Group Size: Up to 92 participants across all co-sponsors Price: Starting from $5,990 per person, double occupancy Co-sponsored with: Cornell's Adult University, MIT Alumni Travel, National Trust Tours, and Princeton Seminary Expeditions
Cruise the Rhine River, one of Europe’s most iconic waterways, on an eight-night private charter aboard the elegant MS River Crown. Fresh from a comprehensive refurbishment completed in early 2026, this spacious and beautifully appointed vessel accommodates just 100 guests, creating a more intimate, social, and relaxed atmosphere than larger modern ships. Enjoy expansive public spaces, including a panoramic lounge, as you sail through the heart of Europe along one of its most storied rivers.
From Basel to the Netherlands, each bend of the Rhine reveals a captivating scene. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, where vineyard-covered hills rise above the river and centuries-old castles stand watch. Explore Strasbourg’s old town, Heidelberg Castle, and Cologne’s soaring Gothic cathedral. In Kinderdijk, historic windmills reflect Dutch ingenuity, while Colmar and Dordrecht invite you to stroll storybook streets and canals steeped in history.
Trace pivotal moments of European history at the Maginot Line, along key Rhine crossings, and in Arnhem, where Operation Market Garden unfolded. Art and culture come alive in celebrated museums and collections, paired with thoughtfully curated excursions designed for small groups and deeper engagement.
Along the way, savor regional flavors—sip Alsace wines, learn about Cologne’s Kölsch beer, and sample local specialties in lively markets and inviting town squares.
Enhance your travels with a three-night post-trip in Amsterdam. With long summer days and a seamless mix of guided experiences and leisure, this voyage offers the perfect balance of discovery, culture, and relaxation.
Schedule by Day
Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select the "print page" button above.
Depart home on an overnight flight to Basel, Switzerland.
Depart home on an overnight flight to Basel, Switzerland. Upon arrival on June 18, transfer to the elegant MSRiver Crown, your home for the journey ahead. Guests arriving in the morning will be assisted with arrangements in central Basel until it is time to board the vessel later that afternoon.
Settle into your cabin and take time to explore the ship before gathering for a welcome reception followed by dinner on board as your voyage begins.
Overnight:MS River Crown
Meals: R, D
The day begins with a launch of the onboard lecture series before arriving in the storybook medieval town of Colmar, known for its half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and Alsatian charm.
Choose between two enriching excursions: visit the renowned Unterlinden Museum to view the extraordinary Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Northern Renaissance art, or travel to Riquewihr, a beautifully preserved medieval village in the heart of Alsace and savor a tasting of Alsace’s celebrated wines.
Overnight:MS River Crown
Meals: B, L, D
Arrive this morning in Strasbourg, one of the most beautiful cities in France, for a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town. Wander its cobbled streets lined with colorful timber-framed houses and stop to admire the soaring spires of its magnificent cathedral. Cruise through the canals of the charming Petite France district in small local boats, passing historic mills, quaint bridges, and waterfront cafés.
In the afternoon, choose between visiting Fort Schoenenbourg, a well-preserved Maginot Line fortification that provides fascinating insight into France’s defensive strategy during World War II, or enjoying free time to explore Strasbourg independently.
Overnight:MS River Crown
Meals: B, L, D
The day begins with an engaging lecture on board before arriving in Heidelberg, a UNESCO City of Literature renowned for its romantic charm and intellectual legacy. Explore the dramatic Heidelberg Castle, perched high above the Neckar River with sweeping valley views, followed by a guided stroll through the atmospheric Old Town with the chance to sample local specialties showcasing the city’s rich culinary traditions.
In the afternoon, choose between free time to explore Heidelberg at your own pace or visit Mainz for its rich Roman heritage, charming old town, Rhine riverfront setting, and the Gutenberg Museum, where one of history’s most revolutionary inventions changed the spread of knowledge forever.
Overnight:MS River Crown
Meals: B, L, D
Cruise through the UNESCO-protected Rhine Gorge this morning, one of the most scenic stretches of the Rhine, where steep vineyard-covered slopes, medieval castles, and picturesque villages unfold at every turn. This legendary passage has inspired poets, painters, and travelers for centuries.
In the afternoon, choose between exploring Koblenz’s historic Old Town, strolling through inviting squares and narrow lanes to the “German Corner,” where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet beneath a monumental statue of Emperor Wilhelm I, or visiting Fort Ehrenbreitstein for its commanding hilltop position above the Rhine and its fascinating history as one of Europe’s great fortified strongholds.
Overnight:MS River Crown
Meals: B, L, D
Our lecture series continues this morning before arriving in Cologne, to explore the lively Old Town, known for its historic architecture, vibrant squares, and colorful buildings. Walk inside the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extraordinary example of Gothic architecture. Construction of this iconic landmark began in 1248 and continued for more than 600 years, resulting in its intricate façade, soaring spires, and the renowned Shrine of the Three Kings.
In the afternoon, continue exploring Cologne with three options: visit the Netherlands American Cemetery and a former Gestapo headquarters for insight into the city’s World War II history; learn about Kölsch beer through a curated tasting with a local brewmaster; or spend free time browsing Cologne’s boutiques, cafés, and riverside promenades at your own pace.
