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
Single occupancy sold out!
Trip Overview
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.
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 |
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.
Accommodations
- MS River Crown (eight nights)
Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Zurich, Switzerland
June 15 - 18, 2027
Arrive to Switzerland early and extend your journey with an optional two-night pre-tour extension in Zurich, Switzerland. Stay at Sorell Hotel Zürichberg, an architectural gem celebrated for its combination of Art Nouveau and modern architecture. Located just outside the city center, perched on Zürichberg hill, the hotel offers breath-taking panoramic views of Lake Zurich, the city and the distant Alps. Visit Zurich’s old town, including Fraumünster church and its Chagall windows, taste and learn about Swiss chocolates on a factory tour and tour Switzerland’s largest art museum, spanning 800 years of art history at the Kunsthaus. Drive to Basel and take a walking tour of the city before checking into the MS River Crown to start the main tour.
- $2,290 per person, double occupancy
- $2,980 single occupancy
Optional Post-Tour Extension: Amsterdam, Netherlands
June 26 - 29, 2027
Extend your stay with a three-night post-tour extension in Amsterdam. Discover the city’s cultural highlights with guided visits to three world-renowned museums: The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House, along with a boat cruise through the canals. Travel to Haarlem to visit the eclectic Teyler’s Museum, home to exquisite Rembrandt and Michelangelo masterpieces and enjoy special access to the drawing and etching “cupboards.”
- $3,290 per person, double occupancy
- $4,490 single occupancy
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
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.
