Arrive in charming Amsterdam and embark your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Cocktail Reception. (B)

After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the tall narrow homes lining the water, the Skinny Bridge, and the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during WWII. Later, enjoy a panoramic city tour that will show you many key sights, including a photo stop at the windfall famously painted by Rembrandt. You’ll have some free time to explore on your own before returning to the ship. The ship departs this afternoon, en route to Germany. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a guided tour of Cologne this morning, which will take you to the Old Town, Cathedral Square, and the city’s majestic 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to visit some of the local shops or have a coffee at a quaint café. Or, if you prefer, take a guided bicycle tour of Cologne (capacity controlled). Late tonight, the ship cruises to Koblenz and moors overnight. (B,L,D)

Today, sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. After lunch, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time. The ship moors here tonight. (B,L,D)

Arrive around noon in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for its cathedral, numerous churches and the 13th-century Altpörtel (“Old Gate”). Choose either a city tour of Speyer or a half-day excursion to historic Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask) and see beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and city below. This evening, the ship continues onward to Strasbourg, France. (B,L,D)

Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg, is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. This morning, take a tour through this medieval charming town lined with narrow cobbled streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “le petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Then enjoy a canal cruise, revealing the picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps, take a stroll through Strasbourg’s historic city center, the “Grande Île” (“Grand Island”), a UNESCO World Heritage site, or sample the local cuisine and wine that merges the best of French and German influences. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)

You have three exciting excursions to choose from today. The first is a walking tour of Riquewihr, a picturesque town that looks much as it did back in the 16th century. A second option is a walking tour of Breisach and Freiburg. Breisach is a beautiful town on that houses one of Europe’s largest wine cellars. In Freiburg, you will visit the historical city center and the Augustinerplatz, site of Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. A third option is a guided bike tour of Breisach (capacity controlled). Tonight, the ship cruises to Switzerland. (B,L,D)

Disembark after breakfast for a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel. Switzerland’s second largest city is ideally located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. After free time for lunch on your own, depart for Lucerne. You will visit the Lion Monument en route and arrive mid-afternoon to check in to the hotel. (B)

Situated on Lake Lucerne, the city is a medieval gem. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour that will explore some of the city’s famous cobblestone streets, monuments, fountain-embellished public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon offers free time to shop for watches, knives and world-famous chocolates. Or, you can join the optional tour and cable car ride to the top of Mount Pilatus, the mountain which dominates the city. The return trip from the mountain will be via a cograil train. (B)

Enjoy a free morning in Lucerne before checking out of your hotel. Afterwards, you will cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. Upon arrival in Vitznau, you will board a motor coach for a scenic drive to Zurich, where you will check into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (B)

Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zürich will include Grossmünster, St.Peter, with the largest church clock face in the world, Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zürich. The afternoon and evening is free for you to explore the town on your own. Perhaps, return to the Old Town, which offers engaging cafes, restaurants and a wealth of nightlife, or shop along Bahnhofstrasse and Niederdorf. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.