Great European Journey

Day 1, Saturday, May 31 | Depart Home City
Depart for Zurich, Switzerland. Please check your bags from your gateway city to your arrival city.

Day 2, Sunday, June 1 | Zurich, Switzerland/Engelberg | R
Arrive at Zurich Airport. Proceed through the immigration checkpoint to the baggage claim area and retrieve your luggage. After completing a customs screening,  Take a scenic drive to Engelberg and check in to the deluxe Belle Époque Hotel Kempinski Engelberg.

Free Time: Enjoy lunch and the afternoon at your leisure. For suggestions on sightseeing and dining options, please visit the Hospitality Desk at the hotel.

Welcome Reception: This evening, gather at the hotel with your fellow passengers for a Welcome Reception, then enjoy dinner on your own.

Day 3, Monday, June 2 | Engelberg/Lucerne | B, L
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning. Lucerne. A compact city on Lake Lucerne and the Reuss River, Lucerne boasts wonderfully painted buildings, stately churches and picturesque town squares. On a walking tour, see the imposing Water Tower — built in 1300 as part of the city wall, its uses over the years ranged from treasury to torture chamber. Marvel at the iconic Chapel Bridge, Europe’s oldest covered bridge, which was built around 1360 and boasts a historically unique inner decoration of 17th-century paintings. Crossing the bridge, arrive in the medieval old town, with its frescoed buildings and fountains. Savor a traditional Swiss lunch, including fondue, at an authentic restaurant in town. Enjoy music and folklore entertainment during the meal.

Lake Cruise. Wrap up with a pleasant cruise across Lake Lucerne, taking in the glittering town and its neighboring alpine peaks from another beautiful vantage point.

Free Time: This evening, make your own dinner plans. The Hospitality Desk stands ready with restaurant suggestions.

Day 4, Tuesday, June 3 | Engelberg/Lauterbrunnen/Grindelwald | B, L
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, join your fellow passengers on a scenic ride to the gorgeous alpine valley of Lauterbrunnen.

Lauterbrunnen. Lauterbrunnen is a valley of incredible vistas, including wildflower meadows, enormous mountains and 72 waterfalls. (Lauterbrunnen translates to “many fountains.”) One of the most famous of these is Staubbach Falls, which you will visit. Plunging almost 984 feet from an overhanging rock face, it is one of the highest, and most spectacular, free-falling waterfalls in Europe. Many artists, writers, composers and nature lovers have made a pilgrimage to Staubbach Falls over the years; indeed it is said to have inspired Johann Wolfgang von Goethe to write the poem “Song of the Spirits over the Waters.” Up and Down the Mountain. Next, walk to the Lauterbrunnen Train Station for an amazing cogwheel train ride up to Kleine Scheidegg, elevation 6,761 feet. This mountain pass is known for its stunning, unparalleled views of three mighty peaks—the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch—which make up Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Soak up the beautiful views and don’t forget your camera! We will lunch at an authentic restaurant in Kleine Scheidegg.

After lunch, continue by train to Eigergletscher and embark a cable car to descend the mountain through incredible alpine scenery to the picturesque village of Grindelwald. Free Time: Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring this charming village. Browse the shops, take in the lovely views, maybe sample a coffee and pastry in one of the many restaurants, cafés and bakeries. Take a scenic drive from Grindelwald back to the hotel in Engelberg. Tonight make your own plans for dinner. The Hospitality Desk stands ready with dining recommendations.

Day 5, Wednesday, June 4 | Engelberg/Basel/Embark River Boat | B, L, D
Savor a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Marvel at the beautiful scenery on a drive to Basel. Basel, an Alpine Art Hub. Arrive in Basel, Switzerland’s only port. Ancient Basilia was a Roman settlement established in 44 B.C. — nowadays it’s a vibrant, modern city known for its annual Art Basel festival of contemporary art. Enjoy a guided city tour and lunch at a local restaurant.

Embark Viva Enjoy and settle in to your cabin. This afternoon, attend a Welcome Briefing and lifeboat drill. Enjoy a relaxing dinner on board tonight (and every night on the cruise!).

Day 6, Thursday, June 5 | Strasbourg, France | B, L, R, D
Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board each morning of the cruise. Strasbourg. Discover the medieval grandeur of Grand-Île, the historic center of Strasbourg and a UNESCO World Heritage site, during a walking tour. See the bridges and watchtowers of the 13th-century Ponts Couverts, and meander past the many half-timbered houses in the canal-lined Petite France district, where tanners, millers and fishermen once lived during the Middle Ages. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, an exquisitely ornamented Gothic beauty. Gaze at its famed Astrological Clock, created by a team of artists, mathematicians and technicians during the Renaissance. Across from the Cathedral, notice the Kammerzell House, now a hotel and restaurant. This beautiful building dates to 1427; cheese merchant Martin Braun, then owner, commissioned the incredible exterior work in 1589.

Free Time: Return to the ship for a delicious lunch. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. If you’d like to return to town, hop on a shuttle or borrow a bicycle from the ship.

Welcome Reception: Join the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner later tonight.

Day 7, Friday, June 6 | Mannheim, Germany for Heidelberg | B, L, D
Heidelberg. Dock in Mannheim and journey to romantic Heidelberg to visit the ruins of its grand castle, built in the 13th century, overlooking the picturesque Neckar Valley. Take in the ancient castle walls, surrounding grounds and gorgeous views. One of the more intriguing features of the castle is the world’s largest wine barrel in its basement, complete with dance floor on top. Take a walking tour in the lively, cobblestoned Altstadt (Old Town), filled with Renaissance and Baroque gems, such as the old bridge  Alte Brücke. As you cross it, keep your eyes peeled for a most singular statue—of a monkey with a mirror!

