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16 Day Tastes of Germany with Rhine River Cruise

From Munich, Germany to Basel, Switzerland
Length: 16 Days - Departs: Tue, Sep 02, 2025
Operator
Departure
Sep 02, 2025
Arrival
Sep 17, 2025

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Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

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Gate 1 offers the flexibility of paying for your vacation by credit card or check. Choose check for your final payment to save 5% off of your remaining balance. Full details will be sent with your invoice.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Germany
    Tue, Sep 02, 2025

    Depart for Germany
  2. Day 2
    DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Munich, Transfer to Ulm
    Wed, Sep 03, 2025

    Arrive in Munich, the festive capital of Bavaria and transfer to your hotel in Ulm, located on the banks of the Danube River. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a reception. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 2 PM
    Overnight: Ulm
  3. Day 3
    DAY 3, Thursday - Walking Tour of Ulm, Augsburg
    Thu, Sep 04, 2025

    This morning, take a walking tour of the city of Ulm, founded around 850. View the Gothic Ulm Minster, and the Town Hall with an astronomical clock and painted façade. Stroll through the historic Fishermen's and Tanners' Quarter and view the Schiefes Haus, a leaning timber-framed building dating back to the 15th century. Next, journey to Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities, founded in 15 BC by the Romans. During the panoramic tour of the city, view the Gothic Augsburg Cathedral, and the Fuggerei, the world's oldest social housing complex. Later, return to Ulm
    Overnight: Ulm
    Meals: Breakfast
  4. Day 4
    DAY 4, Friday - Munich City Tour
    Fri, Sep 05, 2025

    Begin the day with a scenic drive through the Bavarian countryside to Munich. Upon arrival, take a panoramic tour of the city, revealing countless museums, galleries, palaces, and historic buildings. Continue to the Olympic Stadium, the main venue for the 1972 Summer Olympics. Then, visit Nymphenburg Palace, once the summer residence of Bavarian rulers. End the tour at Marienplatz Square, where you can watch the glockenspiel clock with its colorful mechanical figures dancing at the top of the hour. Free time to explore on your own before heading to the hotel
    Overnight: Ulm
    Meals: Breakfast
  5. Day 5
    DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Ulm or Optional Full Day Wurzburg and Rothenburg Tour
    Sat, Sep 06, 2025

    Today is free to explore Ulm at your own pace. Perhaps, join the optional Full Day Wurzburg and Rothenburg Tour. Depart Ulm and travel through the landscapes of southern Germany to Wurzburg in Bavaria. Take a walking tour of the historic Old Town, and view the imposing Wurzburg Residence, Wurzburg Cathedral, and bustling Market Square. Spend free time to explore, and to sample local specialties, such as Franconian wine, hearty sausages, and pretzels. Next, continue along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, the preserved walled city. Step back in time as you walk through the cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town, untouched by the ravages of war, and learn about its history. Arrive in Ulm, late afternoon
    Optional: Full Day Wurzburg and Rothenburg Tour
    Overnight: Ulm
    Meals: Breakfast
  6. Day 6
    DAY 6, Sunday - Heidelberg Castle
    Sun, Sep 07, 2025

    Today, travel to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany, founded in the 14th century. Begin at the imposing red sandstone Heidelberg Castle, perched majestically on a hill over the city. Explore the castle's ruins which date back to the 13th century and admire views of Heidelberg and the Neckar River below. Continue to the Old Town with its cobblestone alleys and historic buildings. View the University of Heidelberg, the Baroque Jesuit Church, and the Market Square. Return to Ulm in the afternoon
    Overnight: Ulm
    Meals: Breakfast
  7. Day 7
    DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Ulm or Optional Full Day Stuttgart Tour
    Mon, Sep 08, 2025

    Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Full Day Stuttgart Tour. Embark on an exciting day trip to the city of Stuttgart, known as the automotive capital of Germany. On arrival, begin a walking tour of Stuttgart's historic center. View the 18th century Baroque palace of Neues Schloss, the Jubilee Column commemorating King William I, Königstrasse a pedestrian thoroughfare, and Market Square. Following free time, to explore the city on your own. Afterward, head back to Ulm
    Optional: Full Day Stuttgart Tour
    Overnight: Ulm
    Meals: Breakfast
  8. Day 8
    DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Ulm or Optional Blaubeuren Monastery Visit with Maultaschen Tasting
    Tue, Sep 09, 2025

