Day 1, June 24, 2008: Depart for Amsterdam
Depart for Amsterdam aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for air-inclusive participants only.) (In-flight meals)

Day 2, June 25, 2008: Amsterdam
Following your morning arrival and transfer (provided for air-inclusive participants only), enjoy a private cruise along Amsterdam’s picturesque canals. Embark the deluxe M.S. Amadeus Princess this afternoon and begin your voyage on the Rhine River. (In-flight meals, L, D)

Day 3; June 26, 2008: Cologne/Koblenz
One of Germany’s most ancient cities, Cologne was founded as the Roman military outpost of Colonia Agrippina in 38 B.C. Begin your exploration in the historic Altstadt (Old Town), where tall, narrow houses painted in pastel shades line the streets, lanes, and inviting squares. Walk through the soaring nave of Cologne Cathedral, a medieval fantasy in stone and the finest example of
High Gothic architecture in Germany. From Cologne cruise upstream to Koblenz, arriving after dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4: June 27, 2008: Koblenz/Rudesheim
Koblenz occupies a strategic location at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. From the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the two rivers meet, enjoy a view of the impressive 17th century fortress of Ehrenbreitstein on the opposite bank of the Rhine. See also the Basilica of St. Castor, built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Cruise through the Lorelei Passage, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most beautiful stretch of the river. Pass by medieval castles, tranquil villages and terraced vineyards and see the famous Lorelei Rock—ancient legends hold that a beautiful maiden once sat atop it and lured sailors to their doom. Go ashore after dinner in the medieval town of Rüdesheim, located in the heart of Germany’s wine country. (B, L, D)

Day 5: June 28, 2008: Heidelberg/Mannheim
Board a motorcoach and set out for the university town of Heidelberg. Nestled in the wooded valley of the Neckar River, it emerged largely unscathed from World War II. Walk through the heart of the Old Town and view the Late Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit, built from locally quarried red sandstone; the Knight’s House, an elegant 16th-century mansion representative of the German Mannerist style; and the austere façade of the 18th-century Jesuit Church which belies a lavishly adorned interior. Visit imposing Heidelberg Castle, once the residence of the Counts Palatine of the Holy Roman Empire. Damaged during the Thirty Years’ War (1618- 48) and a subsequent French invasion, its stately ruins provide links with Heidelberg’s medieval past. Reboard the ship in Mannheim for Strasbourg. (B, L, D)

Day 6: June 29, 2008: Strasbourg, France/Basel, Switzerland
Tour charming Strasbourg. A lively French city speaking with a German accent, cosmopolitan Strasbourg fuses the Old and the New Europe. Medieval houses still stand beside its placid waterways and Ponts-Couverts—covered bridges with watchtowers at each end—stand guard over its canals, while representatives of 25 nations engage in spirited debates in the futuristic European Parliament building. Dominating the Old City is the graceful, sandstone Cathedral of Notre Dame. In the Petite-France district— the historic millers’, tanners’ and fishermen’s quarter along the Ill River—the leisurely pace of a past era lives on. Continue upstream to Basel. This evening attend the captain’s farewell reception. (B, L, D)

Day 7: June 30, 2008: Basel, Switzerland.
Disembark in Basel and set out across the rolling Swiss countryside for Zermatt. In Zermatt ,check into the chalet-style Schweizerhof Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 8: July 1, 2008: Zermatt
Join a guided morning walk to the train station for a scenic ride aboard the open-carriage Gornergrat Bahn, one of Switzerland’s famous cog railways. Climb through forests and meadows to the 10,000-foot-high Gornergrat, stopping en route at Riffelberg for a panoramic view. From the observatory atop the Gornergrat, enjoy sweeping vistas of Europe’s most majestic alpine scenery.
Following lunch, enjoy additional time in the observatory and return to Zermatt at your leisure. (B, L)

Day 9: July 2, 2008: Zermatt/Lucerne
Board the fabled Glacier Express “the fastest slow train in the world,” from Zermatt to Andermatt. Set out through the heart of the Alps and pass by ever-changing vistas of lofty, snowcrowned peaks, ribbon-like waterfalls, rushing streams, glacier-carved valleys, lush upland meadows and storybook mountain villages Zermatt to Andermatt. After lunch, relax during the transfer from Andermatt to Lucerne. Check into the Hotel Lucerne Schweizerhof, located on the banks of Lake Lucerne. (B, L)

Day 10: July 3, 2008: Lucerne
Set out on a walking tour of Lucerne. Later, drive to the foot of Mount Pilatus and ride by cable car to its 7,000-foot summit for a 360-degree view of the peaks, forests and lakes of central Switzerland, the cradle of the nation’s independence in 1648 from the Holy Roman Empire. Enjoy leisure time before descending to Lake Lucerne aboard the Pilatus Bahn, the world’s steepest cog railway. In Alpnachstadt, embark a traditional lake steamer for a relaxing cruise back to Lucerne. This evening, meet for our farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 11: July 4, 2008: Lucene to USA.
Board your return flight to the U.S. (B, In-flight meals)

Included Features

* Private canal cruise in Amsterdam.
* Aboard the deluxe MS Amadeus Princess:
Cruise aboard the deluxe MS Amadeus Princess from Amsterdam, The Netherlands, to Basel, Switzerland, with port  calls at Düsseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mainz, Gernsheim (Heidelberg) and   Mannheim, Germany; and Strasbourg, France.
Accommodations in an outside cabin with private bathroom facilities.
Special welcome and farewell receptions.
All meals served at a single seating—breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and late-night snack— featuring Continental cuisine.
Walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town, including a visit to the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Excursion in Koblenz, ideally located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.
Walking tour of Mainz.
Excursion to Heidelberg’s 13th-century castle.
Tour of Strasbourg’s historic Old City, with its imposing Cathedral of Notre Dame. Scenic motorcoach transfer from Basel to Lucerne, with stops en route in Bern and Interlaken. Lunch is included.
* IN LUCERNE
Two nights in the deluxe Hotel Schweizerhof, on the shore of Lake Lucerne.
Swiss breakfast each morning.
Walking tour of historic Lucerne, featuring a visit to the covered Chapel Bridge.
Cruise on Lake Lucerne and excursion by cable car and the world’s steepest railway to Mount Pilatus. Lunch in a restaurant on the summit is included. Spectacular train journey aboard the famous Glacier Express from Andermatt to Zermatt, with a scenic transfer from Lucerne to Andermatt. Lunch is included.
* IN ZERMATT
Two nights in the first-class Hotel Schweizerhof, a traditional alpine hotel, or in the Hotel Monte Rosa, its sister hotel.
Breakfast and dinner daily.
Dramatic rail journey aboard the Gornergrat Bahn, one of the most picturesque train rides in the world, from Zermatt to the Gornergrat. Lunch in a summit restaurant is included.
* ENHANCED TRAVEL SERVICES
All transfers and luggage handling abroad for all participants who have purchased their air tickets through Gohagan & Company and whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).
All excursions and visits, as outlined in the itinerary, with experienced local guides.
Gratuities to local guides and drivers for included excursions.
Hospitality desks in the hotels and aboard ship.
An experienced Travel Director to accompany you throughout the travel program.
Travel document wallet, name badge, pre-departure information and suggested reading guide for each participant.
Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Thomas P. Gohagan & Company.*

*Provided for air-inclusive participants only.

M.S. AMADEUS PRINCESS

Launched in 2006, the deluxe M.S. Amadeus Princess is one of the finest vessels to ply the waterways of Central Europe. All 81 tastefully appointed staterooms are outside and more spacious than those typically found on river ships (160 square feet). The cabins on the Mozart and Strauss deck have, over their whole width, windows with sliding doors (French balconies). The cabins on the Haydn deck have the same dimensions and equipment as those on the other decks, but their windows are smaller. If desired, the two beds can be made up separately. The suites (at 236 square feet) have, as well as a sleeping area, an additional lounge area with comfortable seating, desk, minibar and safe. The sofa bed can, if needed, be turned into a third bed Meals are served in a single, open seating in the restaurant, where guests savor gourmet Continental cuisine while enjoying views of the passing landscape. The ship has two bars, one featuring nightly musical entertainment; sun deck with lounge chairs and walking track; hair salon; boutique; fitness center with masseuse services; and small pool. The M.S. Amadeus Princess' experienced European crew affords participants an unmatched level of service distinguished by professionalism, efficiency and personal attention.The ship also meets the highest environmental and safety standards.

Hotel Schweizerhof, Zermatt

Hotel Schweizerhof, Lucerne