Expedition Overview
Expedition Overview
SPECIAL OFFERS
- Disney Vacation Club Member Special Offer: Save Up to $500 on Select 2023 Departures
For a limited time, eligible Disney Vacation Club Members can save on select 2023 Signature Land and River Cruise departures. Book by July 24, 2023 for travel between June 2023 and December 2023 and enjoy savings on trips to amazing destinations throughout the world:
Save $350 per person on select 2023 North America Signature Land itineraries:
Alaska: Denali to Kenai Fjords
- August 30, 2023
- September 6, 2023
Canadian Rockies by Rail and Trail
- September 18, 2023
Costa Rica: Wildlife and Conservation
- October 10, 2023
- November 7, 2023
- December 5, 2023
Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks
- June 3, 2023
- September 23, 2023
- October 7, 2023
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
- June 10 & 23, 2023
Save $500 per person on select 2023 International Signature Land itineraries:
- September 16, 2023
- December 4 & 28, 2023
Hiking the Alpe-Adria Trail through Austria, Slovenia, and Italy
- June 19 & 30, 2023
- July 21, 2023
Human History: Northern Spain and Southwest France
- June 1 & 8, 2023
- September 14 & 28, 2023
Iceland: Volcanoes, Glaciers, and Whales
- June 28, 2023
- July 20 & 27, 2023
- August 19, 2023
- September 3 & 15, 2023
Ireland: Tales and Traditions of the Emerald Isle
- June 29, 2023
- August 31, 2023
- September 21, 2023
Italy: Renaissance Cities and Tuscan Life
- June 14, 2023
- October 18, 2023
On Safari: Exploring Wildlife Conservation in Kenya
- June 2, 2023
- July 9, 2023
- August 11, 2023
- September 30, 2023
- December 4, 2023
Morocco Photography Expedition
- September 16, 2023
Morocco: Legendary Cities and the Sahara
- October 7 & 21, 2023
New Zealand From North to South
- October 13, 2023
- December 29, 2023
- June 4 & 18, 2023
- July 16, 2023
- August 13, 2023
On Safari: Tanzania’s Great Migration
- August 16, 2023
- September 2 & 20, 2023
- December 27, 2023
Palau: Snorkeling and Kayaking the Pristine Seas
- October 16, 2023
- November 12, 2023
Remembering D-Day: London to the Normandy Beaches
- June 1, 2023
Scotland Hiking Adventure: From the Highlands to Islands
- July 15 & 22, 2023
- August 5 & 19, 2023
Southern Africa Safari by Private Air
- August 30, 2023
- December 28, 2023
Spain: Walking the Camino de Santiago
- June 16, 2023
- September 15, 22 & 29, 2023
- October 6, 2023
Swiss Trains and the Italian Lake District
- June 4 & 25, 2023
- July 2, 16, 23 & 30, 2023
- August 13, 2023
The Holy Land: Past, Present, and Future
- November 11, 2023
- December 30, 2023
Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia: Ancient Temples and Natural Wonders
- October 14, 2023
- December 30, 2023
Save $500 per person on select 2023 River Cruise itineraries:
Danube Christmas Markets River Cruise
- December 9, 2023
Rhine River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam
- September 18, 2023
Rhine Christmas Markets River Cruise
- December 7, 2023
Take advantage of this National Geographic Expeditions 2023 Offer for Disney Vacation Club Members by calling (877) 728-7282, contacting your Travel Advisor or booking online with the Offer Code: DVCNGE23
Important Information
- Book by July 24, 2023
- Offer is good for select itineraries and dates only
- This is a cash-only offer; Members cannot use Disney Vacation Club Points or a combination of points and cash
- Offer is for new booking only
- Offer availability is limited for each departure
- May not be combined with other offers, discounts or promotions
- Not all stateroom categories are available for booking; not valid for Suites
Between May 23 and July 24, 2023, Disney Vacation Club (“DVC”) Members who book select National Geographic Expeditions itineraries save: (1) $350 off per person on select North America Land departures; or (2) $500 off per person on select International Land and River Cruise departures. Offer valid only for select departures between June and December 2023, and offer availability is limited for each departure. The per-person savings is taken from the non-discounted prevailing rate for each departure as quoted on the date of booking (“Regular Rate”). Regular Rates are based on double occupancy, vary depending on departure date and time of booking, and are subject to change. Travel must be booked 30 - 60 days prior to applicable departure date, depending on the itinerary. Not applicable to deposit, baggage fees, extensions, or airfare. Not all stateroom categories are available for booking, and the offer is not valid for Suites. Availability of the offer is subject to confirmation at time of booking and paying the standard trip deposit. Any courtesy hold, without payment of the standard deposit, will not guarantee availability of the offer for the selected departure date. Offer valid for new, cash bookings only; not valid for bookings with points or a combination of cash and points. Subject to availability at the time of booking. May not be combined with other offers, discounts, or promotions. Offer not transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part. Not valid for group bookings. A limited number of staterooms of certain categories are available for the promotion. Offer valid for residents of the U.S. and Canada (except for Quebec where the offer is only available to travel agents). Void where prohibited. Offer is subject to restrictions and conditions and may change without notice. Bookings subject to restrictions and trip standard terms and conditions. Disney Vacation Club Members can book by calling National Geographic Expeditions directly. To receive these discounts, Members must be eligible for Membership Extras. Membership Extras is an incidental benefit subject to change or termination. Members should refer to the Membership Extras Acknowledgement and Disclosure Statement for more information or visit disneyvacationclub.com.
