River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Switzerland

   Mon, Sep 30, 2024

   Depart for Switzerland
2. Day 2
   DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Zurich

   Tue, Oct 01, 2024

   Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's financial center, and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Tonight, meet your local host and celebrate your arrival with a drink
   Overnight: Zurich
3. Day 3
   DAY 3, Wednesday - City Tour of Zurich

   Wed, Oct 02, 2024

   Start the city tour with a panoramic drive through the trendy Zurich West district and then straight into city centre of Zurich. Passing the National Museum, you will catch a glimpse of the famous shopping street "Bahnhofstrasse" and enjoy a magnificent view over Zurich. The tour concludes with a short leisurely walk through the picturesque Old Town with sights such as the Fraumünster, St. Peter's Chruch, the Grossmünster, and the Limmatquai
   Overnight: Zurich
   Meals: Breakfast
4. Day 4
   DAY 4, Thursday - Travel to Lucerne & City Tour, Basel, Cruise Embarkation

   Thu, Oct 03, 2024

   This morning, depart Zurich and travel to picturesque Lucerne. On arrival, embark on a city tour that begins at the Lion Monument, created in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards, during the French Revolution. View the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape. Afterward, free time to explore and lunch on your own. In the afternoon, head to the port in Basel for your cruise embarkation. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
5. Day 5
   DAY 5, Friday - Breisach Walking Tour

   Fri, Oct 04, 2024

   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
6. Day 6
   DAY 6, Saturday - Strasbourg City Tour

   Sat, Oct 05, 2024

   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
7. Day 7
   DAY 7, Sunday - Morning in Speyer & Evening in Rudesheim

   Sun, Oct 06, 2024

   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
8. Day 8
   DAY 8, Monday - Morning Cruising & Afternoon in Koblenz

   Mon, Oct 07, 2024

   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 Tour (PM)
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   DAY 9, Tuesday - Cologne City Tour

   Tue, Oct 08, 2024

   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
10. Day 10
    DAY 10, Wednesday - Amsterdam City Tour

    Wed, Oct 09, 2024

    Cruise into Amsterdam as you enjoy breakfast on board and join a panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. 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 Cruise Director on your final night on board
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    DAY 11, Thursday - Disembarkation, The Hague en route to Brussels

    Thu, Oct 10, 2024

    This morning, disembark your ship and travel through the countryside to Brussels. Along the way, stop in The Hague, a city rich in history and the seat of the government for The Netherlands. Take a city tour to view some of the highlights of the city including the beautiful Houses of Parliament, the working palace of the Dutch king, and the Peace Palace. Arrive in Brussels, the capital city of Belgium and check into your hotel. This evening, treat yourself to an extraordinary dinner, or perhaps just sample the city's famous chocolate and beer
    Overnight: Brussels
    Meals: Breakfast
12. Day 12
    DAY 12, Friday - Brussels City Tour

    Fri, Oct 11, 2024

    Today, take a city tour of Brussels, View the Atomium, the Royal Palace, the Museum district, and the Palace of Justice. Visit the 17th century Grand Place with its decorated guild houses, and stroll through the city center to view the famous Manneken Pis fountain. The evening is free to explore the myriad of restaurants on the Rue des Bouchers
    Overnight: Brussels
    Meals: Breakfast
13. Day 13
    DAY 13, Saturday - Travel to Luxembourg City & City Tour

    Sat, Oct 12, 2024

    This morning, cross into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, one of the world's smallest countries. Arrive and embark on a city tour of Luxembourg. During your exploration, view some of the city's highlights including Luxembourg Place Guillaume II, Chemin de la Corniche, Place d'Armes and Grand Ducal Palace. Afterward, check into your hotel and spend time at leisure
    Overnight: Luxembourg City
    Meals: Breakfast
14. Day 14
    DAY 14, Sunday - Full Day in Luxembourg City

    Sun, Oct 13, 2024

    Today is free to discover Luxembourg on your own, or join the optional Historic Cities of Luxembourg. The morning tour takes you to the spa town of Mondorf-les-Bains, with its extraordinary and largely obscure history. Continue to Schengen, a winemaking village, best-known for its founding status of the Schengen Agreement, giving freedom of movement to millions of people in 27 European countries. Then, visit Remich and Grevenmacher, two quaint towns in the Moselle region surrounded by vineyards. Learn about the Nazi occupation of the area and the suffering afflicted to its Jewish residents. Tonight during dinner, share memories of your journey
    Optional: Half Day Historic Cities of Luxembourg (AM)
    Overnight: Luxembourg City
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
15. Day 15
    DAY 15, Monday - Depart Luxembourg

    Mon, Oct 14, 2024

    Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
    Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

River Cruise Package Includes

Special Features

River Cruise Features & Amenities

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Not Included:
Optional shore excursions and gratuities.

Additional Information:
Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.

While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: .

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers