Romantic Rhine (Amsterdam to Zürich)

Day 1 (Sun) Amsterdam. Fly to Amsterdam where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship for seven nights. (D)

Day 2 (Mon) Amsterdam. Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700 year old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. There is no better way to see the city than by canal boat, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s ‘Golden Age’. Afterwards, your river cruise ship sets sail for Cologne. (B,L,D)

Day 3 (Tue) Cologne. Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs. Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original ‘eau de cologne’. (B,L,D)

Day 4 (Wed) Koblenz – Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000 year old Koblenz is the cultural and business centre of the Middle Rhine region. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is an incredibly beautiful stretch of the river. Pass the legendary Lorelei Rock, where it is thought the sweet songs of sirens lured enchanted sailors to their doom. In Rüdesheim, enjoy a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and free time to explore the Drosselgasse. (B,L,D)

Day 5 (Thu) Excursion to Heidelberg. Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. The ruins of the imposing red sandstone castle tower above the city. Of particular interest is the Giant Vat, an 18th century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons. (B,L,D)

Day 6 (Fri) Strasbourg. Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the Gothic Cathedral, the lovely Petite France district, Place Kléber, and Place Gutenberg with its statue of the inventor of the printing press. An optional excursion to the Alsace wine region is available. (B,L,D)

Day 7 (Sat) Breisach. Excursion to the Black Forest. Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germany’s Black Forest region, an area of unrivalled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The most famous products from this region are Black Forest ham and Black Forest Gateaux. (B,L,D)

Day 8 (Sun) Zürich. Disembark and transfer to Zürich airport for your flight to the UK. (B)