Glacier Express and The Romantic Rhine Cruise

Welcome to the Venice of the North, Amsterdam - an incredible Dutch city whose modern appeals are intertwined with a rich and colorful past. As you arrive, make your way to the banks of the Rhine to join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers in boarding our impressive Amadeus cruise ship. We enjoy a welcome cocktail and our first dinner on the vessel this evening. Overnight ship.

• Dinner

After breakfast, we head ashore with the choice of two excursions to fill your day. The first is a city tour of Amsterdam, presenting its idyllic canals, verdant parklands, and wide-array architectural styles. Because the city is home to everything from contemporary art galleries to a historical city center, there is something for everyone. You can instead choose an excursion to Hoorn, where you board the Medemblik Steam Train for a nostalgic journey through quintessential Dutch scenery. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our ship moors in Cologne this morning, and as we disembark, a walking tour introduces the grandeur of this vibrant German city. We wander past the stunning Cologne Cathedral, a centuries-old Gothic building that survived 14 aerial hits during WWII and continues to stand proudly over the city. The tour continues through bustling squares and down labyrinthine streets lined with Romanesque townhouses before concluding and allowing you to explore independently. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As the vessel sets sail from Cologne, marvel at the changing scenery of the Upper Rhine, a stretch of river framed by lush green meadows and postcard villages. Our Cruise Director provides the area's history as we cruise, highlighting points of interest and telling stories. We dock in Königswinter this afternoon and embark on a journey on the Drachenfelsbahn. This heritage railway climbs through the mountains and forests of the Rhine Valley with incredible views across the Rhine-Westphalia region.

This evening, we indulge in a traditional gourmet dinner featuring Spargelzeit, a type of white asparagus famous in this part of Germany. (Please note that Spargelzeit depends on seasonal availability. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins in Koblenz, one of Germany's oldest cities, with free time to explore. Reboard the ship before lunch and enjoy a themed buffet with a suckling pig as the centerpiece. Several dishes highlighting the region's flavors accompany the pig and make for a true feast. Weather permitting, we will enjoy lunch on the sun deck as we take in the majesty of the Rhine Gorge - a highlight of our cruising journey. This glorious stretch of river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Rhine's most scenic regions. Look over the sheer cliffs that tower above the river, emerald-green forests, and rolling riverbanks covered with endless vineyards. The combination is almost ethereal. Enjoy commentary from our knowledgeable Cruise Director during this passage.

This evening, we arrive at our next port of call, the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein. This destination is beloved for its wine production - especially that of the dry Riesling varietal. You may wish to sample it - and the region's other offerings - in a local tavern or wine room in your free time. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We wake this morning with our next port of call, Speyer, on the horizon. We disembark with free time for you to explore. Perhaps visit the Technik Museum Speyer, the world's most extensive privately owned vehicle collection. Whether your interests lie in army vehicles, planes, or submarines, this museum is well worth a visit. Later this afternoon, an excursion takes us to the university town of Heidelberg, whose magnificent ruined castle presides over the town and the Rhine below. A guided tour introduces the city and its historic buildings and townhouses. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our vessel sails into the charming town of Kehl today, which is positioned just across the Rhine from the beautiful city of Strasbourg. This destination sits on the German-French border and is beloved for its representation of both cultures - primarily because it has frequently changed hands between Germany and France in its long history. Expect to be charmed by its cobbled streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses as we arrive and you choose your excursion for the day. Your first option is a Strasbourg city tour that uncovers the city's delights and history through its sites, while the second choice is a trip into the fairytale panoramas of Germany's Black Forest. As you return to the ship tonight, don your finest for a Gala dinner with the ship's captain and crew. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship in Basel and transfer by rail to Zermatt. We are transferred to our hotel on arrival, and then you have the afternoon to begin exploring this car-free resort town at leisure. Rejoin the group this evening for dinner. Overnight Zermatt.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Look upon majestic views of the Swiss Alps, including the indomitable, pyramid-shaped Matterhorn, on today's ride aboard the Gornergrat Mountain Railroad. Since 1898, this cog railway has been climbing to the summit of the Gornergrat, ascending over 4,900 feet during its memorable route. Following our climb and time to soak in the views from the top, we return to Zermatt for a guided tour. Overnight Zermatt.

• Breakfast

Today, we board one of Switzerland's most famous rail lines, the Glacier Express, for a spectacular journey to Chur. Unparalleled views of the Swiss Alps unfold as the train weaves through the awe-inspiring landscape and reveals hidden valleys and charming mountainside villages. As we arrive in Switzerland's oldest city this evening, we transfer to our hotel to freshen up before enjoying a final dinner together. Overnight Chur.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a final breakfast surrounded by the sheer majesty of Chur, then say goodbye to your Tour Manager and fellow travelers as your romantic Rhine cruise and mountain rail vacation concludes. Your open railway ticket allows you to travel to Zürich at leisure, from which you can continue your journey on your own or transfer to the international airport to return home.

• Breakfast