Top of Europe & The Romantic Rhine Cruise

Arrive in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, today on your own. This magnificent city is a case study in contrasts, showcasing modern buildings, soft parklands, historical streets, and contemporary museums. Of course, the thing Amsterdam is best known for is its canals. Look upon all these sights and more as you transfer from the airport to the riverfront on your own to board our exceptional Amadeus river cruise ship. Your Tour Manager and fellow travelers will meet you as you board and, later, join them in toasting the adventure to come with a welcome cocktail and dinner this evening. Overnight ship.

• Dinner

Enjoy breakfast surrounded by charming Dutch scenery, then disembark with the choice of two excursions to fill your day. The first option is a city tour of Amsterdam. One of the most popular European cities, this lively destination's attractions span many centuries and pique the interests of travelers of all backgrounds. Your other choice sees you to the village of Hoorn, where you will board the Medemblik Steam Train. This heritage train's route will surely leave an impression, with traditional Dutch windmills and pretty lakes punctuating the splendid Dutch countryside. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A night of cruising sees us to the collegiate town of Cologne, a gem of southern Germany whose history is only matched by its vibrancy. As we arrive, we set out on a walking tour that introduces sites like its towering Gothic cathedral, which survived 14 aerial strikes during WWII and continues to shine as the hallmark of the Cologne skyline. Look upon Romanesque townhouses and a tapestry of architectural styles as you weave through the bustling squares and labyrinthine streets with our guide. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Picturesque meadows and lovely little villages set the backdrop as we drift through the Upper Rhine today. Listen to the Cruise Director's stories and sightseeing recommendations as you look at the colorful scenery. After all, this stretch of river has many points of interest. Later, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we join the Drachenfelsbahn in exploring the mountains and forests of Germany's Rhine-Westphalia region. Wrap up the day with an indulgent dinner featuring Spargelzeit, a locally grown white asparagus. (Note that the availability of Spargelzeit is based on the season.) Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy free time this morning to explore the pretty town of Koblenz, one of Germany's oldest cities. We rejoin the ship before lunch and settle in for an afternoon of remarkable views and delicious treats. Today, we pass through the spectacular Rhine Gorge, a highlight of our cruising adventure and a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site. This part of the river is characterized by sheer riverbanks topped with lush vineyards and deep forests. Keep watch, and you may even spot a castle or two! While we sail, enjoy commentary by our Cruise Director and a delectable lunch featuring a suckling pig and regional dishes, served on the deck if the weather allows.

This evening, we arrive in the classic town of Rüdesheim am Rhein. This port is a wine town in its truest form and is beloved for producing dry Rieslings. Perhaps wander to one of the local wine taverns and try some for yourself. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin our day in Speyer, a medieval city with offerings spanning the ages. One of its most popular attractions is the Technik Museum Speyer, one of the largest privately owned vehicular collections globally. Its jumbo jet, army vehicles, and submarine are just the beginning of its wonders. Later this afternoon, we embark on a trip to Heidelberg, a delightful academic town with over 800 years of history. Our guided tour unveils its most noteworthy landmarks, including its magnificent ruined castle, which sits proudly above the city and the Rhine on its hilltop perch. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's port of call is located just across the Rhine River from Strasbourg, the charming town of Kehl. We disembark here and transfer to Strasbourg, a city whose unique history is tied to the Germans and the French, as it has frequently changed hands between the two since its founding. Find yourself enchanted by elements of both cultures as we arrive - the half-timbered houses, the cobbled streets, and the Gothic cathedrals. Choose from two excursions here: A city tour that uncovers all of Strasbourg's landmark sites and enchanting attractions or a drive into the fairytale panoramas of Germany's Black Forest. We rejoin the ship tonight and don our finest for a luxurious Gala dinner with the captain and crew. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A buffet breakfast is the perfect conclusion to your time aboard your Amadeus cruise ship. Following the meal, say goodbye to the crew and disembark to transfer by rail to Interlaken. We arrive this evening and settle in with dinner together at the hotel. Overnight Interlaken.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Climb to the "Top of Europe," the continent's highest railway station, aboard the amazing Jungfrau Railway. Our journey begins on the Bernese Oberland Railway, weaving through the Alpine foothills from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen with pretty villages and flower-laded meadows framing the journey. As the train arrives in Wenger, we join the Wengernalp Railway to continue our ascension through the rugged scenery. We join the the Jungfrau Railway as the train arrives in Kleine Sheidegg, and this is where the journey gets really interesting. Enjoy a short stretch of views of over the scenery before plunging into the faces of Mounts Eiger and Mönch and climbing through a long mountain tunnel to the summit station.

Located over 11,300 feet above sea level, the summit's views are incredible. Enjoy them from the Sphinx Observation deck and when you have had your fill, head inside to see Jungfraujoch's unique attractions, such as the Ice Palace, a 360-degree cinematic experience, a Lindt chocolatier, and much more. Overnight Interlaken.

• Breakfast

After experiencing the dramatic scenery of the Rhine and the soaring heights of the Swiss Alps, your expedition concludes this morning. Use your open railway ticket to travel from Interlaken to Zürich at leisure, and as you arrive, you are welcome to head home or to your next adventure.

• Breakfast