Enjoy the River Crown remaining in port this evening for an opportunity to dine ashore independently, a chance to dine at a traditional German brauhaus.
Overnight:MS River Crown
Meals: B, L, D
Today, choose from three memorable excursions in Arnhem: 1) Airborne Museum to learn about Operation Market Garden, then walk across the historic Oversteek Bridge, a poignant site honoring the bravery of Allied paratroopers; 2) Kröller-Müller Art Museum, home to one of the largest Van Gogh collections in the world; or 3) a guided tour of Arnhem including the impressive Eusebius Church with its soaring tower and panoramic views of the city.
Overnight:MS River Crown
Meals: B, L, D
Arrive in Dordecht, Holland’s oldest city, for a morning trip to the UNESCO-protected windmills of Kinderdijk, a remarkable group of 19 historic mills dating back to 1740 that highlight the Netherlands’ innovative approach to water management. Return to Dordrecht to explore this picturesque town with an old-world atmosphere, scenic canals, unique shops, and historic cottages.
In the afternoon, relax as you cruise toward Rotterdam, where a farewell reception and dinner on board celebrate the conclusion of your journey.
Overnight:MS River Crown
Meals: B, L, D
Disembark this morning and transfer to Amsterdam Airport for your return flights home, or extend your journey with an optional three-night post-trip extension in the Netherlands.
Meals: B
Pricing
More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.
Cabin Category
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Category S, Standard Cabin, Main Deck
N/A
$5,990
Category 1, Premium Cabin, Middle Deck
$5,990 per person
$9,990
Category 2, Premium Cabin, Upper Deck
$6,990 per person
Inquire
Category 3, Deluxe Cabin, Middle Deck
$7,990 per person
Inquire
Category 4, Deluxe Cabin, Upper Deck
$8,990 per person
Inquire
Category 5, Queen Suite
$9,990 per person
Inquire
Eight nights aboard the River Crown • Meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary including eight breakfasts, seven lunches, and eight dinners • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures and presentations • Shared airport transfers on group arrival and departure dates • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Welcome and farewell wine receptions • House wine, beer, and soft drinks with all lunches and dinners on board River Crown • Professional tour managers throughout the program
U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers or airport transfers outside of group arrival and departure dates • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (February 17, 2027) payable by major credit card, check, or wire transfer. Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Extend your journey with an enriching three-night post-trip extension in the Netherlands, pairing Rotterdam’s bold contemporary spirit with the timeless beauty of Amsterdam. After disembarking the MS River Crown, explore Rotterdam, a dynamic city known for innovative architecture and a vibrant cultural scene, including a guided visit to FENIX, a major new international museum dedicated to migration and human stories.
Continue to Amsterdam for a three-night stay in the Dutch capital, where canal lined streets, gabled houses, lively squares, and centuries of maritime and artistic history create one of Europe’s most atmospheric settings. Discover the 17th century historic center on foot, enjoy time at Museumplein, home to the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and experience the city from the water on a scenic canal cruise. Ample free time is built in for independent exploration, while included meals at carefully selected restaurants highlight Amsterdam’s rich culinary scene.
Pricing coming soon
The opportunity to register for the extension will be provided directly from the tour operator following the participants confirmation on the program
What to Expect
Activity Level 3
This is a moderately active but not strenuous program, suitable for travelers with average fitness. Participants must be in good health, comfortable being on their feet and walking for a couple of hours, sometimes with limited shade and no available seating. Daily programs involve walking up to one mile through city centers, historic sites, and in museums, where there may also be extended periods of standing. Participants will encounter uneven terrain, including dirt and cobblestoned paths, and must be able to walk at least 20 minutes up and down hills without stopping. All participants will be required to follow safety/sanitization protocols set forth by Harvard Travels, and Criterion Travel, local staff, and host country laws. If the tour manager decides that a participant cannot visit a site safely or in a timely manner, their judgment will be final. Where possible, an alternate activity may be suggested; additional costs may apply.
The elegant MS River Crown is an intimate vessel hosting just 100 guests. Fresh from an extensive refurbishment debuting in spring 2026, the vessel combines renewed contemporary comfort with classic elegance and expansive public spaces, including a panoramic lounge for enjoying passing scenery.
This is a moderately active but not strenuous program, suitable for travelers with average fitness. Participants must be in good health, comfortable being on their feet and walking for a couple of hours, sometimes with limited shade and no available seating. Daily programs involve walking up to one mile through city centers, historic sites, and in museums, where there may also be extended periods of standing. Participants will encounter uneven terrain, including dirt and cobblestoned paths, and must be able to walk at least 20 minutes up and down hills without stopping. All participants will be required to follow safety/sanitization protocols set forth by Harvard Travels, and Criterion Travel, local staff, and host country laws. If the tour manager decides that a participant cannot visit a site safely or in a timely manner, their judgment will be final. Where possible, an alternate activity may be suggested; additional costs may apply.
