New Year on the Rhine: Mainz, Basel & Rüdesheim

Your festive vacation begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and rest of the travel group before boarding the Eurostar to Brussels.

Arriving in the Belgian capital, we change trains and continue to Cologne, where we board our luxurious cruise ship, the MS Amadeus Amara, receiving a welcome cocktail on arrival.

With seasonal touches, our ship offers a warm and welcoming retreat for the festive journey ahead. After settling in, we enjoy our first dinner and drinks package onboard the ship as we set sail towards the charming city of Mainz. Overnight ship.

• Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we discover the beauty and history of Mainz on a guided walking tour, taking in its cobbled streets, striking cathedral and half-timbered houses. We also visit the renowned Gutenberg Museum, home to one of the world's first printed books.

Back on board, we enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back out in the afternoon to delve into Mainz's brewing heritage with a tour and tasting at a local brewery, gaining a flavor of the region's traditional tipples.

After, there's free time to explore independently, where you might choose to browse the boutiques and galleries of the Old Town, visit one of the city's inviting wine taverns or enjoy a riverside stroll along the banks of the Rhine. We return to the ship with time to unwind before dinner is served onboard this evening. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we explore the picturesque city of Strasbourg, where French and German influences blend seamlessly in everything from the architecture to the cuisine. On a guided tour this morning, we admire the city's highlights, from the striking Gothic cathedral to the elegant Place Kléber, soaking up the history on every corner.

We return to the ship for lunch, before a free afternoon to explore independently awaits. You may decide to wander the charming Petite France district, a maze of canals, cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses, or take a winter stroll through Parc de l'Orangerie, a peaceful park with a lake, waterfall and French-style promenade. The 17th-century Barrage Vauban bridge is a great spot to take in panoramic views over the city and River III.

This evening, we regroup onboard for dinner after a day discovering one of the Rhine's most enchanting cities. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we arrive in Basel, Switzerland's cultural capital, where a guided tour introduces us to its fascinating blend of old and new. Here, we wander through the beautifully preserved Old Town, admiring landmarks along the way such as the red sandstone Town Hall, the impressive Basel Minster and the scenic views across the Rhine.

After lunch onboard, the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit one of the city's renowned museums or art galleries, take a stroll through the festively decorated streets or enjoy a warm drink in cozy café. Basel's unique blend of French, German and Swiss influences make it fascinating to discover.

This evening, we enjoy a glass of mulled wine before gathering for our spectacular New Year's Eve gala dinner - a highlight of the cruise, with a choice between traditional German or British food. We celebrate with a front-row seat to Basel's fireworks from the ship, a magical way to ring in the new year. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embrace the new year with a relaxing full day spent cruising along the Rhine, watching the ever-changing views unfold outside your window. To make the most of the ship's facilities, head to the viewing deck to soak up the scenery, unwind with a drink in the cozy bar or make use of the onboard gym and enjoy a workout.

After a leisurely lunch, enjoy a range of festive activities onboard. Get creative with a gingerbread-making session, a fun way to embrace the holiday season, followed by a traditional afternoon tea featuring a selection of seasonal favorites.

This evening, we enjoy dinner after a relaxing day sailing and admiring the views of the Rhine. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, there is time to explore the cultural city of Speyer at leisure. As one of Germany's oldest cities, it offers visitors a genuine insight into the heart of the Holy Roman Empire, while still maintaining a lively, present-day charm. Wander through the historic streets and soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

We return to the ship for a leisurely lunch as we sail onwards to Heidelberg, taking in the scenic river views of the Rhine along the way.

This afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg, where you'll discover its rich heritage and romantic charm. Nestled between the Neckar River and the foothills of the Odenwald forest, it is considered to be one of Germany's most beautiful cities and has inspired many poets and artists of Romanticism. Here, you can stroll the charming Old Town, admire the iconic Heidelberg Castle and take in the picturesque views from the Karl Theodor Bridge. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We explore the wine-making town of Rüdesheim after breakfast this morning, known for its picturesque setting, wine culture and historic charm. With free time here, you can visit Rüdesheim Castle for an insight into the region's past or stroll down Drösselgasse, a picturesque street lined with cozy wine bars and quaint shops.

After returning to the ship for lunch, we sail onward to Koblenz, a city nestled at the confluence on the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Enroute, we experience a highlight of the trip, sailing through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge. This UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most scenic stretches of the Rhine is known for its medieval castles, vineyards and the mythical Lorelei Rock.

On arrival in Koblenz, there is time at leisure to take in the scenic beauty and history of this relaxed city. Admire landmarks including the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress or take in views of the Deutsches Eck, where the two rivers meet in an impressive natural confluence. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We've journeyed through some of the Rhine's most charming towns and cities, from the storybook streets of Mainz and Strasbourg to the historic wonders of Speyer and Heidelberg. Along the way, we celebrated New Year's Eve in style with a spectacular firework display over the Rhine in Basel, and soaked up the ever-changing scenery of vineyards, castles and riverbanks villages that define this iconic river.

After breakfast this morning, your cruise comes to an end as we make our way to Cologne railway station. We continue by rail to Brussels and join the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where your festive vacation concludes and you are free to make your own way home.

• Breakfast