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Basel, Switzerland (Embarkation)
Sunday, April 12, 2015
 Welcome to Switzerland, home of the Matterhorn and the majestic Alps! Your bus transfer from Olivia's host hotel in Zurich to the ship in Basel, where your river cruise vessel docked is included. Meet your crew at an evening welcome reception.
Strasbourg, France
Monday, April 13, 2015
 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 Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available today.
Heidelberg, Germany (Speyer-Mannheim)
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
 This morning, dock in Speyer. Located on the left bank of the Rhine, Speyer was a bishopric and boasts a Romanesque cathedral with six imposing towers and the finest and largest crypt in Germany. Four Holy Roman Emperors and four German kings are buried in the impressive Royal Vault. Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university town. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing red sandstone castle towering above the city, and enjoy free time to explore. Ask us about the most delicious hot chocolate at the Illes Café!
Rüdesheim, Germany (Mainz)
 Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Mainz is Germany's largest and most important wine town. The Altstadt (Old Town) has many intriguing shops and the whimsical Fastnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) on the Schillerplatz, a tribute to the jesters at the city's annual Carnival celebration. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and you'll visit the Gutenberg Museum.
Koblenz–Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim, Germany
Thursday, April 16, 2015
 Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In Rudesheim, Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Museum is a real surprise! Enjoy the special "Rudensheim coffee" or wine tasting, then explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs.
Cologne, Germany
Friday, April 17, 2015
 Cologne is one of Germany's largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. In 2010, it was the site of the Gay Games. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many beer taverns or shop for a bottle of "4711," the original eau de cologne.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Saturday, April 18, 2015
 Welcome to Amsterdam! The capital of Holland is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see the city than by canal boat, cruising through the elegant grachten-lined canals with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age."
Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Disembarkation)
Sunday, April 19, 2015
After breakfast, we'll depart the ship and either return home or enjoy a post-vacation stretcher in Amsterdam.
Traveler Info
Being Gay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a very gay-friendly city. The Netherlands was the first country to legalize gay marriage. You can feel very secure holding hands and being yourself while walking the streets. We often work with "Pink Point," the main kiosk near the Homo monument to let them know we are arriving, and you will see many store fronts with Olivia signs, welcoming you all to Amsterdam!
Food
Traditional Dutch cuisine includes raw herring, meat, potatoes and oliebol (fried dough with currants and powdered sugar). Cheese, along with butter and buttermilk, are in abundance because dairy farms saturate the countryside. Cheeses such as Gouda, Edam and Leyden (cumin-infused) can be found in many markets in Amsterdam. Dutch colonization brought Indonesian immigration and cuisine to Holland and Turkish restaurants dot the city. Along the "walking" route, there are several pastry shops, pizza and Chinese food restaurants. There are also many Indian and Thai food choices as well.
There are few women-owned restaurants to enjoy; one we have visited for the past 4 years, Bistro Bij Ons, offers up local treats like stampot and boerenkool at affordable prices (we suggest you get a local to help you with pronunciation!). Run by Carla and Esther, this popular lesbian spot seems to have more people than tables, so make sure to call ahead for reservations.
Travel documentation and identification
You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a U.S., or EU citizen, please check with both your country's consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.
Where to fly into/out of
You will need to fly into Zurich International Airport and out of Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport. We encourage all passengers to extend their trip with our pre and post-trip stretchers to enjoy all Zurich and Amsterdam has to offer, as well as to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.
Suggested arrival/departure times
Pre-Trip Extension April 12, 2015 – We will be offering a 2 and 3 night pre-trip extension April 10-12 and April 9-12, 2015 in Zurich, Hotel Continental Zurich. Arrive into Zurich by 1:00pm, but note the rooms may not be available for check-in until 3:00pm. We will do everything possible to get you into your rooms when you arrive, but this is completely up to the hotel's occupancy/cleaning schedule.
Cruise embarkation April 12, 2015
Arrive into Zurich prior to 2:00pm. Shuttle from the Zurich Host Hotel - Hotel Continental Zurich to the ship is included and will depart at approximately 3:00pm. The ship is approximately one hour from Zurich.
End of Cruise Departure out of Amsterdam, April 19, 2015
Flights should be for after 10:00am, but because we are overnighting on the ship in Amsterdam, you can set your flights for anytime that morning. Please note that early morning transfers may run more expensive. Transfers will be available for purchase on board.
We will be offering a 1 and 2 night extension after the cruise, April 19-20, 2015 and April 19-21, 2015. Those on our post-trip stretchers can depart at any time on their final day.
Luggage allowances
While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For travel in Europe, we recommend no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on for ease of travel.
Transfers and Meeting up with Olivia
Please note that the docking locations for the ship vary and are not easy for taxi drivers to find. For this reason, we are offering a direct transfer to the ship from our host hotel - Hotel Continental Zurich.
A taxi from the Zurich Airport to the host hotel will run approximately €40. If they do not have a meter, be sure this is negotiated beforehand.
Check-In
Check-in will begin at 4:00pm on April 12, 2015.
Dining
Fine dining on board offers European cuisine.
Electricity
The cabins have 110 and 220volt electricity. Adapters should be 2-round prongs.
Excursions
A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours are available to book on board that range from approximately €34 to €50.
Gratuities
Gratuities are included in the cost of the cruise. Gratuities are provided for your cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d' and other-behind-the-scenes crew members. Tipping is not included for the local guides. Below is a suggested guideline:
Local Guide: ˝ day - €2-€3 or full day €4-€5
Bus driver: €1
Internet / e-mail / fax
There is an onboard Internet center; minute plans are available. Pricing will be posted on board. Guests may also bring their own laptops and use the complimentary wireless Internet plan.
Laundry and dry cleaning
Laundry and pressing service is available. Check on board for pricing.
Medical services
The ship is minutes away from hospitals when we are docked or close to local towns along the river. The ship does not have an onboard Doctor.
Money: Paying for things on board
The currency is €Euros. All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create when you first check in. Please check with the front office on the ship for further details.
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