amsterdam to lucerne river cruise

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The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam

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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Reception at the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Dinner and entertainment at Schloss Ehreshoven, a German castle dating back to the 15th century

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $4,377

Two nights at the Hotel Bellevue Bern, with choice of a cogwheel train excursion to the Jungfraujoch, or a chocolate-themed walking tour of Bern

Choice of bicycle excursion in Baden-Baden

A guided visit to Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, plus a canal boat cruise

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Exclusively inclusive river cruising

Follow the romantic Rhine River on its winding journey through Central Europe, taking in the sights, history and culture of Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands and France, as your riverboat glides along the river.

Old world europe – rhine river cruises, tauck exclusive – evening at schloss ehreshoven, enjoy an elegant dinner and tour at schloss ehreshoven.

Built in the 14th century and later expanded in the grand style of a Baroque manor house, Schloss Ehreshoven is surrounded by gracious 18th-century French gardens and a castle park. For nearly a century the castle has been the heart of a charitable foundation whose main mission includes providing a home for unmarried aristocratic ladies without means in their golden years. Frequently used as a location for movies and TV shows, the Schloss provides an elegant setting for Tauck's exclusive cocktail reception and dinner, hosted by a member of the family.

Bellevue Palace Bern

More than a century of history in the shadow of the alps.

The only grand hotel in the heart of Switzerland's capital, Bellevue Palace Bern a national institution – the official guest house of the Swiss government for over 150 years, in fact. Whether you arrive for a romantic weekend, an eventful holiday or an official visit, the hotel's stylish and discreetly luxurious rooms and suites leave nothing to be desired. All offer classically elegant furnishings combined with modern-day comforts, harmonious colors and stunning views. Thanks to our hospitality, you are sure to feel at home.

The officers and crew were totally outstanding professionals. We were treated like royalty. The Tour Directors were exceptionally knowledgeable, personable and great!

Tauck Traveler Review

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Welcome Aboard

• ms Treasures

Ship Specifications

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Diamond Deck

(Note: All Category 7 cabins are three-guest capacity suites with a pull-out couch)

Emerald Deck

Overnight Accommodations

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Arrive Early

Bern, Switzerland

Nights 3-9 On Board

Tauck Riverboat

Your Journey

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Northbound: Zurich → Amsterdam

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and France. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any country visited for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and France to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please Note: Longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Cruise Regulations – International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland; ms Inspire is registered in Valletta, Malta. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour. Please refer to the Tauck Travel Protection Product section above for details on the coverage we can offer you.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no other vaccinations are currently required for travel to the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France or Switzerland. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country ,  please contact an embassy or consulate of the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and  Switzerland to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for you to visit.

While a tour from Bern to Amsterdam is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the tour has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Sun, Diamond, Ruby and Emerald. The elevator runs between the Diamond Deck and Emerald Deck; there is not elevator access to the Sun Deck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor onboard the riverboat. In case of emergency, we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking (including e-Cigarettes) is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate along the Rhine is temperate and unpredictable. From May through October, the average high temperatures increase as you travel south along the rivers and range from average high temperatures of 63 to 71 °F (17 to 22 °C) in Amsterdam to 67 to 78 °F (19 to 26 °C) in Basel. The average low temperatures increase from 45 to 53 °F (7 to 12 °C) in Amsterdam to 48 to 57 °F (9 to 14 °C) in Basel. Rainfall amounts are moderate in this region and remain constant throughout the year, although late spring and early summer are generally the wetter seasons of the year. Opposite of temperature, rainfall decreases as you reach Basel.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light jacket or sweater for the sun deck is also recommended.  Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual.  Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men.  For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable.  For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops or sneakers. Your journey also includes one or two special occasion dinners, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested.  (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each cabin.

Valet laundry service is available on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities are available by request to the front desk. Category 7 suites feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your cruise:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard the ship
• Comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/ cell phone with alarm functions (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

The Tauck Experience

Tauck's River Cruise Guide

Rhine river facts, first timer's guide, why take a tauck river cruise, choosing the best european river cruise for you.

