The Rhine in Flames

Today we meet at London St Pancras. Our holiday begins as we board the Eurostar to Amsterdam, where our magnificent ship awaits us.

This evening, we enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner, which is accompanied by a wonderful performance from a traditional Dutch Sea Shanty choir - the perfect start to our cruise.

• Dinner

We head into Amsterdam for a guided tour this morning. From idyllic canals and large parks to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, this is a lively city that's as modern as it is historic. On the tour, you'll see some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Rijksmuseum and Dam Square.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we arrive in Cologne for a walking tour of the city. As we explore its vibrant streets and lively squares, we admire the Romanesque townhouses before visiting the city's impressive Gothic cathedral which is the largest in Northern Europe. The intricate spires and magnificent stained glass windows of this UNESCO-listed landmark are captivating as we marvel at the grand architecture.

This evening is a highlight of our cruise - the spectacular Rhine in Flames procession. This event is a stunning procession of illuminated boats, fireworks and music along the Rhine River. It's a breathtaking display of colours, lights and sounds that brings together locals and visitors alike to celebrate summer nights with a sense of magic, romance and community.

As we're a part of the spectacle, our boat is decorated with brilliant lights in preparation. We have the best seat in the house, from our ship, and we celebrate as the sky lights up, the city is illuminated, and the river shimmers with vibrant colours. At the end of the procession, we sail towards Königswinter where we moor.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We journey on the Drachenfelsbahn railway today. This fabulous cog railway rises high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle - which is said to have been the inspiration for the castle in Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty'. The viewing platform at the top provides wonderful vistas, across the evergreen hills and meadows, to the meandering Rhine in the distance.

Drifting away from Koningswinter after lunch, we soak up the enchanting Middle Rhine. As we sail through this captivating stretch of river - characterised by lush green meadows and postcard villages - our Cruise Director narrates its intriguing history and highlights.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

There's time at leisure this morning to explore Koblenz, once a Roman stronghold. We recommend strolling to Deutsches Eck where you'll be surrounded by inspiring vistas including the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. After lunch, we commence a highlight of our cruising experience - sailing through the romantic Rhine Gorge.

This section of the Rhine is renowned for its spectacular views and the best place to witness them is from the top deck of our ship. The riverbanks plunge deeper here, and we wind around bends surrounded by endless miles of lush green vineyards, ancient castles, and picturesque riverside towns. It's also one of the narrowest points of the river with one of the strongest currents.

As we sail, we hear the fascinating story of the legendary Lorelei Rock which soars almost 500 feet out of the water. This monument has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, and we hear of them as we sail by.

We then arrive into the captivating town of Rüdesheim, famous for its delicious white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. Wander its cobbled streets at your own pace and see the charming half-timbered houses, quaint shops, and enticing wine bars in the Drosselgasse alley before dinner back onboard our ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking to views of charming Speyer, we step ashore and take in the sights of this historic German city and its cathedral. In the afternoon, we journey to the picturesque university town of Heidelberg, known for its lovely Old Town and stunning riverfront which is perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Here, we enjoy a guided tour including a visit to the magnificent ruined, red sandstone castle that towers over the city, providing amazing views of the surrounding forests, river, and cityscape. We return to our ship later for dinner and a restful overnight sailing.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we sail into the charming German city of Strasbourg, where you have a choice between two fantastic excursions.

Your first option is a city tour of beautiful Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. The striking city is positioned on the German-French border and has seen it change hands between the two nations frequently throughout history, resulting in a unique representation of both cultures, with colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets.

Your second choice is a journey into the fabulous Black Forest, passing through stunning fairytale panoramas. Deep valleys, dense woodlands, verdant meadows, and whimsical waterfalls lie along the magical trails here.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we disembark our magnificent ship and our cruise comes to an end. We journey to the railway station and head towards Paris where we catch the Eurostar to London St Pancras. Here, we say goodbye to new friends and fellow travellers.

• Breakfast