Visit all the highlights of the legendary Rhine in just 8 days. In Germany, see the many charming castles that dot the riverbanks as you sail by, and tour both Marksburg Castle and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Admire Cologne, the jewel of the Rhine, with its awe-inspiring Dom, and experience the lush landscape of the Black Forest region. Also, explore Amsterdam's lovely canals and glorious museums, multicultural Strasbourg in France, and the inviting nightlife in Rudesheim's Drosselgasse. On this itinerary you will see a lot-without spending a lot of time.

Day 1 Basel
Welcome to Basel on the Rhine River in northwest Switzerland. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, enjoy time on your own getting acquainted with the city-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. Cruise through the night to Breisach. (D)

Day 2 Breisach
Arrive during breakfast in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. Take a scenic excursion through the area's renowned mountain landscape, rolling meadows and dense forests. Once there, visit a local workshop and see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration. Return to Breisach for some free time, or take an optional excursion to Colmar, a quaint Alsatian town, for a guided walking tour featuring the Maison des Tetes, the Dominican Church, and more. Dine aboard and cruise through the night to Kehl. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Strasbourg
Arrive in Kehl this morning and disembark for your guided tour of Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and tour the interior of the city's famed cathedral. Free time allows you to further explore the old section of this French-German city. Return to your ship for dinner and departure. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Heidelberg & Rudesheim
Arrive in Mannheim and disembark for a tour to Heidelberg to see Germany's oldest university, founded in 1386. Then visit the beautiful sandstone ruins of imposing Heidelberg Castle, and take in the scenery of the Neckar River Valley and the city's many red rooftops from its hilltop location. Continue with a walking tour from the Old Town to Heidelberg's renowned gates. Return to your ship for afternoon cruising. Arrive in Rudesheim and take a mini-train up the hill to tour Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, filled with self-playing instruments. Then, spend free time in the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse and sample a glass of locally produced wine in one of the area's restaurants or wine bars. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Braubach & Koblenz
This morning, sail along the most scenic stretch of the Rhine, where castles overlook the river from their hilltop locations. This part of the Middle Rhine Valley is so beautiful that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Midmorning, disembark for a tour of 700-year-old Marksburg Castle and its museum. Return to your ship for lunch and a short cruise to Koblenz, where you disembark and enjoy some time in town and an excursion around the Moselle Valley. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Cologne
Cruise along the Rhine this morning, arriving just after breakfast in Cologne. Disembark for your walking tour of this gem of the Rhine. Stroll through Old Town past St. Martin's Church and spend some time inside Cologne's Dom, a remarkable Gothic cathedral. Then visit a local brewery and sample Kolsch, the hometown brew. The rest of your day is free to explore the dockside taverns, cafes and shops-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dine aboard during departure. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam at lunchtime. This afternoon, tour the Van Gogh Museum and see works by the famous artist and his contemporaries. Then, enjoy a cruise through this canal-laced city in a glass-topped canal boat. You will pass narrow merchant houses and the renowned Skinny Bridge and get a different perspective of this vibrant, multicultural city. Dinner is served aboard and your evening is free to explore on your own. Remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the Amsterdam airport for your return flight.* (B)