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Christmas cruise from Basel to Amsterdam: 8 days of medieval heritage and festive traditions

Main characteristics
Model of the boat: River boat
Type: Yacht / Motor boat > 24 m
Number of cabins: 95
Maximum capacity: 190 travelers
Crew members: 53

Cabin

Explorer suite
Spacious and refined, this 41 m² suite features a separate living room, a private panoramic balcony with 270° views, and a French balcony in the bedroom. The Queen-size bed (convertible into twin beds) is dressed in top-of-the-range bed linen.
The Air Plus offer is included for travelers from the USA and Canada.
Veranda suite
Designed to offer both space and privacy, this 26 m² suite features a separate lounge, a full-size private veranda with river view, and a French balcony in the bedroom for bright, open views of the landscape. The queen-size bed (convertible into twin beds) comes with premium bedding.
The spacious bathroom includes a glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror, and high-quality toiletries.
The Air Plus offer is included for travelers from the... see+ United States and Canada. 
Veranda cabin
This 19 m² cabin offers a beautiful view of the river through a large sliding glass door opening onto a private veranda—ideal for quietly enjoying the scenery. The queen-size bed (convertible into twin beds) is fitted with luxury sheets and pillows for optimal comfort.
The elegant and functional bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror, and high-quality toiletries.
Cabin with French Balcony
Compact and bright, this 12.5 m² cabin features a French balcony with a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door, offering an unobstructed view of the river. The queen-size bed (convertible into twin beds) is fitted with high-quality sheets and pillows.
The private bathroom includes a spacious glass-enclosed shower, heated floor, anti-fog mirror, and premium toiletries.
see more cabins
NB: The photos, information and visuals presented are not contractually binding. The indicated itinerary and program may be modified without prior notice for technical reasons (decision of the captain).

Sailing itineraries

Basel
Come aboard and settle into your cabin. A delicious blend of ancient and modern, Basel is... see+ Switzerland's best-kept secret. During the festive season, the medieval old town is transformed into a magical place. The cobbled streets are lined with wooden chalets offering all kinds of delicacies and festive gifts. Visitors to the Christmas market can enjoy a cup of aromatic mulled wine in a mug decorated in the shape of a boot. Hand-carved Christmas tree decorations, elaborately painted ceramics and delicious delicacies are on offer at the town's stalls. 
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Basel Breisach
In the heart of Breisach's Old Town, with the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral as a... see+ backdrop, the Weinachtsmarkt is a seasonal must. Steaming, aromatic mulled wine, served in decorated mugs and accompanied by delicious Christmas treats, is sold in wooden huts and festive taverns, keeping visitors warm as they stroll the stalls in search of gifts and crafts. The nearby Black Forest offers an enchanting atmosphere; its towering snow-covered spruce trees evoke a fairytale winter landscape. 
Activities: Includes: Christmas market and Fribourg organ concert, see+
Optional services: Colmar and Riquewihr celebrate, Medieval distillery Staufen and Schnapps see+
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Breisach Strasbourg
Strasbourg is considered the Christmas capital of France, with its cathedral square as a backdrop,... see+ transformed into a veritable winter wonderland. The city's Christkindelsmärik, the oldest in France, dates back to 1570, and hundreds of stalls overflow with colorful produce, fine food and mulled wine, bringing a warm festive atmosphere. Alsatian specialties include a wide selection of hearty classics, from bretzels (soft pretzels) and bredele (spicy star-shaped cookies) to knacks (sausages) and pain d'épices (gingerbread). 
Activities: Includes: Strasbourg highlights, see+
Optional services: Christmas flavours from Alsace, Alsatian wine tasting see+
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Strasbourg Mannheim Rudesheim
The Mannheim Christmas Market is a veritable festival of holiday shopping, centered around the... see+ city's iconic water tower. One of Germany's oldest and largest markets, it features over 160 stalls with vendors from all over the world, offering handicrafts and handmade items. Magnificent glassware, carved wooden toys and games sit alongside colorful Christmas lanterns, baubles and decorations, all presented in charming wooden houses. Luxurious cashmere scarves, sheepskin mittens and felt hats are ideal gifts for loved ones.

