German  Ancestry
Castles Along the Rhine  
   October  8 - 15, 2017

Join us on our German Ancestry Journey Cruise along the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Discover how your German ancestors once lived in these fairytale historic towns along the Rhine.

From Basel to Amsterdam - Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to the Romans. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses guarding territory and trade routes, and that now tower above the water as romantic ruins. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg; stroll through the fairytale towns of Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Rüdesheim; and taste delightful white wines in the villages where the grapes are grown. Beethoven and Byron were completely enchanted by the region’s romantic splendor — experience it all from the perspective of a luxurious Rhine River cruise .

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Click here for more details

​All Inclusive and Luxury Accommodations
All meals on board, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients.
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners.
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions.
Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners.
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, and mineral water.
6 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts.
Guided “Do as the Locals Do,” “Village Day” and “Gentle Walking” programs.
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audioheadset system on all excursions.
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks.
Beautiful Accommodations.

 Rates from $3899 per person Category 5  

Category 5 Lower level with small windows at head height
Category 4 add $300 per person
Category 3 add $1150 per person  Sold out
Category 2 add $1450 per person  Sold out
Category 1 add $1950 per person Sold out
Suites add $3359 per person Sold out
 
 
Up to $1400 off per couple if Pay in full  at time of booking
Or Early Booking Discount of up to $700 per cabin
Airfare additional
Deposit of $300 per person is required at the time of booking.  Final due 90 days prior
 
Please contact Sue Thompson Steenhoven at Point of Departure Travel for more information and assistance with flights and insurance. 

​Sue Thompson Steenhoven – Your German Adventure Specialist

952-448-7716 
 [email protected]    
 

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​Itinerary   April 08 - 15, 2018
 
​Day 1 – Basel

​Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, where you will be transferred to the ship. Note: Guests sailing on the S.S. Antoinette will embark in Breisach between March and May due to lock renovations.

​Day 2 – Breisach (Kayserberg and Riquewihr or Colmar)

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:

Choice of Alsatian “Village Day” OR Colmar city tour

Breisach is your gateway to the Alsatian wine road, your launching point for one of two excursions. You can visit Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, two of the most picturesque villages in the region, sampling local delicacies and getting a feel for daily life. Or take a tour of the larger town, Colmar, considered one of the most beautiful destinations along the wine road. Enjoy the festive Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner.

​Day 3 – Kehl (Strasbourg)

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Choice of Strasbourg by canal OR exclusive “Do as the Locals Do” Strasbourg walking tour

The Alsatian town of Strasbourg boasts a UNESCO-designated city center, a grand Gothic cathedral and half-timbered houses. See the sights on a delightful canal cruise through the picturesque Petite France district, or if you wish to do as the locals do, opt for an Old Town walking tour with stops for pastries and coffee.

​Day 4 – Mannheim (Speyer)

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Choice of Speyer walking discovery tour OR exclusive Doktorenhof vinegar estate visit and tasting

Stroll through Speyer’s charming Old Town to the city’s grand cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, for a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Doktorenhof vinegar estate to sample unique aperitifs made from wine vinegars.

​Day 5 – Rudeshiem, cruising the romantic Rhine River, Boppard

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Choice of exclusive Castle Vollrads wine tasting OR exclusive guided “Go Active” hike from Rüdesheim to Assmanshausen, and guided Boppard village stroll

Wine connoisseurs will want to go on a private tour and Riesling tasting at Castle Vollrad. Adventurers will want to soar up to the Niederwald Heights on a gondola, followed by a hike. Then, after a cruise along the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine, stroll through quaint Boppard.

​Day 6 – Cruising the romantic Rhine River, Koblenz

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Choice of Koblenz walking discovery tour or aerial cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress OR exclusive guided “Go Active” bike ride, and Marksburg Castle visit

Watch the waters of the Moselle meld with the Rhine as you stand at the German Corner during your discovery tour. If you prefer to see the city from above, take an aerial tram to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. For a more active exploration, bike from Boppard to Koblenz. Later in the day, get a close-up look at Marksburg Castle. Note: The aerial tram to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is only available on cruises that depart on or after April 2.

​Day 7 – Cologne

FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Cologne walking discovery tour with choice of Cologne Cathedral OR Farina House OR Kölsch beer tasting or Museum Ludwig

You have an array of choices for how you wish to experience Cologne’s many treasures. Those interested in history and architecture will want to stroll with a local expert through Old Town to the city’s iconic UNESCO-listed Gothic Cologne Cathedral. If you prefer to embark on an exciting journey through the world of fragrance and the birthplace of eau de Cologne, then visit Farina House. For beer connoisseurs, you’ll wish to visit a brewery to taste the traditional local brew of the city, Kölsch. And for lovers of art, you won’t want to miss one of the most important contemporary museums in Europe, Museum Ludwig. Cap the day off at the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner. Note: On Sundays and Catholic holidays, tours inside the cathedral are not allowed, but individual visits are still welcomed.

​Day 8 – Amsterdam (disembark), transfer to the airport

Disembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Amsterdam.

Sign up today - Space  is  limited  to   just  10   cabins

Feel free to call or email Sue Thompson -your German Specialist
or simply sign up today by clicking on the following link

Join Now

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