b'SPEYER THE MAJESTIC RHINE YOUR ITINERARYDay 1 - London and BaselOur holiday begins at London St Pancras, where we join the Eurostar to Paris. From here, we continue to the Swiss city of Basel, where we board our luxurious ship. Relax with a welcome cocktail followed by a delicious Swiss-themed dinner.Day 2 - StrasbourgWe cruise into the French city of Strasbourg, nestled on the German-French border. The citys position means it has changed hands between the two nations frequently throughout history, and today it truly represents the best of both cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Here, you can choose between a guided tour of RDESHEIM Strasbourg or a visit to the Black Forest. Our guided tour of Strasbourg takes us around the citys most famous spots, including the spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral, with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, we travel by coach deep into the Black Forest, on a journey that unveils the fairytale panoramas of one of Germanys most iconic destinations.Day 3 - Speyer and HeidelbergWe arrive in Speyer this morning, where theres free time to explore. One of the oldest cities in Germany, Speyer is home to a beautiful Old Town and cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site thats one of the most culturally important Romanesque monuments of the Holy Roman Empire. Later, we take an excursion to the university town of Heidelberg, which we discover on a guided tour. Over the centuries, its inspired poets, writers and artists, and is famous for the ruined castle that stands guard over the riverbanks, looking out over the town below.MEDEMBLIK STEAM TRAIN Day 4- Rdesheim and the Rhine GorgeWe sail into the classic German town of Rdesheim am Rhein, known for its riverbank vineyards and delicious Riesling wines. Enjoy free time here to stroll by the river or visit the famous Drsselgasse, lined with traditional pubs and wine cellars. Back on board, we enjoy a highlight of our cruise as we sail through the Rhine Gorge. A UNESCO-listed World Heritage site, as we cruise were immersed in a fairytale world of riverside castles, sloping vineyards and ancient forests before taking time to hear the legendary story of Lorelei Rock. As we sail, we feast on a delicious spread of Bavarian treats for lunch, with a suckling pig serving as a striking centrepiece. After time relaxing onboard, we arrive in enchanting Koblenz with time to explore its enchanting streets and perhaps visit a local wine tavern.Day 5 - The Middle Rhine and the DrachenfelsbahnLeaving Koblenz, we sail through the Middle Rhine, admiring views across its lush green meadows and picture-postcard villages. Along the way, we hear about the fascinating history of the area as our Cruise Director brings our journey to life ahead of our arrival in Koenigswinter. From here, we enjoy an excursion aboard the Drachensfelbahn Railway. This heritage rack railway climbs steeply up the side of a mountain close to the banks of the river, revealing wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region.Day 6 - CologneWe arrive in Cologne, a vibrant German city which we discover on a walking tour that includes the centuries-old cathedral, a structure that survived 14 aerial hits during World War II. We navigate the bustling squares and historic streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, with its Romanesque town-houses and winding streets. Tonight, enjoy an AMSTERDAM opportunity to dress in your finest as we sit down to a gala dinner with the captain. 26 THE RHINE RIVER'