Rhine River Cruise Itinerary
|
 |
Cruise ITINERARY: July 13th to 20th, 2016
Day 0 - Arrival into Zurich
Today you will arrive in Zurich, Switzerland and be greeted at Zurich International Airport by our Sovereign Guardian Angels. You will be shuttled directly to your pre-cruise hotel hotel in Zurich and given the option to enjoy dinner on your own or (at an extra fee) to enjoy dinner and the final lecture with the Calvin pre-tour group. |
 |
Day 1 - Zurich to Basel (Embarkation)
Located in the northwestern part of Switzerland, Basel was a wealthy and influential city at the time of the Reformation. Some of the oldest publishing houses in Europe were established in Basel. In fact, it was in Basel that the first edition of Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion was published in 1536. This work was among the most influential texts published during the Protestant Reformation. It remains one of the most important theological works ever published. The University at Basel also distinguished itself as a center of biblical studies during the Reformation. Luther used the work of Basel's scholars, such as Johannes Oecolampadius, in the work of translating the OT. After a generous breakfast, we will leave Zurich and head towards Basel. On our way to Basel we will visit the ancient Roman ruins of Augusta Raurica, built between 15 B.C. and 170 A.D. After arriving in Basel by motor coach, your crew will welcome you on board our Ligonier Ministries River Cruise ship. MEALS: B, D |
 |
Day 2 (Cruise) - Cruising the Rhine River and Strasbourg
Strasbourg, located in the northeastern part of France near the border with Germany, gained importance during the Reformation due to the ministries of Martin Bucer, who ministered there from 1523 until he was exiled to England in 1549 and John Calvin who ministered there from 1538 until 1541 during his exile from Geneva. During our time in Strasbourg, we will visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, which was begun in the twelfth century and completed in 1439. Other noteworthy sights are the lovely La Petite France district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with its statue of the inventor of the printing press. |
 |
Day 3 (Cruise) - Heidelberg
Heidelberg is located in the southwestern part of Germany, near the border with France. It is the city to which Martin Luther was called to defend his 95 Theses after their publication. Heidelberg was later the home of Zacharius Ursinus who, during his time teaching at the University, wrote the Heidelberg Catechism in 1562. While in Heidelberg, we will visit the Heidelberg Castle and Heidelberg University. |
 |
Day 4 (Cruise) - Worms and Mainz
Located in southwest Germany, the city of Worms is known to Christians for being the site of the Diet of Worms at which Luther made his famous stand against the teachings of Rome. In Worms, we will visit the Luther Monument and former site of the Bishop's Palace. From the end of the 15th century, Worms hosted approximately 100 "Diets" or "summit meetings" where key figures in the German Empire would meet at the Bishop's Palace to discuss policy. The best known of these is Martin Luther's appearance before Charles at the Diet in April 1521 where he was 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. William Tyndale also spent a year at Worms. There, in 1626, the first edition of his translation of the New Testament was printed. Continue to Mainz, situated on the left bank of the Rhine opposite the mouth of the Mainz River. 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. Mainz was the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of movable type printing. Visit the Gutenberg Museum before returning to your ship. |
 |
Day 5 (Cruise) - Coblenz
The Rhine Gorge is a beautiful stretch of the Rhine River with numerous medieval period castles dotting the banks. At the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers is located the city of Coblenz. We will stop in Coblenz to do some sightseeing and enjoy the beautiful landmarks and scenery. MEALS: B, D |
 |
Day 6 (Cruise) - Cologne
Cologne is located in the western part of Germany, about fifty miles from the border with the Netherlands. It is one of Germany's largest cities and was an important destination for medieval pilgrims seeking religious relics. During the Reformation an attempt to reform the city by Martin Bucer was unsuccessful. While in Cologne, we will visit Cologne's beautiful Gothic Cathedral and the Germano-Roman Museum. |
 |
Day 7 (Cruise) - Amsterdam
After arriving around noon, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the "Venice of the North." See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the Rijksmuseum. You will also have a panoramic city tour of the great landmarks of Amsterdam, including the Free University (VU), where Abraham Kuyper served as president, Herman Bavinck and G. C. Berkouwer served as professors, and where Dr. R. C. Sproul studied for his doctorate. Amsterdam is also home to the English Reformed Church at the Begijnhof. This church served as a refuge for English Reformers during the reigns of King James and King Charles. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship, which moors here overnight. MEALS: B, D |
 |
Day 8 (Cruise) - Amsterdam Departures and Post Tours
If you have chosen to disembark the vessel today, you will depart for the airport after breakfast via private limo. If you would like to stay for one extra day in Amsterdam, you will have the opportunity to take part in Sovereign's Anne Frank Tour (Additional Fees Apply) |
 |
Please Note: Schedule of tour events is subject to modification without notice. To fully participate in this tour, you must be able to walk long distances, have good balance capabilities and be able to walk on uneven terrain. There will also be some climbing involved as well as long periods of standing. Due to the historical nature of some of our destinations, not all facilities will be ADA compliant.
|