Expedition Details
From its source high in the Alps, the Rhine River twists through the heart of Europe, past historic cities and splendid landscapes in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. On board the lovely M.S. Swiss Jewel, trace the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam, exploring castles, fortresses, and medieval towns; visiting important sites from both world wars; and gliding through the spectacular upper Mosel Valley to Luxembourg.Trip Highlights
Itinerary - 14 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Basel, Switzerland
Depart on an overnight flight to Basel. Settle into your cabin aboard our deluxe riverboat before dinner.
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Day 3 — Basel
Situated at the juncture of Switzerland, Germany, and France, Basel has long been a center of art and philosophy. Take a morning walking tour of the Old Town, including the ornate town hall. This afternoon, visit one of the city’s renowned museums, take a photo walk with photographer Catherine Karnow, or explore on your own. Join the captain for a welcome dinner aboard the Swiss Jewel tonight.
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Day 4 — Strasbourg, France
Awaken in stunning Strasbourg, seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Delve into La Petite France, a picturesque quarter laced with canals and lined with half-timbered houses. Step into the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg to admire its intricate stained- glass windows. Return to the boat for lunch or opt for a meal in town. We cruise into Germany’s Black Forest tonight.
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Day 5 — Baden-Baden, Germany
Known for its healing thermal waters, the Belle Epoque town of Baden-Baden was once the retreat of Queen Victoria, Mark Twain, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. After a guided walking tour, take advantage of free time to discover the ruins of the Roman baths.
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Day 6 — Heidelberg
Spend the day in Heidelberg, a town that escaped destruction during World War II. Stroll through the old quarter, and ride a funicular up to the Heidelberger Schloss, an imposing castle perched above the city. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before rejoining the boat in Speyer.
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Day 7 — Upper Middle Rhine Valley
Glide into the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a spectacular stretch of the river lined with cliff-top castles, historic towns, and vineyards, and named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Listen to the legend of the Lorelei as we sail, visit the 2,000-year-old town of Boppard, and enjoy lively local entertainment in Koblenz. Tonight, we leave the Rhine, heading southwest on the Mosel River.
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Day 8 — Mosel Valley
Venture into the hilltop Reichsburg Castle, which dates back nearly a thousand years. Explore Cochem before tasting local vintages at a family-owned wine museum.
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Day 9 — Luxembourg/Bernkastel-Kues, Germany
Dock in Bernkastel-Kues for a journey to the tiny Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. On a walking tour of the old city, admire the thick battlements—today a World Heritage site; and visit the cathedral, parliament, and the Palace of the Grand Duke. Then trace the history of the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, where more than 5,000 American soldiers, including General George S. Patton, lie buried. Later, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Bernkastel-Kues, the “pearl of the Mosel.”
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Day 10 — Trier
Set out on an excursion to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, once known as the “second Rome.” Wander through the fortress-like cathedral, which combines Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque elements. This afternoon, watch the scenery slip by as we glide along the Mosel to rejoin the Rhine.
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Day 11 — Bonn
The birthplace of Beethoven, Bonn is perhaps best known as West Germany’s Cold War capital. Discover the palatial government buildings that grace the old town, and enjoy a memorable lunch overlooking Bonn and the Rhine at a grand hotel used to host visiting dignitaries.
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Day 12 — Arnhem, The Netherlands/Amsterdam
Our first port of call in the Netherlands is historic Arnhem. Visit De Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Kröller-Müller Museum, which features the works of Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh, as well as Europe’s largest sculpture garden. Rejoin the ship in Nijmegen for lunch, and explore the town and its World War II sites on your own. Gather tonight for the captain’s farewell dinner.
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Day 13 — Amsterdam
Immerse yourself in vibrant Amsterdam today. Skim along 17th-century waterways on a canal cruise that ends at Museumplein, a city square bordered by four major museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Take the rest of the day to explore the city on your own.
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Day 14 — Amsterdam/U.S.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Lucy and Ray Russell
Historian Ray Russell and musicologist Lucy Russell have spent their lives near rivers, from the mighty Tennessee to the Danube and Rhine. Ray specializes in Central European history and
politics, and Lucy is a professional harpsichordist and an expert on the music and cultural history of Europe. They have lived in Germany for more than 38 years and lecture widely at universities. Their talks will cover a broad spectrum of culture, history, and everyday life along the Rhine.
Lucy and Ray will join the following departure:
Sep 02 - 15, 2010Expedition Dates 
National Geographic photographer Catherine Karnow will also join this departure. She looks forward to helping travelers improve their photography skills by organizing photo walks and offering photo tips as you explore together.
