11 Day Rhine River Cruise with Lucerne

11 days
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Cancellation Policy
River Cruise
European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as p...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • In Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals
    • Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, capital of the Rhineland
    • Discover 2000-year-old Koblenz, with its superb Romanesque architecture
    • View the mighty Lorelei Rock named for the siren "Lorelei" rising vertically from the waters
    • Stroll the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns in the lively village of Rüdesheim
    • Visit the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site
    • Walk the cobbled streets of tiny Breisach, a city that dates back over 4,000 years
    • Explore Lucerne with its pristine lakeside setting and gorgeous mountainous panorama

What's this trip about?

    European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityAmsterdam
End CityZurich

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • River cruise
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Wine Tasting

Trip includes

    • Flights New York-Amsterdam, Zurich-New York
    • Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
    • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
    • 9 nights First Class & Deluxe accommodations
    • 7 nights outside cabin aboard an exclusive charter of the Deluxe MS Sound of Music
    • 2 nights Lucerne
    • Hotel & cruise porterage
    • All transfers & port fees
    • 22 meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
    • Entrance fees per itinerary
    • Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Depart for the Netherlands

Depart for the Netherlands

Day 2: Arrive in Amsterdam

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: River Cruise

Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland's sophisticated and modern capital. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board, or begin your discovery of the many cultural sites this city has to offer. This evening, the Captain's Welcome Cocktail and Dinner sets the mood for your delightful river cruise

Day 3: Amsterdam City Tour & Afternoon Cruising

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: River Cruise

Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Queen's official home-away...

Day 4: Cologne City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: River Cruise

Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, arriving as you enjoy lunch board. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soari...

Day 5: Morning in Koblenz & Afternoon Cruising

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: River Cruise

The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join an orientation walk this morning and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and ...

evening, arrive in
Rüdesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. After dinner, perhaps stroll along the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns

Optional: Marksburg Castle (AM)

Day 6: Morning in Mannheim & Afternoon in Speyer

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: River Cruise

Today discover Mannheim, meeting point of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers, once the gathering place for classical composers. View the imposing red sandstone Schloss, Germany's largest baroque palace...

Day 7: Strasbourg City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: River Cruise

A lovely day awaits you in the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting t...

Day 8: Breisach Walking Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: River Cruise

Arrive this morning in the small city of Breisach that dates back over 4,000 years. On your walking tour along the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, it's hard to believe this tow...

Day 9: Mount Pilatus & Lucerne City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lucerne

This morning disembark in Basel and drive to Lucerne with its pristine lakeside setting and gorgeous mountainous panorama, where you spend two nights in the center of the Swiss Alps. Upon arrival, ascend Mount Pila...

Day 10: Leisure in Lucerne

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lucerne

A full day to explore this lovely city at the heart of central Switzerland nestled on Lake Lucerne. See the historic houses lining the lovely town squares in the well-preserved medieval Old City, walk along the wat...

Day 11: Depart Switzerland

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport in Zurich for your international flight

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,799
Price per day$345
Last Updated: 7/16/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Gate 1 Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Gate 1 Travel

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Gate 1 Travel offers escorted tours, European river cruises, independent vacations and customized international vacation packages for less. Our discount travel packages and tour packages to destinations worldwide provide exceptional value, saving our customers time and money. We have taken care of all the details so you don't have to. Find your dream vacation today.

Company Background & Highlights

Mission: To deliver More of the World for Less by developing quality, affordable vacations for North Americans. To provide exemplary service to our customers and to earn their loyalty. To respect our partners. To invest in our employees, providing a safe and comfortable work environment. To know and understand our products and destinations. To constantly innovate and be a leader in technology.

Founded in 1981 with 3 employees; now with over 200 employees worldwide

Headquarters: Fort Washington, PA (Suburban Philadelphia)

Overseas Offices: Hungary, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Morocco, Argentina, Indonesia, Great Britain, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

30+ years of providing travel services to clientèle

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Escorted Tours - Group Tours

Small Group Tours

European River Cruises

Escorted Bus Tour/Sea Cruise Combinations

Independent City Stays

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Custom Groups and Individuals

Group Air

 

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Gate 1 Travel's target market is a traveler seeking high quality, affordable travel ranging from a superior tourist class to moderate deluxe class level of accommodations with the highest level of service.

Financial Security

Gate 1 Travel is backed by the largest, most well-respected financial institutions and insurance providers, guaranteeing the greatest level of financial security to every passenger. Gate 1 welcomes your inquiries of any of those independent offices.

Gate 1 Travel's active membership in USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), a professional organization representing the world's leading tour operators, requires that Gate 1 meet a minimum requirement of $1 million professional liability insurance (Gate 1 maintains a $5 million policy).

Additionally , Gate 1 is required to participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, requiring them to post $1 million in security, held by USTOA, in the unlikely event of bankruptcy or insolvency.

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Logistics

Accommodation

 

Grand Europe Hotel Lucerne, Switzerland

 

This first class hotel is situated in a prestigious location just 10 minutes away from the city center.