Located in the picturesque Rhine Valley, Rüdesheim is brimming with festive atmosphere. The Drosselgasse, a lively alleyway lined with decorated restaurants and bars, is the ideal place to explore and soak up the festive spirit. Traditional Rhineland music accompanies a mug of Christmas beer. Market stalls offer an assortment of delicious specialties from different nations, and local artisans showcase their talents with exhibitions of unique handcrafted gifts. 
Activities: Includes: Rüdesheim Festive Market, Mannheim and the Christmas market, see+
Optional services: Wine tasting and dinner at Eberbach monastery, Wine tasting and dinner at the Schloss Johannisberg estate see+
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Rudesheim Middle Rhine Koblenz
The Rhine flows through one of Germany's most picturesque regions. Sailing along its most... see+ picturesque stretch, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Middle Rhine, you'll pass vineyard-covered hills whose steep slopes force winegrowers to harvest by hand, perpetuating an age-old tradition. Splendid castles line the banks, each rich in history, and the Lorelei rock dominates a spectacular bend in the river. This famous river maiden fascinated sailors with her song, luring them to their doom at her feet.

Koblenz is a traditional German country town with a centuries-old wine-growing heritage; an essential ingredient in the mulled wine served in taverns and market stalls during the festive season. Scents of cinnamon, cloves and spices waft from steaming mugs, while the sounds of festivities fill the air from the many musical performances, creating a festive atmosphere. Centered around the Schängel fountain, Koblenz's Christmas market offers all the flavors of the festive season with its famous pastry shop. 
Activities: Includes: Historic Koblenz at Christmas, see+
Optional services: Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Medieval Marksburg Castle see+
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Koblenz Cologne
During the festive season, Cologne hosts a series of themed winter markets. They invite visitors to... see+ browse the colorful stalls in search of handmade gifts, magnificent works of art and colorful handicrafts. Cologne's imposing Gothic cathedral provides a magnificent backdrop for the city's festivities and the many offerings of its redwood stalls. Under the pointed roofs of Cologne's covered harbor market, unique handicrafts are displayed amid the twinkling lights of the boats pitching in the marina. 
Activities: Includes: Christmas in Cologne, see+
Optional services: Beer culture and dining in Cologne see+
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Cologne Scenic navigation Dordrecht
Sail on the bucolic waters of the Rhine, in the heart of the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta, as the... see+ iconic Dutch landscape unfolds as far as the eye can see. Flat farmlands, charming windmills and slender poplars line the banks, while vast expanses stretch in all directions, carefully cultivated: tomatoes, tulips and much more thrive here. Contemplate the Frisian cows and the picturesque villages with their harmoniously built farms, and marvel at the land conquered from the sea by traditional windmills and the construction of dikes.

Dordrecht is the oldest city in the Netherlands. It is home to hundreds of historic monuments and sites, including the Grote Kerk and the 13th-century Augustinian monastery, Het Hof. Its picturesque waterways and ornate bridges are reminders of a bygone era and are ideal for exploring on foot. The centuries-old harbors of the city center are lined with majestic former warehouses, now transformed into elegant residences. With its relaxed atmosphere and many charming cafés and boutiques, Dordrecht exudes authenticity and old-world charm. 
Activities: Includes: Historic Dordrecht, see+
Optional services: Historic Gouda and Stroopwafel see+
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dordrecht Amsterdam
Say goodbye to your fellow travelers and head home.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Included

The price includes
A free shore excursion in each port of call
WIFI
Beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
Specialty coffees, teas and bottled water 24 hours a day
Taxes and port charges
Enrichment lectures & destination performances
The activities included in the program
Meals included in the program
The price does not include
Flights and taxes
Transfers
Activities not included in the program
Meals not included in the program
Tips for guides and/or crew
Further information
Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary according to departure
Optional services
Flights not included in the program are available on request
Activities and excursions on request see+

Activities

Enjoy Christmas festivities and music:

Discover Freiburg, a city renowned for its medieval old town and enchanting Christmas markets. Enjoy the scenery on a scenic drive to this city south of the Black Forest, before taking a stroll through the historic... see+ center.
Follow your guide through the cobbled streets to learn more about Freiburg's history and Christmas traditions past and present. One of the highlights of your visit is the majestic Freiburg Münster (Freiburg Cathedral), dating from the 13th century. Located in the heart of the old town, this Gothic-style cathedral is protected by over 90 gargoyles. Take a moment to admire the carved details that adorn this impressive monument.
Finish your visit at the Christmas market in the main square: a magical setting where twinkling lights and decorated stalls create a warm atmosphere. Before returning to your ship, let yourself be carried away by the magic of an organ concert.

