liters of wine! Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon as the ship sails onto Strasbourg.
Day 3 STRASBOURG, France 05:00 – 22:00 (B, L, D)
WELCOME TO FRANCE! Your morning boat/bus/walking tour of this UNESCO’s World Heritage site will begin with a 1 hour boat cruise along the canals offering unique views of half-timbered houses and impressive European institutions. This will be followed by a walking tour featuring sights such as the Palace de la Republique, Orangerie, EU Parilament, and Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame. Lunch will be served at a typical French restaurant followed by free time to explore on your own.
Worms walking tour: Along with Speyer, Worms is one of the oldest cities in Germany, and is renowned for its Romanesque Cathedral as well as the place where in 1521 Martin Luther refused to recant his beliefs and was proclaimed a “heretic”. (Depending on sailing conditions, Worms may be substituted with a stop in Speyer where a walking tour will be included). Back on board for lunch, sail on towards Rudesheim where you will overnight..
After breakfast on board, free time to take a leisurely stroll and explore this lovely riverside town on your own, featuring ancient timber houses and cobblestone streets dating from the 1500 hundreds, and time permitting visit the famous Museum of Musical Instruments. Return to the ship for lunch as you sail on. On the way to Koblenz, sail through the Lorelei Passage. According to a popular legend, Lorelei was the name of a young maiden who jumped to her death from the rock due to an unfaithful lover. Then, she became a siren who bewitched the hearts of the sailors with her hypnotizing voice and when they looked up to the rock, their boats crashed and were engulfed in the deep waters. The legend says that, if you listen carefully, Lorelei’s voice can be heard even today.
Koblenz: Take off on your delightful walking tour of the Old Town including St. Castor’s Basilica, the Monument of Emperor Wilhelm I and the town’s landmark, the “Schängel” Fountain. Dinner back on board and overnight.
Day 6 COLOGNE: 03:30 – 22:00 (B, L, D)
Your morning walking tour will include the Hey Market, Festival Halls, Town Hall, Jewish Baths, Old Market, and the Dom, the remarkable Gothic cathedral whose construction began in 1248 and was only completed in 1880. The afternoon is free for optional pursuits. Depart for Amsterdam in the evening.
Day 7 AMSTERDAM 15:00 – overnight (B, L, D)
Enjoy the passing vistas as you approach Amsterdam. On arrival depart on your included walking tour of central Amsterdam, without a doubt, one of the most charming cities in Europe. Featuring a rich cultural life and a wide range of entertainment, Amsterdam is a full-scale city, which has managed to retain its small-town feel. Your sightseeing tour will begin with a wonderful 1 hour canal cruise through the many canals that crisscross the city followed by a walking tour that will include Dam Square, the flower market and other memorable sights. Tonight prepare for your Captain’s Farewell dinner.
Day 8 AMSTERDAM – ZAANSE SCHANS Disembarkation 09:00AM (B)
Bid your crew goodbye as you disembark and begin your day with a visit to the famous Zaanse Schanse Windmills. Your first stop will be at the village of Zaanse Schans, the famous open-air museum featuring 6 windmills and more than 30 houses built in 16-17th centuries, all of which invite you to discover the country-side life of Medieval Holland. Then, continue on to Edam, the home of the famous Edam and Gouda cheeses. Here you will visit a cheese factory that will show you how the cheese is made along with a free tasting! Then it is on to the beautiful village of Volendam renown for its colorful timber houses and old fishing boats lining the harbor. Your final stop will be in Marken where you will visit a clog making factory that produces the famous hand-made Dutch wooden clogs. After the tour continue to your fist class hotel for check-in. The balance of the day is free.
Day 9 FLY HOME (B)
After a final breakfast, pack your memories away and transfer to the airport for your flights home.
This walking tour will introduce you to the beer that the locals drink, Kolsch. Sip on the brew and munch on some finger food as you learn about the history of the Kolsch company and its role in the city of Cologne. The tour includes 3 Kolsch per person and 2 portions of finger food. There is a minimum of 10 passengers needed for the tour to run and a maximum of 30.
