The Rhine in Flames

Arrive at London St. Pancras, and make your way to the designated meeting point to join your fellow travelers and Tour Manager. Together, board the Eurostar train to Amsterdam, where your elegant river cruise, the Amadeus Star, awaits on the Rhine. Board the ship and settle into your floating hotel with a welcome cocktail. Your first onboard dinner, a multi-course affair filled with delicious offerings, is served after. A traditional Dutch sea shanty choir performance further enhances the evening's convivial spirit. Overnight ship. 

• Dinner

Your first shore excursion takes you into the Netherlands' largest city, Amsterdam. This remarkable metropolis is awash in Dutch heritage and filled with winding canals and lovely greenspaces. The architecture echos the city's modern and historical sides, lending intrigue to your guided tour. Wind through the city to places like Dam Square and the Rijksmuseum. Our route continues to Utrecht, where we reboard the ship and begin sailing toward Cologne, Germany. Take in the changing scenery from one of the ship's sun decks and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers as the route unfolds. Overnight ship. 

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The ship moors in Cologne this morning, and after breakfast, we disembark for a three-hour walking tour of the city. As we wind through the city's historic streets and vibrant squares, discover the sites that make this destination so appealing. Look upon Romanesque townhouses and pretty buildings. The piece de resistance of Cologne is its UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral, built in Gothic style with beautiful stained glass windows, and you see this as we tour, too.

Following the tour, we return to the ship for a day spent drifting through the scenic Lower Rhine region to Bonn. The pinnacle of our journey comes on arrival this evening as we participate in the Rhine in Flames. This event has been thrilling participants and spectators alike with its lively atmosphere since 1977. Its festive procession of decorated and illuminated boats, live music, and fireworks allow you to celebrate summer with a sense of magic. Our river cruise vessel is part of the procession, decorated to the nines for the event. Marvel at the all-encompassing experience, listening to music playing from the shore, looking upon all the lights, and feeling the boom of fireworks as they sparkle across the sky. After the event concludes, we set sail for Königswinter. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake to the beautiful surroundings of a new destination, ready for a chance to explore - this time by rail. Today sees us to the top of "Dragon Mountain," Drachenfels, aboard the Drachenfelsbahn. This railway is the oldest of its kind in Germany, opened in 1883, and presents a stunning route that weaves through dense forests and past fantastic sites, such as Drachenfels Castle. This fortress remains as impressive as when it was built and is said to be the inspiration for the castle featured in Disney's Sleeping Beauty. The climb continues up the mountainside, gaining over 700 feet in elevation. If you were taken by the views coming up, wait for those from the top. Look over hills, meadows, and the meandering Rhine in the distance from the viewing platform, or explore the ruins of Burg Drachenfels castle during your free time.

Upon returning to the ship, revel in its amenities and the surrounding vistas as the ship paves its course through the Middle Rhine region to Koblenz. Picture-perfect villages and breathtaking views are hallmarks of this stretch of the river. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our first port of call for the day is Koblenz, which has an incredible setting at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Its positioning has made the city an important riverside destination since the time of the Romans, making Koblenz one of Germany's oldest cities. You have free time to explore its offerings, perhaps while strolling through Old Town looking at sights like the Four Towers or while visiting the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Return to the ship in time for lunch, and then find a seat from which to take in the views; this next stretch of the cruise is breathtaking. We weave through the Rhine Gorge this afternoon, taking in scenes of plunging riverbanks topped with vineyards and dotted with castles. Listen to the legends surrounding Lorelei Rock as we sail past the 500-foot behemoth, and find yourself in awe of the beauty and history surrounding you as the route continues to Rüdesheim.

This famous wine town is renowned for producing dry Riesling wines, yet it has much to offer for all who visit. Cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses greet you. Ancient neighborhoods filled with small shops and inviting wine bars offer a taste of local culture. Spend your time here immersed in it all, exploring at your own pace. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a night of peaceful sailing, we arrive in charming Speyer this morning. This locale also boasts designation as one of Germany's oldest cities and is brimming with centuries of sites that tell its story. Spend your time here at leisure, perhaps visiting its Old Gate or looking upon its UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral, consecrated in 1061. After some time ashore, we return to the ship for lunch and continue our journey to the university town of Heidelberg.

A guided walking tour introduces us to many of Heidelberg's best sites, including its 14th-century castle, once standing proud over the city in all its red sandstone glory. Enjoy a chance to explore its ruins and admire the views of the surrounding forests, townsite, and river. Return to the vessel following your explorations for dinner and a peaceful night of cuisine. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We arrive at our final port of call this morning, the German city of Strasbourg, whose mixed French and German heritage is apparent in its architecture and ambiance. You may choose to stay in the city and wander through its cobbled streets on a guided tour. Notice its half-timbered houses and charming neighborhoods. Strasbourg's grand cathedral and Palais Rohan are sure to leave an impression on your heart, as well.

Alternatively, you can join an excursion into Germany's famous Black Forest on the scenic Schwarzwaldhochstraße. The roadway itself is iconic for its pretty villages and enchanting panoramas. As you venture into the forest, deep woodlands give way to sweeping valleys, colorful meadows, and hidden waterfalls, lending a fairytale look to the landscape. The route leads to Mummelsee, where you have free time to explore. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy one last breakfast with your fellow travelers on the ship before your Rhine cruise concludes. We transfer to Strasbourg's train station and board the train to Paris. On arrival, we switch trains, joining the Eurostar to London St. Pancras, where you bid farewell to the group and head home. 

• Breakfast