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.
The Netherland's elegant capital, Amsterdam exudes charm at every turn. Sitting on a maze of tree-shaded canals, this elegant, 800-year-old city is speckled with flower-filled gardens, magnificent museums and handsome gabled houses dating back to its 'Golden Age'. Get a flavour of the city today with an optional excursion to the world-renowned Rijksmuseum with works by Rembrandt and other Dutch Masters, or take a tour of the famous house where Anne Frank wrote her haunting wartime diary. Your ship leaves for Rotterdam early tonight. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Rotterdam - Dordrecht.
Often called a 'miracle' for rising from the ashes of devastating World War II bombing, modern Rotterdam is now Europe's busiest port and boasts picturesque quaysides and striking contemporary architecture. Enjoy an optional city sightseeing trip this morning, including a boat tour of its huge harbour. Later, cruise to Dordrecht - a picture-perfect town cupped between two branches of the Rhine, whose beauty inspired many 17th and 18th century painters. This afternoon also brings the chance for an optional tour to Kinderdijk - where 19 beautifully-preserved, 18th century windmills comprise Holland's largest concentration of these charming structures. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Middelburg - Ghent.
After an early morning arrival in Middelburg, there's free time to explore this lovely city, originally built to defend its people from the sea. Alternatively, join an optional walking tour, taking in many of Middelburg's best-known sights, including its impressive Unserer Lieben Frauen abbey, double-sided Nieuwe Kerk church and imposing Koorkerk church. Rejoin your ship for the afternoon journey to Ghent, dubbed the 'diamond' of Flanders. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Ghent.
A superbly preserved medieval city, lively and sophisticated Ghent boasts fairytale cobbled streets honeycombed with winding canals. Take time to admire its 900-strong listed buildings, including its fine St Baaf's cathedral. Or why not enjoy an optional excursion to historic Bruges to experience its charming patrician houses and enchanting canals? (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Nijmegen.
This afternoon, arrive in the bustling Dutch settlement of Nijmegen on the River Waal. With a rich history stretching back to Roman times, this old town boasts a wealth of fascinating monuments including its mighty Valkhof, once a stronghold of Charlemagne, and a wonderfully preserved Grote Market. Tonight, your ship sails for Düsseldorf. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Düsseldorf.
Arrive in Düsseldorf early morning, giving you a full day to delve into this vibrant, culture-packed city. Why not make the most of your visit with an optional sightseeing tour, which encompasses all the city's main landmarks from its fashionable Konigsallee shopping area to its atmospheric 'Altstadt' old town? Your tour ends with a trip to the top of the 168-metre-high Rhine Tower where you'll be met by stunning vistas over the city. (B, L, D)

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