With a rich cultural life and a wide range of entertainment, Amsterdam is a full-scale city, which has managed to retain its small-town feel. Your walking tour of the city center will introduce you to highlights such as the open market place, Dam Square, the Central Station, Anne Frank’s House (outside)*, and the unique medieval houses built along the vast system of canals that criss-cross the city! The afternoon is free to explore further on your own or take one of the optional excursions to either the Keukenhof Tulip gardens or the Zaanse Schans Windmills.
**Keukenhof Gardens will be open from 20 March through 9 of May 2021
Bus transfer and walking tour to quaint town of Zaanse Schans. Experience aspects of Dutch culture like clog making and cheese tasting while walking among fully operational historic windmills.
North of the port lies one of the biggest attractions of the Netherlands, the Open Air Museum of Arnhem. Here, completely reconstructed historical monuments are manned by volunteers who will immerse you into the life of the past. This included tour will take you back to a setting of merchant’s houses, 19th century farmhouses and mills of the golden age with samples of life on the farms, fields, factories, wine taverns, and shops. The people, dressed in authentic costumes and settings, will regale you with stories about their “way of life” and maybe serve you a cup of coffee or a pint of beer in ‘the good old way’. A lively and humorous presentation of old Dutch customs and habits. PLEASE NOTE: This stop replaces Worms and is available only on the downstream AMS-MAINZ sailings.
With a history of almost 2000 years, Cologne (Köln) is the one of the largest and oldest metropolitan cities of Germany. You will be awestruck by the majestic cathedral, the Cologne Dom, one of the largest in Europe and the most important landmark of Cologne. The physical appearance of modern Cologne belies its ancient heritage. Allied bombing during World War II destroyed some 90 percent of the town; therefore, much of what you see was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s. Our expert guide will give you a tour of the city and relate to you the history and sights of Cologne’s storied past dating back to the first century B.C. when the Romans founded Colonia Agrippensis.
Koblenz is very happily situated at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, surrounded by four low hills. The town is 2,000 years old, founded by the Romans around a castle in the year 9 BC. Since then a series of invading armies and royalty – Prussians, French, Germans, Franks – have claimed Koblenz and built fortresses and castles galore. It also boasts a town center of cozy lanes and narrow alleys, historic buildings and unique cultural monuments. If it’s history, fairytales and beauty you want, Koblenz may well be what you’re looking for. The section of the Rhine between Koblenz and Mainz offers vistas of steep vineyard-covered mountains punctuated by scores of castles. It is really rather magical.
Heidelberg is a pedestrian-friendly city-especially in the Altstadt, or Old Town, where your explorations are likely to begin. The Altstadt is a long, narrow strip of medieval cityscape on the south bank of the Neckar River. Most sights are within a block or two of the Hauptstrasse or Main Street, which runs-with an occasional name change-from the department stores of the Bismarkplatz to the Karlstor at the eastern end of town. The churches, especially the Gothic Heiliggeistkirche on the Marktplatz (with its built-in market stalls) the Jesuitkirche, and the Peterskirche (Heidelberg’s second-oldest church, dating back to 1316) are just gorgeous. Schloss Heidelberg is a highlight: It’s on a hill behind the Altstadt, which you can reach on foot (via winding streets or paths) or with the Heidelberger Bergbahn, which runs to the castle and on up to the Königstuhl with its long-distance views, falconry center, children’s fairy-tale park, and other attractions. The Schloss is a pleasant combination of ruins, restored rooms, a massive wine vat, viewing terraces, an excellent pharmacy museum, and even a wedding chapel that attracts vast numbers of international couples.
Boat/bus/walking tour of Strasbourg begins with a 1 hour boat cruise along the canals offering unique views of half-timbered houses and impressive European institutions. This will be followed by a bus/walking tour of Palace de la Republique, Orangerie, EU Parilament, and Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame.
