In the Heart of the Continent
Central Europe
- 17 days
- 15 nights
- 40 meals
Departure: Oct 21, 2026
Price from $8,529
Rhine ValleySwiss Lakes and Romantic Rhine
The scene opens in Switzerland, the Alps dusted with edelweiss, majestic views in every direction. You cross the Jungfrau and Lake Lucerne into the towering Rhine Valley. From Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, sail on to the university city of Heidelberg, the vineyards of Rüdesheim, and the Gothic architecture of Cologne. And for the grand finale: Amsterdam and its canals, a city part quaint, part quirky, and wholly fascinating. Real life is even better than fairy tales.
Port of departure:
Bâle
Cities on itinerary:
Geneva, Gruyères, Broc, Bern, Brienz, Interlaken, Habkern, Bâle, Freiburg im Breisgau, Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Mannheim, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Lahnstein, Cologne, Amsterdam
- Moderate
- CAA-Quebec host
Highlights:
- Swiss traditions: chocolate, cheese, and the alphorn
- Cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument
- Romantic Loreley Valley
- Cruise on Amsterdam’s canals
Itinerary
- Day 1: Montreal – Geneva
Flight to Geneva.
- Day 2: Genève – Montreux (95km)
Arrival and guided tour of the old town, the business district, the UN headquarters in Europe, and more. Stop at the Geneva Fountain, ever impressive with its 140m spout. Head to Montreux for a welcome dinner with wine. Eden Palace au Lac Hotel 4* (D)
- Day 3: Montreux – Gruyères – Broc – Bern – Interlaken (160km)
Drive to Gruyères, a picturesque medieval town with quaint architecture and a delicious namesake cheese. Guided tour. Continue on to Broc for a tour of the Cailler chocolate factory. Then head to Bern, where you’ll have a guided tour and stroll through the old city centre before travelling on to Interlaken. Hotel Hay Hotel Inerlaken 4* (2026) / Grand Beau Rivage Hotel 4* (2027) (B-D)
- Day 4: Interlaken – Brienz – Interlaken – Wilderswil – Interlaken (70km)
Cruise on Lake Brienz to take in the magnificent Alpine scenery. Explore Brienz on your own, then continue to Wilderswil, where you’ll board an old-fashioned cogwheel train into the Jungfrau all the way up to Schynige Platte, at 1,967m altitude. Lunch at the panoramic restaurant at the top. Free time on the plateau. Return to the ship on the cogwheel train. (B-L)
- Day 5: Interlaken – Habkern – Lucerne (110km)
Set off for Habkern, artisanal home of the alphorn. Tour the Bernatone workshop where the horns are crafted. Continue on to Lucerne. Cruise Lake Lucerne then enjoy some free time. Hotel Waldstaetterhof Swiss Quality Lucern 3.5* (2026) / Radisson Blu Hotel 4* (2027) (B)
- Day 6: Lucerne – Basel (100km)
Guided tour of central Lucerne, a medieval gem with cobblestone streets, monuments and fountains, and its famous covered bridges lined with art. Drive to Basel where you’ll board the MS AmaSiena (2026) / MS AmaViola (2027). Welcome dinner. (B-D)
- Day 7: Basel – Colmar
Take a walking tour of Colmar’s historic centre, with its well-preserved 16th-century architecture. (B-L-D)
- Day 8: Strasbourg
Scenic tour of the city with a stop at the European Parliament. Stroll through La Petite France, the historic quarter, with its Gothic cathedral and famous astronomical clock. Free time. (B-L-D)
- Day 9: Heidelberg – Mannheim – Rüdesheim
Tour the historic university town of Heidelberg and its castle ruins overlooking the Neckar Valley. Inside the castle see the 9-metre-tall wine barrel that was used for tithes from wine growers in the 18th century. In the evening, tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet in Rüdesheim. (B-L-D)
- Day 10: Rüdesheim – Lahnstein
In the centuries-old winemaking town of Rüdesheim, amble along the world famous Drosselgasse, a narrow street alive with music, taverns, and restaurants. Ride the cable car to the Niederwald Monument with its views of the surrounding Rhine. Enjoy an Alsatian Riesling tasting. Cruise the Middle Rhine, also known as Loreley Valley, a place of fairytale castles and hills. Guided tour of the imposing Lahneck Castle. Continue on toward Cologne. (B-L-D)
- Day 11: Lahnstein – Cologne
Guided tour of Cologne and its old town, including the magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Germany’s most-visited monument. Then on to the Netherlands. (B-L-D)
- Day 12: Amsterdam
Afternoon scenic tour of Amsterdam when you arrive. Cruise the canals to take in the pretty houses that line the banks, the Skinny Bridge, and the Anne Frank House. (B-L-D)
- Day 13: Amsterdam – Montreal
Disembark. Transfer to airport for return flight to Montreal. (B)
Inclusions
Montréal – Geneva and Amsterdam – Montréal flights
Transportation by tour bus
4 nights in 3.5*or 4* accommodations
7 night cruise in Category E stateroom
Tours, excursions, and activities listed in the itinerary
Activities and shows on board the ship
Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages with meal aboard the ship
1 before-dinner cocktail per day during the cruise
CAA-Quebec Travel host from the moment you leave Quebec with a minimum of passengers
Onboard activities and entertainment with 20 passengers
Free internet access aboad the ship
Handling of one suitcase per person
Travel guidebook
Applicable taxes
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Anything not listed in the “Price includes” section
Get the right coverage with CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance
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Host
Jean Paradis
“With my calm temperament coupled with a touch of humour, I am dedicated to ensuring the comfort and wonder of all travellers.”
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Other organized tours that may interest you
Our explore pledge: Travelling differently together
Our exclusive group tours are designed to ensure an enriching, friendly, and fuss-free experience:
- French-speaking tour host
- Generous inclusions and exclusive excursions
- Members earn CAA Dollars back
- 15% back in CAA Dollars at the Boutique
- Rewards for loyal travellers
Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, according to the stateroom category indicated. Other stateroom categories are available. The accommodation establishments listed may be changed without prior notice. A minimum number of guests is required to ensure the presence of a CAA-Quebec Travel host. Please note that group flight contracts do not allow for seat selection. We therefore recommend that you check in with the airlines 24 hours before departure. This offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Read the full terms and conditions.
If the scheduled flight is operated by Air France or KLM, only the Air France/KLM shuttle bus service will be available for passengers departing from Québec City.