The walking sections are generally flat, with few steps or inclines. Total walking or standing time should not exceed 1h30. 
Included
Where Germany meets France to great success:

Discover this charming city steeped in equal parts French and German culture. Join your guide for a stroll through the German Imperial Quarter and the European Quarter, home to institutions such as the European... see+ Union and the Council of Europe. Admire the remarkable Renaissance architecture as you head downtown for a stroll through picturesque Petite France, the former Tanneurs district, surrounded by the Ill River and criss-crossed by charming canals. Discover the old customs house and bridges with their defensive towers. On the Place de la Cathédrale, admire Strasbourg's magnificently restored cathedral. One of Europe's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, it was the world's tallest building from 1647 to 1874. Enjoy free time to admire the great Gothic rose window, the magnificent red sandstone portal and the remarkable astronomical clock.

The walking sections can be long and somewhat challenging, with climbs, stairs and occasional inclines. Total walking or standing time generally varies from 1.5 to 3 hours. 
Included
Celebrate the festive season at the Marché de Noël des Nations :

Celebrate the festive season at the Christmas Market of the Nations. Located in the heart of the historic Old Town, the Rüdesheimer Weihnachtsmarkt features over 120 stalls representing... see+ Christmas foods and traditions from 20 different countries. From the landing stage, hop aboard a small train to Marktplatz, the epicenter of the lively Christmas market that stretches through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. On arrival, you'll have time to enjoy the festive cheer as you stroll through the many attractions, lulled by seasonal music and the aromas of regional specialties. You can stop for a cup of Rüdesheim's favorite coffee, made with locally distilled Asbach Uralt brandy, or search for the perfect Christmas souvenir to take home. Afterwards, return to your ship by mini-train, or explore the town on your own and make your own way back.

The walking sections are generally on easy surfaces, with few steps or inclines. Total walking or standing time is usually no more than 1.5 hours. 
Included
Visit a historic town and buy traditional gifts:

Celebrate Christmas and discover Mannheim's history and culture. Transfer by coach to the city center to explore Mannheim, the “Checkerboard City”, famous for its 17th-century checkerboard layout.... see+ Discover one of the city's most imposing landmarks, the Wasserturm (water tower), and explore the different districts and its oldest building, St. Sebastian's Church. If you're lucky, you might even hear the tower's carillon, which chimes three times a day. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at the Christmas market and discover how Advent was celebrated here in days gone by. Enjoy some free time to unearth unique gifts while savoring the festive scents and sounds of the market's colorful stalls, before returning to your ship.

Walking portions are generally on easy surfaces, with few steps or inclines. Total walking or standing time is usually no more than 1.5 hours. 
Included
Immerse yourself in the charm of a traditional Christmas market:

Stroll through the streets of Koblenz, discovering its rich history and enchanting Christmas market. Start your visit at the Deutsches Eck, the city's famous “German Corner”, where the... see+ monumental equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I takes pride of place. After admiring this imposing sculpture, continue your stroll through the narrow streets of the old town. Soak up the festive atmosphere that reigns in the heart of the historic center, and don't fail to admire the old schoolhouse, a magnificent building that has housed the town hall since 1895.
Let yourself be seduced by local Christmas traditions as you stroll through the cheerful Christmas market, spread over six different sites between Münzplatz and Zentralplatz. As you stroll among the charmingly decorated chalets, you'll be enveloped by the gourmet scents of the festive season, such as spiced mulled wine and roasted almonds. Treat yourself to a sweet treat before returning to your ship.

The walking sections can be long and somewhat challenging, with climbs, stairs and occasional inclines. Total walking or standing time generally varies from 1.5 to 3 hours. 
Included
Christmas market:

Celebrate the festive season in Germany at the Cologne Christmas Market and enjoy traditional Spekulatius. You'll head to the historic city center to visit the city's largest Christmas market, while your guide explains the region's... see+ important customs and traditions. Strolling through the colorful market stalls, you'll soak up the aromas of the festive foods on offer, such as roasted chestnuts and cinnamon-infused glühwein, and pause to sample Spekulatius, a traditional German holiday treat. Continue through the Old Town and soak up the atmosphere as you admire the city's twinkling lights. Admire the Gothic masterpiece that is Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and pause to admire the ornate design of its impressive exterior, which majestically dominates the city.

