Enchanting Rhine River Cruise w/Zurich and Lucerne Pre-cruise Land Package - 2026 President's Trip

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local international airport
• Roundtrip airport/pier transfers
• Two-night pre cruise package in Zurich at the Marriott Zurich (or similar) including city tour
• Two-night pre cruise package in Lucerne at the Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar) including Lion Monument
• Breakfast included at hotels
• Highlights tour of Basel, Switzerland
• Seven-night cruise aboard the AMASIENA® in select category
• Meals, snacks and onboard entertainment
• Premium drink package while onboard the ship
• Captain's Welcome and Farewell Champagne Reception and Gala Dinner
• Daily shore excursions during the cruise with English-speaking expert guides
• Onboard and land gratuities
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
• All baggage handling
• Hosted by AAA Central Penn President & CEO, Jodie Daubert
• Services of a AAA Journey Manager

Itinerary

Saturday, July 18th - Overnight Flight to Zurich, Switzerland

Travel by motorcoach transportation from Central PA to a local international airport for an overnight flight to Zurich.

Sunday, July 19th - Zurich, Switzerland

Welcome to Switzerland! Transfer to the hotel to settle in.  Spend the rest of the day on your own exploring the city.  Enjoy a Welcome Reception in the evening.  Hotel: Marriott Zurich, Switzerland (or similar)

Monday, July 20th - Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future - all of which will be on full display during your city tour.  (Breakfast)

Tuesday, July 21st - Zurich - Lake Lucerne

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Lake Lucerne, where you will enjoy a cruise across its tranquil waters.  As port of your included excursion, you will ascent a picturesque mountain on a cable car ride, Mount Rigi, known as the "Queen of the Mountains." Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below.  Later, check into your hotel. Hotel: Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne (or similar) (Breakfast)

Wednesday, July 22nd - Lake Lucerne

Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (Breakfast)

Thursday, July 23rd - Lake Lucerne - Basel - Embarkation

You will check out of the hotel and visit the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. Later, head to Basel. Enjoy a highlights tour of Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th century patrician homes. Then enjoy free time for lunch on your own before you transfer to embark on your ship the AMASIENA®, your home for the next 7 days. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Friday, July 24th - Breisach, Germany

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and perhaps get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, a small replica of the famous version in New York, to commemorate the sculptor’s Colmar birthplace. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Saturday, July 25th - Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, July 26th -Ludwigshafen, Germany - Rüdesheim

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Or ride along the river Neckar to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you’ll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe— a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim* where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Monday, July 27th - Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge - Lahnstein

Your exploration of Rüdesheim* continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river. Afterwards, indulge your taste buds with a sampling of Riesling wines in the vineyards. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River. During the afternoon, set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends and many castles to Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tuesday, July 28th - Düsseldorf

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city for any travelers on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore historic Düsseldorf on foot with a knowledgeable local tour guide, or cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. Alternatively, kick up your feet with a German beer tasting, sampling the best local brews Düsseldorf has to offer. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Home to one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot.  Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings -the Magi-are believed to rest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wednesday, July 29th - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture, and museums, and you have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. Begin the day with a scenic cruise around this beautiful city before setting out on Amsterdam’s famous canals. Embark on a picturesque canal cruise throughout the city, giving you a close-up view of these inspiring waterways. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Thursday, July 30th - Amsterdam - Disembarkation

Bid farewell to your journey along the Rhine river coming away with fond memories. Transfer to the airport for your flight and transportation back to Central PA. (Breakfast)

Itinerary is subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.

Activity Level - 3

Moderate - Good mobility is required for this trip.  Climbing stairs and standing for 2-3 hours at a time, as well as walking on uneven terrain may be necessary.  Portions of the itinerary may include higher altitudes.  The itinerary may involve longer days up to 12-14 hours in length.  This activity level is not recommended for travelers with significant mobility concerns.

General Information

Travel Documents 

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s) is required for this trip.  As of the printing of this brochure, all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization for travel to Europe's Schengen zone (not included in the price of the trip). Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information. 

As travel policies are rapidly changing, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information.

Payment 

Deposit of $500 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by  March 6, 2026.

Cancellation/Penalties 

From July 7, 2025 - March 5, 2026   $500 per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees 

After March 6, 2026                        100% NON-REFUNDABLE 

*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airlines(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements. 

Insurance 

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz. 

Clothing/Climate 

Average temperatures in Switzerland, Germany, France and The Netherlands for July average in the 70s-80s Daytime, casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella are recommended. Evenings require country club casual attire. 

Baggage 

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a small carry-on bag. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance 

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP2626

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