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13 Day Rhine River Cruise with Amsterdam & Lucerne

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• In Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, capital of the Rhineland Discover 2000-year-old Koblenz, with its superb Romanesque architecture View the mighty Lorelei Rock named for the siren "Lorelei" rising vertically from the waters Stroll the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns in the lively village of Rüdesheim Visit the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site Walk the cobbled streets of tiny Breisach, a city that dates back over 4,000 years Explore Lucerne with its pristine lakeside setting and gorgeous mountainous panorama

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Travel themes, destinations, attractions, trip includes.

• Flights New York-Amsterdam, Zurich-New York Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline taxes & fuel surcharges 11 nights First Class accommodations
• 2 nights Amsterdam 7 nights outside cabin aboard the Deluxe Monarch Empress 2 nights Lucerne River port charges of $190 per person Cruise & hotel porterage All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† 24 meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise Local host in Amsterdam & Lucerne Services of local guides in all major cities Entrance fees per itinerary Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring during excursions

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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Gate 1 Travel .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Gate 1 Travel Reviews & Ratings

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THE ABSOLUTE WORST. Dishonest, incompetent, fraudulent. We booked a trip to Europe with them, and it was a mess from start to finish. The flight that we paid extra...

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Gate 1 Travel offers escorted tours, European river cruises, independent vacations and customized international vacation packages for less. Our discount travel packages and tour packages to destinations worldwide provide exceptional value, saving our customers time and money. We have taken care of all the details so you don't have to. Find your dream vacation today.

Company Background & Highlights

Mission: To deliver More of the World for Less by developing quality, affordable vacations for North Americans. To provide exemplary service to our customers and to earn their loyalty. To respect our partners. To invest in our employees, providing a safe and comfortable work environment. To know and understand our products and destinations. To constantly innovate and be a leader in technology.

Founded in 1981 with 3 employees; now with over 200 employees worldwide

Headquarters: Fort Washington, PA (Suburban Philadelphia)

Overseas Offices: Hungary, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Morocco, Argentina, Indonesia, Great Britain, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

30+ years of providing travel services to clientèle

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Target Consumer Market

Gate 1 Travel's target market is a traveler seeking high quality, affordable travel ranging from a superior tourist class to moderate deluxe class level of accommodations with the highest level of service.

Financial Security

Gate 1 Travel is backed by the largest, most well-respected financial institutions and insurance providers, guaranteeing the greatest level of financial security to every passenger. Gate 1 welcomes your inquiries of any of those independent offices.

Gate 1 Travel's active membership in USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), a professional organization representing the world's leading tour operators, requires that Gate 1 meet a minimum requirement of $1 million professional liability insurance (Gate 1 maintains a $5 million policy).

Additionally , Gate 1 is required to participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, requiring them to post $1 million in security, held by USTOA, in the unlikely event of bankruptcy or insolvency.

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11-day THIRD REICH TOUR

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• Tour Overview
• Tour Highlights

Tour Dates & Pricing

Day itinerary, departure cities.

Choose Your Departure Year:

Explore one of the most spellbinding river systems in Europe with a cruise down the Rhine River in the luxurious Amadeus Queen ship and all meals included onboard. Begin in Lucerne, Switzerland with a tour of the medieval city, take a cog railway ride to the top of Mount Rigi, and have a delightful ferry ride across the sparkling blue waters of Lake Lucerne. We then begin our opulent seven-night cruise with many ports of call throughout France, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as sightseeing along the Moselle River. Enjoy a group tour to view the best attractions in each city and a variety of included excursions, from canal cruises to wine, beer, and cheese tastings! Disembark in Amsterdam to visit the Zaanse Schans open-air museum and Holland’s largest art museum, the Rijksmuseum, before concluding our spectacular getaway with a celebratory Farewell Dinner.

The Holiday Advantage

You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!

Additional Tour Information

Your holiday vacations experience includes:, all accommodations featuring.

