Rhine River
Koblenz to Amsterdam

May 17 -  23 (R) &  Oct 25 - 31, 2008

Day 1 Koblenz
Board the Charlemagne moored in Koblenz at 16:00 hours. Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle and surrounded by four low mountain ranges is the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz. Its abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings, its cosy lanes and narrow alleyways, the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares and  river promenades make Koblenz a friendly town where its guests feel right at home. Koblenz is a meeting point for visitors from all over the world and an excellent starting point for trips into the fascinating landscape along the Rhine and the Moselle.  The town owes its name to the Romans who named the ‘castle’ they constructed here around 9 B.C. “castellum apud confluentes.” This means "castle at the confluence of the rivers”. Visitors on the trail of Koblenz’ past, find themselves caught up in the history of a town which over the centuries was captured by the Franks, chosen as a place of residence by German prince electors, conquered by the French and fortified by the Prussians. A truly European place. Overnight stay in Koblenz.

Day 2 Koblenz-Cologne
After breakfast, a morning coach tour to Castle Ehrenbreitstein in Koblenz. Ship departs at about 10:30am. Arrive Cologne at 16:00 hours. Cologne is world-famous for its twin-spired cathedral, its romantic Rhine panorama and the Eau de Cologne to which it gave its name. Today the city’s character is a rich combination of modern lifestyle with 2,000 years of historical and cultural heritage, from Roman and medieval to the present day. And there is never a shortage of things to do and see, including countless events, live music, theatre, busy shopping streets and modern glass shopping centres and malls. Stay overnight.

Day 3 Cologne-Düsseldorf
Morning at leisure and spend a relaxing time in Cologne. We depart at 11:00am. Arrive Düsseldorf at 15:00 hours. Visit and explore the city. Cosmopolitan charm and Rhenish lust for life are the distinguishing characteristics of Düsseldorf. The city is world famous for the flair of the elegant Königsallee (the “Kö”) shopping and strolling boulevard, its vibrant Old Town with 260 pubs, clubs and restaurants, and its many-faceted arts and culture scene with spectacular events and world class exhibitions. Europe ’s biggest river plays a key role in the life of Düsseldorf’s people, more so perhaps than in any other city. Dinner on board and stay overnight.

Day 4 Düsseldorf-Arnhem
Ship departs early morning. All day cruising and enjoy and admire the scenery as we travel the beautiful waterways on the Rhine. Arrive Arnhem late in the afternoon. Explore and enjoy the town on your own or an optional guided walking tour. Way south of Groningen, ARNHEM was once a wealthy resort, a watering-hole to which the merchants of Amsterdam and Rotterdam would flock to idle away their fortunes.  Overnight stay Arnhem.

Day 5 Arnhem-Deventer
This morning we sail down stream on the Dutch river Ijssel to Deventer. Lunch on board. Guided walking tour in the afternoon. The IJssel River and several canals drain the province. It has a typical continental climate and landscape with lovely woods, ancient towns, interesting castles and manor houses. Deventer was already an important town in the 6th and 7th centuries. As a reminder of its ancient origins, the Berg Church or Saint Nicholas Church and Berg Quarter have been completely restored. The streets lie in a medieval pattern and are lined with stately patrician houses. Thanks to its location on the IJssel River, Deventer was an early trading center and important member of the Hanseatic League. Dinner on board and overnight stay Deventer.

Day 6 Deventer-Kampen
Sail in the morning to Kampen. Arrive Kampen in the afternoon. Lunch on board. Kampen, a former Hanseatic town, has a well preserves town center dating back to the 13^th century. It is located on the spot where the Ijssel flows into the Zuyder Zee, now known as the Ijsselmeer. An economic decline began when the Ijssel silted in the 16^th century. Only when the Zuyder Zee was drained did Kampen again become important as a center of communications. Enjoy visiting St. Nicholaas Church- a large Gothic cruciform basilica dating back to the 14^th century. The church of our Lady- also dates back to 14^th century. The Town Hall is richly decorated Gothic building with a tower on the side facing the river and the three Gothic town gates. Dinner on board and stay overnight.

Day 7 Kamp en-Amsterdam
Morning sail to Amsterdam over the former Zuider Sea. Ship arrives in the afternoon. Lunch on board. Visit and explore Holland’s capital. Amsterdam is one of the leading cities in Europe when it comes to modern and contemporary art, with lots of galleries and museums worth visiting. Overnight Amsterdam

Day 8 Amsterdam
Disembarkation after breakfast.