Overview

Explore Europe’s rich history and Jewish heritage on an incredible discovery of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Dive deep into the region’s culture, natural wonders, traditions and historical significance in a one-of-a-kind experience along the Rhine. Delve into the region’s world-renowned museums. Along the way, indulge in Central Europe’s delicious cuisine—Dutch cheese and fries, Alsatian choucroute, Swiss-style sausages, Kölsch beer, unique wine vinegar aperitifs and Germany’s famous white wines. Not only that, but you’ll discover Central Europe’s fascinating Jewish ties as part of our Jewish Heritage program.

Oh, and did we mention the scenery? Standing on the top deck of your ship, watching the ever-changing landscape turn increasingly dramatic, you’ll understand why people have been raving about the Rhine River Valley for centuries—and there’s definitely no cause to stop.

Jewish Heritage Program (all sailings)

Our Jewish Heritage Program is the only one of its kind on the rivers and allows you to dive into Central Europe's enduring Jewish legacy with visits to museums, memorials, synagogues and more.

Inclusions

Dining

• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
• Welcome and Farewell Dinners
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water

Excursions

• 9 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• Guided "Jewish Heritage," “Let's Go” and “Village Day” programs
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
• Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

Accommodations

• 10-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the elegant River Empress
• Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
• Free Internet and Wi-Fi access

Experiences

• 4 countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland
• 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
• All transfers on arrival and departure days
• Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
• Captivating onboard local entertainment

Day To Day

Day 1: Amsterdam (Embark)

Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Day 2: Amsterdam

Enjoy the luxury of a full day in the “Venice of the North,” starting with a “Morning with the Masters” tour of the Hermitage Amsterdam. Afterwards, explore the city on foot or via a canal cruise.

DAY 3: Harlingen

You’ll spend your day exploring the coastal Netherlands city of Harlingen. Choice of "Let's Go" biking the islands or Harlingen "Village Day"

DAY 4: Arnhem

Arnhem, almost completely destroyed in WWII, has blossomed into a burgeoning Dutch city, with several museums, shop-lined streets and historic landmarks.

DAY 5: Cologne

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 through the Old Town, featuring 12 stunning Romanesque churches. Guests interested in the city’s Jewish past are welcome to explore the centuries-old mikveh and Cologne’s Jewish quarter.

DAY 6: Oberwesel

Bacharach is an ancient village that appears straight out of the pages of a storybook. Enjoy a guided stroll through town and taste some locally grown Rieslings, a specialty of the region. Alternatively, join a “Let's Go” hike that will take you past the old town walls and up to a fortified 12th-century castle.

DAY 7: Frankfurt

Frankfurt is known as the “Mainhattan” of Europe, a financial powerhouse with soaring skyscrapers as well as traditional Old Town architecture.

DAY 8: Speyer (Mannheim)

Expect the unexpected in Speyer, where ancient treasures harmoniously coexist with modern-day innovation. Explore the baroque palace of Mannheim, visit a a vinegar estate for a tour and tasting, or join our “Jewish Heritage” excursion to an ancient center of learning and religion in Worms.

DAY 9: Strasbourg

See Strasbourg on foot with an insightful local expert, where this historic town with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests and impossible-to-resist pastry shops will win your heart. Or take an in-depth look at the city’s rich Jewish history, which dates back an astonishing 2,000 years.

DAY 10: Basel

Ramble with your guide through the historic heart of Basel. Every historic square you see will hold a special charm.

DAY 11: Basel (Disembark)

Ramble with your guide through the historic heart of Basel. Every historic square you see will hold a special charm.