The walking sections are generally on easy surfaces, with few steps or inclines. Total walking or standing time should not exceed an hour and a half. 
Included
Famous sights in the oldest city of the Netherlands:

Discover the famous monuments that dot the historic quarters of Dordrecht, the oldest city in the Netherlands. Having been granted city status in 1220, Dordrecht has played an important role in trade,... see+ politics and religion for centuries. Join your experienced guide on a walking tour of the city's oldest quarters. Your leisurely stroll will take you past numerous warehouses and manor houses, as well as several remarkable buildings. Admire the Groothoofdspoort, the ancient city gate at the confluence of three rivers, and Het Hof, a medieval monastery that bears witness to Dutch history and culture. Admire the Gothic Grote Kerk, with its unfinished tower, and the classical facades of the Augustijnenkerk church and the Stadhuis (town hall). Afterwards, you can choose to spend more time exploring the city at your leisure, or walk back to your waiting boat.

The walking sections can be long and somewhat challenging, with climbs, stairs and occasional inclines. Total walking or standing time generally varies from 1.5 to 3 hours. 
Included
Visit the Christmas markets in Alsace:

Soak up the historic charm of Colmar and Riquewihr, famous for their colorful Christmas markets. These small towns in the Alsace region are renowned for their picturesque cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and... see+ pretty canals.
Meet your guide and take the coach to Colmar for a guided walking tour of its historic center. Admire the Renaissance buildings, charming alleyways and Gothic architecture of the Saint-Martin church. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to stroll at your own pace among the stalls of the Christmas market and discover local specialties.
Then join your guide for lunch in a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy typical Alsatian cuisine, a delicious blend of French and German influences.
Continue your discovery with a visit to Riquewihr, a village renowned for its colorful boutiques and intimate Christmas market. Enjoy some free time to explore the stalls and, if you like, sample some of the region's delicacies.

Some walking sections can be long, with climbs, stairs and uneven surfaces. Total walking or standing time is usually between 1h30 and 3h. 
Not included
Stroll through the historic old town and visit a famous distillery :

Explore the charming town of Staufen and taste the products of a famous schnapps distillery. Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, Staufen is famous for its association with Faust, the... see+ protagonist of the famous German legend. Follow your guide for a stroll through the old town, its cobbled streets lined with many examples of colorful 16th-century architecture. Learn about the town's history and Faust's pact with the Devil. Admire the view of the ruins of medieval Stauf Castle, perched on a terraced hill. Finish your visit at the Schladerer distillery, a family-run business that has been in operation for almost two centuries. Discover their innovative production process and enjoy a few samples of their delicious schnapps, a clear brandy distilled from fruit. Then discover Staufen for yourself, before returning to your ship.

The walking sections can be long and somewhat challenging, with climbs, stairs and occasional inclines. Total walking or standing time generally varies from 1.5 to 3 hours. 
Not included
Stroll through the historic old town and the Missbach winery:

Explore the charming town of Staufen and taste the products of an organic winery. Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, Staufen is known for its association with Faust, the protagonist of the... see+ famous German legend. Follow your guide for a stroll through the old town, its cobbled streets lined with many examples of colorful 16th-century architecture. Learn about the town's history and Faust's pact with the Devil. Admire the view of the ruins of Stauf's medieval castle, perched on a terraced hill. Enjoy free time to explore Staufen in more detail, then transfer to the small town of Ebringen for a visit to the Missbach winery, family-owned since 1758. Learn about production methods and the estate's pioneering role in organic wine production, then head to the rustic cellar for a tasting of several wines. Then return to your ship.

The walking portions can be long and somewhat challenging, with climbs, stairs and occasional inclines. Total walking or standing time usually varies from 1.5 to 3 hours. 
Not included
Festive charm and gastronomy in Strasbourg:

Soak up the spirit of Christmas at Europe's oldest Christmas market and enjoy mulled wine with tasty festive dishes. Take a guided stroll through the medieval streets of the city, which is also home to the... see+ European Parliament.
In the heart of Strasbourg, let yourself be enchanted by the enchanting atmosphere of its famous Christmas market. Colorful stalls of handicrafts surround vendors selling local produce and traditional delicacies. Alsatian cheeses and charcuterie, local Christmas beers and the cinnamon scent of Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) will awaken your senses.
Treat your loved ones to a sweet treat or two, such as an authentic gingerbread house. Then, admire the emblematic Gothic cathedral before discovering romantic Petite France, a picturesque district of canals lined with half-timbered houses. Finish your visit with a typical Alsatian sauerkraut, a generous winter dish based on fermented cabbage and sausages.