    On you last day at leisure in Ulm, participate in the optional Blaubeuren Monastery Visit with Maultaschen Tasting. Begin with a drive to the medieval town of Blaubeuren nestled in the Swabian Jura region of southern Germany. Here, visit Blaubeuren Monastery, a well preserved 1000 year old complex. The guided tour will take you through the vaulted cloister, the fountain chapel as well as St. Peter`s Chapel and the choir room. Afterwards, sample Maultaschen, a traditional Swabian dish for lunch. Return to Ulm in the afternoon. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
    Optional: Blaubeuren Monastery Visit with Maultaschen Tasting
    Overnight: Ulm
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  9. Day 9
    DAY 9, Wednesday - Flight to Amsterdam, Cruise Embarkation
    Wed, Sep 10, 2025
    Depart Ulm, and head to the airport in Munich for your flight to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, transfer to the port. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board, or begin your discovery of the many cultural sites this city has to offer. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  10. Day 10
    DAY 10, Thursday - Amsterdam City Tour & Afternoon Cruising
    Thu, Sep 11, 2025
    Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. Rejoin the ship for lunch on board. This afternoon sail south for Germany
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  11. Day 11
    DAY 11, Friday - Cologne City Tour
    Fri, Sep 12, 2025
    Cruise on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, arriving as you savor lunch on board. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops, and taverns. After dinner on board, time to explore Cologne's vibrant nightlife before setting sail
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  12. Day 12
    DAY 12, Saturday - Morning in Koblenz & Afternoon Cruising
    Sat, Sep 13, 2025
    The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join a walking tour this morning and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. At noon, set sail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship cruises past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards, and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. This evening, arrive in Rüdesheim, a lively village in the heart of the Rhine. After dinner, perhaps stroll along the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns
    Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour (AM)
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  13. Day 13
    DAY 13, Sunday - Morning Cruising & Afternoon in Speyer
    Sun, Sep 14, 2025
    Today, continue sailing towards Speyer. The ship will make a stop, where passengers may depart for the optional tour to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. Tour the city and view the ruins of 12th century Heidelberg Castle before returning to the ship in Speyer. In the afternoon, stroll the lanes of this picturesque city founded by the Romans, with its prized red sandstone cathedral named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, the ship sails for Strasbourg
    Optional: Heidelberg City Tour (AM)
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  14. Day 14
    DAY 14, Monday - Strasbourg City Tour
    Mon, Sep 15, 2025
    A lovely day awaits you in the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, return to the ship as you sail towards Breisach in the Rhine Valley
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  15. Day 15
    DAY 15, Tuesday - Breisach Walking Tour
    Tue, Sep 16, 2025
    Arrive this morning in the small city of Breisach that dates back over 4,000 years. On your walking tour along the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses, it's hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. After lunch set sail for Basel. Tonight, at dinner, share wonderful memories of your Rhine journey and bid farewell to your Cruise Director
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  16. Day 16
    DAY 16, Wednesday - Depart Switzerland
    Wed, Sep 17, 2025
    This morning, disembark and transfer to the airport in Basel for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
    Meals: Breakfast

Countries Visited

France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland

Rivers Visited

Rhine

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Inclusions

Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

Stay & Explore Package Includes

  • Flights New York-Munich, Basel-New York
    Other departure cities available.
  • Intra-flight: Munich-Amsterdam
  • 14 nights First Class accommodations
  • 7 nights Ulm
  • 7 nights outside cabin aboard the First Class
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • River port charges of $190 per person
  • Hotel & cruise porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 28 meals: 14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager (Days 2-8)
  • Cruise director & activities host throughout cruise (Days 9-16)
  • Services of local guides
  • Shore excursions per itinerary
  • Entrance fees per itinerary
  • Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring

  • Special Features

  • During the walking tour of Ulm, view the Gothic Ulm Minster, and the Town Hall
  • Discover historic Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities
  • Take a city tour of Munich, Bavaria's capital, housing centuries-old buildings and numerous museums
  • Explore the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a Gothic masterpiece
  • In Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals
  • Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, capital of the Rhineland
  • Discover 2000-year-old Koblenz, with its superb Romanesque architecture
  • View the mighty Lorelei Rock named for the siren "Lorelei" rising vertically from the waters
  • Stroll the lanes filled with quaint wine taverns in the lively village of Rüdesheim
  • Visit the Alsace capital of Strasbourg, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Walk the cobbled streets of tiny Breisach, a city that dates back over 4,000 years

  • River Cruise Features & Amenities

  • Wine and beer with dinners
  • Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access in public areas
  • Self-serve coffee and tea station
  • Lounge serving premium spirits
  • Fitness center and daily morning exercises
  • Non-smoking ship interior
  • Shore excursions conducted exclusively in English
  • Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

    European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

    †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates


    Additional Information:
    Land/Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers but does include flight Munich-Amsterdam.

    Amsterdam to Basel: Embarkation will begin at 2 PM however early arrivals may rest in the lounge if their assigned cabin is not ready upon check-in. Passengers returning from Basel on Day 16 should select flights that depart no earlier than 10 AM.

    Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

    European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of our chartered ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

    Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.

    OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

    Ship Information

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    Cabins

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    Life on Board

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    Questions & Answers
      Ask A Question

    Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

    Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

    Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

    The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

    Customer Reviews

    Overall Rating
    4.4
    Accommodations
    4.4
    Itinerary
    4.3
    Professional Staff
    4.6
    Repeat with Operator
    4.4
    Value for Money
    4.5

    Ratings based off 38 reviews - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only

    The staff on this river cruise were amazing so very accommodating. The cruise director was able to handle an issue with my departure time( many phone calls later) and all went as scheduled.

    Great trip,all went smoothly,great tour, lovely sites , great food and drinks. Will go again!!!

    David was great. He helped me find a great cruise at a great price, which was a challenge considering that I was booking two single rooms.

    Adam was excellent. Very helpful.

    The Gate 1 River Cruise was absolutely amazing.

    Simple process and nice to have your own rep. Had travelled on viking before, and found our gate one tour very good compatible for better value

    Gate 1 Danube River cruise exceeded our expectations and provided terrific service AND value! Beautiful ship and fabulous staff. Don't let their 'travel for less' slogan mislead you: they deliver FULL VALUE and service. We would travel with them again in a heartbeat.

    We had a wonderful time on this trip (14 day Danube with Budapest and Prague). One thing we noticed in the cabin: 1. Lack of outlets/USB ports at bedside tables 2. WiFi was really too basic. Dining room: While the breakfast and desserts were good, the lunch and dinner items left much to be desired. There was a lack of vegetable variety. The soups were very salty and the fish was fishy.

    Greatly appreciated the sessions that included information on the next days ports. Also found the on site mini tours of each port very enjoyable. Although we elected to go on much of the optional paid tours, it was great to learn some background information of each site.

    I will only book Gare 1 going forward. This was an excellent experience.

    Although we had to cut our trip short due to an illness. Shannon was there to make sure everything was taken care of.

    GateOne did a great job in every detail. We were pleased with the food, events, tours and staff. The complete tour was delightful. Thanks for a great experience!

    The operator's staff was friendly, efficient, and professional. Would definitely travel with them again.

    An amazing trip in every way--staff, crew, and, in fact, all who worked on the boat gave A+++ service--have raved about the trip to all my friends. On-land accommodations were also commensurate with ship accommodations, including guides, bus drivers, and hotels and hotel staff. .

    We loved the casual atmosphere on the river cruise portion of the trip. Our guides throughout were exceptional in their knowledge and personal relations. The entire staff was always friendly and helpful. There were so many good experiences and trips. We were exhausted by the last day. Maybe too many good experiences with too little time to explore on our own. We were able to see so much for a very reasonable cost. Hopefully, another Gate 1 trip is in our future.

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    AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Gate1. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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