Itinerary
- Day 1
London
You'll get transferred from the airport to your hotel for a 3-night stay in London. Take the afternoon and evening to settle in and get your bearings. Wander through the historic streets if you're not too tired, or stroll along the River Thames. The urban parks are nice for a walk if you want to stretch your legs after travel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore London's historic streets at own pace
- Leisurely stroll along the River Thames
- Visit urban parks
- Day 2
London
This morning you'll join a guided city tour hitting London's iconic spots like Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. From there, head to Buckingham Palace and then over to Trafalgar Square. Later, explore the West End theatre district and catch the Changing of the Guard if the timing works out with your tour schedule.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of London including Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, West End, Trafalgar Square, and Changing of the Guard
Optional Activities
- Afternoon tea (extra expense)
Landmarks Big Ben Houses of Parliament Westminster Abbey Buckingham Palace Trafalgar Square West End - Day 3
London
You've got the full day to yourself in London. Many people head to the London Eye for views across the city, or check out the British Museum if museums are your thing. Hyde Park is good for a long walk, and Shoreditch has interesting street art if you want something different. Alternatively, grab tickets for a West End show if there's something you want to see.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit London Eye
- Visit British Museum
- Stroll through Hyde Park
- Explore street art in Shoreditch
- Attend a show in the West End theatres
- Guided tour of Camden and Borough Market (extra expense)
Landmarks London Eye British Museum Hyde Park Shoreditch Camden Borough Market - Day 4
London to Amsterdam
After breakfast at your hotel, head to St. Pancras station to catch the train to Amsterdam. The journey takes several hours, so settle in for the ride. Once you arrive at Amsterdam Centraal station, you'll head straight to board your luxury European cruise ship and get settled into your cabin.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks St. Pancras Station Amsterdam Centraal Station - Day 5
Amsterdam - Alkmaar
You can either explore Alkmaar's historic center and see the centuries-old cheese market with its charming canals, or join a guided bike tour through the Dutch countryside. In the afternoon, your ship sets sail on the Rhine River. Spend time on the Sun Deck enjoying the scenery, and later tonight there's a welcome dinner on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Welcome dinner)
Included Activities
- Excursion to Alkmaar including historic center, canals, and cheese market
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour to Waterland
- Dutch Delights (extra expense)
Landmarks Alkmaar Alkmaar Cheese Market Waterland Rhine River - Day 6
Düsseldorf - Cologne
During the morning, take a walking tour through Düsseldorf checking out the stylish boutiques and Old Town along the Rhine River. Later, your ship arrives in Cologne where you'll have time to explore the Gothic Cathedral and walk around the lively atmosphere of the city before returning to the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Düsseldorf
- Guided tour of Cologne's Old Town
Optional Activities
- German Beer Experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Düsseldorf Old Town Rhine River Cologne Cathedral Cologne Old Town - Day 7
Koblenz
The ship docks in Koblenz where you'll join a walking tour of this Roman town set against vineyards and mountains. You'll visit the Church of Our Lady and the German Corner where two rivers meet. After lunch, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge, which has romantic castles and half-timbered medieval villages lining the banks the whole way.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Koblenz including Church of Our Lady and German Corner
Optional Activities
- Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)
Landmarks Church of Our Lady German Corner Rhine Gorge Cochem Castle Moselle Valley - Day 8
Heidelberg
In Heidelberg, you can tour the town starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle and its beautiful gardens. If you want more activity, there's a hike available from Mount Königstuhl with fantastic views over the city and the valley. Later this evening, there's a private concert in a historical venue on board the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Private evening concert in historical venue)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Heidelberg including Heidelberg Castle Renaissance ruins and gardens
Optional Activities
- Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle Mount Königstuhl - Day 9
Strasbourg
The ship docks at Kehl, and from there you'll transfer by coach to Strasbourg. Medieval charm is everywhere with cobbled squares and half-timbered houses throughout the old town. There's also an included excursion to discover the heart of Alsace and sample typical regional food from the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flavours of Alsace excursion including discovery of Strasbourg and typical Alsatian cuisine
Optional Activities
- Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
Landmarks Strasbourg Baden Baden - Day 10
Freiburg
You'll visit Freiburg, known as the Capital of the Black Forest, for a guided tour of the town. There's an opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies like cake and local specialties. If you prefer being active, join a guided bike tour in Breisach instead, which covers the countryside around the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell reception & dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting of Black Forest delicacies
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Breisach
- Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)
Landmarks Freiburg Black Forest Breisach Colmar - Day 11
Departure
After breakfast, you'll disembark from the ship and head to the airport for your return journey. You're leaving with memories of the Black Forest region and your entire European cruise down the Rhine, having seen everything from Amsterdam to the wine regions of Alsace.
- Meals
- Breakfast
