7 Night Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps Cruise from Amsterdam

Board the ship for your Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps cruise. (D)

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you'll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's most revered Gothic masterpieces. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus, and the Festival Hall. For a different view, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kolsch beer, only made in Cologne, and 'Reibekuchen mit Apfelmus', potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town's iconic vineyards. Or, 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, 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, Rudesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. (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. (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)

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. (B,L,D)

Bid farewell to Basel and prepare for your flight home. (B)