From the Dutch Waterways to the Rhine

Join a guided walking tour of Hoorn, departing on foot directly from your ship with an expert guide. This tour offers an opportunity to explore the picturesque streets and bustling harbour. Admire the elegant Wagg ‘Weigh House’, the charming Oosterkerk and centuries-old merchant houses along the Hoofdplein. Your guide will bring Hoorns rich maritime history with its role in the Dutch East India Company to life along with local legends and stories from the past.

At the end of the tour your guide will accompany you back to your ship or alternatively, dependent on your cruise itinerary, you may have the opportunity to stay in the centre to explore further and return independently.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 3 - Moderate walking

Duration: 1½ hours

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be cobbled and uneven in places. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

Embark on a leisurely walking tour of Hoorn, departing on foot directly from your ship with an expert guide. This tour offers an opportunity to explore the picturesque streets and bustling harbour. Admire the elegant Wagg ‘Weigh House’, the charming Oosterkerk and centuries-old merchant houses along the Hoofdplein.

At the end of the tour your guide will accompany you back to your ship or alternatively, dependent on your cruise itinerary, you may have the opportunity to stay in the centre to explore further and return independently.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 1 hour

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which will be cobbled and uneven in places. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately one hour.

Utrecht is a thriving city with a network of canals, expansive parks, museums and many historic buildings. After a coach transfer from your ship, meet your knowledgeable guide for a leisurely orientation walk to see the city's highlights. You will then have some free time to explore Utrecht independently. Admire views of the Dom Tower, that is over 365-foot high, wander along the banks of the canals, or enjoy a stroopwafel and a coffee in a local cafe. Afterwards, reboard your coach for the journey back to your awaiting ship.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 3 - Moderate walking

Duration: 3½ hours

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over mostly flat ground with some cobblestones.

Utrecht, the fourth largest city in the Netherlands, is known as the intimate alternative to Amsterdam. It is a thriving city with a network of canals, expansive parks, museums and many historic buildings. After a coach transfer from your ship, meet your knowledgeable guide and join them for a stroll through the city to see the highlights. You will especially enjoy views of the Domtoren, an over 365-foot-high church tower and symbol of Utrecht.

As you discover more about the rich history here, you can wander along the banks of the canals with your guide for some photo opportunities before re-boarding your tour vehicle for the journey back to your awaiting ship. Alternatively, you can spend more time exploring Utrecht independently and catch a later transfer back to your ship.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 3 hours

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over mostly flat ground with some cobblestones. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes.

Join a guided walk through the lively heart of Arnhem, a city where centuries-old heritage blends seamlessly with modern urban life.

Dependant on your ships allocated berth, you will either have a short coach transfer into the city centre or you will walk directly from your ship with your expert local guide. Wander past the impressive Eusebius Church, Arnhem’s most prominent landmark. Admire its striking gothic architecture and hear how the church was rebuilt after World War Two, becoming a symbol of the cities resilience.

Continue your walk through bustling market squares and on to the iconic John Frost Bridge, named after the British commander who held this position during the battle of Arnhem in 1944. Along the way, discover hidden courtyards, street art, and cozy spots that give the city its unique charm. At the end of your guided walk you will return to your waiting ship or if you wish, you may choose to stay in the centre for free time and return later independently.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 1½ hours

Please note: Expect to walk up to approximately one-and-a-half miles, dependent on where your ship is berthed. The terrain will include cobblestones and some steps.

Join a leisurely orientation walking tour through the lively heart of Arnhem, a city where centuries-old heritage blends with seamlessly with modern urban life.

Dependant on your ships allocated berth, you with either have a short coach transfer into the city centre or alternatively you will walk directly from your ship with your expert local guide. With commentary along the way you will be shown at a leisurely pace the city's landmarks, beginning with impressive Eusebius Church, Arnhem’s most prominent landmark. Admire its striking gothic architecture and hear how the church was rebuilt after WWII becoming a symbol of the cities resilience.

Continue your walk through bustling market squares and on to the iconic John Frost Bridge, named after the British commander who held this position during the battle of Arnhem in 1944. At the end of your leisurely guided walk you will return to your waiting ship or if you wish, you may choose to stay in the centre for free time and return later independently.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 3 - Moderate walking

Duration: 1 hour

Please note: Expect to walk up to approximately one-and-a-half miles dependent on where your ship is berthed. The terrain will include cobblestones and some steps. There is an essential standing and/or walking time of approximately one hour, however this will be at a gentle pace. During your free time, walking and/or standing is at your own discretion.

