Day 1 & 2- Amsterdam

Amsterdam wears two faces. On one, it beckons youth with its notorious Red Light District and liberal views around marijuana use. On the other, it offers discerning travellers some of Europe’s finest museums and art galleries. Its house boats, bicycles, cobbled streets, and quaint canals are a visual treat.

For tourists, Amsterdam’s compactness is a plus. The old part of town is a story-book setting of narrow lanes, gabled houses and ancient bridges, and a pleasure to explore on foot. Visitors can shop boutiques for souvenirs such as Delft china or wooden clogs, or relax at cosy bars and pavement cafes.

At night even the most conservative visitors are drawn to the Red Light District’s lively atmosphere, where prostitutes stand in shop windows and touts encourage passers-by to view raunchy floorshows. For the most part, travellers will find the best bars in the bustling Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.

Day 3- Cologne

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarket, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St Martin Church End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer.

As an alternative, explore the historic and modern architectural styles on display across Cologne on a guided tour, including a special visit inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.

Day 4- Cruising The Rhine Gorge & Rudesheim

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards, or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal.

For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream.

Day 5- Ludwigshafen

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask.

For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Old Gate, Altpörtel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops.

Day 6- Strasbourg

Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie.

Day 7- Basel

Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany.

Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to see its Lion Monument the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”. You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century.