• 1 night in the Lucerne area
• 2 nights in the Amsterdam area
• 7 nights aboard the Amadeus Queen

Attractions & Highlights

• Mt. Rigi cog railway
• Lucerne walking tour
• Strasbourg city tour with canal cruise
• Speyer walking tour
• Heidelberg walking tour with castle visit
• Rudesheim wine tasting & vineyards
• The Middle Rhine
• Koblenz walking tour feat. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress by cable car
• Cochem walking tour feat. Reichsburg Castle
• Moselle River scenic cruise
• Cologne walking tour with Kölsch tasting
• Amsterdam city tour with canal cruise
• Excursion to Volendam and Edam with cheese tasting
• Rijksmuseum
• Haarlem walking tour
• Zaanse Schans
• Strasbourg, France; Speyer, Germany; Mannheim, Germany; Rudesheim, Germany; Koblenz, Germany; Cochem, Germany; Cologne, Germany; Amsterdam, The Netherlands

26 Excellent Meals Featuring

• Welcome Dinner in Lucerne
• Swiss folklore lunch at Hotel Stadtkeller
• All meals included aboard the ship
• Captain's Gala dinner aboard the ship
• Farewell Dinner in Haarlem

Exclusive Cruise Ship Benefits

• Ports of Call:

July 15, 2024 - July 26, 2024

Price Per Person

Double Haydn Staterm

Double Strauss Staterm

Double Mozart Staterm

Double Mozart Suite

Single Haydn Staterm

Single Strauss Staterm

Single Mozart Staterm

Single Mozart Suite

Final Payment Date: 04/11/2024

Day 1 : Overnight Flight to Europe

Our journey begins with an overnight flight to Switzerland.

Day 2 : Mount Rigi

We land in Zurich this morning and motorcoach to Lucerne, a city known for its medieval architecture and mountain landscapes. Next, a relaxing ferry ride takes us across beautiful blue Lake Lucerne to Vitznau, where we embark on a special cogwheel train journey up Mount Rigi. Upon reaching the highest point, Rigi Kulm, we have time to relax and soak up the breathtaking panoramic views of Swiss Mittlelland. We then descend by cable car and return to Lucerne where we check into this evening’s accommodations. Later, enjoy getting to know your fellow travelers over a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Day 3 : Lucerne

After breakfast, we begin our day with a walking tour of Lucerne to explore some of the city’s most iconic sights including Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden foot bridge decorated with interior paintings that spans the river Reuss. Next, experience a Swiss folklore lunch at Stadtkeller, a wonderful treat of hearty fare and traditional Swiss music including cow bells, flag throwing, and yodeling by locals dressed in customary outfits. We then travel by motorcoach to Basel and board the luxurious Amadeus Queen . Enjoy a panoramic window, drop-down window, or balcony for beautiful views from the comfort of your stateroom and all meals included onboard. Once settled, we gather for a reception and dinner together.

Day 4 : Strasbourg

Our first port of call is Strasbourg, located on the French border with Germany and home to the European Parliament. We begin with a comfortable motorcoach tour through the city to view incredible architecture, then travel into the historic part of town, where we visit famous Strasbourg Cathedral and the Grand Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour continues with a delightful canal cruise on the river with sights of old half-timbered houses and a former mill in “Petite France.” We also see the Palais de Rohan, Council of Europe, and Ponts Couverts- a set of three bridges and four towers from the 13th century. Later, relax on the sun deck or treat yourself to a massage as we sail to Germany.

Day 5 : Speyer & Heidelberg

We start our day docking in the beautiful town of Speyer. Enjoy sights on a walking tour, the most noteworthy being the Speyer Cathedral, which dominates this city’s setting with its grand structure and beauty. Afterwards, indulge in lunch aboard the ship on our way to Mannheim. We then take a short drive to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest and most famous university town. It’s known for its Baroque narrow streets, picturesque red roof tiled houses, and beautiful 18th-century bridges. Our time here includes an enchanting tour of Heidelberg Castle from the early 1200s, Germany’s most popular castle ruin.

Day 6 : Middle Rhine

This morning’s port is Rudesheim, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Reingau wine region, especially known for its Rieslings. We take an incredible tram ride on the Winzerexpress through the scenic Rhine Valley vineyards to a local winery and indulge in various regional flavors. Afterwards, there’s time for us to stroll down the area’s famous and charming alley, Drosselgasse. This narrow cobblestone walkway has fabulous wineries, markets, and historic buildings. Next, head to the top deck for spectacular views of castles and steep hillsides as our vessel cruises the scenic Middle Rhine through the Rhine Gorge. Later in the day we arrive at Koblenz, one of the oldest and most diverse cities in Germany, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. The architecture of churches, castles, and palaces tell of times gone by as we explore the area. Our sightseeing continues with a cable car ride above the Rhine to the magnificent Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Dating back to 1000 AD, it is one of Europe’s largest preserved fortresses and now houses the Koblenz State Museum with expansive, interesting exhibits.

