Oberammergau, Amsterdam & Rhine Cruise

Meet your tour escort and fellow travelers at our dedicated Departure Office at London St. Pancras and board the high-speed  Eurostar for the journey to Amsterdam. On arrival, we transfer to the cruise terminal where we board our five-star river cruise ship, the luxurious  MS Amadeus Cara. After settling into your well-appointed cabin, enjoy a welcome cocktail in the lounge before dinner this evening. Overnight ship. 

• Dinner

After breakfast this morning, there is a choice of three excursions, the first of which is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of the most popular of all the European cities, Amsterdam is as modern as it is historic, as young as it is old. From idyllic canals and large parks, to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone. The second option is an excursion to Hoorn for a nostalgic rail excursion aboard the Medemblik Steam Train through splendid Dutch scenery. Your third option is a half-day excursion to the Floriade Expo, the world-famous horticulture show that has been showcasing flora once a decade since 1960. 2022's theme focuses on building green cities and is certain to be filled with both beauty and innovation. Visit exhibitors from more 40 countries, meander through the colorful arboretum, and immerse yourself in Dutch culture. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arriving into Cologne this afternoon, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We visit the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-year-old building which survived 14 aerial hits during bombing across the Second World War. We also wander through the many bustling squares, labyrinthine streets and see Romanesque townhouses. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We depart from Cologne this morning and discover the marvelous Middle Rhine, a stretch of river characterized by lush green meadows and postcard villages. Our Cruise Director provides us with the history of this area and highlights points of interest. This afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachenfelsbahn. This rack railroad rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. Back on the ship, we sail to Koblenz as we indulge in a traditional gourmet dinner this evening. Overnight ship. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There is time this morning to explore Koblenz. This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we sail through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sheer riverbanks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the waterway. We enjoy a commentary from our knowledgeable Cruise Director during this passage.

Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful Bavarian-themed buffet with a suckling pig as the striking centerpiece, and several smaller dishes from this part of the world making up the rest of the offerings. This evening we sail to the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production especially of the dry Riesling variety. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our vessel sails into the charming German town of Kehl today. Set across the Rhine from Kehl is the beautiful city of Strasbourg, whose position on the German-French border has seen it change hands between the two nations frequently throughout history. Because of this, Strasbourg represents the best of both cultures, with colorful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. You have two touring choices here. Your first option is a city tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. The alternate option sees you travel along the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse into the famous Black Forest of Germany. Tonight, is an opportunity to dress up in our finest as we enjoy a Gala dinner with the captain and crew. Overnight ship. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a buffet breakfast, we disembark the ship in Basel, where the cruise portion of our tour concludes. We make our way to the train station with our Tour Manager. Our rail journey takes us through Mannheim, Munich, and the spa town of Garmisch as we travel to the Oberammergau region of Germany. Overnight Fussen.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we transfer to the rail station and board a train bound for Stuttgart, where we spend the night. Overnight Stuttgart.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A day of rail travel awaits after breakfast, journeying by train first to Paris, then by the premier Eurostar to London, where our tour concludes.

• Breakfast