RHINE CASTLES & SWISS ALPS (CHRISTMAS)

Amsterdam wears two faces. On one, it beckons youth with its notorious Red Light District and liberal views around marijuana use. On the other, it offers discerning travellers some of Europe's finest museums and art galleries. Its house boats, bicycles, cobbled streets, and quaint canals are a visual treat.

For tourists, Amsterdam's compactness is a plus. The old part of town is a story-book setting of narrow lanes, gabled houses and ancient bridges, and a pleasure to explore on foot. Visitors can shop boutiques for souvenirs such as Delft china or wooden clogs, or relax at cosy bars and pavement cafes.

At night even the most conservative visitors are drawn to the Red Light District's lively atmosphere, where prostitutes stand in shop windows and touts encourage passers-by to view raunchy floorshows. For the most part, travellers will find the best bars in the bustling Leidesplein and Rembrandtplein.

Cologne (Köln) is one of the largest cities in Germany, and a bustling hub of media and business on the Rhine. The dramatic Kölner Dom can be seen from miles away, and a number of other beautiful Gothic and Romanesque churches are dotted around the city. There are also museums dedicated to Roman history, modern and religious art, ethnology, sports and even chocolate.

There are two lovely, massive green lungs in the city containing a number of parks, recreational areas and beer gardens. In warm weather, there's a fun outdoor culture in Cologne and thousands of people gather in these areas for picnics, sports and socialising. The two pedestrian strips of Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse offer great shops, cafes and street music.

Cologne is well known for its Veedel or traditional neighbourhoods. One of the most interesting districts for tourists is the bohemian Agnesviertel neighbourhood where visitors can find local fashion designers, bookshops, bars and art galleries.

Cologne has a vibrant and colourful cultural life, with tourists sampling locally-brewed Kölsch beer and other gastronomic specialties. The city is also known as the gay capital of Germany with a large pride event held every year. The local inhabitants are known to be friendly, sociable and liberal, making Cologne one of the best German cities in which to meet new people and make new friends.

Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum and wine is a crucial part of Rudesheimer culture. The town is surrounded with vineyards and wineries, as well as many local wine bars and seasonal wine taverns. Wine tasting is a must do in Rudesheim and dining out is a great accompaniment. The local cuisine is seasonal and is closely intertwined with the wine growing traditions together with soups such as Zwiebelkuchen, Handkäs mit Musik and Spundekäs. Nordic Walking is popular around town, with five adventure trails around the vicinity, as well as many popular cycling routes. Great views of the town can be found from the water, the cable car to Niederwald Monument and the Monument itself. Old Town has the best examples of the town’s architecture with Eagle Tower, Oberstrasse and Rheinstein Castle some key sites to visit.

The city of Strasbourg is located in the Alsace region of northeastern France. It is the capital and largest city of the Grand Est region, and the official seat of the European Parliament. The city is situated on the Ill River, at the border with Germany. The urban area of Strasbourg extends beyond the administrative city limits, with a population of around 1.5 million people.

The city is known for its picturesque setting, its historic centre, and its many architectural landmarks. The Strasbourg Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most prominent of these. Other notable buildings include the Palais Rohan, the Palais des Droits de l'Homme, and the Ponts Couverts. The city is also home to a number of museums and galleries, as well as a lively nightlife scene.

Strasbourg has a long history, dating back to the Roman era. It was an important city during the Middle Ages, and was the seat of the Holy Roman Empire from 15th to 18th centuries. The city was occupied by the French during the 19th century, and became German again after the Franco-Prussian War. It was returned to France after World War II.

The city is a major political and economic centre, as well as a popular tourist destination. It is home to numerous international organizations, including the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. The economy of Strasbourg is based on a number of sectors, including tourism, trade, and manufacturing.

Strasbourg is a beautiful and historic city with a lot to offer visitors. With its convenient location, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage, it is no wonder that Strasbourg is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France.

One of the largest cities in Switzerland, Basel is a uniquely multicultural destination thanks to its location where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Primarily German-speaking, the city is an important cultural centre in Switzerland and has a number of theatres, concert halls and museums.

One of the most important cultural centres in Basel is the highly regarded Kunstmuseum (Fine Arts Museum), which has a world-class collection of both modern art and old masters. Other excellent art museums include the Schaulager, the Fondation Beyeler, and the Kunsthalle Basel. The animated mechanical works at the Museum Jean Tinguely are also a must-see.

On a beautiful day, visitors can easily spend a pleasant morning strolling around the Old Town area, situated between the Basel Zoo and the Rhine River, where the cobbled streets and Romanesque cathedrals are interspersed with market squares, shops, and cafes. A tour of the beautifully renovated Rathaus (Town Hall) is essential.

While Basel is a lively city, it truly comes to life for three days each year during Basler Fasnacht, its version of Carnival. Costumed parades, concerts, fire shows and other events are on constant rotation, though the festival frowns on excessive drinking and lewd conduct, and is considered very family-friendly.

Situated on the Rhine River, Basel is very nearly a seaport, with large ships coming in from the Black Sea. River cruises are a popular pastime, and Basel is a great starting point for a week-long cruise through Germany and Amsterdam.