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 Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, enjoy free time and get acquainted with the city-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. Remain docked overnight. (D)

Day 2 Amsterdam
This morning, enjoy a cruise through this canal-laced city in a glass-topped boat. Pass narrow merchant houses and the renowned Skinny Bridge, and get a different perspective of this vibrant, multicultural city. Then take a tour of the Van Gogh Museum to see works by the famous artist and his contemporaries. Lunch and dinner are aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Cologne
Cruise along the Rhine this morning, arriving just after lunch in Cologne. Disembark for a 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. Your evening is free to explore the dockside taverns, cafes and shops-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dine aboard; depart late tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Koblenz & Rudesheim
After breakfast, disembark for a tour of 700-year-old Marksburg Castle and its museum. Return to your ship for lunch and sail along the most scenic stretch of the Rhine, where castles overlook the river from their hilltop locations. Arrive in Rudesheim this afternoon and take a mini-train up the hill to tour Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum, filled with self-playing instruments. After dinner, spend free time in the pedestrian-only Drosselgasse and sample a glass of locally produced wine at one of the restaurants or wine bars. Remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Heidelberg & Speyer
Cruise through the morning enjoying brunch and the passing scenery. Arrive in Mannheim and disembark for a tour. Journey 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.

Rejoin your ship in Speyer; take evening free time to see the town's six majestic towers and Romanesque cathedral. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Strasbourg
The morning is highlighted by scenic cruising followed by lunch aboard. Arrive in Kehl in the early afternoon and disembark for a guided tour of Strasbourg. See the European Parliament and tour the interior of the city's famed cathedral. Free time to further explore the old section of this French-German city. Dine aboard and enjoy free time this evening in the quaint little city of Kehl. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Breisach
After cruising through the night you 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 before an early evening departure. Or, take our optional excursion to Colmar, a quaint Alsatian town. A guided walking tour shows you the Maison des Tetes, Dominican Church and more. Dine aboard while you cruise on to Basel, arriving around midnight. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Basel
After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Lucerne. Enjoy the scenic landscape of the Swiss Alps with a view from your hotel, situated on the banks of beautiful Lake Lucerne. (B)