The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel

Your vacation begins as you land at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport and transfer independently to the Dutch capital.

On arrival in this popular city, you're greeted onboard our wonderful ship by the friendly crew and can sip on a welcome cocktail while taking in the waterside views. There is time to unwind and familiarize yourself with the luxurious new surroundings and settle into your cabin.

Later this evening, we enjoy our first dinner together in the panoramic restaurant accompanied by a performance from a traditional Dutch Sea Shanty choir - the perfect start to a fantastic cruise down the Rhine.

• Dinner

Awaking on our floating hotel, we enjoy breakfast onboard before taking a sightseeing canal boat cruise of Amsterdam, taking in stunning views of the city's picturesque waterways and architecture. Crossed by more than a thousand bridges and lined by gabled mansions, the canals reveal the history and charm of the Dutch capital.

After lunch on board our ship, you could choose to stay in Amsterdam and explore at leisure. Alternatively, you could opt to join an excursion visiting Volendam and Edam to uncover their cheese heritage. As well as being famed for Dutch cheese, Volendam is a stunning old town, with traditional houses lining serene canals and a small harbour.

During lunch on board this afternoon, we begin sailing to Cologne, embarking on our first relaxing cruise of the holiday.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On our approach to Cologne this morning, the city's bridges and imposing cathedral hone into view. When we arrive, a guided tour introduces us to its lively squares and Romanesque townhouses before a visit the city's impressive twin-spired cathedral, the largest in northern Europe. Standing in awe of this Gothic masterpiece, we also view the stained-glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark.

After lunch, we head for Königswinter to journey on the Drachenfels Cog Railroad. Rising high into the forests, we pass the fairytale Drachenburg Castle - whose name translates as 'Dragon's Rock' and has inspired many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. Traveling to the summit, we can admire wonderful views across the rolling hills of the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.

Departing Königswinter after dinner, we begin sailing towards the winding Moselle River.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During a morning of relaxed cruising, our luxurious ship navigates the tranquil waters of the Moselle River, passing the rolling hills of the Moselle Valley towards Cochem. This attractive town is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-colored buildings and half-timbered houses, dominated by the 11th-century Reichsburg Castle.

After lunch onboard, we embark on a guided tour where we admire the fairytale Reichsburg. In Cochem's Old Town, we find well-preserved sections of the ancient walls and a former monastery that now houses a cultural center. Following the tour, there's time to explore the picturesque streets at leisure. The central square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and stores. It's a great place to soak in the local atmosphere.

We continue sailing after dinner on board as we journey back downstream towards Koblenz, where we leave the Moselle behind and rejoin the Rhine.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There's free time this morning to explore Koblenz, once a Roman stronghold. We recommend strolling to Deutsches Eck at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers where you'll be surrounded by inspiring vistas including Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Setting sail, we encounter a highlight of our cruise after lunch as we drift through the romantic Rhine Gorge. This UNESCO-listed section of the river is renowned for its spectacular views. Winding around bends surrounded by miles of vineyards, hilltop castles and picturesque towns, we also hear the legend of the Lorelei Rock. Soaring almost 500 feet out of the water, this monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, including the tale of a siren whose song has enchanted passing sailors.

We dock in Rüdesheim and travel to the center of this renowned wine town by land train. Here, there's a choice of excursions. You could savor Rüdesheim's most famous produce with a tasting of the finest local varieties of wine or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet. After dinner, you're free to explore the town's cobbled streets, including colorful Drosselgasse.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruising towards the Upper Rhine, we arrive in the city of Mannheim after breakfast. From here, we journey by coach to charming Heidelberg for a guided tour. The university town is known for its pretty Old Town and stunning riverfront which is perfect for a relaxing stroll. Our tour includes a visit to the magnificent ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests and river.

Back onboard, we begin sailing to Speyer after lunch. Arriving later this afternoon, you can discover one of Germany's oldest cities at your own pace. There's a beautiful Old Town and among the highlights is the 11th-century cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most important landmarks of the Holy Roman Empire.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy dinner onboard ahead of a restful overnight sailing upstream.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sailing into the historic Alsace city of Strasbourg after breakfast, there's a choice of two wonderful excursions. The first is a trip into the magical Black Forest to witness stunning views. Germany's largest nature park filled with rolling hills, fairytale villages, dense forests and wildflower meadows. On an exploration of this idyllic setting, you'll learn about the enchanting history and folklore of the region.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a city tour of Strasbourg. Alsace is now in France but was once part of Germany. The grand architecture of its main city reflects this blend of the two cultures. On the tour, we visit its striking cathedral and the quaint La Petite France district. Home to tanners, millers and fishermen in the Middle Ages, this pretty area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobbled streets, flower-lined canals and beautiful half-timbered houses.

Following your excursion this afternoon, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our final cruise towards Switzerland, enjoying the picturesque vistas enroute.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The changing landscapes of the Rhine have been revealed on this journey from Amsterdam and the Dutch tulip fields to Strasbourg and the Black Forest. Enroute, we have soaked in breathtaking scenery from our front-row seats, gliding through the stunning Rhine Gorge and along the meandering Moselle.

After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our crew. Making your way by rail from Basel to Zürich Airport, your delightful Rhine cruise experience comes to an end, and you are free to make your way home.

• Breakfast