DAY 1: Today depart the USA on your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.

DAY 2: Upon arrival in Zurich, transfer to your hotel in Lucerne to begin your Swiss adventure. The afternoon is at leisure to begin discovering your beautiful new surroundings. This evening, join your traveling companions for an included dinner at the hotel. (D)

DAY 3: After breakfast, an included walking tour highlights the city’s landmark, the famous 14th-century Chapel Bridge with its paintings of heroic town events, that crosses the Reuss River. See the 17th-century Renaissance Town Hall and town squares, all set amongst the beautiful backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

DAY 4: Before departing for your ship in Basel, the day is free to enjoy at leisure or join the morning optional excursion to Mt. Pilatus – a mountain overlooking Lucerne that offers a unique alpine experience! This afternoon, travel by motorcoach to Basel, Switzerland for embarkation on your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner onboard. (B, D)

DAY 5: Today you have a choice to visit a typical Black Forest Village, full of charm, cuckoo clocks and other German specialities. Alternatively, take part in a guided hike along some of the Black Forest trails. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Once docked in Kehl, coaches await to take you across the river to Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace Region in France. Your guided walking tour includes the Grande Île, the historical city center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its medieval black and white timber-framed buildings, old tanning houses, baroque sandstone buildings, canals and river locks, the city’s star attraction is the cathedral, dominating the main square. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Continue to the town of Mannheim, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers. From there, travel by coach to Heidelberg where you have the opportunity to either visit the medieval town of Heidelberg on a walking tour, or take part in an active hike to Heidelberg Hill. B, L, D)

DAY 8: Cruise to the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Enjoy a walking tour of Koblenz and visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the opposite side of the river. This fortress was part of the Prussian defenses against the French in the 19th century and later used as a headquarters for the American military during WWII. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne. Founded by the Romans, the city is one of Germany's oldest and famous for its magnificent World–Heritage listed Gothic cathedral. After lunch onboard, join your local guide for an included walking tour of the city, touching on the historical charm of the Old Town. Traverse quaint alleyways and see historic monuments. The tour concludes at the cathedral, whose twin spires dominate the skyline. This evening, back onboard join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: This morning, you can relax during a glass top canal boat cruise through Amsterdam’s canal system sailing through the medieval center of the city. Alternatively, if you are feeling more active, embark on a guided bike tour to Waterland. Return to the ship in the afternoon to explore the city of Amsterdam at your leisure. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Bid ‘auf wiedersehen’ to Europe and return home with memories of life enriching experiences from your European adventure and cruise along the Rhine River. (B)

*This tour is in conjunction with Mayflower Tours.