Europe Private Tour - France Private Tour (FRA031): Rhine River Route - Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland (8 Days 7 Nights)

Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Explore Amsterdam or choose to visit Zaanse Schans to experience authentic Dutch windmills. Watching a traditional Dutch wooden clog-making demonstration is a must-see! You will also see historic waterfront houses and a local cheese factory. Zaandam is a historic town on the outskirts of Amsterdam, home to 13 preserved windmills in an open-air museum setting. Zaanse Schans (or Zaans Museum) windmill village is situated just north of Amsterdam.

Then travel to Cologne, Germany. History enthusiasts will love an expert-led tour of Cologne's Old Town, where medieval city gates still stand alongside the historic Town Hall featuring Renaissance architecture. Stroll through the historic city center and soak up the charming atmosphere of narrow alleyways lined with traditional old houses and local breweries.

Take a walking tour of Cologne. Your coordinator will show you around the most popular sights of Cologne, the largest city on the Rhine River. Walk past the Old Fish Market and the historic Town Hall featuring Renaissance architecture, and wander along the Old Town's cobblestone streets lined with colorful traditional houses. Your coordinator will then lead you to the main square to admire the iconic Cologne Cathedral, where you can step inside to marvel at its interior beauty.

hotel Overnight Cologne

Arrive in Koblenz, Germany. Discover Koblenz, a historic city featuring colorful historic architecture, and enjoy a visit to the stunning medieval Marksburg Castle.

You can choose a castle cycling excursion, exploring the scenic Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Koblenz and Boppard on a 25-kilometer bike ride. You will pass romantic timber-framed houses, expansive famous vineyards, and lush river scenery. Best of all, you will pass UNESCO-listed Marksburg Castle, the only hilltop castle along the Rhine that has never been destroyed.

Alternatively, you can choose a walking tour of Koblenz, visit Marksburg Castle, stroll through the village of Boppard, or hike up to admire breathtaking views of the Rhine River.

hotel Overnight Koblenz or surrounding area, as desired

Arrive in Rüdesheim, Germany. Experience Germany's legendary Rhine River in Rüdesheim and Boppard. Enjoy wine tasting at Schloss Vollrads, stroll through the town of Boppard, or hike along the most scenic landscapes lining the Rhine.

You can choose a tour to visit Schloss Vollrads for wine tasting, explore the wine village of Rüdesheim and the Niederwald Monument, or take a leisurely walking tour around Rüdesheim.

hotel Overnight Rüdesheim am Rhein or surrounding area, as desired

Arrive in Speyer, Germany. Speyer is a renowned destination in Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz), a state set in the heart of the Schiefergebirge mountains—another German land steeped in captivating folklore. Rich in history and beautiful culture, it is one of Europe's most enchanting historic towns. Located along the Upper Rhine, Speyer is also one of the oldest cities in Germany.

You can choose to explore the vineyards of Mannheim for wine tasting, or visit a vineyard and sample specialty vinegar wines at Doktorenhof.

Continue to Heidelberg, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful towns in Germany. Explore Heidelberg's Old Town, walk across the historic Old Bridge, admire the charming architecture, and ride the funicular railway up to Heidelberg Castle. Inside the castle rests the world's largest wine barrel. Gazing down from the castle terrace, you will take in the town's warm brown rooftops—a view locals celebrate as the finest city panorama in Germany.

hotel Overnight Heidelberg

Arrive in Strasbourg, France. You will see all the city's highlights on a sightseeing tour before entering Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of Strasbourg's most famous landmarks. Don't miss the astronomical clock and the stunning statues and stone carvings.

Tour Strasbourg and its cathedral, then enjoy a stroll through the old town. Strasbourg is a city of blended architectural styles and fascinating history, boasting one of the oldest and most captivating Christmas markets in France. Having alternated between German and French rule throughout history, the city reflects cultural influences from both nations in its architecture, cuisine, and local dialect.

hotel Overnight Strasbourg

Arrive in Freiburg, France, traveling along the scenic Rhine River toward Breisach—the gateway to the Alsatian Wine Route and your starting point for the Route des Vins, the oldest wine route in France.

Visit the village of Kaysersberg, a picturesque village nestled among vineyards with steep-roofed medieval houses and an exquisite Gothic church commissioned by the Holy Roman Emperor in the 12th century. The village is well known as the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer. During your tour of this charming village, you will also get to taste Kugelhopf, a delicious traditional Alsatian specialty yeast cake.

hotel Overnight Keyserberg

In the morning, we explore Colmar, France—a city that flourished as a cultural center from the 13th century (especially during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century). With its historic quarter, winding pedestrian streets, and charming canals, Colmar preserves the enchanting magic of eras past. It is filled with picturesque half-timbered houses typical of the region, featuring balconies adorned with potted geraniums that burst into bloom in spring and summer. Colmar is celebrated as a "Ville Fleurie" (Flower City) thanks to its vibrant floral displays.

Visit Mulhouse, a lovely town home to Cité du Train, the world's largest automobile and railway museum. The city is also nicknamed the Manchester of France.

Next, we head to Basel, Switzerland. Basel is an important cultural and educational hub in Switzerland. With over 40 museums to choose from and an atmospheric Old Town to explore, you will have plenty of things to do. Few cities in Europe can match Switzerland's second-largest city with its wealth of cultural attractions and exciting activities.

Then, travel to Zurich for an overnight stay.

If time permits, explore Zurich before your return flight. Although Zurich is not the capital of Switzerland, it is the country's largest city and its commercial and cultural hub—often called the cultural capital of Switzerland. It has also been ranked as having one of the best qualities of life in the world. Visit St. Peter Church, an iconic landmark set along the Limmat River and Lake Zurich.

When it is time, we transfer you to Zurich Airport for your flight back to Bangkok.