Castles of the Rhine River Cruise

Baked Alaska, one of the many great desserts on Uniworld's SS Antoinette

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Castles of the Rhine River Cruise

We were able to enjoy this Castles of the Rhine River Cruise with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises last fall and absolutely loved meandering down the Rhine River by castles and charming villages through France, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Talk with our Preferred Travel Advisor to book this trip or customize it to fit your needs or that of your group!

You’ll cruise on Uniworld’s luxurious S.S. Antoinette, traversing the historic Rhine starting in Amsterdam and traveling through Cologne, Speyer, Koblenz, Strasbourg, Basel and beyond. Why book this river cruise through us? This itinerary includes a pre-cruise extension in Amsterdam and post cruise extension in Alsace that can be further customized to fit your needs and features:

• 2 nights in a luxury hotel for 2
• 3 Nights in France (4-star hotel)
• All Private guided tours in Amsterdam and in France fully hosted by English-speaking professional guide 
• All private transfers in Amsterdam and in France
• All breakfasts for 2
• 3 lunches and 2 dinners in France, including 1 dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant (subject to availability)

Departure Dates: 21 MARCH 21/31 OCTOBER 21
20 MARCH 22/30 OCTOBER 22

13 days/ 12 nights averaging at $9,339 USD* per person based on double occupancy in Deluxe Balcony room for fall of 2021. Prices vary depending on upcoming chosen dates and cabin category.

* Daily inclusions listed below. Itinerary pricing based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to fluctuate due to exchange rates at time of payment. Prices and reservations are not guaranteed until a deposit is placed. We are happy to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.

Castles of the Rhine River Cruise

Explore storybook villages and beautiful castles along the historic Rhine River—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover the Alsace region in eastern France, which has jockeyed between being French and German throughout history and has a wine making tradition that goes back to the Romans. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses and get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle. Visit historic cities, like Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg, the fairytale town of Rüdesheim, go vinegar tasting in German caves and more.

Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and enjoy a private transfer from Schipol Airport to your hotel in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is the beautiful capital of the Netherlands, which feels at once like a 17-century city and a bustling modern metropolis. Famous for its canals and extraordinary museums, Amsterdam is also an intimate city with strangely alluring streets and squares.

Enjoy relaxing the rest of today exploring on your own. You’ll spend the night at a 5-star hotel in the heart of the Amsterdam city center, a short walk away from the Royal Palace.

Day 2: Explore Amsterdam with your private guide

Day 4: Cologne

History buffs will enjoy an expertly led tour through Cologne’s Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its Renaissance facade. Wander through the city’s historical center and take in its charming atmosphere, narrow alleyways flanked by old houses and countless breweries. No matter how you choose to explore Old Town, you’ll also have ample free time to explore on your own.

Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour with Old Town visit:

As you walk through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, you’ll find it hard to believe that more than 70 percent of the city was destroyed by bombs during WWII. The famous 12 Romanesque churches were reconstructed from the rubble, and the cathedral, Cologne’s iconic landmark, rises magnificently in the city center. Three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its Renaissance facade. But these mementos of the past are practically modern compared to the city’s ancient origins.

The Cologne Cathedral, whose foundations date back to the 13th century, retains many of its original treasures. As the tallest twin-spired church in the world and the second tallest church in Europe, it stands out and is a must-visit in Cologne.

 NOTE: On Sundays and Catholic holidays, tours inside the cathedral are not allowed, but individual visits are still welcomed.

Back on the ship tonight, enjoy a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 5: Koblenz

We had a great experience touring around Koblenz during November Carnival! A more than two-thousand-year-old city strategically located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, this city is packed with history and a true gem here is Marksburg Castle. Visiting Koblenz, you may want to grab a beer in its typical, original brauhaus, Koblenz brewery and stroll the charming streets.

Today, there’s a choice of a Koblenz walking tour or Marksburg Castle visit or “Let’s Go” bike the castles or Boppard village stroll.

