Begin your adventure in vibrant Amsterdam, enjoying her legendary canals and colorful surroundings. Board your premium river cruise and enjoy excursions en route as you travel from Amsterdam to Basel. Visit the majestic Cologne Cathedral, the historic university town of Heidelberg, the medieval charming town of Strasbourg, and an excursion to the legendary Black Forest region. Mix your share excursions to have some shared and some private tours throughout your adventure. Conclude your journey in the midst of Switzerland’s stunning scenery and world-famous cities, enjoying lake- side excursions and Alpine vistas. With a mix of private and shared tours and all meals on board your cruise included, you can relax in the knowledge that everything has been taken care of and all you have to do is simply enjoy!

Please note: The following departures have slight modifications to the itinerary; Nov.4, Nov.18,
Please speak with your Sales Advisor for more info. Some Itineraries are already sold out!

Reverse departure dates for 2011 (Zurich - Amsterdam):
April 17, May 10, June 12, July 12,July 26, Aug. 7, Oct. 2, Oct.4, Nov. 7 (this departure has slight modifications to the itinerary), Nov. 21, Dec.5, Dec.19.

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, and the epicentre of the country's finance and culture. Amsterdam's attractions, including its historic canals, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and its red-light district, draw 4.2 million tourists annually. This city fans out south from the Amsterdam Central railway station, which is serviced regularly from the airport. Amsterdam's rich architectural legacies make a stroll through the downtown, or a canal tour, a memorable experience. It is a city of bicycles, families, tidy streets and courteous manners. Quite opposite to the reputation, it's the peace and tranquility that lingers in your memory after departing this city.

Avail of a transfer from the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking Driver. Transfer includes 1 piece of luggage per person plus hand luggage. Please let us know in advance if you expect to have further pieces of luggage.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be presented to you by your driver upon arrival. Alternative arrangements will be made if you do not have a private transfer at the start of your itinerary.

A great way to see the city and experience it in local fashion is to rent a bike for a day or even a few hours. Amsterdam is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world and bicycles have sometimes more space on the road than their fellow pavement users. Expect to pay EUR12 per day for a bike rental. For bike hire contact:MacBike, Mr Visserplein 2 or Weteringschans 2. Tel: +31 (0)20-620-0985 or Rent-a-Bike, Damstraat 20-22. Tel: +31 (0)20-625-5029. From the picturesque Jordaan district where streets are named after flowers to the artistic Westerpark where open-air concerts, theatre and exhibitions take place, Amsterdam abounds with walking opportunities that combine well with cultural heritage.  Amsterdam's infamous Red Light District is in the very centre of the city, concentrated on two canals (Oudezijds Voorburgwal and Oudezijds Achterburgwal) and the interconnecting streets. It is definitely an eye-opener, the working girls sit or stand in windows beckoning at passers-by.

The I amsterdam Card consists of a chip card, a public transport ticket and a full colour I amsterdam Card Guide. With the chip card one can visit free of charge the numerous museums which participate in the Card. A discount of 25% on attractions & restaurants is also included.

A great way to get around the city of Amsterdam and to see its many sites is with a 24-, 48-, 72- or 96-hours GVB transport ticket which gives you unlimited travel throughout Amsterdam day and night by bus, tram and metro. Stamp your ticket once at the start of your first journey and you are set for the duration of the validation of your ticket.

Enjoy dinner at leisure. There are lots of good places to choose from - Here are some suggestions: De Kas, Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, Tel: (0)20-462-4562. An old greenhouse converted into a beautiful dining room. You can be sat at the chef’s table, under the 8-metre high glass conservatory or if the weather permits on the patio, it is an absolute delight to experience some of the greatest cuisine in Amsterdam. The daily harvest defines the menu. 11 Oosterdokskade 3-5 Tel: (0)20-625-5999. Not to be missed, 11 mixes with perfection great quality food, brilliant atmosphere and a unique location. Although the entrance could put some people off, it is worth going to the 11th floor of the Post CS building and admire the view over the city. EUR29.50 for a 3-course dinner.

Set in a quiet residential neighbourhood 50 metres from Oosterpark in south Amsterdam, the Arena Hotel (4*) is a casual, contemporary property and is just 500 metres from Artis Zoo. The hotel's 127 minimalist-style guestrooms feature oak floors and Dutch design furnishings; in-room amenities include direct-dial telephones and satellite TV. Guests can dance to grooves by international DJs with locals and visitors in a two-dance-floor club on Fridays and Saturdays, and socialize in the restaurant-bar.

