Rhine 7 night river cruise, from $3099 per person

Save even more, Ed believes that Cruises should always be booked in great cabins, and so the prices are for the mid range cabins. If you want to save even more, ask for a quote for a CATD (still with French Balcony) or even a CATE lower deck cabin.

This tour starts in either Amsterdam or Basel on Mondays

DAY 1, Wednesday – Cruise Embarkation in Basel

Arrive in Basel and transfer to the port. Embarkation will begin at 2 PM. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala Welcome Dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2, Thursday – Breisach Walking Tour

Arrive this morning in the small town 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 town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored to its original beauty. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. After lunch set sail for Strasbourg
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3, Friday – Strasbourg City Tour

A lovely day awaits you in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city’s center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, the ship sets sail toward Speyer
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Saturday – Morning in Speyer & Evening in Rudesheim

This morning arrive in Speyer. Perhaps take a refreshing morning walk through this picturesque town founded by the Romans, or alternatively, join the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world’s greatest writers and artists. The ship will continue sailing this morning and passengers joining the tour will rejoin the ship at lunchtime and relax on board this afternoon. After dinner, arrive in Rudesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine; perhaps take a leisurely walk through town or visit a quaint wine tavern
Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Sunday – Morning Cruising & Afternoon in Koblenz

This morning take in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren “Lorelei” who bewitched sailors passing by. After lunch on board, the ship docks in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that’s never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years
Optional: Marksburg Castle (PM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Monday – Cologne City Tour

Today the ship will dock in Cologne, one of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Tuesday – Amsterdam City Tour

Cruise into Amsterdam as you enjoy breakfast on board, and join a panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam’s Dam Square, the Queen’s official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. This evening bid farewell to your traveling companions on your final night on board
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Wednesday – Depart the Netherlands

This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 1, Wednesday – Arrive in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland’s sophisticated and modern capital. Transfer to the port. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board, or begin your discovery of the many cultural sites this city has to offer. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a gala Welcome Dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Dinner

DAY 2, Thursday – Amsterdam City Tour & Afternoon Cruising

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-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. This afternoon get acquainted with your fellow passengers as you cruise south for Germany
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3, Friday – Cologne City Tour

Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, arriving as you enjoy lunch on board. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns. After dinner on board, time to explore Cologne’s vibrant nightlife before setting sail
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4, Saturday – Morning in Koblenz & Afternoon Cruising

The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour this morning and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that’s never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. At noon, set sail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren “Lorelei” who bewitched sailors passing by. This 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)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5, Sunday – Morning in Mannheim & Afternoon in Speyer

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 and the Luisenpark, one of the loveliest parks in Europe. Alternatively, join the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world’s greatest writers and artists; tour the city and view the ruins of 12th century Heidelberg Castle before returning to the ship as it sails to Speyer. Here, stroll the lanes of this picturesque city founded by the Romans, with its prized red sandstone cathedral named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, the ship sails for Strasbourg
Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Monday – Strasbourg City Tour

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 the city’s center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, return to the ship as you sail toward Breisach in the Rhine Valley
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Tuesday – Breisach Walking Tour

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 town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored to its original beauty. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. After lunch set sail for Basel. Tonight, at the Farewell Dinner, share wonderful memories of your Rhine journey with your new-found friends
Overnight: River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Wednesday – Depart Switzerland

This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport in Basel for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
Meals: Breakfast

Monach Empress

Sail the Rhine in comfort and style on the Monarch Empress. The MS Monarch Empress is a deluxe river cruise vessel operated by Gate 1 Travel. Built in 2015/16, maximum capacity of 140 passengers, this ship features 70 spacious outside cabins, 58 with French Balcony, each fully air-conditioned with individual climate control and private bathrooms.

Ship Amenities

Bar-Lounge, restaurant, aft lounge, sundeck, putting green, fitness center, basic wi-fi throughout ship and 24/7 coffee/tea stationCabins IncludeFlat screen TV, direct dial telephone, built-in safe, individual climate control, hairdryer, mini-fridge

Ed always quotes the best experience cabins, and pricing is for CATC cabin on Countess deck, but ask about pricing for a Suite or saving for opting for the CATE lower deck.

Add these on now or book with your guide while on the tour. Prices are per person and twin share bookings do not need to have both people booked together.

Marksburg Castle Tour $69 pp

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.

*This tour will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes.

Approximate tour duration is 2 hours.

Heidelberg City Tour $79 pp

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 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.