The Rhine and Moselle with Zürich and Lucerne

Be met on arrival in Zürich and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and tour director for a Welcome Reception at the hotel.

As Switzerland's largest city, Zürich blends natural beauty with sophisticated style and a rich history. Stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most exclusive shopping streets, lined with high-end boutiques and luxury brands. Admire the Gothic splendour of the Grossmünster, believed to stand on the graves of the city's patron saints, Felix and Regula.

Your local guide then leads you to the charming Limmatquai, a picturesque boulevard tracing the Limmat River from the historic Old Town to elegant boutiques, inviting cafes and chocolatiers near the tranquil shores of Lake Zürich. This evening, come together for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, travel to Lucerne, beautifully set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. On a guided tour, see the poignant Lion Monument, commemorating the Swiss Guards who fell during the French Revolution, and stroll across the Chapel Bridge with its distinctive octagonal Water Tower. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace.

Enhance Your Journey - Swiss Folklore Evening Enjoy an optional traditional dinner and lively entertainment at a Swiss folklore restaurant.

Enjoy a special Insider Experience today, taking in the beauty and culture of your surroundings via rail. Later, savour dinner at a charming local restaurant.

Insider Experience - Mount Pilatus Travel to the peak of Mount Pilatus along the world's steepest cog-wheel railway, enjoying views of rolling hills, rocky mountain ledges and snow-tipped peaks.

Continue to Basel to board your river ship. Tonight, after enjoying some time to relax and settle in, enjoy a Captain's Welcome Reception onboard. You will have the opportunity to get to know your fellow guests and meet your crew.

Disembark in Breisach and journey into the Black Forest. Travel by coach through mountains blanketed in pine and birch to the picturesque village of Triberg.

Insider Experience - Black Forest Museum and Tasting Visit the Black Forest Open-Air Museum, where historic farmhouses, workshops and barns relocated from across the region reveal how local communities once lived and worked, from wood-carving and clock-making to traditional cooking. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of the region's famed Black Forest cake, layered with cherries, cream and Kirsch.

Arrive in Strasbourg, the charming Alsatian city that sits on the border of France and Germany. Fairytale houses line cobblestone streets and canals, while Strasbourg Cathedral rises above the World Heritage-listed city centre.

Insider Experience - Old Town Guided Tour and Food Tasting Set out on a guided walk through the Old Town, discovering its medieval architecture, including the famous cathedral. Along the way, sample regional specialties, such as local cheeses and traditional sweets.

Continue your cruise through the Rhine Gorge, one of the most enchanting highlights of the journey. Widely regarded as the river's most scenic stretch, it reveals steep vineyard-clad slopes crowned by ancient castles. Your ship then docks in Rüdesheim, a picturesque wine town along the gorge. Board the Winzerexpress mini road train for a relaxed ride to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to an impressive collection of automated musical instruments.

Relax and take in the scenery as you cruise along one of the Moselle River's most picturesque stretches. In Cochem, set out on a walking tour through narrow lanes lined with half-timbered houses. High above the town, Cochem Castle, perched on a hilltop and seemingly lifted from the pages of a fairy tale.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne's famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

Insider Experience - Augustusburg Palace in Germany Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of rococo architecture from 18th century Germany.

With historic houses lining its banks and low bridges arching overhead, Amsterdam's network of 17th-century canals has earned it the nickname ‘Venice of the North'. Today, board a glass-top boat and glide past the city's waterside landmarks with a local guide. Back on land, enjoy free time to explore this cosmopolitan city at your own pace, wandering its charming streets and canal-side neighbourhoods.

After breakfast, disembark and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.