June 12 (Fri.)  
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

June 13 (Sat.)  Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland.
The day is free to rest or to start exploring Zurich’s attractive historical center and lakeside promendade.  This evening join your traveling companions for dinner.  (D)

June 14 (Sun.)  Zurich - Basel (Embarkation)
Morning worship service at the hotel.  Transfer by motorcoach to Basel.  Basel is on the Rhine where France, Switzerland and Germany meet.  This afternoon the crew of your vessel will welcome you on board.  (B,D)

June 15 (Mon.)  Strasbourg, France
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kleber, and Place Gutenberg with its statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available.  The Ligonier tour will visit the STRASBOURG CATHEDRAL. Strasbourg was previously the defacto headquarters of the Hugenots whom Calvin instructed during his time in Strasbourg. (FB,L,D)

June 16 (Tues.)  Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany–Mainz
Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town of Student Prince fame, a world-famous love musical. The ruins of the imposing HEIDELBERG CASTLE, built of red sandstone, tower above the city. Heidelberg Castle, or possibly Heidelberg University, was where Martin Luther was called to defend the 95 theses. (FB,L,D)

June 17 (Wed.)  Mainz–Worms
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River is Mainz.  The Old Town has many interesting shops, tea rooms, and restaurants, and a fountain on the Schillerplatz is decorated with scenes of the famous carnival held here every year. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and the GUTENBERG MUSEUM is well worth a visit. Continue to Worms where you will visit the LUTHER SHRINE and the spot where Luther made his famous pronouncement at the site of the Diet of Worms.  From the end of the 15th century, Worms hosted approximately 100 'Diets" or "summit meetings". The key figures in the German Empire would meet at the Bishop's Palace to discuss policy. The best known of these is when Martin Luther appeared before Charles at the Diet in April 1521, accused of heresy. When he refused to recant, he went into exile in Wartburg Castle in Thuringia, after a staged kidnapping by his protector Frederick the Wise. The Bishop's Palace no longer stands, but you can see a plaque to commemorate the event. (FB,L,D)

June 18 (Thurs.)  Coblenz
Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river that is dotted every mile with castles. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Coblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. (FB,L,D)

June 19 (Fri.)  Cologne
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral—which took more than 600 years to build—dominate the river skyline. The Germano- Roman Museum, located next to the cathedral, is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. (FB,L,D)

June 20 (Sat.)  Amsterdam, Holland
Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. The Ligonier tour will visit the RIJKS MUSEUM. The Nederlands Museum, containing the collection of sculpture, decorative arts, and historical objects, was housed in the same building and opened two years later. The Rijks Museum is famous for its outstanding collection of Dutch paintings and drawings, particularly of the 17th cent. Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Vermeer, Ruisdael, Jan Steen, the Dutch primitives, and many others are well represented. (FB,L,D)

June 21 (Sun.)  Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)