Rhine Connoisseur: Montreux to Brussels

Tour begins: 6:00 PM. A transfer is included from Geneva Airport, Geneva train station (approximately 1.5 hour drive) or Montreux train station to Fairmont Montreux Palace, nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, overlooking the Alps. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your elegant hotel.

Internationally famous as a terraced wine-growing region on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Lavaux region is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 12th century when Cisterian monks built miles of terraces and walls on sloping glacial terrain for the purpose of cultivating wine. Explore the vineyards on a choice of excursions that includes a mini-train tour of the vineyards, a visit to one of the area's quaint villages and a wine tasting at a local cooperative wine cellar; or a gentle walk on unpaved paths through the vineyards, ending with a wine-tasting at a local winery. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own along the shores of Lake Geneva and spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Montreux. Your hotel is located in the city center, with landmark sites and dining venues a short walk away.

Internationally famous as a terraced wine-growing region on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Lavaux region is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 12th century when Cisterian monks built miles of terraces and walls on sloping glacial terrain for the purpose of cultivating wine. Explore the vineyards on a choice of excursions that includes a mini-train tour of the vineyards, a visit to one of the area's quaint villages and a wine tasting at a local cooperative wine cellar; or a gentle walk on unpaved paths through the vineyards, ending with a wine-tasting at a local winery. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own along the shores of Lake Geneva and spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Montreux. Your hotel is located in the city center, with landmark sites and dining venues a short walk away.

Montreux, a lakeside resort since the 19th century, has drawn artists, writers, and musicians for its scenic beauty and mild climate. Famous for its jazz festival, it also celebrates its connection with Queen and Freddie Mercury. Explore with a local guide, enjoying exclusive videos and music. For adventure, visit Glacier 3000 and cross the world’s only suspension bridge connecting two peaks, surrounded by stunning Alpine views. End the day with a dinner in Montreux.

After breakfast, visit nearby Chillon Castle, renowned as among the best-preserved medieval European castles. On a locally guided tour, view some its 40 rooms, including the Castellan's Dining Hall, with walls depicting painted family crests. Drive to a quant Swiss village for free time and lunch before continuing on to Basel. Embark your riverboat in Basel; attend a Discovery Briefing and enjoy cocktails before dining onboard your ship.

Spend the morning in Strasbourg, disembarking for a choice of excursions after breakfast. Blending Franco-Germanic culture, architecture, and ambiance, this Alsatian city is nestled on the Rhine across the border from Germany and boasts a compelling and complex history. Join a local guide for an epicurean-inspired walking tour of its city center, along with tastings of wine, cheese and other Alsatian specialties. See its Gothic-inspired Notre Dame Cathedral and half-timbered houses and explore its Petite France quarter, criss-crossed by canals and a swing bridge reminiscent of days gone by. Or do as the locals do and explore the sights by bicycle as your local guide leads the way. Have lunch onboard your riverboat as it sails for the Middle Rhine Valley.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising through the Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region renowned for iconic landscapes crowned by castles and fortresses, along with terraced vineyards established more than 1,000 years on the steep slopes of the valley. The strategic location of this dramatic stretch of the Rhine between Bingen, Rüdesheim and Koblenz reflects its importance as a transportation route; the sixty small towns, terraced vineyards and the castles ruins found here reflect how prosperous this trade route once was since prehistoric times. Your Tauck Director provides commentary as you glide past vine-covered, terraced slopes, and rocky bluffs, sharing the stories of the Lorelei Rock and ancient castles standing watch onshore. Arrive in Koblenz this afternoon for a guided e-bike ride* or a scavenger hunt across the city. Enjoy dinner and musical entertainment onboard ship.

Wake up in in Düsseldorf, one of Germany's wealthiest cities, known for its charming Altstadt (Old Town) and avant garde architecture. Walk off the riverboat into town for your choice of a walking tour focused on the city's history, architecture and culinary traditions, along with some tasty local treats; or a craft beer tour where samplings of the varieties of dark Altbier the region is known for are sure to be a highlight. After lunch, embark on a bicycling excursion along the city's Rhine River waterfront. Dinner is at leisure onboard the riverboat this evening.

Voted "the most beautiful fortified town in the Netherlands," Gorinchem was founded in 1,000 AD, fortified in the 13th and 14th centuries, and today boasts the largest fully intact fort in the Netherlands. Join our local guide for a walking tour of its historic heart, viewing its charming canals, the well-preserved Renaissance-style and medieval architecture, and pretty parks and gardens. Explore as you wish this afternoon, before joining us for a Tauck Exclusive reception and dinner at Slot Loevestein. Set in a nature reserve on a private island, the 14th-century castle has served as a prison, residence and toll taker, reigning unrivaled over its strategic location where the Maas and Waal rivers come together. Tonight it will be yours to enjoy as the island and castle are open for Tauck guests only.

Antwerp, a historic port city, was a major European hub in the 16th century and home to artist Pieter Paul Rubens. Explore its cobblestone streets, medieval guildhalls, and the Gothic cathedral with a local guide. After lunch aboard your ship, choose between visiting the newly renovated Royal Museum of Fine Arts or taking a brewery tour to sample Antwerp's famous Belgian beers. The day ends with a Chef's Signature Dinner in the Compass Rose.

Explore the best of Brussels today on your choice of guided excursions, including an informative city tour that views its landmark sights or a guided look at the Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture that's found throughout the city. Belgian chocolate is renowned the world over; a chocolate demonstration this afternoon reveals its delectable secrets. Join us tonight for a farewell toast and dinner.

Tour ends: Brussels. Disembark ship by 9:00 AM. Fly home anytime; a transfer from your riverboat to Brussels Airport is included. Allow three hours for flight check-in.