Cruising the Rhine: vineyards & villages

Spend all of today absorbing Amsterdam's history and culture with visits to its world-renowned art museums before taking a Jewish heritage guided tour.

Today, you'll board your ship ready for your European river cruise to begin.

Your cruise begins as you pass through some of Amsterdam's 165 scenic canals before continuing out of the city through the Dutch countryside.

Having crossed the border into Germany, you'll arrive in Cologne. You can choose to go on a guided tour through the Old Town and visit the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Alternatively, visit a local tavern to taste the city's exclusive Kölsch beer or choose to join a guided bike tour along the Rhine.

At your next stop, Rüdesheim, you can soar above the vineyards on a gondola ride that takes you up to the Niederwalddenkma, a monument built in 1871 to commemorate the unification of Germany. Or, take a bike ride through the surrounding wine region. Later, you could visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and relax in a cafe to taste some local Rüdesheimer coffee.

Today, you have the option to visit the well-preserved medieval city of Heidelberg, including its sandstone 18th-century castle, or you can visit the historic town of Speyer with its Romanesque cathedral. You can also hike up the Philosophers' Way along the Neckar River for views over Heidelberg and the river valley, or cycle to the medieval town of Ladenburg.

After crossing the border into France, enjoy a walking tour of Strasbourg's charming streets and renowned 'Petite France' district, or take a guided cycle tour through the city and its leafy Parc de l'Orangerie.

Cruising south to Basel, you can explore the city on foot or by bike on a route that will take you through three countries — Switzerland, France, and Germany. Alternatively, you could leave the city and go on a full-day tour to Lucerne where you can see its 18th-century Lion Monument, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution.

Today your cruise will come to an end. After disembarking the ship in Basel, you'll continue with your private driver to Geneva. After checking in, the rest of the evening is free to spend at your leisure.

This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of the city of Geneva. Among the sights are the Brunswick Monument and the Opera House, plus you can visit the Old Town and its 12th-century Gothic cathedral. In the afternoon, explore the waters of Lake Geneva aboard a Belle Epoque paddle steamer.

Bid farewell to Geneva — your private driver will take you to the airport in time for your international flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.