Koblenz Walking Tour:

Watch the waters of the Moselle meld with the Rhine’s as you stand on the spit of land called German Corner: It’s the perfect spot for a symbol of German unity, an equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I, who united the nation in the 19th century. Behind it is Koblenz’s oldest church, St. Castor’s Basilica, first erected in the ninth century, and just one of the charming churches and squares you’ll encounter as you wander through Old Town. Like many Rhineland towns, Koblenz suffered at the hands of Louis XIV’s forces—that’s why you’ll see so many baroque features in the buildings you pass, since so many needed to be reconstructed after the French left. That’s also why the Church of Our Lady has twin onion domes. Despite their travails over the ages, though, Koblenz’s citizens kept their sense of humor: One example of it might catch you by surprise as you pass the fountain known as the Spitting Boy, which spits water without warning.

After the tour, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the Marktplatz (Market Square) and its bounty of shopping and wine bars. 

Marksburg Castle Visit:

There are castles sprinkled throughout this area along the Rhine River. During the High Middle Ages, nearly 25,000 castles were constructed in Germany. It was a tumultuous time in history. A fractured German empire meant that neighbors were not always helpful and castles were for protection. Marksburg Castle is an impressive German castle to tour! This fairytale castle was also a powerful fortress, built to withstand attack. Your guide may point out the so called “murder holes” in the walls; these would have let defenders pour boiling pitch on would-be invaders. You’ll tour the bedchamber, the great banquet hall, the armory, the stables and, if you’re feeling brave, the torture chamber. Don’t miss the re-created medieval garden, with 150 plants used in the Middle Ages for curative (or magical) purposes. 

Let’s Go Bike the Castles:

If you’d like to get a closer view of the scenery between Boppard and Koblenz than the river affords, hop on a bicycle and let an experienced guided show you the sights along the excellent Rhine Bike Path. You’ll wheel past Spay and Rhens, which boasts colorfully painted half-timbering on its ancient houses, have a splendid view of magnificent Marksburg Castle, and arrive in Koblenz to meet up with your shipmates. Of course you’ll stop for refreshments along the way.

Boppard Village Stroll:

Join the Cruise Manager on a walk through this attractive town with a long and surprising history; the Cruise Manager will point out its highlights and recommend a host of activities. Take a chairlift to the top of the hill for a great view of the valley and the river (you can hike the return route, if you’re up for it); enjoy a glass of wine at a local tavern and watch the water traffic on the river; or ride a bicycle along the Rhine promenade. You might also visit Saint Severus Church, whose twin towers dominate the waterfront, or explore the remains of a fourth-century Roman fort. If you’re interested in design and the decorative arts, stop by the Museum Boppard to see the exhibit on native son Michael Thonet, who developed the technique of bentwood furniture in the 1840s. His iconic, lightweight chairs are still popular in cafés throughout Europe. Or simply stroll beneath the trees along the city’s scenic riverside promenade, which is lined with the gorgeous villas of 19th-century entrepreneurs.  

Day 6: Boppard, Rüdesheim

Experience Germany’s fabled Rhine River in one of two ways—an exclusive tasting of estate-grown Rieslings at Castle Vollrads, which we loved, or take the long way shoreward from the Germania monument with a vineyard hike.

Choice of Castle Vollrads wine tasting or “Let’s Go” hike from Rüdesheim to Assmanshausen (See below for details)

Caste Vollrads Wine Tasting

Nestled in the rolling, vineyard-covered hills of the Rheingau, Castle Vollrads is one of the oldest wineries in Germany. Its impressive square tower dates back to the 14th century, as does the moat. Just one family owned the castle for 700 years, until 1997, adding on to it and remodeling it over the centuries. While the interior of the castle is rarely open to the public, you will have the opportunity to step inside to see some of the elegantly appointed rooms, including the beautiful gold-embossed Flemish leather wall covering in the 17th-century dining room. Grapes have been grown here for more than a thousand years. Records show that Castle Vollrads wines were first sold in 1211. These days the excellence of its Riesling is well known. If you think of Reisling as being super sweet, you’ll be surprised by this wine. Most of the Rieslings presented here are not super sweet. Many are fruity and crisp. Accompanied by a local wine expert, you will sample three wines in three different locations. There will also be time to wander through the grounds at your leisure. 