Overnight at Arena (4*).

Get ready for a day exploring the hinterlands of Amsterdam in the company of a private driver. The first stop is at a cheese farm where you will see how the famous Edam and Gouda cheeses are made in a traditional way. You can taste (and purchase if you like) a variety of cheeses in the gift shop.

Next on the agenda for the day is a visit of the fishing village Volendam. Take a walk along the old harbor, passing green wooden houses, souvenir shops and eel smokers. Traditional costumes are still worn by many locals which add to the sense of "Holland of times gone by" present here. For those of you that are interested, there is also the opportunity to dress up and have your picture taken in a traditional costume!

From Volendam, continue on to the island of Marken - which in fact is a peninsula, as a dike connects the island with the main land since 1957. The picturesque harbor, the small wooden houses - some of them built on stilts - and the narrow streets makes it a worthwhile visit.  It is possible to visit one of the traditional, small houses inside if interested.

The last stop today will be at Zaanse Schans, which has one of the top tourist destinations in the Netherlands. This delightful old hamlet is located on the banks of the river Zaan and is made up of characteristic green wooden houses, charming stylized gardens, small hump-backed bridges, tradesmen's workshops, historic windmills and charming little shops. This enchanting hamlet gives an excellent impression of how a typical Zaanse village must have looked like in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Apart from the cluster of windmills and houses there are also several museums, restaurants and a visitors' centre to be found. There is the option to take a boat trip on the river Zaan if this is of interest (not included).

At days end, you will be transfered back to your accommodation. (Please note that a guide service is not included in this tour. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like this to be added to your itinerary).

Avail of a private port transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking Driver. Transfer includes 1 piece of luggage per person plus hand luggage. Please let us know in advance if you expect to have more luggage.

Tonight, meet your fellow passengers onboard your river cruise and enjoy a welcome dinner.

The 360 ft Amalyra, Amalegro and Amaldoce sister ships carry 148 - 150 guests, 75 staterooms and a crew of 41 crew. All cabins offer outside accommodations, with French balconies on the Violin & Cello decks, have Hotel-style deluxe bedding, down pillows and duvet, a Cozy sitting area perfect for admiring scenic river views, with spacious, marble-appointed bathrooms with multi-jet showerheadsPremium, European toiletries, plush terry robes and slippers. Flat screen TV, In-room “Infotainment” system providing movies and free Internet access, Individually controlled air-conditioning and direct dial telephones are also features of the statecabins. Gourmet cuisine is served on board, including daily champagne breakfast buffet; multi-course lunch and an extensive dinner menu with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served at dinner. Public areas include a panoramic forward lounge with bar, piano and dance floor, Fitness center, Beauty salon and Masseuse, Walking track and whirlpool.

Overnight at Premium River Cruise (Rhine Amsterdam - Zurich).

All port charges are included.

After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive morning cruise through the historic canals of Amsterdam. Admire beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches and 16th-century merchant houses as you make your way through the canal. Then enjoy a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill, followed by free time in the city.

Then take a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill, followed by free time in the city.

Enjoy an afternoon information briefing as you cruise towards Germany.

Tonight you'll be a guest at the Captain's Gala Dinner.

Enjoy your evening on board.

Overnight at Premium River Cruise (Rhine Amsterdam - Zurich) D3.

Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle and surrounded by four low mountain ranges is the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz. The city has an abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings, as well as cozy lanes and narrow alleyways, squares and river promenades.

Arrive in Cologne for a guided morning walking tour through the old part of the city and a visit to the fabled 13th-century Gothic cathedral. The city of Cologne is surprisingly one of the most visited cities in Europe. For those in the know, Cologne is at once a Romanesque city of great historical beauty, a modern vibrant metropolis and a European centre for Modern Art. One of the largest Gothic structures in existence, the majestic Dom, the city's overseer and talisman that took over 600 years to complete. The city also houses some of the most splendid Romanesque churches anywhere. Much thought was given to the large parts of the city which were rebuilt following World War Two Cologne, resulting in spacious areas full of squares and marketplaces, and well served with greenery on its periphery.

