Enchanting Rhine

Tour members board their overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to the pier. This afternoon, embark and unpack. Enjoy a Welcome Cocktail followed by a specially prepared Welcome Dinner, ending the evening with a Shanty Choir performance. Our ship remains in Amsterdam overnight.

ms Amadeus Star or similar (7 nights)                                            

Start the morning exploring Amsterdam with a relaxing canal cruise. Founded in the late 12th century, Amsterdam boasts one of Europe’s largest historic centres, featuring 7,500 historic buildings and 90 islands connected by 1,300 bridges. On the city tour, see highlights like the Maritime Museum, the Jewish Quarter, and the Museum Quarter.

After breakfast, arrive in the stunning cathedral city of Cologne. Explore the historic Old Town with its striking High Gothic architecture, visit the iconic twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, and savour the renowned Kölsch beer. Spend a relaxed afternoon in the city, or opt for an optional, more active excursion to Siebengebirge National Park and the remnants of Castle Drachenfels (Dragon Rock).

Our vessel cruises along the Moselle River, known for its steep terraced vineyards and as Germany's fifth-largest wine region. After lunch, we reach Cochem. Wander through the charming town with its narrow streets, medieval gates, and churches on your own, or join a guided city tour including the impressive Reichsburg Castle. Following dinner on board, visit a local winery to taste the region's exceptional wines before continuing to Koblenz.

This morning, join a walking tour of historic Koblenz. Later, cruise through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its vineyard-covered banks and fairy-tale castles. By late afternoon, we reach Rüdesheim. Choose between a walking tour featuring the Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum's self-playing instrument collection, or an optional visit to a local vineyard for wine tasting followed by a stroll down Drosselgasse, a lively lane filled with taverns, restaurants, and music venues.

Today we dock in Mannheim, gateway to Heidelberg and its renowned castle. We then visit Speyer, home to a cathedral where eight Roman emperors and German kings rest. Choose between a guided city tour including the Judenhof, a significant medieval Jewish site, or explore independently.

In the morning, we reach Strasbourg, Alsace's vibrant capital. See the city's highlights: the famous Strasbourg Cathedral, the Petite France quarter with its former mills and tanneries, half-timbered houses, the Covered Bridges, Palais Rohan, and the Council of Europe. Discover the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site connected by 22 stone bridges, on a guided canal boat tour. After lunch onboard, take in scenic views of the Rhine as we journey towards Switzerland, our final destination.    

Disembark for a walking tour of Basel, where the borders of Switzerland, France, and Germany meet. See the medieval Town Hall and elegant 18th-century homes, showcasing Basel's rich history in academia, banking, and trade. Next, visit Bern, the former capital, where you will have free time for lunch, followed by a walking tour. Finally, transfer to Interlaken, nestled between two lakes and surrounded by mountains in the heart of Switzerland. 

Metropole Interlaken Hotel  or similar (2 nights)

Get your cameras ready because today we are exploring one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. We will start with a cable car ride up to Grindelwald, soaking in the amazing views along the way. Back down in the valley, we will visit the charming town of Lauterbrunnen, where, on clear days, you can spot Europe’s highest peak. 

Depart for Lucerne for a guided walking tour of this charming medieval lakeside town. Stroll along cobblestone streets and see historic monuments, fountains, squares, covered bridges, and colourful frescoed buildings. Next, take a scenic drive past three lakes to Zurich, where you'll have free time for lunch.  

Hotel Crowne Plaza or similar (2 nights)

Begin your day with breakfast, followed by a half-day tour of the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen, Europe's largest waterfall. The tour includes a boat ride that takes you right up to the rock at Rhine Falls, where you will witness the incredible force of about 600,000 litres of water per second rushing down the falls. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore the town. We conclude the day with our farewell dinner tonight.

All too soon our journey comes to an end as we bid farewell to Zurich and prepare for our return flight home.