Premium Rhine Cruise 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. We change trains in Brussels and continue by First Class rail to Amsterdam. Here we board the superb 5-star MS Amacello for our fantastic seven-night cruise. Once our cruise begins, the pace of the holiday is set by you alone - you may wish to take part in our included shore excursions, explore independently, or simply take it easy and enjoy the facilities on board. This evening we enjoy a welcome cocktail and gala dinner on board. (E,D)

Our excursion this morning takes us on a fascinating tour of Amsterdam, exploring the hidden gems of Holland's capital. Admire the gabled buildings, merchant houses and quaint bridges on our guided tour and canal cruise. We pass many of the 17th century merchant warehouses so characteristic of the city, and cruise under several of the canal system's before we return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon we begin our first day of cruising making our way towards Germany. Spend the rest of today relaxing on board and watch the passing scenery or make use of the ship's excellent on-board facilities. (B,L,D)

Our first port of call today is Düsseldorf, from where we take an excursion to visit the Floriade Expo 2012, near Venlo, close to the German border - an international flower exhibition held every 10 years in Holland. This afternoon we enjoy a walking tour of the magnificent city of Cologne, a long time favourite among Great Rail Journeys customers. The tour includes the city's historic streets, elegant squares and medieval churches - and a visit to the impressive Gothic cathedral that stands out as the city's most famous landmark. (B,L,D)

Today we cruise past the timeless scenery of hilltop castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock of the Rhine Gorge, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Our destination is one of the Rhine Valley's most popular wine towns, Rüdesheim. Take a stroll along the the world-renowned Drosselgasse - a street lined with traditional pubs and wine cellars - and the streets of the old town. We enjoy a wine tasting, a perfect chance to sample the terrific locally produced wines and also visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, the town's famous museum for mechanical music instruments. Alternatively, you may wish to take the cable car (not included) high up over the vineyards for a wonderful view of the town and the Rhine. (B,L,D)

Today we arrive in Speyer and from here we travel by coach to historic Heidelberg, one of Germany's most attractive towns, which lies below its protective castle on the River Neckar. The castle dominates the town's skyline and, after falling into disrepair over the centuries, is now restored to its former glory. The picturesque Old Town, or Altstadt, contains many fine old buildings and a bustling market. Alternatively, you may wish to remain in Speyer, an imperial city with a famous Romanesque cathedral. The excursion here gives you chance to see the highlights of Speyer including its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that celebrated its 950th anniversary in 2011 and which is well known as the final resting place of eight German emperors and king. Alternatively visit the Maximilianstrasse, with its many attractive structures. (B,L,D)

Today we have the opportunity to explore Strasbourg, the attractive capital of Alsace, on our walking tour. The city has changed hands several times and both German and French influences can be seen in abundance. We also enjoy a  canal cruise, giving you a different perspective to the half-timbered houses, geranium filled flower boxes and quaint streets. (B,L,D)

This morning we arrive in Breisach, a fortified hill town at the Rhine's edge. You have the option to join one of two shore excursions. You could take an excursion to the pretty Black Forest including a visit to Freiburg, or you could travel to Colmar, which is made up of traditional Alsatian half-timbered buildings and a maze of narrow canals. A tasting of local Alsace wines is included in Colmar. (B,L,D)

We wake up this morning in Basel, where we disembark and take a guided tour of this beautiful Swiss city that stands at the point where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, and provides Switzerland with its only navigable outlet to the sea. After our city tour of Basel we join the train to Luxembourg. We overnight here at the Grand Hotel Mercure Alfa and enjoy dinner together in the hotel. (B,D)

Our journey home continues today as we travel by First Class rail to Brussels, where we board the Eurostar to London, enjoying a light meal and drinks on board. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Our 30th May and 27 June departures will operate a similar itinerary in reverse order.