Hike From Rudesheim to Assmanshausen

This fun excursion combines several of the area’s attractions. Start by hopping into an aerial cable car and soaring above the vineyards to the Niederwald Monument, which looks out over the entire Rheingau wine region. From the heights above the river, you and your local expert will hike down through vineyards to the picturesque riverfront village of Assmanshausen (which is noted for its red wine), where you’ll rejoin the ship.

Note: The gondola to Niederwald Heights is covered but not heated. Cars are open on the sides, and it is recommended that you dress warmly.

Day 7: Germersheim (Speyer)

Speyer Walking Tour

Speyer—“spire” in English—is well named, since the four red towers of the Romanesque cathedral dominate the Old Town just as the medieval bishops dominated the town itself. Though the bishops ruled the town, Speyer also had a special relationship with the Holy Roman emperors: Conrad II ordered the cathedral’s construction around 1030, and eight emperors are interred in its crypts. Your walking tour will take you along the pedestrian-only Maximilian Street—first laid out by Roman soldiers—from the last remaining gate of the medieval wall toward the great church. Near the church you’ll see remnants of a Jewish community established around 1090 under the auspices of the bishop of Speyer. Though the synagogue is long gone, the vaulted ritual baths have been beautifully preserved. (The area is popularly known as the Jewish Courtyard.) You’ll have some free time after your tour: If you’re interested in automotive history, trains or aeronautical technology, be sure to stop at the Technik Museum.
Note: Because the Speyer Cathedral is an active place of worship, no tours of its interior are given.

Private Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate Visit and Tasting

For a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Weinessiggut Doktorenhof estate for a special vinegar tasting. Yes, you read that right—a vinegar tasting. At Doktorenhof Estate, Georg Weidman’s family makes vinegar using fine wines, herbs, fruit, and a century-old bacteria. Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Riesling and pinot noir are aged with a century-old vinegar bacteria, and flavored with a variety of herbs and fruits. The results make complex and elegant aperitifs, intended to be sipped from a specially designed long-stemmed glass between courses or after a meal. The atmospheric tasting room (think candles, cloaks and choir music) is like no other you’ll ever experience. You’ll have plenty of time to explore their enticing gift shop, too. If you like cheeses, including goat cheese, this vinegar is a great complement.

Day 8: Kehl (Strasbourg)

Strasbourg, which has a charming French quarter, impressive cathedral, and a variety of culinary options travelers won’t want to miss, is the capital of the Alsace region. A great way to explore is on foot with an insightful local expert. This charming city has half-timbered homes, giant stork nests and impossible-to-resist pastry shops. Kehl, directly across the river from Strasbourg, will be your ship’s base while you explore the Alsatian capital. Experience its historic core as the locals do, with an exclusive walking tour. If you’re feeling adventurous, take advantage of Uniworld’s bicycles or Nordic walking sticks and explore the banks of the river.

Choice of Strasbourg panoramic tour with cathedral and Old Town walk or “Do as the Locals Do” Strasbourg walking tour. (See below for more)

You have the entire afternoon to see more of Strasbourg on your own.

Strasbourg Panoramic Tour with Cathedral and Old Town Walk

Controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, Strasbourg—cross-cultural and bilingual—offers a delightful combination of old and new, as well as French and German characteristics. You’ll see all the highlights on a city tour before venturing inside the cathedral, one of the city’s most famous sites. The same craftsmen who built Chartres worked on it, and the rose window may be Chartres’s equal. Don’t miss the astronomical clock or the truly remarkable statuary and carvings. 

