Day 1 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Board Cruise Ship

Arrive in Amsterdam, the 800-year-old capital of the Netherlands, a city of narrow canals and stone bridges. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. For those arriving earlier in the day, you may relax in the ship’s lounge and enjoy refreshments until your cabin is ready in the late afternoon. Or, if you’re ready to explore, consider visiting one of Amsterdam’s famed museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House. This evening, meet in the lounge for a cocktail reception followed by a welcome aboard dinner.

Day 2 – Amsterdam

Begin your day with a canal cruise led by a local expert, experiencing Amsterdam from a unique perspective as you glide along the city’s centuries-old canal system. Sail by charming cafés and famous 16th-century row houses stacked side-by-side. Once your tour concludes in the late morning, spend some time exploring the city however you wish. Perhaps you’ll stroll through the charming Jordaan district, or soak in the atmosphere at a canal-side café. This afternoon, relax as your ship departs the Netherlands and makes its way to Germany.

Day 3 – Cologne, Germany

As the sun rises, glide along the Rhine River and pass through picturesque German landscapes dotted with medieval towns. Your journey brings you to Cologne, where you will join a guide for a walking tour of the city’s Gothic Old Town. Wander along cobblestone streets and admire the Cologne Cathedral, the Roman Dionysus mosaic, and the Romanesque church of St. Martin. Top off this walking tour with a tasting of Cologne’s famous Kölsch beer, before enjoying some free time this afternoon in this magnificent city.

Day 4 – Winningen – Cochem – Winningen

Start your morning by traveling by coach to Cochem, a storybook town overlooking the water. Embark on a guided tour through the town and into Reichsburg Castle, a fortress perched high upon a hill with a stunning view of Cochem and the Moselle Valley below. Rejoin your ship in Winningen to spend a scenic afternoon and evening sailing along the Rhine and through the Lorelei Passage, the river’s narrowest point, named for a storied siren.

Day 5 – Speyer

The river takes you to Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, where it’s your choice! Get to know Speyer on a walking tour where you’ll trace the story of Speyer’s Jewish community from the year 1084 to today, visiting significant UNESCO sites -OR- follow guides on a journey back in time to discover the everyday lives of citizens in the Middle Ages. Spend the afternoon as you wish, perhaps joining an optional excursion to Heidelberg, an ancient city of Renaissance buildings and castle ramparts.

Day 6 – Strasbourg, France

Cross the French border and experience Strasbourg, a fairytale town that blends centuries of international influences to create its own unique culture. On a guided walking tour through the old quarter and a canal cruise along Petite France, take in the iconic timber-framed houses, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and Place de la République. Make the most of your free time in the afternoon by exploring this perfectly preserved town. Aboard the ship, toast to the end of a fabulous journey at your farewell dinner.

Day 7 – Breisach, Germany – Freiburg – Breisach

This morning, arrive back in Germany and travel by coach to Freiburg, the capital of the Black Forest region. Enjoy a guided tour through Freiburg’s beautifully preserved medieval Old Town set against the stunning backdrop of the Black Forest. Then return to Breisach, one of the oldest towns in the country, and spend the afternoon strolling through its picturesque alleys and colorful market square. Perhaps you’ll visit one of the town’s many cafés or ice cream shops before your ship departs for Basel.

Day 8 – Basel, Switzerland – Disembark Ship – Tour Ends

Wish the river valleys goodbye as your tour comes to a close today.