Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise vacation along the Rhône, Saône, and Rhine Rivers. Begin with two overnights in captivating Nice on the French Riviera, and relax along the remarkably blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. Embark on the Rhône River in Arles, France-famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh and the site of its 1st-century Roman Amphitheater. Take a guided walk in Tournon, a medieval treasure beautifully nestled among vineyards. Lyon is a showcase of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Disembark and travel to Beaune, visit the Hôtel Dieu charity hospital before proceeding to Basel, Switzerland, to board your Rhine River cruise vessel. Your first stop is Breisach, the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest, well known for Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. In Strasbourg, France, stroll through the picturesque La Petite France district. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. A stay in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam is the perfect way to end this sensational European river cruise. The best way to see the treas-ures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten lined with homes dating back to the city’s "Golden Age."

Included Features:

Day 1 Nice: Welcome to France

Day 2 Nice: Guided tour

Day 3 Nice-Arles (Embarkation): Transfer to the ship; onboard welcome reception

Day 4 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheatre, or painting workshop, or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 5 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes

Day 6 Viviers: Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 7 Tournon: Choice of guided walk in Tournon or hike with your Adventure Host

Day 8 Lyon: Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill

Day 9 Tournus–Chalon-sur-Saône: Chardonnay excursion with tasting; Cheese tasting on board

Day 10 Chalon-sur-Saône (Disembarkation)-Beaune-Basel (Embarkation): Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; transfer to Basel; onboard welcome reception

Day 11 Breisach: Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to a local winery in Breisach or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 12 Strasbourg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 13 Mainz: Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or walk Philosophers’ Way with your Adventure Host, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz

Day 14 Rüdesheim-Rhine Gorge-Koblenz: Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge with breathtaking views of ancient castles, towering cliffs, and the leg-endary Rock of the Lorelei; free time in Koblenz

Day 15 Cologne: Choice of "Cologne Highlights" walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 16 Amsterdam: Choice of canal cruise or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 17 Amsterdam (Disembarkation): Your vacation ends this morning