Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan - Southbound

You're off for a day's exploring around Lake Como, one of Italy's most beautiful lakes, in the shadow of the snowcapped Alps – a mecca for the well-heeled on holiday since ancient Roman times. A boat cruise shows you more of Lake Como, which the poet William Wordsworth described as "a treasure whom the earth keeps to herself." The forested shoreline is punctuated by small towns with ancient stone bell towers and opulent villas owned by jet-setters and celebrities and is sure to be a highlight as you enjoy lunch onboard the ship. Disembark in the town of Como for free time to explore as you wish and head back to Milan late this afternoon.

Immerse yourself in magnificent Milan on an orientation and walking tour that includes; a visit to Piazza della Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world, Palazzo Marina and an outside visit to the incredible Gothic Cathedral of Milan, il Duomo, the third largest Catholic church in the world. It took 500 years to finish this forest of spires and pinnacles topped by the iconic statue of the golden madonnina. Steps from il Duomo, stroll through the city's premier gathering place, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a.k.a. "the living room of Milan." This massive yet elegant shopping arcade, topped by an airy glass octagonal dome, was built as a symbol of Italian unity in the late 19th century and named after the first king of Italy. Your afternoon is free to explore as you please perhaps visiting Pinacoteca di Brera, a great art collection including works by Raphael, Bellini, Piero della Francesca, and Caravaggio… the fashion district between pedestrianized Via della Spiga, via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, and Corso Venezia… or the Bohemian Navigli neighborhood of canal-side bars, restaurants, and shops.

After breakfast, drive to Lugano, Switzerland, where you'll enjoy some free time to explore. Late afternoon, take the high-speed train to Basel. Have you ever ridden through a mountain? "Great things are done when men and mountain meet," wrote the poet William Blake, and he could have been talking about the Gotthard Base Tunnel, which you'll go through today, zipping through the base of the Alps. At 35 miles long, it's the longest railway tunnel in the world, a major feat of engineering that took 17 years to complete. Because you're heading north, you may enter the tunnel in one kind of weather and exit to find that the weather has completely changed. In Basel, embark your riverboat; attend a Discovery Briefing and enjoy cocktails in the lounge before dining onboard your ship.

Today, explore the Swiss city of Basel with your choice of two immersive excursions. Set out on a guided walking tour highlighting Basel's world-class art and architecture – renowned for striking contemporary works by celebrated international architects and boasting the highest concentration of museums in Switzerland. Your tour concludes with admission to one of the city's premier art museums. Alternatively, opt for a more active walking adventure that takes you deep into Basel's distinctive cultural traditions, complete with a tasting of local specialties along the way. Afterward, return to the ship for lunch or linger ashore to wander the storybook Old Town or stroll Freie Strasse, the city's elegant pedestrian shopping avenue. Return to the ship mid-afternoon, and continue cruising.

Head into the Alsatian wine country for a choice of excursions. On one, drive along the bucolic Alsatian wine route, through countryside where some of the world's best Rieslings are made to the quaint Alsatian village of Colmar with its half-timbered houses, well preserved Old Town and unique gastronomy. Colmar is known for its blending of French and German cuisine. Your other option has you take to the streets and explore Strasbourg on foot followed by lunch and a tasting at one of the local wine cellars. Finally, your last choice is an all-day bicycle excursion that explores Strasbourg, including Strasbourg Old Town and other residential neighborhoods. Get a taste of the town today in either Colmar or Strasbourg with time set aside for lunch on your own. 

Dock in the port town of Mannheim this morning, before heading out from the riverboat to Heidelberg for a guided visit to the splendid ruins of Heidelberg Castle, a sprawling red sandstone compound high above the city, a reminder of 600 years of history. While here, check out the Heidelberg Tun, the biggest wine barrel in the world, learn about centuries of movers and shakers, and the romantic story of the Elisabeth Gate, built in 1615 as a present from Elector Frederic V to his wife Elisabeth Stuart, the daughter of King James I of England. He had the triumphal arch secretly crafted in sections and put up as a whole the night before her birthday to surprise her the next morning. The views of the Neckar River Valley from the castle are unforgettable; your visit is followed an opportunity to explore Old Town Heidelberg. Board the riverboat in Mannheim and spends the afternoon cruising north. You'll have time to enjoy the gym, get a massage… or curl up in a chair on the Sun Deck with a snack and your favorite drink. Arrive in Wiesbaden and disembark for a Tauck Exclusive evening featuring dinner and entertainment at Schloss Biebrich, an 18th-century Baroque palace on the bank of the Rhine in Wiesbaden.

Following a leisurely morning's cruise, arrive after brunch in Nijmegen – the largest city in the Dutch province of Gelderland and the oldest city in the Netherlands as a whole. An overlooked gem, Nijmegen is well known for its blend of ancient ruins, breathtaking medieval architecture, stunning natural beauty and lively atmosphere. Walk off the riverboat into town for your choice of excursions. Choices include; a guided walk of Nijmegen, a visit and guided tour of the Vrijheidsmuseum (Freedom Museum), detailing the liberation of the Netherlands at the end of World War II or a visit to the village of Appeltern, highlighted with a stop at its pumping station. Built between 1918 and 1919, this was one of the last steam pumpking stations. It was eventually decomissioned in 1969 and replaced with a Diesel-powered pumping station. Next, enjoy a visit to the Appeltern Gardens, an ideal choice for garden lovers. Back aboard the ship this evening, enjoy a reception, the Chef's Signature Dinner, and a party hosted by the crew as your riverboat charts a course for the Netherlands.

Tour ends: Amsterdam. Disembark by 9:00 AM. Fly home anytime; a transfer from your riverboat to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport or Centraal Train Station is included. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport. For additional nights in Amsterdam, ask at booking.