DAY 1: UK - Amsterdam.
Fly to Amsterdam where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your ship, MV Heidelberg. Your cruise includes full board from dinner tonight until breakfast on day 8. (D)

DAY 2: Amsterdam.
Dating back 800 years, charming Amsterdam blends vibrant modern life with enchanting canals, colourful gardens, splendid museums and gabled merchants' houses. Today, admire the works by Dutch Masters on an optional tour of its world-renowned Rijksmuseum Museum or visit the house of Anne Frank, where the 13-year-old hid from the Nazis. Early this evening, your ship leaves for Xanten. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Xanten.
Set on the Lower Rhine, the ancient town of Xanten was founded as a Roman garrison and boasts many beautifully restored buildings including a splendid medieval marketplace. Today explore this lovely town on an optional walking tour, which includes a tasting of its local, much-loved liqueur, 'Kanonikus'. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Cologne.
One of Germany's most spectacular cities, Cologne is also one of its most important commercial centres. Overlooking the Rhine and with eight handsome bridges crossing the river, the city is famed for its towering, twin-spired cathedral - one of the largest in Europe. Today there's a whole day to savour the sights and sounds of this magnificent city, perhaps strolling around its old town or sampling its vibrant restaurants and shops. Alternatively, an optional walking tour provides the perfect introduction to Cologne's highlights, including a visit to the mighty Gothic cathedral, which took six centuries to build. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Mainz.
Enjoy the scenery this morning as your ship cruises along the magical 'Lorelei Passage', a segment of the Rhine Valley crammed with breathtaking scenery and landmarks, including the 130-metre-high Lorelei Rock and Mäuseturm, an ancient customs post. This afternoon is yours to delve into the famous university city of Mainz, dominated by the graceful six spires of the majestic St Martin's Cathedral. Or perhaps join an optional walking tour to view the city's major landmarks close-up and explore its fascinating Gutenberg Museum, charting the history of printing. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Strasbourg.
Relax on board this morning as your ship cruises towards Strasbourg, arriving after lunch. In the heart of Alsace, this wonderful city is famed for its Gothic cathedral and 'Petite France' district, a magical patchwork of picture-postcard canals, cobblestoned streets and half-timbered houses. This afternoon, either soak up the city's charms on your own or take an optional sightseeing tour. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Basel.
Positioned at the crossroads of France, Germany and Switzerland, Basel steals everyone's hearts with its steep cobbled lanes, 18th century guild houses and impressive medieval gates. Bursting with culture, the city also hosts a superb array of museums, including its illustrious Museum of Fine Arts housing masterworks by artists such as Dali and Picasso. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Basel - Zurich - UK.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Zurich airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)