 

Room Amenities

 

Restaurant : Bar : 24 Hour Front Desk

 

Elevator: Laundry : Internet Access (Fee)

 

Parking: Cable / Satellite Television: Private Bathroom

 

Hotel Amenities

 

Guest Rooms: Guest rooms are elegantly decorated giving them a feel of old-world and modern decor. All rooms are non-smoking and offer various amenities such as cable TV, internet access and private bathrooms.

 

Location: The hotel is near a golf and tennis court. Grand Casino Luzern is just 660 yards away, and the city center is just a 10 minute drive from the hotel.

 

Restaurants: The hotel offers an on-site restaurant specializing in European as well as international cuisine. Warm and cold drinks are served in the restaurant bar.

River Cruise Features & Amenities

  • Captain's Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
  • Unlimited wine and beer with dinners
  • Locally inspired recipes
  • Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily in your stateroom
  • Late night snack
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access in public areas
  • Self-serve coffee and tea station
  • Lounge serving premium spirits
  • Daily entertainment including an on-board musician
  • Fitness center
  • Non-smoking ship interior
  • Cruise Director & Tour Managers throughout
  • Shore excursions conducted exclusively in English
Ship & cabin information
Sound of Music
This intimate ship features 64 spacious outside cabins (128-195 sq ft) each fully air-conditioned with private bath facilities, shower, telephone and flat screen satellite TV. The MS Sound of Music is a deluxe river cruise vessel chartered exclusively by Gate 1 Travel. Built in 2006, with a maximum capacity of 128 passengers, this intimate ship features 64 spacious outside cabins (128-195 sq ft) each fully air-conditioned with private bath facilities, shower, telephone and flat screen satellite TV.
Ship Amenities Lounge with Bar, Restaurant, Lobby Cafe, Library, Sun Deck, Spa & Fitness Center Cabins Include Flat Screen TV, Hair Dryer, Individual Climate Control, Direct-dial Telephone Cabin Details Danube Deck A Outside Cabin with French Balcony - (Cabins are 165 sq. ft with 43 sq. ft Sliding Doors) Rhine Deck B Outside Cabin with Panoramic Window - (Cabins are 195 sq. ft with 16 sq. ft. Windows) Rhine Deck C Outside Cabin with Panoramic Window - (Cabins are 165 sq. ft with 29 sq. ft Windows that can be opened) Rhine Deck D Outside Cabin with Panoramic Window - (Cabins are 165 sq. ft with 16 sq. ft Windows) Mosel Deck E Outside Cabin with Window - (Cabins are 128 sq. ft. with 8 sq. ft Windows)
Cancellation policy

Cancellation penalties apply to packages and/or services as indicated below. Package penalties include airfare, except when Instant Purchase Airfare is purchased. Instant Purchase Airfares are always subject to 100% penalty in which case only the remaining land package (or other airfares) will be subject to the penalties below. Deposit is fully refundable within 7 days only if Gate 1 requests and receives a verbal passenger consent to the potential for post-purchase prices increase(s) due to fuel surcharges or increases in government taxes up to the time of final payment. This does not apply to passengers who select Instant Purchase airfares and also no longer applies once the online and/or written Passenger Agreement has been completed.

Reservations with European & Russian River Cruises, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Russia & Easter Island:

  • Up to 91 days prior to departure: $300 p.p.
  • 90 to 31 days prior to departure: 50% of cost
  • 30 to 2 days prior to departure: 90% of cost
  • 1 day or less prior to departure: 100% of cost
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

22 Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners

Age Requirements
12 years and up
Optional Activities

Marksburg Castle Tour

Day #5  01 Mar 2016 - 31 Dec 2016 $49

Join a guided tour of the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. The castle has been continuously occupied for over 700 years and houses a host of artifacts that bring the Middle Ages to life.

Approximate tour duration is 2 hours.

Heidelberg City Tour

Day #6  01 Mar 2015 - 31 Dec 2016 $59

Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most scenic cities. For hundreds of years the city's medieval splendor has inspired some of the world's greatest artists and authors. This tour takes you through the city, with views of the historic Old Town, the expansive ruins of Heidelberg Castle, and the Neckar River. Fortunately, the city was spared from destruction during the WWII, leaving buildings dating to the Middle Ages completely intact. Today, the city is a bustling, vibrant center for education and the arts, seamlessly blending the modern and the traditional.

Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.

Colmar City Tour

Day #8  01 Mar 2015 - 31 Dec 2016 $65

Situated on the Alsatian wine route, Colmar is a picturesque city well known for its half-timbered houses and series of canals, known as "Little Venice." During your guided walking tour, view the highlights of the city's architectural heritage, mostly spared during the French Revolution and subsequent wars of the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Colmar is known as Alsace’s most beautiful city with its dramatic steep pitched roofs, pastel stucco and distinctive French shutters accented by window boxes filled with colorful geraniums. At the end of your tour, stop by a local wine maker to sample a few of the region's varietals.

Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.

Additional Information
  • Land/Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
  • Embarkation will begin at 3:00 pm however early arrivals may rest in the lounge if their assigned cabin is not ready upon check-in. Passengers departing from Zurich on Day 11 should select flights leaving no earlier than 9:00 am.
  • Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board
Trip ID
gate1-RhiCruGat

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