30 July

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.

31 July

Netherlands: Bruinisse

1 August

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.

2 August

Netherlands: Arnhem

In September 1944 the Allies launched Operation Market Garden, a huge airborne assault designed to establish a bridgehead on the river Rhine. The operation went disastrously wrong at Arnhem, as immortalised in the 1977 film ‘A Bridge Too Far’, and your visit offers the chance to learn more about this infamous battle.

3 August

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.

4 August - Scenic river cruise

5 August

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.

6 August

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.

7 August

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.

8 August

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.

9 August

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.

10 August

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.

11 August

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.

12 August

Switzerland: Zurich

12 August to 13 August

France: Lyon

Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is one of France’s most appealing cities. Its reputation for gastronomic excellence is well deserved, with hundred of wonderful restaurants, and the UNESCO listed historic centre boasts a marvellous ensemble of Renaissance-era buildings.

13 August

France: Mâcon

The little town of Mâcon lies on the west bank of the Saône, at the southern edge of Burgundy, and it’s a great base for sampling the region’s famous wines. A popular excursion is a trip to nearby Beaune, home to the magnificent medieval Hospices de Beaune and its prestigious wine estate.

14 August

France: Vienne

Vienne was an important trading centre during Roman times, and spectacular remnants of this era survive, including a remarkably well preserved temple and a hillside amphitheatre with marvellous views across the red-tiled rooftops. The city also hosts a renowned jazz festival during July, featuring some of the world’s most talented musicians.

15 August

France: Tournon-sur-Rhône

The twin villages of Tournon-sur-Rhône and Tain l’Hermitage sit on opposite banks of the Rhône, around 50 miles south of Lyon. Visit Tournon’s hilltop castle and charming old town, then sample some of Tain l’Hermitage’s excellent wines and the famous Valrhona chocolate.

16 August to 17 August

France: Avignon

The former papal stronghold of Avignon cuts a dramatic figure, perched above the Rhône and ensconced behind towering walls. The Palais des Papes was home to a succession of 14th century pontiffs, and still looms large over Avignon’s atmospheric old town.

18 August

France: Arles

The charming little town of Arles sits at the head of the Rhône delta, on the northern fringe of the sprawling marshlands of the Camargue. It’s a town with a long history, as evidenced by an impressive array of Roman ruins, and it's a great place to sample the essence of Provençal culture.

19 August

France: Viviers

The little town of Viviers, on the right bank of the Rhône, is a delightful place to explore on foot, with its narrow, cobbled medieval streets and elegant cathedral. A lot of history is packed into a small space, including Roman remains and the Renaissance era Maison des Chevaliers.

20 August to 22 August

Arriving in Lyon

Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is one of France’s most appealing cities. Its reputation for gastronomic excellence is well deserved, with hundred of wonderful restaurants, and the UNESCO listed historic centre boasts a marvellous ensemble of Renaissance-era buildings.