Explore the architectural treasures of Hamburg and the natural beauty of fruit-producing Altes Land before discovering Lubeck’s Old Town, a revered UNESCO World Heritage site.
DAY 1
Disembark the ship in Hamburg and meet your guide before setting out on a comprehensive exploration of Hamburg. Your tour begins with a panoramic tour of the harbor city and continues with a visit to the iconic Elbphilharmonie Plaza, offering panoramic views of the city and the harbor. Continue to HafenCity, where innovative architecture meets bustling waterfront life. Stroll along the scenic Landing-stages promenade, soaking in the atmosphere of Hamburg's historic harbor.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where you can savor authentic Hamburg cuisine.
Following lunch, embark on a relaxing boat tour on the Alster Lake, allowing you to admire Hamburg's picturesque waterfront from a unique perspective. Afterwards, delve into the heart of the city with a photo stop at the iconic Rathaus (City Hall) and admire its stunning neo-Renaissance architecture.
Next, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Miniature Wonderland, the world's largest model railway exhibit located at the charming Speicherstadt (historic Warehouse) district, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, your guide will give you a brief introduction and hand out the entrance tickets and you may explore the museum at your own pace for approximately one hour.
Finally, proceed to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.
There will be an RSSC Hospitality Desk in the lobby should you wish to check for independent sightseeing options or dinner suggestions.
DAY 2
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide in the lobby. Board your coach and enjoy the journey, where you will see the Airbus site and walk through the historic Elbe Tunnel.
At the other end of the Elbe Tunnel, you will meet your bus again for a 30-minute drive through the countryside towards the Altes Land. The Altes Land is the largest fruit-producing region in Northern Europe and is situated downstream from Hamburg on the southwestern riverside of the Elbe River around various towns.
Upon arrival, stop at one of the fruit/apple farms. You will be welcomed by friendly fruit growers with a glass of naturally cloudy apple juice. On the farm and during your tour, you will be informed about the fruit harvest, storage, plant protection, and marketing.
Afterwards, board your tour bus again and transfer to one of the historic towns. Enjoy lunch and a 60-minute city walk before driving back to Hamburg.
In the afternoon, you will return to Hamburg. You will have some time to freshen up before heading out to one of Hamburg’s restaurants for an included dinner where you can indulge in the flavors of the region.
Day 3
After breakfast, bid farewell to Hamburg as you embark on a day trip to the enchanting city of Lübeck. Your escort will meet you at the hotel and accompany you throughout the day. Upon arrival in Lubeck meet your costumed guide and explore Lübeck's charming old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its rich history and architectural wonders like Holstentor, the town hall and other unique landmarks.
Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor the flavors of traditional Lübeck cuisine. After lunch, take a stroll through the city's narrow streets and picturesque alleys, soaking in the unique atmosphere. Visit the St. Mary´s church, an architectural masterpiece, and a symbol of Lübeck's rich history and cultural heritage.
Once back at your hotel, you will have the evening free to relax and explore Hamburg on your own. Perhaps explore more of Hamburg's vibrant nightlife. A hospitality desk will be available for your convenience.
Day 4
After breakfast at your hotel, your escort will assist you with check-out. There will be a pre-arranged bus transfer to the Hamburg International Airport based on the flight details provided. As you bid farewell to Hamburg, take with you cherished memories of your time spent exploring this dynamic city and its surrounding treasures.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
8:30am Disembark the ship in Hamburg and meet your guide
9:00am Start your tour of Hamburg
10:30am Continue to the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall and visit the Plaza
11:30am Tour continues to HafenCity, see the historic landing stages
12:30pm Transfer to you lunch venue
1:00pm Lunch at a traditional local restaurant
2:30pm Your tour continues with a 45-minute boat trip on the Alster lake
3:15pm Your tour continues by coach, more highlights of the city
4:00pm Arrival at the Speicherstadt and the Miniature Wonderland Museum
4:00pm onwards Inside visit of the Miniature Wonderland Museum
5:00pm Transfer to your hotel for check-in
5:00-8:00pm Check-in and Hospitality Services available at the hotel lobby
8:00pm onwards Evening at leisure.
Overnight at Le Meridien Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 2
AM Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Meet your guide at the lobby and start your tour of the Altes Land
9.30am Arrive at the historic Elbtunnel, guided walking tour through the Elbtunnel
10:15am Continue by coach through the Altes Land
10:45am Arrival at a Fruit Farm, welcome by the farmer, enjoy a glass of homemade apple juice and a guided tour of the farm
12:45pm Drive through the Altes Land to one of the historic towns
1:15pm Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
2:15pm Historic City walk
3:15pm Return to your hotel, time at leisure
6:00pm Depart to a local restaurant for dinner
8:00pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at Le Meridien Hotel or similar hotel
Day 3
AM Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Meet your escort and start the drive to the Hanseatic City of Lübeck
10:00am Meet your costumed guide at Lübeck and begin walking tour of the historic center
12:30pm Enjoy lunch at a traditional local restaurant
2:00pm Continue with an inside visit St. Mary´s church
3:30pm Escorted coach transfer back to Hamburg
5:00pm Arrival at your hotel, evening at leisure
Dinner on own
5:00-8:00pm Hospitality Services available at the hotel lobby
Overnight at Le Meridien Hotel or similar hotel
Day 4
AM Breakfast at your hotel
12:00pm Check out time at the hotel
TBA Transfer to the Hamburg International Airport based on the flight details provided. For guests with late flights, luggage storage is available at the hotel until your departure
Extra Nights:
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers:
•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
Expected Weather:
The average high in Hamburg in late August, early September is 18.4°C (65.1°F) and the average low temperature 10.8°C (51.4°F).
What to Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, sweater or jacket for cooler evenings and mornings, camera, chargers, umbrella, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Local Currency:
EURO
Electricity:
Standard Voltage: 230V
Adapter Needed: Plug Type C and/or Plug Type F (Plug Type C is recommended)
We recommend bringing your own universal travel adaptor for electric devices
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for Germany.
Visa costs are not included in the program.
Note that Germany is part of the European Union as well as the Schengen Area.
If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements.
Hotel address:
Hotel Meridien
Address: An d. Alster 52, 20099 Hamburg
Phone: +49 04021000
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If comparable hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•3 nights at the Le Meridien Hotel or similar – Deluxe room - including breakfast and porterage
•2 lunches at local restaurants including drinks
•1 dinner including drinks
•Tours and entrances as outlined in the itinerary
•Whispers headsets
•Hospitality desk services at the hotel each day
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Gratuities for drivers, guides and escort to/from Lübeck
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service, laundry
•Visa costs if required
•Any meals or beverages not listed above
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change.
Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Price: $2,599 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