Strasbourg Walking Tour

Climb aboard your coach for a short ride across the Rhine en route to enchanting Strasbourg. Teeming with narrow cobbled streets, timber-frame houses, town squares and stately patrician homes, this city is the launching pad for today’s journey. Experience local places, traditions and cuisine as you stroll through “Petite France,” along its canals and to the imposing Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. Stop for a bite to eat and enjoy a delicious Butchers Sausage, gingerbread, “Flammekueche” (which is often referred to as Alsatian Pizza), or a chocolate and liquor tasting at one of the local shops. Admire the city square’s famous Maison Kammerzell, numerous winstubs (wine lounges) and shops before enjoying free time to explore on your own, or opt for a Masterpiece Collection excursions to the Black Forest with a visit to the Vogtsbauernhof outdoor museum. After, reunite with your group at the Strasbourg Minster and make your way to Place d’Etoile where you can either return to the ship or enjoy the city for a little longer on your own. 

Day 9: Breisach

Breisach is your gateway to the Alsatian wine road and your launching point for one of two excursions along the celebrated Route des Vins, which hugs the foothills of the Vosges mountain range. You can visit Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, two of the most picturesque villages in the region, or take a tour of the larger town of Colmar, the capital of Alsatian wines.

Choice of Alsatian “Village Day” or Colmar city tour. (See below for details)

Alsatian Village Day:

An old stone well in Kaysersberg bears an inscription that warns against drinking water and urges the reader to “Drink with moderation old and subtil wine . . . and leave the water to the side.” What better words could guide you as you explore some delightful Alsatian wine villages? Though the remains of a 12th-century castle speak to Kaysersberg’s strategic importance in the Middle Ages, today it is an idyllic village nestled among vineyards. Join a local guide for a one-hour walking tour, passing storybook medieval houses with steeply pitched roofs and a gorgeous Gothic cathedral that was begun by a 12th-century Holy Roman emperor. In modern days, the village is best known as the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer. The road from Kaysersberg to Riquewihr provides quintessential wine road scenery: lush foothills, famous vineyards, castle ruins and quaint villages. Riquewihr itself seems to have changed little since the 16th century: The timber-frame buildings still boast colorful shutters and cheerful flower boxes, and stone arches still lead to cobbled squares with cafés and carved fountains. Your tour of this enchanting village ends with a tasting of an Alsatian specialty, Kugelhopf, a delicious yeast-based cake traditionally baked in a circular, Bundt mold. There will be time for you to explore the little shops in the village center, where you’ll find local specialties like schnapps, cheeses and artisanal breads, before returning to Breisach. 

Colmar City Tour:

Colmar has been called the prettiest town in the world, and it’s hard to argue with that designation. As you ramble through the town, you may find it easy to believe the rumor that Colmar was spared during WWII bombing because pilots knew it was too beautiful to destroy. Rainbow-hued half-timbered houses front peaceful little canals, flowers tumble from baskets and window ledges, and cobblestone lanes lead to extraordinary examples of Gothic architecture (among them are the Dominican Church and St. Martin’s). You’ll see fairytale 16th-century houses, including the House of Heads, so called for the 111 carved heads decorating the façade, and Pfister House, the unmistakable inspiration for a bakery in the animated feature Howl’s Moving Castle. Frédéric Bartholdi, who sculpted the Statue of Liberty, was born here; his sculptures are scattered throughout town—you’ll spot several of them in the center of fountains. You’ll also have some time to explore on your own; you might want to check out the Unterlinden Museum, perhaps best known for the Isenheim Altarpiece. And it’s worth remembering that Colmar is the capital of Alsatian wine-making—consider relaxing over a glass of cool white wine and watching the passing parade.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Day 10: Basel – Strasbourg

The second largest city in Switzerland, Basel is spread out on both sides of the Rhine river. The left bank is called the Grossbasel, and the part of the city located on the flatter right bank is Kleinbasel.

