Romantic Rhine & Moselle - Amsterdam to Basel

Upon arrival transfer to your 5★ Scenic Space-Ship for your luxurious 14 night all-inclusive river cruise, this evening enjoy a welcome reception (D)

An early departure out of Amsterdam allows for relaxed cruising before arriving in Dordrecht. It’s the oldest city in Holland and its location as a port city made it an important merchant stop. As you explore the port, the canals, the picturesque alleyways and the town square you’ll discover more than 1,000 historic monuments dotted around the town, many of which have been reborn as restaurants, museums and theatres.

FREECHOICE: Enjoy a walking tour of Dordrecht, a Delft pottery factory visit or an excursion to Kinderdijk (B,L,D)

This historic small town set on the Veerse Meer Lake is known as the ‘Pearl of Walcheren’. Wander through its narrow streets and along the charming marina nestled at its heart to see why. Dating back to the 12th century, it was a popular trading hub and the town’s wealth can be seen in the grand architecture of its buildings.

FREECHOICE: Guided city tour, oyster farm visit or Delta Works visit (B,L,D)

It’s time to delve into a new culture as the ship docks in Antwerp. It’s the largest city in Flanders, Belgium’s second city and the unofficial Diamond Capital of the world, having dominated global trade since the 15th century. The seaport, located 80km inland, is one of the world’s most important. Antwerp’s charm lies in its contradictions, a city with a medieval heart of cobbled lanes and riverside fortress combined with a creative pulse that champions innovation, including modern architecture and a thriving culinary scene.

FREECHOICE: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Antwerp or alternatively craft beer & chocolate tasting or excursion to Fort Breendonk (B,L,D)

Arrive in Nijmegen late afternoon and take your time exploring. Dating back more than 2,000 years it’s officially recognised as the oldest city in The Netherlands. Its large population of university students gives it a lively atmosphere, with many excellent museums, trendy coffee shops, independent stores and a buzzing nightlife.

FREECHOICE: Visit the Arnhem Airborne Museum, visit Netherlands Open Air Museum or Het Loo Royal Palace (B,L,D)

Willkommen to Germany and the city of Düsseldorf. An early arrival and late departure gives you ample time to discover a city known for its art scene and fashion industry. Once dubbed ‘Little Paris’ by Napoleon, it blends the museums, galleries and luxurious shops of the city of lights with a historic old town and unique harbour precinct where historic quay walls share the same space as architecturally designed buildings by the likes of Frank Gehry. With a late departure, there’s time to explore its buzzing waterfront and glamorous bars by night.

FREECHOICE: Enjoy either a walking or cycling tour, or you can take the opportunity to learn all about Düsseldorf’s long tradition of beer production at Düsseldorf’s microbreweries (B,L,D)

Cochem is a medieval gem with a castle overlooking the town. While this may be its crowning feature, the traditional town is known for being part of the German wine route and is a great place to sample local varietals.

FREECHOICE: Enjoy a walking or cycling tour of Cochem (B,L,D)

Oenophiles will have earmarked Bernkastel. It sits at the heart of the Moselle Valley wine region and one of the world’s most famous Riesling vineyards, Bernkasteler Doctor, is just on the edge of town. You’ll also fall in love with this wonderfully preserved riverside town for its atmospheric market square, with buildings that date to the 13th century, and the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates back to the fourth and fifth centuries.

FREECHOICE: Enjoy a guided walking tour, wine tasting along the Moselle or guided hike to Landshut ruins

ENRICH: Tonight, you are in for a special treat with a private classical concert in the breathtaking surroundings of Liebfrauenkirche, located in the heart of the Roman city of Trier (B,L,D)

Koblenz is many things; a wine hub, a fortress city and one of Germany’s oldest metropolises. Founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago it is strategically placed where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Its long history ensures there’s something for everyone, from rich history to a melange of French and German cultures and beautiful scenery. It is, of course, also the gateway to both the romantic Rhine Valley and the beautiful Moselle Valley.

FREECHOICE: Enjoy a walking tour of Koblenz, visit Marksburg Castle or visit Medieval Limburg (B,L,D)

Cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge this morning and relax as you take in landscapes that could have come straight from a fairytale. The stunning 65-kilometre stretch of river is punctuated with a constellation of some 40 hilltop castles and fortresses that span a period of 1,000 years. Look out for the Lorelei statue, dedicated to the tragic legend of a beautiful maiden whose voice distracts sailors – the potential inspiration for the Sirens who tempted Odysseus.

FREECHOICE: Enjoy the Siegfried’s Musikkabinett Museum or enjoy a scenic hike & cable car ride (B,L,D)

The ship docks in Mannheim today, a large metropolitan centre that’s used as a base to explore the surrounding region, including the historic charms of Heidelberg and the stunning vine covered landscapes Bad Dürkheim where you can sip on aromatic wines.

FREECHOICE: Take a historical tour of Heidelberg or enjoy an excursion to Bad Dürkheim (B,L,D)

The capital of the Alsace wine region is a captivating blend of France and Germany. It has a Gothic cathedral and an Old Town surrounded by a river, with sherbert-coloured, half-timbered houses bordering a complex network of canals. Strasbourg proudly wears its medieval past while looking firmly towards the future and is known for its youthful energy and infectious spirit.

FREECHOICE: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Strasbourg or a tour the Alsace Wine Region with tasting (B,L,D)

There’s plenty of reasons Breisach is a must-visit food and wine destination. Not only does it share a border with the Alsace region, it’s also located between the Rhine River and the legendary Black Forest. Don’t leave without trying the German Pinot Noir. Luckily for you, the town was meticulously rebuilt after World War II, complete with its traditional cobbled streets and pastel houses.

FREECHOICE: Choose from wine tasting at Kaiserstuhl, or a guided tour to Colmar or Freiburg (B,L,D)

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to London (B)