Four Country Odyssey

July 3rd to 15th, 2009

Bicycle Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands

We’ll take in the art, architecture and culture of some of Europe’s most classic cities. Our journey will be by land in combination with a relaxing seven-night cruise aboard a luxurious river ship on the famed Rhine River.

The 800 mile long Rhine River is considered by many to be the most important river in the world, both politically and economically. From its source in the Swiss Alps it flows through six countries before reaching the North Sea, impacting the life and culture of all civilizations in the heartland of Europe. Crowned by castles and flowing with legends, the river is one of the most enduring and powerful symbols of Germany. We’ll explore the Gothic cathedrals, lush vineyards and medieval villages along its banks from a unique perspective, as we sail on Peter Deilmann’s newest ship the MV Heidelberg.

Enjoy total relaxation and uncommon comfort aboard our 5 star floating hotel. The extremely large cabins (190 square feet) will impress you. All cabins are outside, with spacious private facilities, air conditioning, telephone, music centers & color TV. Twin or queen beds are available and all cabins have full-length French doors that open. While sailing enjoy the scenery from the sun-deck or the viewing lounge with its panoramic windows. Gather together in the lounge or the cozy library. You may also wish to work out in the fitness center, enjoy the sauna and steam room and have a relaxing massage or visit the onboard salon for hair, manicure or pedicure appointments. There will always be plenty to do on board and in the many fascinating ports-of-call along the way. The readers of Condé Nast Travel Magazine have consistently rated the Peter Deilmann ships amongst the top river ships in the world. Six meals will be served daily in the magnificent dining room, including a gourmet lunch and dinner. Our chef will delight in preparing classic dishes and culinary delights reflecting the various regions.

Plan to arrive in Basel no later than Friday, July 3rd. Good airline connections are available from North America to nearby Zurich and Frankfurt – a direct train from the Zurich Airport to Basel takes one hour (three hours from the Frankfurt Airport to Basel). Gerhard will meet you at the Basel train station and transfer you to our hotel. If you would like time to explore Basel you may wish to arrive a day or two before the tour starts.

Friday, July 3rd, Basel (Switzerland). Settle into our centrally located hotel. You will have time to explore the city and perhaps visit a few of the city’s 40 museums. Get acquainted reception tonight, followed by dinner. Radisson SAS Hotel.

Saturday, Basel (MV Heidelberg). This morning we fit the bikes and enjoy a warm up ride along the banks of the Rhine River. In the afternoon we board the MV Heidelberg in time for the captain’s welcome party and special dinner.

Sunday, Basel (MV Heidelberg). Our cycling route takes us through the Basel Dreiland (the three country corner) where Switzerland, France and Germany meet. Along the way we cross the borders five times and the Rhine River four times.

Monday, Breisach (MV Heidelberg). We cycle the nearby Baden vineyards that produce excellent high-quality wines. Shop for the locally crafted cuckoo clocks, wood carvings, glass and pottery of the nearby Black Forest.

Tuesday, Strasbourg (MV Heidelberg). Bike to Obernai, one of the most picturesque villages in the Alsace region. In the 16th century a double fortified wall was built around the town and it still encloses the old half-timbered houses lining the narrow streets.

Wednesday, Mainz (MV Heidelberg). This morning we ride the Neckar River valley to Heidelberg with its pink sandstone castle, looking down from its vantage point in the green woods of the hillside. Visit the museums, the 14th Century University, shops and markets.

Thursday, Koblenz (MV Heidelberg). Today we bike the spectacular Rhine gorge and pass 32 castles and medieval strongholds in the short distance of 42 miles. Pfalz castle on a small island was a toll house, where boats using the river had to pay in medieval times.

Friday, Cologne (MV Heidelberg). Visit the famous cathedral and choose from several cycling options. Go as far as you wish – the ship will not depart until midnight.

Saturday, Volendam This morning we disembark the ship in Düsseldorf and take the train to Amsterdam. After lunch we cycle to Volendam, a fisherman’s village on the shores of the former Zuiderzee. Be sure to sample the famous local cheeses. Hotel Van der Valk.

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday, Oudkerk Bike the Afsluitdijk, a 30-kilometer-long sea wall bridging the mouth of the Zuiderzee, once the corridor for the great trading ships of the Golden Age. Our historic hotel is a former estate of the nobility who lived in this part of the Netherlands. The park around the hotel is very popular with hikers because of its winding pathsand bridges. Each day we will have several biking options to choose from with various distances and challenges. Farewell party and dinner on Tuesday night. Hotel Landgoed De Klinze.

Wednesday Leisurely breakfast and transfer to Amsterdam for your flight home. If time allows, we suggest staying one or two days in Amsterdam to enjoy the tree-lined canals flanked by gabled houses; the renowned Rijksmuseum, featuring over one million art objects and the Van Gogh Museum. The tour is limited to 20 guests.

Tour price: $4,995 ($1,495 single supplement)
Tour dates: July 3rd to July 15th, 2009 (13 days/12 nights)
Tour Leaders: Gerhard Meng & assistant

Various distances and routes are available each cycling day. Shortcuts will be available and every day we’ll also have the option of longer and more challenging bike rides.
For non-biking guests there will be plenty of opportunities for walking or running. You have the option of finishing the trip on Saturday, July 11th (in Düsseldorf). Contact us for details.

Tour cost includes:
Five nights hotel accommodation in Basel and the Netherlands. Seven nights accommodation in an outside “Neckar” deck cabin aboard the MV Heidelberg. Port taxes, fuel surcharges and guided tours as mentioned are included. Wine or beer with dinners and all meals but five lunches. Support vehicle for cyclists.

Cost of the tour excludes ship board gratuities, sightseeing excursions not noted in the itinerary, and all other items of a personal nature. Tour cost does not include any services other than those specifically mentioned as being included.

Good quality bike rentals can be arranged. All frames are “hybrid” style with upright handle-bars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. Rental cost is approximately Euro 180.

Special notes:
The MV Heidelberg has no facilities to accommodate bicycles on board the ship. The bikes will be transported ahead to each port by our support vehicle. The support vehicle comes equipped with a mobile phone and a small library of information on the area. It offers mechanical assistance and spare parts, and can provide a lift for tour members during the cycling day. The itinerary is subject to change and may need to be altered because of water levels or wind factors. Purchase of Trip Insurance is highly recommended.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHIP, click HERE

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