TAKE ME TO

THE RHINE &
MOSELLE RIVERS

July 21–29, 2025

Join the Purdue for Life Foundation on a seven-night cruise through the Netherlands, Germany, and France.

Delight in vineyard-lined valleys, hilltop castles, and magnificent cathedrals on this carefree journey along storied European rivers.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Sail to Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Grand Est region, and explore the city’s historic center, the “Grande Île” or “Big Island,” which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire Notre-Dame Cathedral, discover the history of Petite France, and experience the Alsatian culinary scene with visits to the city’s small wine pubs, known as “winstubs.”

THE SPIRES OF SPEYER

Venture into Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, and marvel at the Romanesque cathedral, a longtime burial place of emperors and another UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend the afternoon exploring Heidelberg Castle, with its scenic views of the Neckar valley and 18th-century wine casks, or hike Heidelberg’s famous Philosopher’s Walk.

WHERE TWO RIVERS MEET

Climb aboard the Rüdesheimer Winzerexpress train for a tour of Rüdesheim, then enjoy a glass of local wine or a trip to Siegfried’s Mechanisches Musikkabinett, a museum of self-playing musical instruments. We’ll then cruise through the mystical Rhine Gorge to Koblenz, where the Moselle and Rhine Rivers meet.

Church, houses and vineyards in Assmanshausen. Upper middle Rhine river valley (Mittelrhein), nearby Rudesheim am Rhein, Lorch. Hessen, Germany. Unesco
Cochem with its typical half-timbered houses the famous Reichsburg Imperial castle . Mittelmosel, Moselle river, Rhineland-Palatinate at autumn time, Germany, Europe

LAND OF FAIRY TALES

Explore the winding streets and half-timbered houses of Cochem before touring the historic imperial castle. Soak in the local folklore, enjoy impressive views of the valley, and indulge in traditional German beers, pretzels, sausages, and mustards.

CASTLES AND CATHEDRALS

Visit Germany’s oldest major city, Cologne, and marvel at its majestic Gothic cathedral, which was under construction for more than 630 years. Step inside to see the stone columns soaring upward toward the vaulted ceiling. Spend the rest of the day shopping, relaxing in a café, and taking in the city’s vibrant culture.

CRUISING THE CANAL

Take a ride through Amsterdam and explore the Rijksmuseum, home to artwork by 17th-century Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals. Then hop on a bicycle and pedal through Waterland, a region consisting of nine historic villages. End the day exploring the city’s canal district with a visit to the Museum of the Canals and a tour of the Herengracht.

CHOOSE

YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

The image shows an airplane flying with a sunset in the background

LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER

MAY 9–17, 2025

CRUISE ITALY

JUNE 20–28, 2025

CANADIAN ROCKIES BY RAIL

AUGUST 9–15, 2025

Read more stories from this issue of Purdue Alumnus magazine.

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