DISCLAIMER: All optional excursions are shown for information and planning purposes. They are subject to change do to holidays, attraction black-out dates or other reasons. Some, if not all optional excursions may require a minimum number of participants to operate. Prices are quoted in Euros. Final list of availability and costs will be confirmed upon arrival to your vessels at the initial information meeting.
This gorgeous vessel, formerly named the Da Vinci, was purposefully built to be able to navigate the sometimes variable water levels that can occur on all the major European rivers. Renovated in 2019 and renamed the Crucevita, she features only 2 decks and a low draft of only 1.30 m which allows her to sail under bridges when waters are high and pass though shallow waters when the rivers are low, which many larger ships cannot navigate.
Another unique benefit is her maximum passenger capacity of only 110 which provides a wonderful and cozy atmosphere and an old world ambiance with such highlights as a wood enhanced lobby with a unique fireplace, and leather chairs reminiscent of an English country club. A lovely lounge with full floor to ceiling windows includes a bar and dancing podium, where you can enjoy an afternoon cocktail while observing the beautiful passing vistas. The charming restaurant, located on the Main deck, seats all passengers at once and serves delicious international cuisine along with local specialties from some of the areas you will be sailing through. A small exercise room, an elevator that connects the 2 decks and a huge partially shaded sun deck complete her public areas.
The cabins are small but functional at 14 sq m (approximately 150 sq ft). The Main deck cabins feature 2 big panorama windows that cannot open and 2 twin beds that can be flipped into the wall (like Murphy beds) during the day to allow for more space. Note that the price difference between C and B categories reflects the better position of the B category cabins which are quieter and closer to the restaurant and elevator, but otherwise the Main deck cabins are all the same. The Upper deck cabins feature 2 beds that can be moved together to form a queen or separated into 2 twin beds and are highlighted by floor to ceiling French balconies that can slide open allowing for fresh air and magnificent views*. All cabins include a full bathroom with an enclosed shower and hair dryer, a flat screen TV, adjustable heat/cooling, a mini safe and ample storage space. The passengers are catered to by an international crew of 32 along with English speaking Cruise Director and our own Tour Leader. The interiors are all non-smoking, the on board currency is the EURO and Visa/Mastercard are accepted for on board expenses singed and billed to your cabin and paid a day prior to disembarkation. For photos of the ship please see our web site.
*Please note that while in ports, up to 4 ships can park next to each other thus obstructing views and requiring that passengers pass through other vessels to disembark.
Public Areas
Cabins
Category A: Upper Promenade Deck with French Balcony 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
Located on the Promenade Deck
Floor to ceiling windows with French Balconies
Spacious cabins with fitted beds that can be stowed away for more space to relax on the 2 comfortable chair
Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and hair dryers
Choice of bath amenities with bath towels
Efficient closet space
Sitting area with table
Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
Internal telephone
PIN-coded safe
Category B: Main Deck with Panorama Windows (windows do not open), 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
Located on the Main Deck
Panorama window to ensure a great ocean view
Spacious cabins with fitted beds that can be stowed away for more space to relax on the 2 comfortable chair
Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and hair dryers
Choice of bath amenities with bath towels
Efficient closet space
Sitting area with table
Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
Internal telephone
PIN-coded safe
Category C: Main Deck, 14 m2 (150 sq ft)
Located on the Main Deck
Spacious cabins with fitted beds that can be stowed away for more space to relax on the 2 comfortable chair
Private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower and hair dryers
Choice of bath amenities with bath towels
Efficient closet space
Sitting area with table
Individually controlled air conditioning and heating system
Flat-screen TV offering several European & International channels
If you have purchased your air tickets through us, your transfers will be included. However, transfers are still available for those who would like to arrange their own airfare, for a fee. For more information about transfer rates for this program, please call our office at (714) 556-8258 or toll free (800) 795-1633.
