Captivating Rhine (Smithsonian Journeys) (Amsterdam to Basel)

Amsterdam, Netherlands. Arrive in Amsterdam and board your beautiful river cruise ship. Gather on board for a festive welcome dinner. (Meals: D)

Amsterdam/Utrecht. Set out to discover Amsterdam’s famous canals on a private cruise. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s concentric canal system was built in the 16th and 17th centuries to create a new, expanded port city. Alternatively, join a guided tour of the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and other masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Later in the day, leave Amsterdam behind and cruise south to Utrecht, an important center of religion and trade during the Middle Ages. Get to know this charming town on a guided walking tour, sample Dutch beers on a tasting tour, or visit the fortress-like Castle de Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands which is located just outside of the city. (Meals: B,L,D)

Düsseldorf or Cologne, Germany. Follow the Rhine into Germany, where your first port of call is Düsseldorf. Explore this cultural hub on a walking tour followed by a tasting of Altbier, a Düsseldorf specialty; or see more of the city on a guided bike ride. Alternatively, travel to nearby Cologne and visit the historic sites of the enchanting Old Town, including a walk past the UNESCO-designated Dom Cathedral, or set out on a walking tour of the town’s many Roman sites and see ancient artifacts at the Belgian House. (Meals: B,L,D)

Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim. Take in stunning vistas of hilltop castles and timeless half-timbered villages as you glide through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim, and enjoy a tasting of wines of the Rheingau, known for its Rieslings. Or soar high above the vineyards on a gondola ride to the Niederwald monument, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Rheingau from an aerial perspective. For a more active adventure, hike through the vineyards around Rüdesheim or take a guided bike tour along the banks of the Rhine. After dinner, pay a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet to encounter a remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or savor one of the town’s delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, a festive cocktail made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (Meals: B,L,D)

Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg or Speyer. Dock in Ludwigshafen and choose from a range of excursions. Journey to Heidelberg, a beautifully preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley. Visit the enormous red sandstone Heidelberg Castle perched above town, and see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon wine cask that dates to the 18th century. Enjoy a wine tasting during your tour. You may instead opt for a guided hike up the Philosopher’s Path to take in panoramic views of the city and its castle. Or head to Speyer to visit the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe or see a fascinating collection that includes vintage cars, a submarine and a space shuttle at the Technik Museum. Alternatively, ride a bike along the River Neckar to the picturesque medieval town of Ladenburg. (Meals: B,L,D)

Strasbourg, France. Poised on the border of France and Germany—and considered part of each at different moments of its history—Strasbourg is a delightful blend of French and German culture. Get acquainted with this UNESCO-designated city through a variety of excursion options. Enjoy a tasting of Alsatian wines and take a walk through “La Petite France,” a storybook district of canals and half-timbered houses. You may instead choose a visit to the seat of the European Parliament (subject to availability) or a guided bike ride. (Meals: B,L,D)

Breisach, Germany. From the port town of Breisach, set out on your choice of excursions to either the French region of Alsace or Germany’s Black Forest region. Step back in time in the enchanting Alsatian town of Colmar, where the historic center has changed little since the 16th century. On a walking tour, admire its colorful, half-timbered houses and tour the home of Auguste Bartholdi, the artist who sculpted the Statue of Liberty. Alternatively, learn about the rich folklore of the Black Forest on a guided hike, or visit the Neuf-Brisach Citadel, a World Heritage-listed fortification considered the masterpiece of French military engineer Vauban. (Meals: B,L,D)

Basel, Switzerland. After breakfast, disembark in Basel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)