Physically demanding activities, including long walks, hiking, horseback riding, water sports and high-altitude activities. Walking activities may involve difficult, unpaved surfaces, numerous stairs and steep inclines. Total time spent walking or standing may exceed 3 hours. 
Not included
France's other great wine region:

Discover the treasures of Alsace, with its Renaissance beauty, unique culture and fresh, elegant white wines. World-renowned for its viticulture, Alsace enjoys a mild, dry climate, favorable soils and ideal exposure for... see+ its vineyards. Its geographical location gives it a subtle blend of Germanic and Roman influences, a legacy of the first Roman winegrowers. The great white wines produced here rival the finest Rieslings from neighboring Germany.
Take the famous Alsace Wine Route and stop off in one of its picturesque villages. During your visit to an estate, discover the cellars and, season permitting, stroll through the vines. The winemaker will introduce you to the local grape varieties and explain the history of regional viticulture. You'll taste several vintages and enjoy a moment of exchange with your host to learn more about the know-how involved in making French wines.

Some sections of the walk can be long and challenging, with stairs, gradients and climbs. Total time spent walking or standing generally varies between 1h30 and 3h. 
Not included
Stroll through the old town, Christmas market and Advent calendar ceremony:

Discover Gengenbach's Christmas traditions on a stroll through its old town and Christmas market. Meet your guide and set off on a walking tour of medieval Gengenbach, passing... see+ through one of the town's historic gates and winding through its narrow cobbled streets. Admire the Baroque Benedictine Abbey and St. Mary's Church, whose imposing bell tower is considered one of the most beautiful in southern Germany, as well as the 18th-century Löwenberg Palace and Scheffelhaus half-timbered house. Then enjoy some free time to stroll around the Christmas market, looking for a souvenir, or to enjoy a glass of mulled wine with roasted almonds. Finish your visit at the Town Hall, which each year transforms itself into the world's largest Advent calendar. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit of the season as you witness the daily opening of a new window on the building's façade, before returning to your boat.

The walking sections can be long and sometimes demanding, with steps, staircases and inclines. Total walking or standing time generally varies from 1.5 to 3 hours. 
Not included
A special meal in a monastic setting:

Dine in a former Cistercian monastery whose lush vineyards have been producing wine for centuries. Drive to Eberbach Monastery, a monumental, simple monastic church in early Romanesque and Gothic styles, renowned for... see+ its architectural heritage. Its vineyards have been preserved throughout its history, despite its secularization in 1803 and various transformations since. Meet your host in the historic wine cellar, where grapes were transformed into sweet Rieslings for centuries. You'll have the opportunity to taste some of the monks' favorite wines. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the church and cloister, once strictly reserved for ordained monks. Head to the restaurant, where you'll enjoy a dinner prepared with the freshest ingredients from the Rheingau. After a delicious meal in sacred surroundings, return to your ship.

The walking sections can be long and somewhat challenging, with climbs, stairs and occasional inclines. Total walking or standing time generally varies from 1.5 to 3 hours. 
Not included
A special meal in a historic castle:

Enjoy a delicious dinner of German specialties at one of the Rheingau's most renowned vineyards. Drive along the gentle hills to Johannisberg Castle, nestled in the heart of Germany's famous wine-growing region. Its... see+ vineyards, covering hectares, have been in production for 900 years. On arrival, join your host for a tour of the vineyards, ending with a visit to the estate's wine cellar. This is where the grapes grown on site have been transformed into sweet Rieslings for centuries. You'll have the chance to taste three of his favorite vintages and learn about the soil, climate and winemaking techniques that produce the perfect glass. Then head to the estate's restaurant, overlooking the vineyards, where you'll enjoy a meal prepared with the freshest Rheingau ingredients.

The walking sections can be long and somewhat challenging, with climbs, stairs and occasional inclines. Total walking or standing time generally varies from 1.5 to 3 hours. 
Not included
Immerse yourself in the local spirit of wine and song:

Raise your glass and give a hearty “Prost!” to this delightful and enjoyable evening. Despite its growing popularity, Rüdesheim has retained its small-town charm. Nowhere is this more evident than... see+ along Drosselgasse, a narrow pedestrian street brimming with wine and lively music. Visit one of the city's oldest restaurants, whose owners continue another tradition: the “terroir to plate” approach that lets you savor the rich and varied flavors of their beloved Rheingau. On this evening excursion, hop aboard a small train to the 15th-century Drosselgasse. Soak up the medieval atmosphere as you stroll past cosy wine bars and lively taverns, then savor the riches of Germany's Rheingau region over a festive meal. Enjoy a full dinner to the sound of traditional music, and sip the local Schnaps vom Brett as an after-dinner drink.

