Rhine River Cruise & Bike (Regal Waterways From Basel To Amsterdam) 8D7N, Fully Guided

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 24 Km (15 Miles), Elevation gain: 182m (600 ft)
Level 1, Approx. 35.4 Km (22 Miles), Elevation gain: 213.36m (700 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 45 Km (28 Miles), 2 to 4 Hours Biking, Elevation gain: 426.72m (1400 ft)

Meet your Trip Leaders at 9 a.m. at Hotel Victoria, located at Centralbahnplatz 3–4 in Basel. Arrive dressed ready to ride and bring your luggage and a daypack with your passport, rain gear and anything else you may want for today's activities (your luggage will be transported to our ship).

After meeting in Basel, shuttle across the border to German village Badenweiler. Here, you will get situated on your bike with a brief and safety talk. Take a bike ride in the Black Forest to get warmed up, stopping to take pictures of the famous half-timbered farmhouses. As you emerge from the trees, you'll be able to take in sweeping vistas of the Rhine River Valley and, if the weather's right, the towering Swiss Alps. We stop for a traditional meal somewhere along the road. Follow the Wiese River, a tributary of the Rhine, as it winds its way through the valley and into Switzerland. The river begins in the Black Forest and flows through Lörrach County and into the Rhine at Basel, Switzerland. You will arrive at the port in Basel this afternoon, where our floating luxury hotel will be waiting for you for the next seven nights.

Settle into your stateroom before we reconvene for a welcome reception and the ship's safety briefing. Then, after an unforgettable meal together, our cruise down the Rhine will officially begin.

Cruise overnight from Basel to Breisach.

Level 2, Approx. 32 Km (20 Miles),  Elevation gain: 426.72m (1400 ft)

Breisach, Germany, awaits your arrival this morning. Explore its charming town centre and the hilltop Gothic cathedral with its views of the Vosges Mountains, the Rhine, and the adjacent vineyards. Breisach, despite its defenses, has been destroyed by battle and rebuilt countless times. The Allies who crossed the Rhine in WWII destroyed 85% of it.

We take a shuttle into Alsace, France, where the Vosges mountains protect the region's foothills from the influence of the ocean, resulting in a sunny, warm, and dry microclimate ideal for growing wine grapes. Bike the evocative Route des Vins ("Wine Route"), passing by rolling vineyards known for their excellent rieslings, gewürztraminers, and pinot gris. A visit to one of the alluring vineyards will reward you with a taste of the region's lifeblood, so don't hesitate to stop by. Get on your bike and cruise along a serene path between two of France's most picturesque villages, Riquewihr and Eguisheim. Cafés often serve flammkuchen (also called tarte flambée), an Alsatian dish made with a thin bread-dough base and topped with fromage blanc, thinly sliced onions, and bacon, perfect for a midday snack.

We take a shuttle back to the ship so that we may begin our voyage down the Grand Canal of Alsace. This impressive engineering piece redirects most of the Rhine's water into a canal that is easier to navigate and runs parallel to the natural river. Spend time relaxing onboard with a book on the sun deck or pamper yoursled with a revitalizing massage (at own expense).

This evening, gather together in the ship's main dining room for a welcoming reception, followed by another delectable dinner. You will stay overnight in Strasbourg.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 37 Km (23 Miles), Elevation gain: 182.88m (600 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 53 Km (33 Miles), Elevation gain: 243.84m (800 ft)

Strasbourg, located at the meeting of the Rhine, Rhône, and Marne rivers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and today's ride will take you through the peaceful countryside around the city. From the French side of the Rhine, pedal through a beautiful park before crossing into Germany. Carry on across the undulating fields and neat orchards, with the imposing spire of Strasbourg Cathedral rising up in the distance.

Retreat back onboard for lunch or venture out and try some local specialties in Strasbourg, such as flammkuchen. This afternoon, engage on a walking excursion with a local guide as you meander the charming city streets of historic Strasbourg. Spend the rest of the afternoon making your own adventure as you unlock the city at your own pace with a museum visit or exploring its array of shops.

This evening, savour dinner at your leisure onboard. Alternatively, dine on your own in Strasbourg, a great opportunity to experience the region's French- and German-inspired cuisine. Later in the evening, enjoy a splendid French music performance in the ship's lounge.

You will cruise overnight to Ludwigshafen.

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 27 Km (17 Miles), Elevation gain: 152.4m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 43.4 Km (27 Miles), Elevation gain: 304.8m (1000 ft)

Set off on a largely level path through lush farmland and protected wetlands after filling up with breakfast on the ship. Continue on two wheels to Heidelberg, where imposing castle ruins tower 300 feet above the historic old town centre. Admire how the surrounding buildings have repurposed the red limestone of the former fortress.

