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. A welcome room will be available at one of the hotels, offering a comfortable space to relax for those arriving early today. 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 afternoon board your ship – your home for the next seven nights. This beautifully appointed vessel offers an array of amenities including outside staterooms, delicious food and wine at every dinner, and daily onboard musical performances. This evening, meet in the lounge for a cocktail reception followed by a welcome aboard dinner.

Embark on a tour of Amsterdam with a local expert before seeing the city from a different perspective, voyaging along the city’s centuries-old canal system. Sail by charming cafés and famous 16th-century row houses stacked side-by-side. Afterward, travel by coach to rejoin your ship downriver for lunchtime onboard. This afternoon, relax as your ship departs the Netherlands and makes its way to Germany.

As the sun rises, glide along the Rhine River and pass through the 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.

Start your morning in 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. Traveling by coach, you’ll rejoin your ship in Alken 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.

The river takes you to Mannheim where you will have free time to explore this German city and its parks on your own. Perhaps you will join an optional excursion to Heidelberg, an ancient city of Renaissance buildings and castle ramparts. Later, sail to Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, where it's your choice! Get to know Speyer on a walking tour where you will 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. End your day at the Captain's Gala Dinner – a lively celebration of food, music and entertainment.

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, Petite France, and a canal cruise, 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.

This morning, arrive back in Germany and experience Breisach, one of the oldest towns in the country. Spend the morning strolling through its picturesque alleys and colorful market square on a guided tour before continuing by coach to Freiburg, the capital of the Black Forest region. This afternoon, enjoy some free time back in Breisach to explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll visit one of the town’s many cafés or ice cream shops before your ship departs for Basel.

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