Basel, Switzerland - Your journey begins in Basel, the third-largest city in Switzerland. After embarking you can explore your AMADEUS ship and meet the cruise director on board at a Welcome Cocktail. Your floating hotel departs for Strasbourg shortly before the Welcome Dinner on board.

Breisach, Germany - Breisach am Rhein is a Rhine River cruise port and city in Germany's Baden-Wurttemberg state with population around 17,000. Breisach is located halfway between Colmar and Freiburg im Breisgau and approx 60 km (37 mi) north of Basel, close to Kaiserstuhl (Emperor’s Chair hills). A bridge over Rhine connects to Neuf-Brisach (Alsace France).

On bus excursions from Breisach, cruise tourists may also visit Schonau im Schwarzwald (Lorrach district) in the Black Forest. Schonau is approx 35 km (22 mi) northeast of Basel and approx 23 km (14 mi) south of Freiburg im Breisgau.

The name of Breisach is Celtic and is translated as "breakwater". In the 16th century, the town became a stronghold of the Holy Roman Empire (800-1806 AD). In the 17th-18th-centuries the town was part of France, the Holy Roman Empire and Vorderosterreich/Outer Austria (1278-1805/Territory of the Habsburg Monarchy and the Austrian Empire), until 1805 when was annexed to Grossherzogtum Baden/Grand Duchy of Baden (1806-1918).

Strasbourg, France - When cruising to Strasbourg, Alsace, France expect to leave in the holiday spirit, if you weren't already in one! This enchanting city has gift bazaars, concerts, beautiful lights, marketplaces and wonderful mulled wine during its holiday season. Be ready to explore the largest Christmas Market in Europe on your cruise to Strasbourg, France. Aside from the holiday season, Strasbourg is a great city to explore all year round. Cobble stoned streets line your way to discover ancient houses, rustic Alsatian dishes and exciting art museums. The scenic history of small houses, old buildings and much more can be viewed all about the city. Strasbourg also is known for its beer and is one of the locals’ favorite; sampling local brands and flavors is something that can be done all over the city.

Ludwigshafen, Germany - This beautiful city is a young one, unlike many of the Medieval and old Roman cities along the Rhine, as it wasn’t officially established until the late 18th century. When the French occupied this Rheinschanze region—Ludwigshafen and numerous surrounding cities—they became a crucial trading port which lead to substantial infrastructure finally being built in the former swampland by the middle of the 19th century, and the city now sports a modern appeal to travelers.

• For a very modern shopping center, head to the Rhein-Galerie. Besides its many shops, it includes restaurants with cuisines from around the world, and in the winter it has a Christmas market with a DJ and games for the children.
• Kitzinett is a rare but interesting cat museum with as many actual cats on the premises as there are exhibits. Guests are also welcomed to spend the night in the attached inn.
• Enjoy a relaxing stroll or jog through Ebertpark, a grand green oasis in the middle of the bustling metropolis. Ponds and fountains are spread throughout, adding to its beauty.

Rudesheim, Germany - The dramatic valleys and hills of Rudesheim create the perfect landscape for winegrowing activities in the Rhine Gorge and contribute to the influx of tourists travelling far and wide to experience the easy-going life this quaint German village has to offer. The stunning scenery on the summit of a small mountain in the heart of the village, accessible through popular gondola rides gives the best panoramic view of the town in all directions. Over 80 percent of wines produced in the area come from Riesling grapes, an aromatic grape variety used in making sparkling white wine. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has definitely earned its reputation for being a lively tourist magnet with its world-famous Drosselgasse, a 144 meter-long pedestrian street featuring beautifully decorated restaurants, live band entertainment and 24-hour dance music in many wine taverns.

Cologne, Germany - Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten; or visit a local tavern to taste Kölsch beer and reibekuchen mit apfelmus—potato pancakes served with applesauce.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Here in Amsterdam, you can decide whether the real masterpieces are the gabled houses that flank graceful canals, or the van Goghs, Rembrandts and Vermeers that cover the walls of the city's grand museums.