Day 7 : Moselle River & Cochem

Today we depart Koblenz and take the scenic route along the Moselle River, cruising through one of Germany’s most beautiful river valleys. Gaze upon vineyards, castles, and ruins covering the rolling hillsides, with quaint villages and towns near the riverbanks. Our ship docks in the charming town of Cochem, known for its traditional half-timbered houses, Middle Age history, and wine culture dating back over a thousand years. Here, we visit impressive Reichsburg Castle, a medieval castle famously rebuilt in a fairytale style that sits perched on a rugged rock above the town. Admire its Renaissance and Baroque interior, then look down onto the spectacular vistas of the Moselle Valley below.

Day 8 : Cologne

Our port of call today is 2,000-year-old Cologne. This cultural hub is a landmark of High Gothic architecture, starting with the extraordinary twin-spired cathedral. The city was rebuilt after the World War II bombing and has since become an affluent area boasting numerous museums and art galleries, including many masterpieces by Picasso. While here, enjoy a tasting of Cologne’s famous beer, called Kölsch. This evening, a fantastic dinner awaits us at the Captain’s Gala.

Day 9 : Amsterdam, Volendam & Edam

This morning we embark on an incredible guided tour of Amsterdam, featuring a delightful canal cruise for unique views from the city’s iconic waterway. Later, we board our motorcoach for an afternoon excursion to the charming fishing villages of Volendam and Edam. Volendam is known for its vibrant harbor, distinctive music, and time-honored traditions including authentic costumes that can still be seen in old town today. A short drive out to the countryside brings us to a local cheese farm, where we learn the fascinating process of how Dutch cheese is made and sample some ourselves. Before we journey back to our ship, we also visit Edam, known for its cheese and Carillon tower. Stroll down its narrow cobblestone streets to appreciate the beautiful historic buildings and visit the cheese weighing house.

Day 10 : Rijksmuseum & Haarlem

We disembark in Amsterdam for a morning packed with fine arts on a guided tour of the country’s largest museum, Rijksmuseum. Immerse yourself in 800 years of Dutch history as you stroll the halls decorated with 16th and 17th-century art including works by Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Rembrandt. We then enjoy a walking tour in Haarlem with views of St. Bavo Church and the Corrie ten Boom Museum, a hiding place for Jews during World War II. Our accommodations for the next two evenings are at a wonderful hotel in Haarlem.

Day 11 : Zaanse Schans

After breakfast at the hotel, we step back in time at Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum that brings Dutch heritage to life. Admire the traditional buildings and restored windmills in this recreated 18th-19th century village. Visit the museum, learn about regional costumes, explore exhibits on chocolate making, and watch artisans make cheese, clogs, and other crafts. Tonight, we gather to celebrate our travels with a Farewell Dinner.

Day 12 : Fly Home

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Rhine River Cruise - Basel to Amsterdam

Stories from europe, africa & the middle east, activity levels.

Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.

Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.

Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.

Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

Very Active

Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

• Tour Account ›
• Travel Forum ›
• Travel Forum

Cruising the Rhine

Planning a cruise on the Rhine River in September 2020 from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam. I would like suggestions on what Rick Steves' tour books to take. Also ideas for day trips to Lucern or other Swiss must-see sights from pre-cruise stay in Basel, Switzerland. What are the must-see sights in Amsterdam I need to know about? Stopping in several cities on the Rhine.....would love recommendations for Basel, Switzerland; Breisach, Germany;Strasbourg, France; Speyer, Germany; Koblenz, Germany; Cologne, Germany; Kinderdijk, The Netherlands and Amsterdam. Would like suggestions for tours, must-see sights, shopping....gifts and local foods to try. Also suggestions for Rick Steves' guidebpooks to order and pack!! Thank you!!!

lecanter, we did such a cruise (Viking) in 2018, but in the reverse direction. Are you taking into account the included and optional excursions that the cruise offers? We didn't bother taking any RS books with us, since all our time in ports was occupied with the excursions. They also do a briefing every evening about the places you will be visiting the next day. The morning excursions are timed (usually, unless its a longer one) so as to get you back to the ship for lunch. The evening excursions are usually timed to get you back in time for dinner. Some people preferred to go put on their own occasionally, but that gives up the included excursions. Yes, its not fun to be part of a stereotypical big bus convoy marching through a castle following the flag, but it is time efficient and hassle-free. We've done enough independent travel to recognize that we would not have seen as much or got as much detail on our own. Nevertheless, time in port is limited: we tell people that a river cruise is seeing "Europe Lite".

