Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Saône, and Rhône Rivers. Enjoy a canal cruise in splendid Amsterdam, as well as guided sightseeing in Cologne, Koblenz, and Strasbourg. Delight in excursions to Germany’s Black Forest and to Heidelberg. Also, sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and visit the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz. A motorcoach transfer takes you into France’s Burgundy region to fascinating Beaune for a visit to Hôtel-Dieu. Next, board your ship in quaint St. Jean de Losne and set sail for Macon. Visit France’s gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as medieval Tournon, charming Viviers, Avignon, and Arles.

After disembarking your ship in Port-Saint-Louis, transfer to Aix-en-Provence for the start of your Monograms vacation. Enjoy guided sightseeing with an expert Local Guide, and visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, known for its mix of architectural styles. Walk in the footsteps of Cézanne with free time or on a tour of the artist’s hometown. Travel to Nice for your final two nights in France. Walk through the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s most famous boulevard. In your free time, perhaps take an excursion to Monaco or Cannes-known for its famous film festival. At your service is an expert Monograms Local Host® who is available to assist you throughout your stay in Aix-en-Provence and Nice.

Included Features:

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception

Day 2 Amsterdam: Canal cruise

Day 3 Cologne: Choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tour or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 4 Koblenz-Rhine Gorge-Rüdesheim: Scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim or hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host

Day 5 Mainz. Excursion to Heidelberg: Choice of guided walk in Mainz with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, or a guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or a hike up Philosophers' Way

Day 6 Strasbourg: Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host

Day 7 Breisach: Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to Badischer Winzerkeller

Day 8 Basel (Disembarkation)-Beaune-St. Jean de Losne (Embarkation): Transfer to Beaune, visit Hôtel-Dieu; onboard welcome reception

Day 9 Mcon: Leisurely cruising; on board cheese tasting

Day 10 Lyon: Choice of guided sightseeing with picture stop on Fourvière Hill or bike with our Adventure Host; on board lecture

Day 11 Lyon: Culinary tour

Day 12 Tournon-Viviers: Guided walk in Tournon; guided walk in Viviers, visit the Old Town and the cathedral

Day 13 Avignon: Guided sightseeing, visit to the Palace of the Popes

Day 14 Arles: Choice of guided sightseeing in Arles, visit the Roman Amphitheater, or painting workshop or walk with your Adventure Host

Day 15 Port-Saint-Louis (Disembarkation)-Aix-en-Provence: Transfer to Aix-en-Provence; guided walking tour, visit Cathedral of the Holy Saviour

Day 16 Aix-en-Provence: Day at leisure

Day 17 Aix-en-Provence-Nice: Travel to Nice; guided walking tour with Promenade des Anglais and the Old Town

Day 18 Nice: Day at leisure

Day 19 Nice: Your vacation ends this morning