Be treated to a delightful lunch at a German brew house boasting local food and exquisite beers. Spend time wandering the cobblestone streets and exploring an array of shops before retreating back onboard.

Continue your voyage cruising along the serene Rhine before indulging in another delicious dining affair onboard in the ship’s dining room.

You will overnight cruse in Rüdesheim.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 32 Km (20 Miles), Elevation gain: 183m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 41.84 Km (26 Miles), Elevation gain: 457.2m (1500 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 70 Km (44 Miles), Elevation gain: 487.68m (1600 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 75.63 Km (47 Miles), Elevation gain: 579.12m (1900 ft)

Discover the Rhine Gorge, also known as the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, on today's trip across one of the most beautiful stretches of the river. The gorge, which is included as a World Heritage site, is well known for its unusual confluence of geological, historical, and cultural value. Begin the journey with a ferry ride across the Rhine while admiring the sights of Rüdesheim set against a background of vineyards and the Niederwalddenkmal, a memorial honouring the establishment of the German Empire in 1871.

Continue on your bike riding alongside the Rhine as it meanders down the gorge, embraced by hundreds of castles and fortifications, through a region with the largest number of castles in the entire world. The surrounding slopes are covered with vineyards and leave just enough space for narrow villages and small towns such as Bacharach, Boppard and Saint Goar. After passing the storied Lorelei Rock at the narrowest and deepest section of the river, take a break from cycling at a local winery.

For those with energy for a more challenging adventure this afternoon, can conquer the climb to the Rhine Plateau for sweeping views of the valley and Rheinfels Castle, the largest castle overlooking the river. Then grab a lift in the shuttle or ride all the way to meet our ship in Lahnstein. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle back to the ship after lunch and settle into a spot on the Sun Deck to take in the Rhine Gorge as our ship cruises from Rüdesheim to Lahnstein this afternoon.

In Lahnstein, choose to go ashore for a tour of Burg Lahneck, a commanding 13th-century castle perched above town. This evening, unwind on the ship before dinner at your leisure. You will overnight in Lahnstein.

Level 2, Approx. 35.4 Km (22 Miles), minimal elevation gain

This morning we sail to Bonn, the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. Venture on a leisurely ride along the Rhine, following the ship's itinerary as it continues on to Cologne. Complete your morning bike adventure at a local brewpub for a well-deserved lunch.

This afternoon, join a local guide for a stroll through Cologne's storied Altstadt (old town). See the old and the new side by side and marvel at the fact that Cologne, which was almost completely destroyed in World War II, has undergone herculean efforts to revitalise itself and return to its former glory. Cologne Cathedral, a World Heritage site built between 1248 and 1880 to house the purported relics of the Three Wise Men, is one of the stops along the way to the city's fascinating past. Delve deeper into this charming city by exploring Cologne at your own leisure.

Tonight, is our last night at sea, but our cycling adventure continues. We celebrate by gathering together for the Captain's farewell cocktail party and gala dinner. You will cruise overnight to Utrecht)

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 43.45 Km (27 Miles), minimal elevation gain
Level 3, Approx. 54.71 Km (34 Miles), minimal elevation gain
Level 3, Approx. 59.54 Km (37 Miles), minimal elevation gain

Bid your farewell to Germany and say hello to Holland this morning as you voyage toward Amsterdam, a cyclist haven. There are more than 10,500 miles of fietspaden (bicycle paths) and roads in the Netherlands, many of them traffic-free. And remember—this is all in a country the size of Maryland!

Experience a glimpse of Netherlands today by pedaling along smooth, well-marked bike paths past innumerable lakes and rivers en route to our final destination, the world-class city of Amsterdam. Begin your ride in Utrecht along a popular bike route following the River Vecht, dotted with magnificent country estates built by wealthy merchants from Amsterdam in the 17th century.

Enjoy a relaxing break at Muiderslot Castle, where you will be treated to a delightful lunch at a tavern on the castle grounds before venturing on a castle tour. Afterward, either shuttle or pedal the rest of the way to Amsterdam. Spend time exploring the vibrant city from remarkable museums like the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House and van Gogh Museum to picturesque canals, vibrant cafés and fascinating shops.

This afternoon, embark on a sightseeing cruise along the city's intricate waterways in a traditional canal boat. Tonight, we toast to a memorable voyage down the Rhine and enjoy a festive farewell dinner together on board the ship. You will overnight in Amsterdam.

Enjoy a cosy breakfast in the morning, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey. Bid goodbye to your tour leaders before disembarking the ship.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.