Dive into the most interesting facets of Cologne's past and present on this guided tour through history. First, you will see the grand exterior of Cologne Cathedral, recognised as a UNESCO-listed site in 1996. During independent time later, you may choose to go inside for a glimpse into the Roman’s previous love for ornate and intricate architecture.

Then it’s time to venture into the medieval Old Town, home to characteristic churches, guilds and merchant’s houses. Stroll past the town hall and the Romanesque St Martin Church and see Cologne’s modernised and urban development. Many parts of the city have undergone a long period of restoration following heavy bombing during World War Two and it is now a diverse metropolitan city which celebrates art, culture and history and is popular with tourists and locals alike.

After your guided walk you will return to your waiting ship or, depending on your cruise itinerary, it may be possible for you to remain in the centre to explore further independently.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 2½ hours

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over mostly flat ground. On the way to the Alter Markt, there is a gentle incline with some cobblestones. If a coach transfer is required for this excursion due to a less central docking location, it will add approximately 45 minutes to the overall excursion duration.

At 515-feet tall, Cologne Cathedral is the world’s third largest Gothic-style cathedral with nearly 108,000 square feet of windows and up to 20,000 visitors daily.

On this tour you will join an expert cathedral guide to discover the interior of this magnificent building. Approximately 100 people from the Dombauhütte (cathedral masonry office) work every day to maintain the cathedral as Germany's most popular landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is made of different types of stone, such as trachyte and sandstone. Many of its sculptures and canopies are made of limestone.

As a result, the stonemasons and stone sculptors were of great importance, and still are, because of the extensive conservation work that needs to be done. The black patina has been a characteristic feature of Cologne Cathedral for centuries and is due to weathering, soot and biofouling. “When the cathedral is finished, the world will end” is an old Cologne saying and even after the 632 years of construction, work still continues.

After your guided tour you will return to your ship or, depending on your cruise itinerary, it may be possible for you to remain in the centre to explore further independently.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 3 - Moderate walking

Duration: 3 hours

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over ground which will include a number of steps. There will also be some cobblestones and/or floor that is uneven in some places. Please be prepared for security checks by cathedral staff when entering the cathedral. Only small bags and rucksacks up to a size of 40x35x15cm (HxWxD) may be taken into the cathedral. Hiking rucksacks and other large items of baggage are not permitted in the cathedral and its special areas, nor can they be stored there. Photographs are only permitted without the use of flash.

Depart from your ship on foot for this walking tour of Bonn, led by an expert local guide who will bring the city's rich history to life. This tour will take you through picturesque streets and iconic landmarks, starting with a scenic walk along the banks of the Rhine River, where, on a clear day, you can admire the city's dramatic backdrop, the Siebengebirge Mountains.

Then, walk to the Beethoven Monument, passing by the composer’s former residence, now a museum dedicated to his life and works. The legacy of the great composer is felt throughout the city, and this tour offers a glimpse into his early years. Next, explore the Romanesque Minster Cathedral, home to a hidden cloistered garden. You will also discover the historic University of Bonn, once the Elector’s Palace, and see the Baroque City Hall that adds to Bonn’s architectural charm.

At the end of the tour your guide will accompany you back to your ship or, depending on your cruise itinerary, you may have the opportunity to stay in the centre of Bonn to explore further and return independently.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 1½ hours

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over flat ground which will be cobbled in places with the possibility of some steps. There will be a total standing and/or walking time of approximately one-and-a-half hours. If you wish to remain in the city centre after your included tour and would like to visit the Beethoven House Museum independently, please note that it is not open to the public on Tuesdays.

This panoramic tour offers an informative way to experience the history and culture of Bonn, taking in some of its most iconic sights in the company of an expert local guide from the comfort of your coach.

Setting off from ship you will journey through the heart of the city, passing by the renowned University of Bonn, one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, and the Hofgarten, a spacious green space lined by trees. Admire the ornate City Hall, a symbol of the city’s rich heritage. Learn about one of the most famous former residents whose influence is still felt throughout the city, composer Ludwig Van Beethoven, who spent the first 22 years of his life here.

The tour then continues along the banks of the majestic Rhine River, offering a view of the Opera House and of the waterway that has shaped the region’s history. On a clear day on the horizon, you will also be able to see the imposing Siebengebirge Mountains, a dramatic backdrop to this historic city.