I think going to any of those places on your own will be costly. The ship often docks at an industrial port far from the main part of town (exceptions: Cologne, Kinderdijk). In some cases, it drops off the excursion group and then goes on, to rendezvous with the buses up/down river. One guy missed the ship when he went out on his own and couldn't get a taxi back in time.

It certainly doesn't hurt to read up on the specific places you want to see (esp. Heidelberg, Alsace) so you know something about them ahead of time. But we didn't have time to do anything independently. I'd suggest taking a close look at the excursions, and the wording in the descriptions of what they will include.

Local foods: Kolsch beer in Cologne, after the walking tour. Gouda cheese - we stopped at a cheese farm/factory.

Luzern is worth visiting and staying in if you can. You can stay in Switzerland and Amsterdam independently for a lot less than the optional extensions they offer.

Hi lecanter - You've a nice adventure planned for next year!

First question? Could you post a link to the itinerary for the cruise you'll be taking? It'll give us an idea of just how much time you're going to have in each place. I would imagine only 1 day aside from Basel and Amsterdam? How many nights will you have in Amsterdam?

Editing to add: is this your cruise? https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/europe/rhine-getaway/2020-basel-amsterdam/index.html

If your trip isn't until next fall, you have a lot of time to plan! I'd head to the library and check out guidebooks from multiple publishers for the countries/cities you'll be visiting. Look for the type of attractions you usually enjoy doing on your trips and make a list. Additionally, most cities have official online tourism websites, such as this one for Koblenz (can recommend 3 of that city's churches as well as a couple in Speyer, if into that sort of thing):

https://www.koblenz-tourism.com

Nothing at all is a "must see", and no tour is a "must take" unless it's a must-see/must-take for YOU so you'll be the best person to make those choices! You'll also want to make note of days/hours attractions might be closed, should those closures coincide with the days you're scheduled to be in town.

Also editing to add: These comments from Stan are significant as it sounds like they took essentially the same tour:

"I think going to any of those places on your own will be costly. The ship often docks at an industrial port far from the main part of town (exceptions: Cologne, Kinderdijk). In some cases, it drops off the excursion group and then goes on, to rendezvous with the buses up/down river."

"But we didn't have time to do anything independently. I'd suggest taking a close look at the excursions, and the wording in the descriptions of what they will include."

Planning a cruise on the Rhine River in September 2020 from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam. I would like suggestions on what Rick Steves' tour books to take.

Rick Steves books tend to be oriented toward the independent traveler rather than cruise groups - and they are selective rather than comprehensive. If you have chosen to do this cruise, you'd likely do better to consult other guidebooks and other sources which are more complete. I doubt that Rick's recent works have much to say about a place like Speyer, which has a number of good things to see and do, things you can read about on Tripadvisor, for example (my older copy of GAS has nothing on it.)

If you are still "planning" rather than already booked, take into account that much of the cruise route scenery is pretty dull, and that you will miss out on day trip destinations that don't fit neatly into the cruise schedule. The truly scenic part of the Rhine between Bingen and Boppard is filled with old-world towns and castles and vineyards on the cliffsides - you might want several days there - but it's compact and it can be day-cruised in about 2 hours. This segment is about 1/3 of the yellow segment on this map. The towns in this section are very charming and can serve as good bases for outings by boat, train, or car.

So... it's a pretty simple matter to plan one's own stay and transport in different spots on/near the Rhine from Switzerland to the Netherlands if you wish to. It's a lot easier to explore the Alsace, the Black Forest, the Neckar River Valley, and other popular destinations near the Rhine if you can make your own schedule - and you can surely get some good tips on this forum for making such plans.