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board and relax as you continue the journey on the river to the 2,000-year old city of Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers.

Take an after dinner walk through the charming town of Koblenz.

Enjoy a peaceful night onboard.

Overnight at Premium River Cruise (Rhine Amsterdam - Zurich) .

Rudesheim is a winemaking town in the Rhine Gorge a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The town belongs to the Frankfurt Rhine Main Region and is Germany’s biggest tourist attraction. Only Cologne Cathedral draws more tourists from other countries. Making the town worth visiting is, not only the excellent wine – the Rüdesheimer Berg is among Germany’s best winegrowing areas – or even the Old Town itself, but also the picturesque Rheingau landscape together with the romantic Rhine.

Today, you can choose to visit the Koblenz Flower Show. This special event taking place through October features 120 acres of magnificent floral displays, exhibitions and events. Exhibit grounds include the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Frotress, which you will visit. Alternatively, you can remain on board to sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock.

After lunch, arrive in Ruedesheim where you will enjoy an afternoon wine tasting with a local vintner. You may like to explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time.

Sleep tight!

Overnight at Premium River Cruise (Rhine Amsterdam - Zurich) .

The home of the oldest university in Germany Heidelberg has been a refined centre of culture and learning for six hundred years. Today little has changed. Apart from the castle overseeing the city which was destroyed during the Second World War, Heidelberg's beautiful medieval and renaissance architecture has largely survived intact. Wealthy, worldly and wise, Heidelberg is Europe at its most cultured.

This morning, arrive in one of Germany’s oldest cities, Worms, renowned for its great historical and cultural significance. Surrounded by lush vineyards, Worms is noteworthy for its location described in the ancient Nibelungenlied (The Song of the Nibelungs), an epic poem from the middle Ages. The city is also known for its many excellent examples of Romanesque architecture, including the majestic 12th-century St. Peter’s Cathedral. During your tour, visit the impressive monument to Martin Luther and other leaders of the Reformation along the “Luther Trail.” You will also see the 11th-century “Heiliger Sand,” one of the largest and oldest Jewish cemeteries in Europe with some tombstones dating back nearly a millennium.

After lunch, disembark for your excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, as well as the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below.

Enjoy a peaceful night onboard.

Overnight at Premium River Cruise (Rhine Amsterdam - Zurich) .

Strasbourg is a world heritage UNESCO site, located close to the border with Germany, and provides the perfect base to explore the surrounding Alsace wine region. The city exudes charm, and has a rich and fascinating story to tell. Having been in German hands for some eight centuries, there is still a strong influence on everyday culture, ever-present in the local Alsace dialect, medieval architecture, hearty cuisine and colourful place names. The heart of the old city lies within the arms of the River Ill, forming a small island. It’s magnificent Gothic cathedral, around which the city has grown, dominates the centre and should be the first stop for visitors to the city. The medieval past is most strongly felt along the winding cobbled streets of the "Petite France" area, where tanners and weavers once resided.

Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. Enjoy a canal cruise, revealing the picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watch towers. Take a tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobbled streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Take a guided bicycle tour (capacity controlled) or stroll through Strasbourg’s historic city center, the “Grande Île” (“Grand Island”), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or sample the local cuisine and wine that merges the best of French and German influences. A shuttle bus will run from the ship to the town during the afternoon.

Spend your last night aboard.

Overnight at Premium River Cruise (Rhine Amsterdam - Zurich) .

Basel is Switzerland's third most populous city (166,209) inhabitants. With 731,000 inhabitants in the tri-national metropolitan area (as of 2004), Basel is Switzerland's third-largest urban area. Located in northwest Switzerland on the river Rhine, Basel functions as a major industrial centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The city borders both Germany and France.

Today, choose between a city tour of Colmar and a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the city tour of medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine”, you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses; the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns; canals and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine cellar visit and wine tasting. Alternatively, on the Black Forest tour, you can enjoy your drive through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Your tour will include a stop at a cuckoo clock factory.

Enjoy a peaceful night onboard.

Overnight at Premium River Cruise (Rhine Amsterdam - Zurich) .

Disembark after breakfast for a city tour of tour of cosmopolitan Basel. Switzerland’s second largest city is ideally located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th century patrician homes.

Enjoy a transfer from Basel to Zurich by private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).