Glacier Express & Rhine Cruise

Travel on the Eurostar service to Amsterdam This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail before a delicious first meal.

On Day 2  we have a choice of two excursions, the first of which is a city tour of Amsterdam. From idyllic canals and large parks to contemporary art galleries and futuristic architecture, this is a city that boasts something for everyone. The second option is an excursion to Hoorn where we board the splendid Medemblik Steam Train and enjoy a nostalgic trip through splendid scenery.

• Day 1 - Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we arrive into Cologne, we venture forth into this vibrant German city on a walking tour. We see the resplendent cathedral, a centuries-old building which survived 14 aerial hits during bombing carried out in World War Two. Tonight we enjoy a gala dinner with the captain.

On Day 4 we depart for Koblenz this morning and discover the marvellous Upper Rhine, a stretch of river characterised by lush green meadows and postcard villages. In the afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn railway. This rack railway rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany.

In the evening, we indulge with a traditional gourmet dinner which features and discover the marvellous Upper Rhine, a stretch of river characterised by lush green meadows and postcard villages. In the afternoon, we dock in Koenigswinter, where we embark on a journey on the Drachensfelbahn railway. This rack railway rises into the mountains and high into the forests for wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. In the evening, we indulge with a traditional gourmet dinner which features

• Day 3 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 4 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After free time to explore Koblenz this morning, we sail to the classic German town of Rüdesheim am Rhein, known for its formidable wine production, especially of the dry Riesling variety. Perhaps walk along the river during your free time here this morning, before our ship departs for Koblenz. This afternoon includes one of the highlights of the tour as we pass through the glorious Rhine Gorge, one of the most beautiful sections of the river and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sheer banks rise up, towering over the river below, covered in deep forests and miles of green vineyards, lending an almost ethereal feel to the waterway.

We enjoy commentary from our knowledgeable Cruise Director during this passage. Our lunch today sees us tuck into a wonderful themed buffet with several dishes from this part of the world making up the delicious offerings. Weather permitting, we'll enjoy our lunch on the sun deck as we take in the majesty of the glorious Rhine Gorge. We sail this evening into the enchanting city of Koblenz. We sail this evening to Speyer.

We arrive into Speyer on Day 6, where you have free time to explore. This town is home to one of the largest privately owned collections of vehicles in the world, the Technik Museum Speyer. Later in the afternoon, we have an excursion to the delightful town of Heidelberg where we are treated to a guided tour.

• Day 5 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 6 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sail into the charming German town of Kehl today. You have two choices here. Your first option is a city tour of Strasbourg, uncovering its charm and history. Your second alternative sees you travel along the Schwarzwaldhochstraße into the famous Black Forest of Germany, passing through fairytale panoramas with free time in the spa town of Baden-Baden.

On Day 8, we disembark the ship in Basel and transfer by rail to Zermatt. On arrival in Zermatt we make our way to the 4-Star Park Hotel Beau.

• Day 7 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 8 - Breakfast

Enjoy another mountain railway journey today, venturing forth on the Gornegrat Mountain Railway. This cog rail trip covers 4819 feet in its ascent of the Gornegrat, arriving at the summit where you can soak up the magical views of the surrounding mountains, including the imposing, indomitable Matterhorn.

Return later to Zermatt for a guided tour that includes the highlights of this pedestrianised town

• Breakfast

Today, board the magnificent Glacier Express for a spectacular journey that offers unparalleled views of the most awe-inspiring mountain ranges in the world.

Enjoy the views as the train spirals up the mountains, crossing enormous viaducts, burrowing through tunnels and rising above the clouds on its way to Chur. On arrival in Chur we make our way to the hotel, the Romantik Hotel Stern.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we make our way by rail to Paris where we catch the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras.

• Breakfast