Cruising the Rhine, Mosel and Main Rivers A Go Bucket List Travel™ Guidesheet 7 to 12 Night cruises that include the Rhine Gorge 1 Experience a Rivercruise This 2016 Rhine, Mosel and Main River Cruising Guide puts in your hands a unique document: a digest of the itineraries and sailing dates for scenic rivers cruises from 3 to 11 nights long for the river cruise companies most favored by the American traveler. The modern river cruise ships let you unpack once and bring the world to your door step. Forget about moving from hotel to hotel and hours on the bus sightseeing through Europe. You’ll relax in a club atmosphere with from 110 to 200 other cruisers immersing yourself in the cultures, cuisine, fairytale cities and romantic landscapes along Europe’s major rivers. Most ships feature open seating dining, free flowing dinner wines, choices of inclusive small group escorted shore excursions and ample lounge areas and observation decks. You’ll have many opportunities to meet your fellow travelers and kindle new friendships. The Rhine River, extending 766 miles from the Swiss Alps north to the North Sea, is Germany’s busy commercial corridor carrying trade and goods from the bustling ports of the Netherlands deep into Germany’s industrial heartland and back. The river forms the Germany-France border then runs through Germany to the Netherlands. Between Rudesheim and Koblenz the river transits through the dramatic Rhine Gorge. This stretch of the river is famous for its 40 medieval castles and numerous vineyards. At Koblenz the Mosel River heads west. Near Mainz the Main River runs east to Nuremberg. The most popular 7 to 12 day Rhine Cruises: Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland Trier to Nuremberg – This cruise flows the Mosel River west to Koblenz, south on the Rhine through the Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim then east on the Main River to Nuremberg Frankfort to Nuremberg – this in on the Main River through the heart of medieval Germany We at Go Bucket List Travel™ are your “Bucket list Concierge Team™,´experts in international travel. Let us help you discover the excitement of river cruising. Are you leading a group of five or more couples? We’ll be happy to explain how you can save on your cruise and even sail for free. Don’t delay. The 2016 season is shaping up to be very popular and cabins are booking fast. Give Go Bucket List Travel a call at 804-557-3006 or toll-free at 855-GOBUCKET [462-8253]. We’ll match you with the perfect river cruise deal for your interests, budget and schedule. 2 Cities on the Rhine Amsterdam On the Amstel River, the capital and largest city in the Netherlands. Known as the “Venice of the North” for its network of canals and over 1,500 bridges. Culture, history and the charm of a great old European city are all here. The Canal Ring dug in the 17th century around the old city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe and a hub for United Airlines, is accessible by direct train from the Amsterdam Central Station. Basel German-speaking major Swiss city known for its cosmopolitan lifestyle, beautiful medieval Old Town center and world-class art museums. Being so close to France, don’t be surprised if you are bid “adieu” when you leave a shop. Breisach/Frieberg The gateway to the fairytale towns of the German Black Forest and lush vineyards of the Alsatian Wine region. Cologne Through the ages the Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by tiny squares and streets of the Old Town, has been said to shelter the tombs of the fabled Three Kings – the Magi – and pilgrams have flocked to the Shrine of the Magi for centuries. Koblenz Koblenz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and the Mosel Rivers. The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, accessible by aerial tram for a dazzling view, watches over the city and the rivers. The city’s appeal is in its charming old quarter and 12-th century churches. Rudesheim You are in the center of the German Rieslings wine estates, some dating back to the 14th century. North of town the 40-mile stretch of the Rhine traverses the UNESCO World Heritage designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley with castles that inspired poets, painters and composers appearing at every corner of the river. Speyer A medieval town with an old town dominated by the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe. This is also a gateway to visit charming Heidelberg. Strasbourg This is the Alsace region and Strasbourg, half-way between Paris and Prague, is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” The old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its medieval canals, covered bridges and watchtowers. 