After you have taken in the sights, you will return by coach to your waiting ship.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 2 - Minimal walking

Duration: 1½ hours

Please note: This tour is designed for our less active guests and is entirely coach based, however, coaches cannot currently stop next to the ship due to road constructions. Pick up and drop off will include a walk of up to 550 yards each way, depending on the mooring point. Due to local coach access restrictions this tour cannot visit the historic city centre and therefore focuses mainly on highlights in the outer areas, whilst your guided commentary provides an insight to the city as a whole.

Linz Am Rhein has carried the nickname “Bunte Stadt am Rhein” (colourful town on the Rhine) since the 1920s. The term refers to the colourful half-timbered houses, the diverse calendar of events, and the "Colourful Linz Life", shaped by lively traditions, history, and the strong sense of belonging shared by the people of Linz.

With your expert local guide you will head into the heart of this picturesque old town, visit areas such as the market square and the Butter Market where, from 1642 until the 1930s, farm women from the Westerwald sold eggs as well as homemade butter and cheese. They walked distances of up to 12 miles on foot. Stop to see the tribute to these hardworking women, a fountain with the figure of the “Butter Woman Agnes” stands at the centre of the square. Enjoy the view of Linz Castle, which was built in 1365 as a customs and defensive fortress for the Archbishops of Cologne, and pause at the Parish Church of St Martin.

Your guide will then accompany you on the brief walk back to your ship or alternatively, depending on your cruise itinerary, you may choose to stay longer in the centre to explore further independently and make your own way back to the ship.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 1½ hours

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately two miles in total over level terrain with the possibility of cobblestones and a few steps. There is essential walking and/or standing of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

Linz Am Rhein has carried the nickname “Bunte Stadt am Rhein” (Colourful Town on the Rhine) since the 1920s. The term refers to the colourful half-timbered houses, the diverse calendar of events, and the “Colourful Linz Life”, shaped by lively traditions, history, and the strong sense of belonging shared by the people of Linz.

With your expert local guide, take a more leisurely stroll into the heart of this picturesque old town, visit areas such as the market square and the Butter Market where, from 1642 until the 1930s, farm women from the Westerwald sold eggs as well as homemade butter and cheese. They walked distances of up to 12 miles on foot. Stop and see the tribute to these hardworking women, a fountain with the figure of the “Butter Woman Agnes” stands at the centre of the square. Enjoy the view of Linz Castle, which was built in 1365 as a customs and defensive fortress for the Archbishops of Cologne.

Your guide will then accompany you on the brief stroll back to your ship or alternatively, depending on your cruise itinerary, you may choose to stay longer in the centre to explore further independently and make your own way back to the ship.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 3 - Moderate walking

Duration: 1½ hours

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately one mile in total over level terrain, with the possibility of cobblestones and a few steps. There is essential walking and/or standing time of approximately one hour.

Admire views of Hoorn from a different perspective as you take to the water on a watertaxi. With your expert guide providing commentary as you glide along the waters.

Then, alight to explore the picturesque streets and bustling harbour on foot. Admire the elegant Wagg ‘Weigh House’, the charming Oosterkerk and centuries-old merchant houses along the Hoofdplein. Your guide will bring Hoorn's rich maritime history, with its role in the Dutch East India Company, to life along with local legends and stories from the past.

At the end of the tour your guide will accompany you back to your ship or alternatively, dependent on your cruise itinerary, you may have the opportunity to stay in the centre to explore further and return independently.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 2½ hours

Please note: This excursion combines your included Hoorn City Walk with the additional opportunity of the guided watertaxi journey. Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be cobbled and uneven. There will also be several steps to get in and out of the watertaxi. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

Begin your journey with a guided walk through the lively heart of Arnhem, passing the city’s landmarks such as the Eusebius Church, and the iconic John Frost Bridge, named after the British commander who held this position during the battle of Arnhem in 1944. After exploring the centre, continue by coach to discover the wartime heritage of both Arnhem and nearby Oosterbeek, central locations in the story of Operation Market Garden.

During this poignant guided visit at Oosterbeek Cemetery, your guide will share moving accounts of the men who fought here and the lasting significance of this battlefield. Continue to the Airborne Museum, located in the former hotel Hartenstein, once the British headquarters during the operation. Here you will have some free time to explore independently. The museum’s immersive exhibits include original photographs, military equipment, personal stories and even a Sherman tank, positioned where it was recovered after the battle.

On your return drive to the ship, pass the historic sites of Operation Market Garden, fields where the landings took place and the old church in Oosterbeek, where the Allies took refuge prior to withdrawing.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 4½ hours

Please note: This excursion combines your included Arnhem City Walk with an additional visit to Operation Market Garden. Expect to walk up to approximately two miles. The terrain will include cobblestones, grassed areas and some steps. During your free time, walking and/or standing is at your discretion.

