DAY 1: UK - Amsterdam.
Fly to Amsterdam where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship, MS Avalon Affinity. (D)

DAY 2: Amsterdam.
Holland's sophisticated and historic capital sits on a latticework of gentle, 17th-century canals and is known for its Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh art museums, which display superb collections of paintings by the Dutch masters. Today enjoy a leisurely canal boat cruise around its lovely 'grachten', which are flanked by step-gabled homes built during its 'Golden Age'. There's also plenty of time to explore Amsterdam in your own time, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or enjoying its buzzing restaurants - your cruise director will have suggestions of how to best enjoy your visit. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Gouda - Dordrecht.
Holland is famed for its cheeses, including Gouda - a hard, round cheese that has become synonymous with this picturesque nation. The popular cheese hails from its namesake town which stands at the confluence of the Ijssel and Gouwe Rivers and is renowned for its magnificent St John's Church, with its 70 striking stained glass windows. After an introductory tour of the town, enjoy free time to stroll around its pretty lanes or walk along its canals. This afternoon, your ship cruises through bustling Rotterdam to Dordrecht, where you can join an included excursion to nearby Kinderdijk, home to a wonderful collection of Dutch windmills. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Antwerp.
One of the world's most important ports, Antwerp is the biggest city in Belgian Flanders and was home to Peter Paul Rubens, the 17th century artist. Today, enjoy an intriguing sightseeing tour of this lively city, taking in its wonderful old town, Grote Markt, city hall and impressive Church of our Lady. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Maastricht.
One of Holland's oldest towns, charming Maastricht is the capital of Limburg province and has an unmistakeable character. With over 1,400 historic buildings packed into its traffic-free streets and pretty squares, this university town is filled with Mosan style houses and open-air café terraces that lend it a Mediterranean air. Later, as your ship travels the Maas River, join an optional excursion to Aachen in Germany. Known as the 'City of Charlemagne', this charismatic place was a favoured residence of royalty in the Middle Ages and has a breathtaking cathedral - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Arnhem.
Arnhem became infamous during World War II, when US and British airborne troops tried to capture the town's bridge on the Dutch-German border. The campaign, which was foiled by the Germans and immortalised in the film 'A Bridge Too Far', resulted in terrible losses and its story is told in vivid detail at the moving Arnhem Airborne Museum. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Cologne.
Dating back to Roman times, Cologne is one of Germany's largest cities and renowned for its architectural splendour. The capital of the Rhineland, its river skyline is dwarfed by the soaring twin steeples of its spectacular Gothic cathedral - the largest in northern Europe. Next door is the fascinating Germano-Roman Museum, packed with splendid examples of Cologne's Roman past. After enjoying these landmarks, delve into the city's charismatic old town, maybe relaxing in its pavement cafes, sampling 'Kölsch', the much-loved local beer in a traditional tavern or buying some '4711', the original, lavender-infused 'Eau de Cologne'. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Koblenz - Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim.
Wake to a highlight today as your ship sails the most beautiful part of the Rhine from Koblenz to Rüdesheim. The heart of the Middle Rhine, 2,000-year-old Koblenz marks the junction of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers and boasts the 'Deutsches Eck', a colossal monument to Wilhelm I standing proudly where the rivers meet. From here, cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, passing the majestic Lorelei Rock, which legend says lured sailors to their death by emitting the siren calls of local beauties. Later, arrive in the picturebook Rhine Valley wine town of Rüdesheim, where you can join an excursion to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, showcasing over 350 weird and wonderful mechanised instruments. Afterwards, stroll along Rüdesheim's charming paved Drosselgasse, which is lined with inviting shops and convivial wine taverns. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Cochem.
Today your ship cruises on the picturesque Moselle River, gliding along peaceful bends framed by lush vineyards growing the region's famous Riesling grape. After mooring at the enchanting medieval town of Cochem, visit Reichsburg Castle, a colossal, turreted monolith perched above the town. Completely restored according to its original 11th century floor plan, this stunning edifice typifies everyone's vision of a Rhineland castle and commands breathtaking views over the Moselle valley. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Bernkastel.
The beautifully preserved wine village of Bernkastel sits in the heart of the Moselle region and comprises half-timbered, mullion-windowed houses clustered around a romantic marketplace. The hub of Germany's largest expanse of vineyards, the town is famous for producing the celebrated 'Bernkastel Doktor' - an intense and sweet white wine. This evening, you're invited to visit a local wine cellar to sample some of the region's other famous varieties. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Trier - Remich.
Located where the Moselle enters Germany from France, Trier is Germany's oldest city and was home to six Roman Emperors, as well as being the birthplace of Karl Marx. In fact, many say the town is older than Rome, a claim backed by a house on its marketplace, which bears the inscription 'Trier was standing 1,300 years before Rome'. This morning, view the city's stunning Porta Nigra - its sole surviving fortified Roman gate, which still gives access to the quaint centre. This afternoon, your ship cruises to Remich in Luxembourg. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Remich - Paris.
After breakfast disembark your ship for your journey between Metz and Paris by high-speed TGV train. Transfer to your hotel for two nights. (B)

DAY 13: Paris.
A living, breathing museum, the glamour of the French capital is almost impossible to capture in words. Today, marvel at this elegant city's most famous landmarks on a sightseeing tour around the amazing Eiffel Tower, breathtaking Notre Dame, the graceful Louvre Museum, the imperious Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine and Champs Elysees. Tonight, throw yourself into the city's vibrant nightlife, perhaps taking in an exciting cabaret show. (B)

DAY 14: Paris - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)