10 Night Swiss Alps and Rhine Castles (Festive Delights) Cruise and Land Tour from Como

Arrive in Lake Como and check into your hotel.

Be treated to a walking tour of Lake Como, a former glacial lake and popular resort area for the rich and famous since Roman times. Gaze at the azure waters and impressive villas that line the lakeside from the hills above and perhaps recognize the scenery from such Hollywood blockbusters as Ocean's Twelve and Casino Royale. (B)

Let the wind tousle your hair as you board your boat for a scenic ride along Lake Como to its stunning pearl, Bellagio. This intimate village offers postcard-perfect views whether you choose to stroll along the lakeside or venture up hill to its cobbled streets. Browse the shops or sample the local fare at Bellagio's restaurants before returning to the boat. (B)

Check out of your Lake Como hotel and travel to Basel, where you embark your ship for your Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps cruise. (B,D)

Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland's third-largest city. Long an important university, banking, and trade center, Basel's glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square, and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France, and Germany. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, or opt for one of the morning excursions and visit Lucerne in the afternoon. With either Lucerne excursion, you'll have the opportunity to see its Lion Monument - the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 - which Mark Twain described as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world". You'll also see Lucerne's spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B,L,D)

Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its location at the border between the two countries. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique, before walking through its iconic "La Petite France" district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through charming streets past the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l'Orangerie. (B,L,D)

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of four excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosophers' Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe-a UNESCO World Heritage Site-and the medieval Old Gate, Altportel. Or pedal along the river Neckar to the picturesque medieval city center of Ladenburg and enjoy some free time to explore the shops. Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rudesheim and let Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheim coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards and drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy an exclusive evening visit at Burg Lahneck castle. (B,L,D)

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, then join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall; the Fischmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century; and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kolsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges, and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam's grand cafes. (B,L,D); Please note: A Taste of Amsterdam tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with alternate tour.

Bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.