DAY 1 : UK - Amsterdam
Fly to Amsterdam where you will be met and transferred to your ship for embarkation. Later, perhaps join an optional riverboat tour of old Amsterdam before rejoining your ship and cruising overnight to Kinderdijk. Includes Dinner.

DAY 2 : Kinderdijk - Nijmegen
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk boasts the world's largest concentration of windmills, all dating back to the 18th century. Today, why not join the optional excursion to see these fascinating wooden structures and learn how they helped to control flooding of the surrounding lowlands? Later, rejoin your ship before cruising to Nijmegen. Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3 : Nijmegen - Cologne
With a past stretching back to Roman times, Nijmegen is the Netherlands' oldest town and offers narrow streets and gabled mansions set around a charming main square. This morning, explore at leisure or perhaps join the optional excursion to the Kröller-Müller art museum. Set in the beautiful Hoge Veluwe National Park, this superb gallery hosts a stellar collection of 19th and 20th century works by Van Gogh, Seurat and Picasso. After lunch, sail towards Cologne, relaxing on deck and enjoying views of medieval riverside towns on the way. Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4 : Cologne - Koblenz
2,000-year old Cologne is Germany's fourth largest city and is famed for its spectacular, twin-spired Dom, an incredible Gothic cathedral that dominates its skyline. Today, you may wish to take the optional guided tour of this vibrant city, which is the capital of the Rhine region. Marvel at the filigree stonework of the Dom, stroll through the quaint old town to see the Town Hall and Jewish Quarter or sample a cold glass of 'Kölsch' in a traditional beer cellar. This afternoon, rejoin your ship and set sail for Koblenz. Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 5 : Koblenz - Rüdesheim - Boppard
Today, enjoy views of picturebook castles, medieval villages and terraced vineyards as your ship glides towards Rüdesheim along the Rhine Valley - a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. Have your camera ready as you pass the Lorelei Rock, which legend says is home to a siren who's sweet song has drawn many sailors to their doom. After docking at Rüdesheim, the afternoon is yours to discover this half-timbered, old-world town and its famous Drosselgasse or join the optional excursion to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum to see its collections of quirky instruments and sample some local wines. Next, your cruise continues to Boppard. Once one of the most important settlements on the Rhine, this historic town bears many reminders of its imperial past so is well worth exploring on an optional visit after dinner. Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 6 : Boppard - Düsseldorf
Enjoy the beautiful scenery this morning as you sail to Düsseldorf. This sophisticated metropolis combines a delightful old quarter with avant-garde architecture, gleaming skyscrapers and designer shops. Explore at your own pace this afternoon or choose an optional walking tour to see its cobbled 'Altstadt' old town and chic Königsallee shopping avenue. Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 7 : Düsseldorf - Amsterdam
Cruise to Amsterdam today and perhaps join the afternoon optional city tour to get a closer look at the 'Venice of the North'. Admire its impressive network of canals, bridges and merchant houses with much of the architectural masterpieces dating from the 17th century. Tonight, enjoy a goodbye gala dinner and entertainment on board. Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 8 : Amsterdam - UK
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your return to the UK, or extend your stay in Amsterdam. Includes Breakfast.

Cruise the Rhine river on board the MS Gerard Schmitter, a great ship that's ideal for a relaxing, and rewarding, river cruise through some of Europe's most picturesque destinations. While cruising you'll have some excellent facilities to keep you entertained, including a lounge-bar with a dance floor, bar, dining room and more. To help you truly take in the stunning sights you'll pass there's a large sundeck with deckhairs, as well as a terrace and French balconies - this ship is all about letting you relax and enjoy the scenery!

Equipped with modern navigational technologies and fully air-conditioned throughout, MS Gerard Schmitter accommodates 176 passengers in 88 well-appointed cabins, and offers a tranquil atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy the picturesque panoramas of the Rhine.

Enjoy a stay in one of three staterooms, each equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio, safe.