Due to its location on an important strategic river and bordering both Germany and France, Basel developed at an early date into an important trading center. This development is still evident in the many international trade fairs and congresses held here. Basel is not only a city of trade, but it is also known for its production. Indeed, some of the world’s largest chemical and pharmaceutical companies are located here. It is quite natural that Basel plays an important financial and political role. Delegates from major industrial countries come to Basel to discuss the world’s monetary and geo-political situation. Meetings regularly occur in the elegant tower of the Bank for International Settlements (BIZ); yet Basel, also has reasons to be proud of its intellectual and cultural importance.

The first university in Switzerland was founded here and Basel famously became the centre of humanism inspired by the visionary Erasmus von Rotterdam. Throughout modern history, great scholars have taught here including the physician Paracelsus and the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. A city of enormous appreciation for the arts, Basel boasts 267 museums, a grand new theatre as well as folkloristic gatherings and numerous civic festivals. The biggest event of the year is the Basel Fasnacht when the whole city takes part in the three days of high-spirited celebrations.

Disembark from your ship.

Private transfer from the ship in Basel to your hotel in Strasbourg with stop en route

After disembarkation, meet your driver-guide. You will be driven to Strasbourg with stop in Munster, one of Darley’s stops during her trip in Alsace. 

Lunch in Munster (Included. Alcoholic beverages additional cost)

About 1 hour’s drive  from Basel and from Strasbourg, Colmar small city showcases the lifestyle of the whole Alsace region. Surely you will be amazed by half-timbered houses dating back to 16th-century. Namely, you will visit the Adolf and Pfister Houses and ‘little Venice,’ also on the list of must-see locations while visiting Colmar.

Stop at “The Valley of Munster” and its famous Munster cheese which has been called “Maison du Fromage” since April 2011. 

You will visit the Museum, go behind the scenes of the making and its various manufacturing steps in a real Munster making demonstration. From raw material to product packaging, you will follow the path and tools for the birth of the famous Munster!

*Includes cheese sample tastings

Check in at Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery Collection (Or similar)

This hotel located in the center of Strasbourg is an original classic building of the 16th century. 

In 1528 “La Cour du Corbeau” housed a hotel that went by the name of “Zum Rappen”. However, it seems that there was already an inn or post house here even before that. The Cour du Corbeau is a rare example of an architectural ensemble built as a hotel from the outset. After operating as an inn for over three centuries, it only closed its doors in 1854. Over this long period, the “Zum Rappen” inn welcomed a number of famous travellers including the Duke of Bavaria in 1570, the Swedish general Gustav Horn in 1632 and Marshal Turenne in 1647, to name but a few. 

In 1930, the Cour du Corbeau was listed as a historic monument. After the departure of the OTT glass makers in 1982, the Cour du Corbeau was left empty and derelict.

In 2006, a pool of developers (Scharf Immobilier, Foncière de la Montagne Verte, Histoire & Patrimoine) bought the architectural ensemble known as Cour du Corbeau .

In 2007, the Herculean task of renovating the site began. It was to last two years. The new owners and architects strove to bring its history back to life and preserve its original cachet. They worked like archaeologists, restoring carved wood façades and balusters, even uncovering even the historic inscription of the establishment’s name carved into the wood. On 1 May 2009, the new “La Cour du Corbeau” hotel opened its doors and brought the site back to life, in keeping with its neighborhood which was already reinventing itself by reviving its past glories.

Breakfast included

Within walking distance of your hotel, you’ll find places to dine, including a Michelin star restaurant. Let us know if you’d like reservations!

Day 11: Strasbourg

Pick up at your hotel by private guide

Experience the quaint town of Strasbourg with the personalized attention of a private guide for a 2-hour walking tour.

This morning, depart for a guided walking tour of Strasbourg. Follow your private English speaking guide as you walk around the old pedestrian areas located around the Cathedral and in the Petite France neighborhood. During the tour, your guide will certainly point out the Maison Kammerzell, Gutenberg square, St-Thomas church, the former tanners’ houses, the Covered Bridges, the Vauban dam, the former customs-house, the former town-butchery, the Palais Rohan and so much more. One of the highlights of the walking tour will certainly be the visit of the Gothic cathedral with its stained-glass dating back 12th century and impressive hundreds of sculptures, including the Visit of a Wine Cellar Nestled Deep in Strasbourg’s Main Hospital.