This elegant, luxurious, boutique style vessel, the M/S Crucevita was designed in an old world grand yacht style. Superb public areas, accented in oak and leather, include a panorama restaurant, cozy bar and lounge, a fire-place, a gym, sauna, library, and sun deck! The cabins area spacious 14 sq m (150 sq ft) and are fitted with beds that are stowed away during the day to create extra space to relax. All cabins include air-conditioning/heating that can be regulated individually, a multi-channel satellite TV with remote control, a mini safety deposit box, a telephone and a hair dryer. The luxury bathroom contains a toilet, enclosed shower, and a stylish wash basin. Cabins on Main deck have panorama windows while cabins on the upper Promenade deck will have new French balconies (renovation scheduled for 2019 winter-season) The decks are interconnected by a regular elevator suitable to carry up to 4 persons. The Sun Deck is accessible from the Promenade Deck by an outside chair lift. Maximum capacity 110 passengers serviced by a young and vivacious crew of 36. Non-smoking interiors. Currency: Euro
There are no telephone lines for outgoing calls on our vessels. Communication from ship to shore can only be done through the Captain’s radio. However, you may bring your US cell phone to use – just please make sure it is “unlocked” by your US provider in order to use it. Wi-Fi is available for a fee and computers are provided near the bar. The service is free, but the level of signal may vary depending on sailing itinerary and location of ports.
For the rate of exchange to the US dollar, please check online a few days prior to your departure as some of these currencies fluctuate daily. Due to varying foreign currency laws, our ships do NOT have exchange offices on board. Therefore, we highly recommend that you BRING A SUFFICIENT QUANTITY OF EUROS OR DOLLARS in CASH prior to your departure. You will then have ample opportunity to change either Euro/dollar to local currencies.
While on board the ship, all costs are quoted in Euros. Direct payments are accepted in cash (Euros) or signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the navigation by cash or credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). However, a service may be applied to credit card transactions. Personal and Traveler Checks are not accepted.
Due to strict foreign currency laws, here are important notes regarding on shore expenses:
Cash: is accepted and preferred. (Euros & USD)
Credit Cards: are accepted, VISA OR MASTERCARD ONLY! (Limited use outside of urban areas.) *Credit Card Note:As of May 2014, European credit card processors require credit cards with chips and a 4-digit PIN code. Your USA magnetic strip cards may NOT work at local ATM’s requiring a PIN. Ask your bank for a chip card and/or bring along a debit card with your PIN (or enough cash to cover your expenses!)
Although everyone is different, we suggest that you set aside at least 700 Euros/$1000 USD per person – to cover your optional tours and shopping expenses. If you are planning on purchasing more expensive items you may want to bring more.
Yes, a number of optional excursions will be offered for sale during your cruise. These optional services are priced in Euros. They may be signed to your cabin and paid at the end of the cruise with cash or via Visa or Matercard.
Special meal requests are possible. If you have any food allergies or special dietary needs, please be sure to notify our office at least 90 days prior to your departure. We and the restaurant staff will make every effort to arrange for special meals, however, if you have strict dietary restrictions, you may want to bring some non-perishable snacks, crackers, dried fruits, dietary sweeteners, or other items that will compliment the limited variety of special meals.
For a complete list of suggested items to bring, please read our detailed Tips on Tulip and Rhine Cruises. But here are a few important items that often get overlooked!
Electrical current in hotels and on the ship is 220 volts/50MHZ. In order to use appliances, including shavers, hair-dryers, chargers for movie cameras, etc., you will need to bring:
1) Universal Transformer: to convert from US 110 Volts to 220. (Note: recent electronic equipment such as laptops and cameras MAY automatically convert. Please check your individual item.)
2) Universal Adapter Plugs: Round pins for sockets that are different than at home. Since there are no supplies of converters/ adapters, we recommend you purchase a transformer/ adapter plug set at any electronics or appliance store before you leave.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET: Medications which are vital to your health. A letter should accompany these from your doctor (signed and dated), certifying that such medications are vital to your health. Dosage should be indicated. Always pack any personal medications in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked baggage. Additionally, those passengers with lighter physical disabilities must report them to us at the time of booking.
Day 0 FLY USA – NETHERLANDS 