Free Time: Return to the ship for a delicious lunch and free time in the afternoon.

Day 8, Saturday, June 7 | Rüdesheim/Cruise the Rhine Gorge | B, L, D
Riesling in Rüdesheim. Arrive in the heart of Riesling wine country today. Ride on the Winzerexpress, a mini-train that will take you on an informative tour through the vineyards, including a stunning view of Rüdesheim and the Rhine. The tour ends with a wine tasting in the picturesque old town.

Head back to the ship to settle in for a delicious lunch on board, or stay and lunch in town, if you wish.

Unforgettable Cruise on the Rhine Gorge: The Rhine has been an important passage connecting the northern and southern parts of Europe since prehistoric times, making trade and cultural exchange possible. Small settlements sprang up along the riverbanks 2,000 years ago and evolved into a string of small villages and towns. Now this enchanting Upper Middle Rhine Valley, also known as the Rhine Gorge and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dotted with some 40 hilltop castles, palaces and fortresses. Marvel at the breathtaking vistas, complete with vineyard terracing along the steep valley walls. These views have inspired great artists, poets and composers over the past few hundred years—as you glide along this magnificent stretch of river, perhaps you will be reminded of the paintings of J.M.W  Turner, the words of Lord Byron or the music of Richard Wagner’s “Ring Cycle.” Admire the striking outcrop called Loreley Rock—a symbol of Rhine Romanticism that inspired myriad poems and songs.

Day 9, Sunday, June 8 | Cochem | B, L, D
Cochem. Sail through a splendid, narrow section of the Moselle River, lined with colorful towns and tiered vineyards, then dock in charming Cochem. As you disembark, delight in the brightly painted houses on the riverfront. On a walking tour, stroll the narrow cobblestoned streets and take in the squares and half- timbered houses. Visit Reichsburg Castle, perched atop a tree-covered cliff high above the town. The original castle here was demolished by King Louis XIV’s troops in 1689. The building sat in ruins for almost 200 years before a wealthy businessman bought and refurbished it, in a neo-Gothic style. The castle offers the most stunning views of the river, valley and town…a wonderful photo opportunity!

Free Time: Return to the ship for lunch on board. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Stay in town, if you wish, to lunch and explore Cochem on your own. Enjoy a delicious dinner tonight.

Day 10, Monday, June 9 | Cologne | B, L, D
Cologne. One of the largest European cities in medieval and Renaissance times, Cologne is known for its lively spirit. On a walking tour, meander down winding lanes in the medieval old town, appreciating the colorful houses, leafy squares and picturesque courtyards. Have you ever wondered why your bottled fragrance is called Eau de Cologne? The term is French for “water of Cologne,” and the world’s oldest perfume factory has been located here since 1723. But Cologne may be most famous for its magnificent Gothic cathedral, Kölner Dom, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This location has been occupied by Christian churches since the 4th century, and the current cathedral was built over a period of more than 630 years, finally completed in 1880. The cathedral houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, a gilded reliquary, the largest one in Europe. Admire the cathedral’s impressive exterior on our walking tour.

Free Time: Return to the ship for lunch on board. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Stay in town, if you wish, to lunch and explore Cologne on your own.

Day 11, Tuesday, June 10 | Sailing/Amsterdam, Netherlands | B, L, R, D
As we sail to the Netherlands, enjoy time this morning on the ship. Exercise in the fitness center, indulge in a sauna or steam bath in the wellness area, or simply relax on deck with a book. After a delicious lunch, disembark in Amsterdam.

Canal Cruise. Embark on a private cruise through Amsterdam’s world-famous UNESCO-inscribed canals, which have been connecting the city since the early 17th century. Glide under iconic bridges and past brightly colored houses, stately stone buildings and hundreds of cyclists!
Farewell Reception: This evening, attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner, and raise a glass to your great European journey!

Day 12, Wednesday, June 11 | Amsterdam /Disembark/Return to Home City | B
Following breakfast, disembark and transfer to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) for your return flight home.
If you have reserved the Amsterdam Post-Tour Extension, please refer to the separate preliminary itinerary for the extension for more information

Highlights:

• Comprehensive, multifaceted and luxurious seven-night cruise aboard the specially chartered, deluxe small river boat, Viva Enjoy.
• Visit to world-famous Keukenhof, the “Garden of Europe,” at the peak of tulip season to see the world’s largest and most colorful display of spring flowers.
• Guided tour of the wonderful Kröller-Müller Museum, with its amazing Van Gogh collection and stunning sculpture garden.
• Viewing of three of Peter Paul Rubens’ masterpieces in Antwerp’s Cathedral of Our Lady.
• Tour of Ghent’s St. Bavo’s Cathedral, whose chapel houses the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Explore the medieval Flemish jewel of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Golden Age trading town of Hoorn.
• Exclusive River Life® forum with local residents.
• Complimentary wine and beer served with lunch and dinner aboard the river boat.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi aboard the boat (conditions permitting).
• An exceptional value for an all-inclusive, deluxe program.
• Amsterdam Pre-Program and/or The Hague Post-Program Options.

Not included:
Airfare; Taxes; passport fees; visas and fees for obtaining visas if applicable; personal expenses such as laundry, internet access and telephone calls; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance (“Travel Insurance”), Gratuities to ship and hotel personnel; optional sightseeing excursions; excess baggage charges on aircraft; local departure air taxes; airfare and associated local taxes*, airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed in the “included features” section of the program brochure; transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel  if you are arriving earlier or later and/or departing earlier or later that scheduled group transfer(s); meals and and alcoholic beverages not listed in the “Included Features” section of the program brochure; and all other services not specifically mentioned in the “Terms & Conditions” for the trip. www.gohagantravel.com/terms for complete terms and conditions for this trip.