Captivating Rhine (Amsterdam to Basel)- AAA Central Penn Member Appreciation Cruise

Included Features

• Roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local international airport
• Roundtrip airport/pier transfers
• Roundtrip airfare from a local international airport to Amsterdam, Netherlands with return from Basel, Switzerland
• Two night stay in Amsterdam prior to the cruise
• Seven night cruise aboard the AMALUCIA® in select category
• Meals, snacks and onboard entertainment
• "Sip & Sail" daily cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• Unlimited complimentary wine, beer and soda with lunch and dinner
• Complimentary Bottle of Wine and Boxed Chocolates delivered to your stateroom
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
• Guided shore excursions in every port
• AAA International Traveler Gift Bag
• All baggage handling
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Itinerary

Monday, July 7th - Overnight Flight to Amsterdam

Motorcoach transportation from Central PA to a local international airport for an overnight flight to Amsterdam

Tuesday, July 8th - Arrive in Amsterdam, The Netherlands!  

Welcome to Amsterdam! Transfer to the hotel and settle in. Spend the rest of the day and evening exploring the city on your own. Barbizon Palace or Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Hotels (similar)

Wednesday, July 9th - Amsterdam    

Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (Breakfast)

Thursday, July 10th - Amsterdam  - Embarkation

Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship the AMALUCIA, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Friday, July 11th - Amsterdam 

 There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam and enjoy the beautiful scenery. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Saturday, July 12th - Düsseldorf    

As a leading hub for German culture, commerce, and architecture, Düsseldorf is a must-visit city on the Rhine. Here, you will have multiple options for the day’s excursion. Explore this grand city on the Rhine by joining a walking tour, concluding with a tasting of Altbier, a local specialty brewed using traditional techniques. Alternatively, cover more ground with an active bike tour of the city. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brief trip to the nearby city of Cologne. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, July 13th - Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim

 Cruise through the captivating  UNESCO-designated  Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or soak in the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Monday, July 14th - Ludwigshafen    

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 enjoy panoramic views of the city. 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 Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or join a guided bike tour along the shores of the river Neckar and enjoy a cycling break to explore the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tuesday, July 15th - Strasbourg, France  

 Strasbourg 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 before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wednesday, July 16th - Breisach, Germany   

 Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture and famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, head to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the countryside, or hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
*Please Note: Black Forest Hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

Thursday, July 17th - Basel  - Disembarkation

After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight and transportation back to Central, PA.  (Breakfast)

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

Activity Level - 3

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, upstairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected. 

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 as a result of COVID-19, the final requirements will be communicated prior to travel. Please see your travel advisor additional information.

Payment

Deposit of $400 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by:  March 28, 2025.

Cancellation/Penalties

Day of deposit to day of departure-   $25 per person, plus…

Deposit date to March 8, 2025 $200 per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From March 9 - April 8, 2025    $400 per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From April 9 -May 8, 2025       35% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From May 9 - June 7, 2025       50% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From June 8 - June 30, 2025    80% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees

After June 30, 2025 -  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 The Netherlands, France and Germany for July is 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.

GRP2225

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