We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels in Leisure Select Class, and enjoy a complimentary meal and drinks at our seat. From Brussels we take a train to Luxembourg where we overnight at the Grand Hotel Mercure Alfa. We enjoy dinner together in the hotel this evening. (E,D)

Today we travel by train through the Eastern corner of France to the charming Swiss city of Basel for a guided city tour. We embark 5-star MS Amalyra or MS Amalegro and settle into our cabins before our gala welcome dinner on board. Once our cruise begins, the pace of your holiday is set by you alone - you may wish to take part in our included group shore excursions or explore independently, enjoy the facilities on board or simply take it easy. The choice is yours! We set sail towards Germany late this evening (B,D)

This morning we arrive in Breisach, a fortified hill town at the Rhine's edge. You may wish to join one of the included shore excursions to either Freiburg or Colmar. Freiburg, with its impressive Gothic red sandstone cathedral and marketplace is bordered by the lovely Black Forest mountains. Across the border in France is pretty Colmar, the centre of which is made up of traditional Alsatian half-timbered buildings and a maze of narrow canals. This evening we set sail again, heading towards our next port of call, Strasbourg. (B,L,D

Today we have the opportunity to explore the attractive capital of Alsace on a city tour. The city has changed hands several times and both German and French influences can be seen in abundance. The historic centre is dominated by the spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock and the "Grande Ile" is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A canal cruise is included, giving you a different perspective to the half-timbered houses, geranium filled flower boxes and quaint streets. (B,L,D)

Upon arrival in Mannheim this morning, we disembark for an excursion to Heidelberg. The city is overlooked by its castle from where the views over the town and Neckar valley are beautiful. After lunch back on board, we cruise to Worms, one of the oldest cities in Germany. Surrounded by lush vineyards, the town is of great historical and cultural significance with a monument dedicated to the great reformist Martin Luther. (B,L,D)

Today we arrive in one of the Rhine Valley's most popular wine towns, Rüdesheim. Take a stroll along the quaint and charming Drosselgasse and the streets of the old town. Alternatively, you may wish to take the cable car (not included) high up over the vineyards to a vantage point for terrific views of the region. We depart after lunch, heading down the famous Rhine Gorge. With hilltop castles overlooking steeply sloped terraces of vines, not to mention the legendary Lorelei Rock. No wonder that the timeless scenery of the Rhine Gorge is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. We arrive in Koblenz late afternoon and after dinner we take a stroll around this charming town. (B,L,D)

This morning the ship cruises along a particularly scenic stretch of the Rhine and arrives early afternoon in Cologne. A walking tour of the old town includes a visit to the spectacular Gothic cathedral. The rest of the day is for you to explore at leisure until mid evening when we head further down the Rhine towards the Netherlands. (B,L,D)

Relax and enjoy your last morning of cruising, watching the passing scenery or making use of the ship's facilities, before we arrive in exciting Amsterdam, our final port of call, this afternoon. Admire the gabled buildings, merchant houses and quaint bridges on our guided city tour and canal cruise. We gather together again on board for a gala farewell dinner. (B,L,D)

We disembark MS Amalyra or MS Amalegro in Amsterdam after breakfast and travel by train to Brussels. Here we join the Eurostar service to London, enjoying a complimentary meal and drinks served on board before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)

Please note that on certain departures this itinerary will operate in reverse, although the same destinations are visited. Please enquire when booking.

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday