Night 1: Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel Amsterdam, Netherlands Its enviable location between Central Station and Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam makes the five-star Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel the perfect choice for a stay in this lovely canal-laced city. Comfortable guest rooms welcome you with air conditioning and individual climate control, down comforter, custom duvet and cotton-rich linens, cable and satellite color TV, mini-bar, iron and ironing board, in-room safe, hair dryer and bathrobes. “Brown cafés” are Amsterdam’s equivalent of London’s pubs and the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel has its own – The Koepelcafé – that serves local specialties. Perhaps the hotel’s most notable feature is the Koepelkerk, the adjacent 17th-century former church that is now its domed conference center.
Night 2 – 8: Aboard MS Swiss Emerald or MS Swiss Sapphire Cruising Europe's inland waterways exclusively for Tauck, the sister ships MS Swiss Emerald (launched in 2006) and MS Swiss Sapphire (launched in 2008) represent the epitome of luxurious river cruising. In addition to their spacious, well-appointed cabins, both ships offer 14 beautiful 300-square-foot suites -- equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble baths, flat-screen televisions and walk-in closets -- as well as 7 junior suites, adding up to four times more suites then most other European riverboats. The cabins, which range from 150 to 183 sq. ft., provide plush accommodations with plasma TV, terry bathrobes, fine L'Occitane toiletries, large windows and much more. Crews of 29 attentively serve just 118 guests. The Restaurant offers both an elegant dining venue and a fine dining experience, while the spacious Panorama Lounge in the bow, with its bar, dance floor and entertainment, is a delightful gathering spot in the evenings. The gracious Lido Bar in the stern has a 180° glass wall that opens for an indoor / outdoor cocktail hour, and offers alternative bistro dining featuring lighter fare – a first on Europe’s rivers. The Swiss Emerald and Swiss Sapphire are definitely “top-of-the-line” – and operate only for Tauck!
Night 9: Hotel Amigo Brussels, Belgium The historic and luxurious Hotel Amigo enjoys an ideal location in the center of Brussels adjacent to the Grand Place. Judged one of the best hotels in the world by the readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, this stylish hotel retains its character and charm while embracing the 21st Century with every modern comfort and convenience, including a new fitness center equipped with the latest exercise machines. The accommodating staff provides a high standard of service sure to please.