Immerse yourself in the charm of Cologne on a guided walk and enjoy a taste of the city’s iconic Kölsch beer. Dependant on your ship's berth you will either depart directly on foot or with a short coach transfer into the city centre. Led by a local guide, your tour will start with a stroll past some of Cologne’s most iconic sights, including the Gothic Cologne Cathedral and picturesque Old Town, as you head towards your first stop.

As you walk, your guide will share stories of Cologne’s culture and the connections between the city and its beer-brewing traditions. On arrival at the brewhouse, make a short stop to enjoy a local beer (or non-alcoholic beverage if you prefer), while your guide will share more of the history of Cologne's brewing traditions. Your tour will continue with two further brewhouse stops, with a drink served at each. After experiencing this true taste of Cologne, stroll with your guide back to the ship.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 3 - Moderate walking

Duration: 2½ hours

Please note: This excursion combines your included Cologne City Walk with the additional opportunity to visit the brewhouse. Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles at a relaxed pace over mostly flat ground. On the way to the Alter Markt, there is a gentle incline with some cobblestones. There is a total required walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours with frequent extended stops. Non-alcoholic refreshments are also available on this tour if preferred. This is a tasting experience, you will not see the brewing process during this tour.

Depart from your ship on foot for this tour of Bonn, led by an expert local guide who will bring the city's rich history to life. The tour will take you through picturesque streets and iconic landmarks, starting with a scenic walk along the banks of the Rhine River, where you’ll on a clear day, enjoy views of the majestic Siebengebirge Mountains. Your journey then continues with a stroll to the renowned Beethoven Monument, the legacy of the great composer is felt throughout the city.

Next, explore the Romanesque Minster Cathedral, home to a hidden cloistered garden, providing a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. You’ll also discover the historic University of Bonn, once the Elector’s Palace, and admire the grand Baroque City Hall that adds to Bonn’s architectural charm. The tour comes to a close with a visit to the Beethoven House Museum. Here, you’ll learn more about the composer himself, along with his work and early life in this charming German city.

At the end of the tour your guide will accompany you back to your ship or alternatively dependent on your cruise itinerary you may have the opportunity to stay in the centre to explore further and return independently.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 2½ hours

Please note: This excursion combines your included Bonn City Walk with the additional opportunity to have an inside visit to Beethoven's House. Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over mainly flat terrain with the possibility of cobblestones. The Beethoven House Museum, whilst compact, is split across several floors with some steep stairs in between. The local guide will give information about the Beethoven Museum on the outside and you will explore the museum independently due to restricted space inside. This tour has a total standing and/or walking time of approximately two-and-a-half hours. This tour may also run in reverse with the walking tour after the Beethoven House visit.

Look forward to a trip aboard the Drachenfelsbahn – Germany’s oldest rack and pinion railway, dating back to 1883. After a coach journey of approximately 30 minutes from Bonn to Königswinter, in the company of a local guide, you will alight the coach and board the train.

This scenic journey takes eight minutes to climb a mile and travels at an angle of 20 degrees. Reaching a peak of nearly 1000 feet at the summit of Drachenfels Mountain, on arrival at the top you can enjoy some free time to explore the ruins of 12th-century Drachenfels Castle and admire the panoramic view or perhaps treat yourself to slice of pie and a drink at the hill-top cafe.

Then, reboard the train for a brief trip halfway down the hill where you will alight at Drachenburg Castle for a guided walking tour revealing its architecture, history and strategic position above the River Rhine.

After your tour, reboard the Drachenfelsbahn for the short journey to the foot of the hill, where you rejoin your coach for the return journey to Bonn.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 4 hours

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be uneven in places and include numerous steps inside the castle however a lift is available if required. There is a total compulsory walking and/or standing time of approximately one-and-half hours. Your time at the Drachenfels Castle ruins is during independent exploration, therefore walking is at your discretion.

In the centre of Koblenz city, underneath the main building of the former Deinhard sparkling wine cellar, is the Koblenz Wine and Sparkling Wine Museum, founded in 1969. After a walk from the ship, join a guided tour through the historic museum, stepping into the vaults to learn about how the local wine used to be made with the original equipment before being exported. Then, enjoy a tasting of three Sekt wines, giving you more of a flavour of Deinhard before heading back to the port.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 3 - Moderate walking

Duration: 2 hours

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile in total over flat ground with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately one hour. There are some steps to negotiate inside the venue, leading down to the vaults.