Over the last 20 years we have travelled independently and more recently with small groups either through a university travel group or with Viking. There are advantages and disadvantages to either option and everything is a trade off. Since you have chosen to travel with a river cruise company you will give up your independence in some cases and your ability to just sit a while or poke around if you want. On a Viking river cruise you will have some free time but it is limited so I do not think you will need a Rick Steves guide book. Rely on your local guides at each stop for dining and shopping recommendations if time permits. We ended a river cruise in Basel and spent a week on our own in Zurich, Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Maybe a combination of planned travel with a group and independent travel would work for you as well. Switzerland is spectacular!

We did a Rhine cruise with Viking from Basel to Amsterdam. We arrive a couple days prior to the cruise and spent time in Basel. Contact the Basel Tourism office for a great walking tour and other info on the lovely town. I also highly recommend Luzern as a lovely little city to visit. The last I saw, RS doesn't include info on Basel in his guide. Don't think its not a lovely town, however. Its a pretty, colorful town situated on the river.

I did a fair amount of research for our trip, just as I do for other trips. I typically copy or pull pages from guides, mostly RS, for our travels. We found with our tour that we had a couple hours of free time or sometimes up to a half day. I wanted to be prepared for that time so I pulled together info on each port destination and organized into large ziplock bags so that It was all organized and prioritized so we could take off and do some exploring at our first opportunity.

I always like the RS walking tours offered in the guides. Some of these are on his app, and work well to discover areas not otherwise covered on the tour. We did not do any optional cruise tours. We felt they were pricey and we could do the same activities on our own.

EDITED TO ADD:

Breisach. Facing the town from the river, there are two hills. To the left is the cathedral. We hiked up to the cathedral and walked around the old town. Just down the hill was a sparkling wine producer that does tasting. We then walked up thru grape vines to the other hill to the right as you get off the boat for fantastic views of the cathedral. Strasbourg. We did the cruise tour in the morning, went back to the ship for lunch and then went back on our own to wander around the town. Speyer-Our cruise did not go here, we went to Heidelberg. As I recall Speyer has a beautiful church. Rudesheim-Really touristy town. There was an optional tour to a winery which we skipped. Avoid the touristy street along the river with all the shops that sell the same stuff. Walk up above the city for views of the Rhine. Consider walking to the monument or taking the gondola. It also appeared that you could take the gondola to the neighboring town, Assmanhausen which appeared to be quite charming. Koblenz-Confluence of the Rhine and Mosel. I had a walking tour of the town which was quite interesting. There is a gondola going to a castle that looked like it could be quite interesting. Cologne-We had a walking tour in the morning with a visit into the cathedral. After lunch on the ship, we went back into the old town and ended in a bar to taste the kolsch, easy and inexpensive to do on your own. Kinderdijk-We took the scheduled tour in the afternoon. Very pretty area. Some folks took an optional tour for cheese making. We choose to stay on the ship while it cruised through the Netherlands. We stayed a couple extra days in Amsterdam and tasted cheese there.

My advice to you would be to collect info on each of your ports. Prioritize what you'd like to do in each area and organize the material into packets.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

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Romantic Rhine with 1 Night in Amsterdam, Mount Pilatus, 1 Night in Lucerne & 3 Nights in Lake Como (Southbound) 2024

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• Introduction
• Day 1 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
• Day 2 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND (EMBARKATION)
• Day 3 AMSTERDAM
• Day 4 COLOGNE, GERMANY
• Day 5 RÜDESHEIM
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• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Amsterdam to Basel Basel to Amsterdam

Christmas on the Rhine Map

‘Tis the season to be joyful

Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages. Sample tasty yuletide treats and regional delicacies as you browse colorful stalls for handcrafted ornaments and unique gifts. Admire the twinkling lights of Cologne and revel in the merry atmosphere of the Rhine Valley, as storefront displays, wine cellars and markets embrace the holiday season. This 8-day voyage is a joyful celebration of festive cheer.

SPRING SALE

Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: Belgium at Christmas

From $999 | 3 Nights

Pre: Amsterdam

From $699 | 2 Nights

Pre: Amsterdam Premium

From $1,199 | 2 Nights

Post: Basel at Christmas

From $599 | 2 Nights

Post: Lucerne at Christmas

From $899 | 2 Nights

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