2 May to 4 May

Belgium: Bruges

The beautifully preserved old town of Bruges is a maze of winding cobbled lanes, narrow canals and gorgeous gabled houses, and it’s no wonder so many visitors throng the streets in summer. Make sure you sample the many sybaritic pleasures on offer, including dangerously drinkable Trappist beer and delectable Belgian chocolate.

4 May

Netherlands: Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of our very favourite cities to visit, and comes alive with vibrant spring colours during tulip season. There is a wealth of famous museums and galleries to choose from, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.

5 May

Netherlands: Dordrecht

Dordrecht was first granted a town charter in the 13th century, and its importance as a merchant city is reflected in the delightful historic architecture of the old harbour. Just outside the city is the watery expanse of Biesbosch National Park, a freshwater delta criss-crossed by walking trails and cycle paths.

6 May

Netherlands: Veere

7 May

Belgium: Antwerp

Antwerp is a city bound up with the arts, once home to the likes of Rubens and Van Dyck, and more recently carving out a reputation as the fashion capital of Belgium. It’s also a magnet for shopaholics, with designer boutiques and jewellers galore.

8 May

Netherlands: Nijmegen

Nijmegen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and was the site of a Roman military camp in the 1st century BC. Nowadays it’s a bustling city with a charming medieval centre, home to Holland’s oldest shopping street and the fascinating Freedom Museum, which documents the Dutch experience during the Second World War.

9 May

Germany: Düsseldorf

Dynamic Düsseldorf, known for its diverse cultural scene, is a lovely place to spend a day exploring. Discover its lively and historic Aldstadt - old town - with its numerous beer halls (known as the 'longest bar in the world') or stroll along the elegant Königsallee for shopping and riverside views. For culture, there are numerous art galleries, museums, the Opera House, or the Heinrich Heine Institute.

10 May - Scenic river cruise

11 May

Germany: Cochem

One of the prettiest towns in the Moselle valley, Cochem is a popular stop for river cruise ships. With an old town full of half-timbered houses and a castle perched on a hill it’s a quintessentially German scene, and the riverside promenade is lovely during the sunny summer months.

12 May

Germany: Bernkastel

The pretty town of Bernkastel lies in the heart of the Moselle wine region, and is known for its excellent dry whites based on the Riesling grape. The picturesque half-timbered houses of the old town date back to the Middle Ages, and there are plenty of wine taverns where you can enjoy a glass or two.

13 May

Germany: Koblenz

Koblenz was founded by the Romans, who valued the city’s strategically important location where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Rebuilt from the rubble of the Second World War, modern Koblenz has a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, and serves as a gateway to the Romantic Rhine.

14 May

Germany: Rüdesheim

The pretty little town of Rüdesheim, situated on a bend in the Rhine surrounded by vineyards, is a popular destination for travellers looking for a slice of quintessentially German village life. The Drosselgasse, a narrow cobbled lane flanked by old timber frame buildings, is particularly atmospheric.

15 May

Germany: Mannheim

Situated near the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, Mannheim is an important industrial centre with a lively cultural scene. It’s also conveniently located for exploring the pretty town of Heidelberg and the wine growing region around Nierstein.

16 May

France: Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital of France’s Alsace region, right next to the border with Germany, and there is a tangible Germanic influence that sets the city a little apart from the rest of France. Highlights include the beautiful Gothic cathedral, the old town’s fairytale half-timbered houses, and the pictureque canals of the Petite France district.

17 May

Germany: Breisach

Breisach is a small town on the western fringe of the Black Forest, separated from the French region of Alsace by a bend in the river Rhine. This proximity to France is reflected in a vibrant food and wine scene, and architectural highlights include the hilltop St Stephen's cathedral.

18 May

Switzerland: Basel

Basel lies where Switzerland, France and Germany meet, a sophisticated and multicultural city with a picturesque setting astride the river Rhine. The medieval Old Town is exceptionally well preserved, best appreciated from the summit of the hilltop cathedral, which offers incredible views across the city.

18 May to 20 May

Switzerland: Lausanne

20 May to 22 May

Switzerland: Interlaken

22 May to 24 May

Switzerland: Zermatt

24 May to 26 May

Switzerland: Lugano

27 May - Scenic river cruise

28 May to 30 May

Arriving in Zurich