Day 1 : ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND - EMBARKATION
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and embark your luxurious cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Cocktail Reception. (D)

Day 2 : AMSTERDAM
After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the "Venice of the North." See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then, enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see the great landmarks of Amsterdam including a photo stop at a Windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

Day 3 : COLOGNE, GERMANY - KOBLENZ
Arrive in Cologne for a guided morning walking tour through the old part of the city and visit to the fabled 13th-century gothic cathedral. Visit the city's impressive Christmas Market, located in front of the cathedral. Continue to 2,000-year-old Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. After dinner, your cruise manager will lead you on a walk through this charming town. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : KOBLENZ - RUDESHEIM
Today, sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. After lunch, arrive in Rudesheim, where you will enjoy an afternoon wine tasting with a local vintner and visit the Christmas Markets. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time. In the evening, visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. The ship overnights here. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : SPEYER - HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
This afternoon arrive in Speyer, one of Germany's oldest cities, known for the Speyer Cathedral, many churches and the Altportel (old gate) with a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a city tour of medieval Speyer or an excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th century wine cask, and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. As an alternative, a guided bike tour is also available in Speyer (capacity controlled). Late this afternoon, the ship sails to Strasbourg, France. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : STRASBOURG, FRANCE
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. Enjoy a canal cruise of the picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watch towers. Then take a walking tour through town. See the European Parliament and visit the "La Petite France" district, where you will see the sandstone gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. You will also visit Strasbourg's famous Christmas market. A guided bicycle tour is also available (capacity controlled). The ship moors overnight in Strasbourg. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : BREISACH - COLMAR, FRANCE OR FREIBURG, GERMANY
Today, choose either a city tour of Colmar or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, you will drive through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Visit the historical Freiburg city center and Augustinerplatz, site of Freiburg's Munster, a gothic cathedral constructed of red sandstone. Your tour will also include the Christmas Markets of Freiburg. In the alternative, travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed "Capital of Alsatian Wine." During your city tour, you will see half-timbered framed houses, the German- influenced Old Quarter and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine tasting. Colmar is beautifully decorated with stunning illuminations during the Advent period and offers five Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : BASEL - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark your cruise in Basel. (B)