Follow your guide as you reach one of the most unusual locations of Strasbourg. As you reach the old Hospices (Hospital), descend an unassuming flight of stairs tucked on the side of a building and discover the oldest Wine Cellar in Town. Back in the days, patients frequently paid for their treatment at the hospital by donating land to it, which was sometimes used for vineyards. Wine was often used for medical and religious purposes at that time, so having a wine cellar as part of a hospital was common, though not many remain today. Tour the cellar lined with giant, decoratively carved wooden barrels, mostly dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. One of them, though, is marked 1472. Kept behind a gate with a few other particularly old barrels of wine, it contains 450 liters of the oldest barrel-stored wine in the world, which has only been tasted three times in its history.

Lunch at a traditional local cuisine restaurant (Included). Alcoholic beverages not included.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure in Strasbourg.

Dinner on own (not included).

Day 12: A tour in Alsace- Colmar, villages, wine and traditions

Today, after breakfast, embark on a full day tour of the Alsace countryside.

In the morning, we will come and pick you up at your hotel. Your driver/guide will go over the program of the day with you and it will be time to depart for your first stop, the charming village of Obernai. This authentic alsatian village is certainly one of the most beautiful of Alsace with its little winding streets, old houses, ensigns and ramparts. Enjoy a guided tour of the town and some time for personal discovery. 

After your visit, we will take you to one of the most important sites of Alsace, Mont Saint Odile. This sacred place is dedicated to the patron saint of Alsace and it still attracts many pilgrims every year. The site is serene and the view on the Alsace plain is unbelievable. Follow your guide as you visit the monastery and then enjoy some free time for personal discovery. 

Following Lunch (included-Alcoholic beverages are not included), enjoy the Spectacular Alsace countryside and vineyards slopes

Located between the Rhine valley and the Vosges mountain range, the 60-year old route winds across the slopes for more than 170 kms. The itinerary leads across rows of undulating, vine covered hills, and through quaint villages with narrow streets and charming flower decked houses clustered around the local church steeple.

Finally, reach Haut Koenigsbourg Castle. Here, follow your guide for a tour of this mighty fortress that overlooks the valley. Built in 12th century, the Castle occupied a strategic position controlling the wine and wheat routes to the North and the salt route that came from the East. 

Dinner on own (not included). Suggested dinner at a local traditional restaurant. 

Day 13: Germersheim (Speyer)

After breakfast, pick up by private driver and transfer to the airport or rail station.

Trip Prices & Inclusions

13 days/ 12 nights averaging at $9,339 USD* per person based on double occupancy in Deluxe Balcony room for fall of 2021. Prices vary depending on upcoming chosen dates. Let us know when you’d like to go and/ or your budget and we can share your rates.

* Daily inclusions listed below. Itinerary pricing based on double occupancy. We are happy to customize this itinerary for you!

Package Inclusions

Package inclusions for 2
$200.00/person ship credit as Uniworld Virtuoso amenities 
Accommodation: Per itinerary
5 night at a luxury hotel in Amsterdam (Virtuoso) and StrasbourgÂ
AMS: Virtuoso amenities
Activities: per the itinerary
AMS Bike tour 2 hours for 2 or
AMS Foodie tour 2 hours for 2 or
AMS Walking tour landmark
FCE: Day 10 -Munster cheese tour
FCE Day11- Tour Strasbourg landmarks
FCE Day 12 – Full day Colmar and around

Transfers
AMS: Airport to hotel
AMS: Hotel to pier
FCE: Basel to Strasbourg w/stops

Meals
Daily breakfast for 2
Lunches in France (day 10;11;12)

All taxes and fees are included

Package Exclusions
Any meal and service not showing in the inclusions
Gratuities
Travel insurance
Transportation
Personal expenses