3 We Recommend AmaWaterways – Member of La Chaine des Rotisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations. AmaWaterways ships generally sail with 164 passengers and a crew of 49. Winner of the Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards - “Best River Cruise Ship” (AmaPrima) as well as the Travel + Leisure, “World’s Best Awards 2013.” Multiple tour options per city. Avalon Waterways - A member of the Globus family of brands, takes travelers beyond the panoramic, uncompromised views of the ship, and provides them immersive access and storytelling in each destination, excursion choices and flexible dining. All inspirationally designed to enhance their journey abroad. Avalon’s ships generally have 140 passengers with a crew of 47. Emerald – Coming on strong in the industry, Emerald’s beautiful and spacious cabins include the Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – a new type of cabin designed to replace the standard French Balcony suites that are common on river cruise ships. Fine “Star Ships” accommodate 182 passengers. Regularly offers free air deals. Scenic – A leader in all-inclusive luxury river cruising. Named Cruise Passenger Magazine 'Best Luxury River Cruise Line' category for 2015 for 4th year running. Tauck European River Cruising - Recognized by the readers of Travel and Leisure as the #1 “World’s Best River Cruise Line.” Tauck’s fleet of seven luxurious riverboats are custom designed to travel with from 118 to 130 guests in an intimate, club-like atmosphere, offers an unprecedented number of suites and amenities and boasts the highest staff to guest ratio in the business. Most 2016 sailings are sold out so we have offered you the Tauck 2017 schedule. Uniworld - A Conde Nast Traveler Gold List winner. Guests personalize their Uniworld river cruise with innovative onshore programs, including “Choice Is Yours,” “Go Active,” and “Gentle Walking” options. Viking River Cruises – Winner of T+L “World’s Best” award for rivercruises in 2015. Prides itself on providing value and a high-quality experience for its passengers. Viking boasts the largest fleet of state-of-the-art vessels in the industry and in-depth destination experiences sailing the rivers of Europe, Russia and Asia. 4 Index Cruise Line Cruise AmaWaterways 7-Night Rhine Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel or Reverse Page 6 AmaWaterways 7-N Christmas Market Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel or Rev 7 AmaWaterways 7-Night Mosel/Rhine Gorge/Main River Cruise: Luxembourg to Nuremberg 7 Avalon 7-Night Rhine Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel or Reverse 8 Avalon 4-Night Christmas Market Cruises Basel to Frankfurt 9 Avalon 7-Night Mosel/Rhine Gorge/Main River Cruise: Remich to Nuremberg or Reverse 10 Avalon 11-Night Rhine/Main/Danube Cruise: Basel to Vienna 10 Avalon 12-Night Danube/Main/Rhine Cruise: Munich to Basel 10 Emerald 7-Night Rhine Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel or Reverse 11 Emerald 7-Night Rhine/ Main River Cruise: Amsterdam to Nuremberg or Reverse 11 Emerald 7-Night Mosel/Rhine Gorge/Main River Cruise: Frankfort to Nuremberg 11 Scenic 7-Night Rhine/ Main River Cruise: Amsterdam to Nuremberg or Reverse 12 Scenic 7-Night Rhine Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel or Reverse 12 Tauck 7-Night Rhine Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel or Reverse 13 Tauck 9-Night Rhine Cruise with Switzerland Visit 13 Uniworld 7-Night Rhine Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel or Reverse 14 Uniworld 7-Night Rhine Cruise: Prague to Basel or Reverse 15 Uniworld 7-N Christmas Market Cruise: Nuremberg to Basel or Rev 15 Uniworld 7-N Christmas Market Cruise: Basel to Cologne or Rev 15 Viking 7-Night Rhine Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel 16 Viking 7-Night Rhine Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam 17 Viking 9-Night Rhine and Mosel River Cruise: Paris to Basel 18 Viking 11-Night Main/Rhine Gorge/Mosel River Cruise: Prague to Paris 18 Viking 6-Night Christmas Market Cruise: Nuremberg to Frankfort 19 5 AmaWaterways 2016 Rhine River Cruises 7 Nights 7 Night Rhine Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel Cruise or Reverse “The Enchanting Rhine” Pre and post cruise packages available in Switzerland. Itinerary: Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblanze (nb) Rudesheim, Speyer / Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Breisach / Freiberg, Basel or reverse EMBARK EMBARK EMBARK SHIP EMBARK SHIP DATE DATE Amsterdam AmaCerto +Mar 30 Basel AmaCerto Apr 6 Amsterdam AmaCerto +Apr 13 Basel AmaCerto Apr 20 Amsterdam AmaCerto Apr 27 Basel AmaCerto May 4 Amsterdam AmaPrima May 9 Basel AmaPrima May 16 Amsterdam AmaCerto May 11 Basel AmaCerto May 18 Amsterdam AmaViola May 12 Basel AmaViola May 19 Amsterdam AmaCerto May 25 Basel AmaCerto Jun 1 Amsterdam AmaSonata June 6 Basel AmaSonata Jun 13 Amsterdam AmaCerto Jun 8 Basel AmaCerto Jun 15 Amsterdam AmaCerto Jun 22 Basel AmaCerto Jun 29 Amsterdam AmaPrima Jul 4 Basel AmaPrima Jul 11 Amsterdam AmaCerto Jul 6 Basel AmaCerto Jul 13 Amsterdam AmaPrima Jul 18 Basel AmaPrima Jul 25 Amsterdam AmaCerto Jul 20 Basel AmaCerto Jul 27 Amsterdam AmaPrima Aug 1 Basel AmaPrima Aug 8 Amsterdam AmaCerto