We depart the USA for our flight to Zurich. Today we embark on our journey to Europe!

Today we land in Zurich, Switzerland and enjoy a walking tour of the city. Time feels suspended between tradition and modernism, offering a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy. Our short visit here will encompass a stroll along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Altstadt) where medieval buildings stand proudly alongside boutique shops and cozy cafes. We will follow Ulrich Zwingli’s work in Zurich, foundational in the establishment of Anabaptists in Switzerland. We will enjoy viewing Marc Chagall’s Church windows at the Fraumünster and stroll along the lake promenade. Dinner and overnight are in a hotel in Zurich.

This morning, we will visit Basel, nestled along the Rhine River where Switzerland, France, and Germany converge, a captivating blend of cultural richness, artistic flair, and historical significance. While visiting the cathedral in Basel, we will see an element of history that was created in the 14th century that points us directly to events that unfolded during World War II. In the afternoon we will embark on our beautiful River Cruise Ship (floating hotel for the next 7-nights) and raise a glass with our Captain and the rest of the crew.

Breisach, nestled in the southwestern corner of Germany, stands as a picturesque town on the Rhine River, surrounded by rolling vineyards and breathtaking landscapes of the Black Forest. We will view the well-preserved medieval architecture, including the stunning St. Stephen’s Cathedral towering over the town. A stroll through its cobblestone streets offers a glimpse into history, with half-timbered houses and cozy cafes. A short bus ride will take us to Colmar, in the Alsace region of France. In Colmar, we will visit a memorial to Audie Murphy. Murphy enlisted in the US Army as a 16-year-old Texan and became the most decorated soldier during World War II. While there, we will learn part of the story of 8,000 US soldiers who perished in that region, pushing the Nazi’s back into Germany.

This morning, we will have a panoramic tour in Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region and one of the most important cities of the European Union. We will walk through the old part of the city, known as Petite France, visit Guttenberg Square and the Dome, the great red sandstone cathedral. Veronica and I think this is one of the most beautiful cities we have ever seen. You will love Strasbourg: a must-visit destination for those seeking a perfect blend of heritage, beauty, and European influence. We will enjoy free time in this vibrant city.

Today, we’ll visit the charming town of Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest and prestigious university. On the banks of the Neckar River boasts a charming blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. We’ll visit the iconic castle, taste local wine and see the world’s largest barrel. We will wander through cobblestone streets, visit the Marktplatz, and admire the beautiful architecture, including the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke). We will walk along the main pedestrian street and one of the longest shopping streets in Europe. In the afternoon, we will drive to Mainz to see the Gutenberg press and Bible (at a temporary location as the original location of the Gutenberg Museum is currently under renovation).

This morning, we’ll visit Rüdesheim, a picturesque town known for its wine-making heritage, stunning landscapes, and charming atmosphere. We will take the cable car going up to the Germania Monument, offering fabulous panoramic views. The cable car ride provides a stunning view of the area. It was a highlight of our trip in 2019. After lunch we’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Rhine. This is the section of the river that most people associate with castles. We will see dozens along bluffs overlooking the river. Later we will dock in Koblenz, at the confluence of the Moselle River and the Rhine. We will go on a walking tour of this historic town, standing in the German corner, with its impressive Monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I. In the old town, we’ll wander through the historic center with its charming streets, squares, and architecture.

This morning, we will embark on a walking tour of the city of Cologne, known as Köln in Germany; one of Germany’s oldest and largest cities, located on the banks of the Rhine River. Renowned for its impressive Gothic architecture, the city is home to the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the relics of the Three Magi. Cologne boasts a rich cultural heritage with numerous museums, galleries, and a vibrant arts scene. Cologne remains a key cultural and economic hub in Germany. At the center of Cologne, near the famous cathedral, we will address the significance of that spot for the “Mighty Eighth” US Air Force. We will remember 350,000 soldiers of the US Army Air-Corps who served their role in World War II. And we will recognize 28,000 airmen who never came home.

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village, it has grown into a major international hub for finance, trade, and tourism. We will have a walking tour of the city, visit the main Square, the “Dam. We will view Anne Frank’s house from the outside. There is an episode in “The Band of Brother’s,” entitled, ‘Why We Fight.’ That episode reveals Easy Company finding a concentration camp. The Holocaust is hard to process numerically. 6,000,000 Jewish people dying is almost impossible to comprehend. At Anne Frank’s house, you see one family. And we are vividly reminded why we did what we did in World War II. We will also have a canal cruise of Amsterdam, “Venice of the North,” and see its well-preserved 17th-century buildings and try the local street food.

Come morning, we’ll disembark in Amsterdam and take a bus ride to Amsterdam Airport for our flight back home.