The walking sections are generally on easy surfaces, with few steps or gradients. Total walking or standing time is usually no more than 1.5 hours. 
Not included
Germany's oldest university town and its students during the Christmas season:

Discover Heidelberg, a city of enchanting charm that was at the heart of the German Romantic movement. Join your guide for a drive to Heidelberg, then climb up to the majestic... see+ Heidelberg Castle, a veritable treasure trove of Renaissance architecture. Built in the early XIII? century, it was once the residence of the Palatinate monarchy.
Then head back down into the old town for a walking tour to the University of Heidelberg, recognizable by its towers. On the way, you'll pass through a festive Christmas market that enlivens the Market Square with its colorful stalls and warm atmosphere. You'll see the University Tower, where unruly students were once imprisoned, and the Red Ox Tavern, where they would brag about their misadventures over a drink afterwards.
Share a special lunch with a group of today's students, and hear their views on life at Germany's oldest university. Then enjoy some free time to stroll through the Christmas market before returning to your ship.

The walking sections are generally flat, with few steps or inclines. Total walking or standing time generally does not exceed 1 h 30. 
Not included
A Citadel’s Fascinating History and Sweeping River Views:

Ascend to Ehrenbreitstein, set high on a hill with magnificent views of Koblenz and the Eifel Hills. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress has long enjoyed a strategic locale, built on the site of a previous... see+ fortress whose history stretched back to 1100. The citadel you see today was constructed in the early 19th century to protect against the French. You will ride a gondola to the hilltop, then enjoy a fun and informative tour with our costumed and colorful actor/guide who takes on the persona of John Humfrey, a lieutenant colonel in the British Corps of Royal Engineers. Accompany him as he guides you through this excellent example of Prussian military fortifications. After, you will have some free time to take in the fantastic views and explore on your own, perhaps lingering at a small café before returning to your ship.

Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours. 
Not included
A well-preserved portrait of life in a medieval castle:

Visit Marksburg Castle, the only medieval fortress in the Rhine Valley never to have been destroyed. This mighty castle has watched over the town of Braubach since the 13th century; thanks to its... see+ solid fortifications, it has never been besieged. Its butter tower, so named because of the smaller diameter of its upper part, is a monument appreciated for its distinctive profile. On arrival, admire the breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside from its 90-metre perch, before following your guide through the rough stone passages to visit the citadel. Take narrow spiral staircases to admire the wine cellar, a bedroom, the dining room and the impressive kitchen of the Gothic hall. End your visit with a study of the Gimbel collection, including life-size figurines detailing the evolution of armor and weaponry through the ages, then return to your ship.

Physically demanding activities, including long walks, hiking, horseback riding, water sports and high-altitude activities. Walking activities may involve difficult, unpaved surfaces, numerous stairs and steep inclines. Total time spent walking or standing may exceed 3 hours. 
Not included
Enjoy Kölsch fresh from the barrel at three breweries:

Immerse yourself in Cologne's lively brewery culture and discover the city's pride and joy. On this fun-filled tour through the heart of Cologne, you'll stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old... see+ Town, past historic houses. Take a break at three Kölsch breweries. Kölsch, a light, sparkling beer, is brewed exclusively in Cologne. The brewery's waiters, called köbes, will serve Kölsch directly from the keg to your table in 20 cl glasses, small enough for you to finish it chilled. Soak up Cologne's rich culture amid the dark walls and stained glass windows of the Old Town breweries, and discover the brewing secrets that give Kölsch its unique character. You'll then dine in a popular local brewery before returning to your ship.

Walking sections are generally on easy surfaces, with few steps or inclines. Total walking or standing time is usually no more than 1.5 hours. 
Not included
Explore the city's sights and taste your own sweet creation:

Try your hand at making the famous Dutch stroopwafel at a culinary workshop and enjoy your own creation. Embark on a scenic drive to Gouda, a town steeped in history dating back to the 12th... see+ century. On a walking tour, admire St. John's Church and its 16th-century stained glass windows which, against all odds, have survived several wars. You'll also stop to admire the Gothic town hall; in the absence of events, visitors are invited to enter and admire the mayor's office. While Gouda is perhaps best known for its cheese, one of its best-kept secrets is stroopwafel: two wafers bound together with a layer of caramel syrup. During a workshop, you'll learn how to prepare these sweet treats and taste your creation before returning to your ship.

Walking sections can be long and somewhat challenging, with climbs, stairs and occasional inclines. Total walking or standing time generally varies from 1.5 to 3 hours. 
Not included

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