Available Departures- Sep 18-25, 2023
- Enjoy the insights of a National Geographic Expert as we venture to the enchanting old town of Strasbourg, the baroque heart of Heidelberg, and the architectural marvels of Cologne.
- Choose from a range of excursions every day, from bike rides and tasting tours to leisurely or active walking tours.
- Explore Germany’s Rheingau wine region by foot, bike, or gondola, and sample Rieslings at a renowned winery.
- Capture images of the spectacular Rhine Gorge during an on-deck photo workshop led by our National Geographic Photography Expert.
Itinerary
Itinerary
The mighty Rhine pours out of the Alps and meanders towards the North Sea, passing through storied landscapes dotted with castles, vineyards, and medieval towns. On an eight-day cruise, journey to four countries linked by this fabled waterway, discovering their intertwined histories and cultures. Encounter Strasbourg’s charming half-timbered houses, and marvel at Germany’s magnificent castles and cathedrals from Heidelberg to Cologne. Pass through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and glide along Amsterdam’s iconic canals. Tailor the itinerary to your interests, choosing from a variety of excursions at each port of call—and benefit from the insights provided by the National Geographic Expert and the National Geographic Photography Expert who accompany us on the voyage.
As we sail this storied waterway, enjoy the freedom and flexibility to tailor the itinerary to your interests, choosing from a variety of available excursions at each port of call—from guided tours of iconic sites to culinary experiences and active adventures.
Arrive in Basel and transfer to our ship in the afternoon. Settle into your stateroom and join the captain and your National Geographic Expert and National Geographic Photography Expert for a welcome reception and dinner. This evening, soak up the rhythms of the Alps during a traditional Swiss-style performance.
AmaMora for the entire voyage
Set on a bend in the Rhine just at the junction of France, Germany, and Switzerland, Basel’s rich history dates back to the ancient Celts. Delve into the city’s past—and admire its architecture—on a walking tour of Basel’s historic highlights, or go bike riding on a route that passes through all three countries. This afternoon, head into the Alps for a visit to the picture-perfect mountain town of Lucerne—or choose to spend the full day in Lucerne, exploring its covered bridges and charming plazas. We set sail north for France tonight.
Having switched allegiances between France and Germany several times, Strasbourg is a fascinating cultural amalgam. Today you’ll have the option to explore the city on a guided tour of its half-timbered old town and its fabulous cathedral, home to a unique astronomical clock. Or explore the city on a guided bike ride. After lunch, enjoy time at leisure to explore Strasbourg on your own, or take a guided excursion to the charming walled town of Riquewihr for a walking tour and free time to explore. This evening, gather for a special meal prepared by the chefs of the Chaîne de Rôtisseurs, an international gastronomic society.
Spend the morning in Heidelberg, a baroque beauty that inspired authors and composers from the 19th-century German Romantic movement. Stroll the old town—one of the few in Germany to survive World War II largely unscathed—and visit its sandstone castle. Or hike the winding Philosophers’ Walk to a historic amphitheater and ancient monastery ruins. Alternatively, enjoy a bike ride along the Neckar River to Ladenburg, where you’ll have free time to explore the town. An afternoon of sailing brings us to the Rheingau wine region and the town of Rüdesheim am Rhein. After dinner, ride the Winzerexpress mini train into town for one of two excursions. See whimsical, self-playing instruments at Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet before a visit to the Adolf Störzel Winery. Or head to Hotel Lindenwirt to try a Rüdesheimer Kaffee—a traditional, alcoholic coffee drink.
Soar over the vineyards of the Rheingau in a gondola this morning, taking in views of the Rhine and the wine villages on its banks. Then stop for a tasting of a local Rieslings. Or set off on a bike ride or a hike through the vineyards, seeing historic sites along the route. This afternoon, we’ll glide past the many medieval towns and castles that dot the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, or Rhine Gorge—a World Heritage site. Head to the deck to practice your photography skills alongside our National Geographic Photography Expert, capturing fresh angles on this stunning scenery. Late this afternoon, take a guided tour of Lahneck Castle, a 13th-century fortress built high on a hilltop at the confluence of the Rhine and Lahn rivers.
After a leisurely morning sail, arrive in the vibrant city of Cologne. Discover the city’s unique blend of old and new architecture on a walking tour, and step into its iconic Gothic cathedral—the largest in northern Europe. Or choose to experience Cologne through its food on a tour that combines visits to the city’s important sites with a sampling of local specialties such as reibekuchen, or potato pancakes, and Kölsch beer. Take advantage of free time to see more of Cologne before returning to the ship for a farewell dinner and a Dutch dance performance as we cruise into the Netherlands.
Enjoy brunch during a relaxed morning on the water. Our final port of call is the spirited city of Amsterdam, known as the Venice of the North for its picturesque canals. Encounter the city from water level during an afternoon canal cruise, or get immersed in great art at the renowned Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Alternatively, delve into the past on a walking tour that includes remnants of the old city wall, stately canal homes, and historic ships; and cap off the walk with a tasting of Dutch specialties such as genever (a juniper liquor), local cheeses, and bitterballen (Dutch meatballs).
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for your flight home.