Flights/rail from Newcastle
Rhine & Moselle River Cruise Eight days
Experience more with so much included
Visit to Boppard, the picturesque ‘Pearl of the Rhine’
Time to explore the hillside town of Rüdesheim - the most famous of the Rhine’s wine towns
Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge
Stop in Cochem – the historic centre of the Moselle wine trade
Take a romantic stroll in the town of Bernkastel
Tour of Trier – once a key capital of the Roman Empire
Guided tour of Cologne
Services of a cruise director and tour manager
Flying from Newcastle
02 May 2025 £1,999 pp
25 July 2025 £2,299 pp
By Rail and Eurostar from Newcastle
22 Apr 2025 £1,779 pp
02 May 2025 £2,079 pp
27 May 2025 £2,379 pp
24 Jun 2025 £2,479 pp
03 Jul 2025 £2,379 pp
25 Jul 2025 £2,379 pp
2 Aug 2025 £2,379 pp
19 Aug 2025 £2,379 pp
04 Sep 2025 £2,629 pp
02 Oct 2025 £2,329 pp
23 Oct 2025 £2,079 pp
DAY ONE ARRIVAL IN COLOGNE
Arrive for your flight to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels. On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship moored in the heart of Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities. The friendly English-speaking crew will welcome you and help you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and well-equipped accommodation, it’s time to familiarise yourself with the many first-class aspects of this floating boutique hotel.
DAY TWO COCHEM
The first morning on board a river cruise is always a thrill, awakening to the peaceful lapping of the water outside as the scenic valley sides slip past your cabin window – there’s no other holiday experience quite like it. Breakfast is a leisurely affair; life on board is unhurried, so you can linger over that extra cup of tea or coffee.
You’re cruising some of Europe’s most dramatic and romantic waterways – the mighty River Rhine and its tributary the Moselle. The Sun Deck is perfect for an invigorating mid-morning stroll, watching picture-postcard villages with slanting timber-framed houses pass by. After a delicious lunch we glide into our moorings at Cochem, the traditional centre of the Moselle wine trade. Dominating the scene is a multi-turreted castle crowning a vineyard-covered hillside, but Cochem’s real charm is its jumble of narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings and peppered with quirky shops and wine cellars.
Leaving Cochem, we pass through an impressive series of four locks allowing passage further upstream, through meanders in the river against a backdrop of green valley sides.
After lunch we drive to Trier for an afternoon tour of one of Germany’s most fascinating cities – and its oldest. Founded by the Romans, it was the capital of much of their empire, encompassing present-day Spain, France, Britain and parts of Germany. The city had a population of 80,000 people – an enormous number in ancient times – and the Emperor Constantine lived here. Many of its Roman monuments, including the amphitheatre, baths and bridge, have survived surprisingly intact, but most impressive is the Porta Nigra, a fortified gate made of huge stone blocks that towers above the surrounding medieval buildings. This is the largest and best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps and stands as testimony to their architectural genius. Such is the significance of Trier’s Roman heritage and its other buildings, including its Cathedral, the oldest bishop’s church in Germany, that together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We return to our ship, moored in the charming town of Bernkastel, in time for another exquisite meal.
DAY FOUR BERNKASTEL
The ship remains moored, so after an unhurried breakfast you’re free to explore Bernkastel, a romantic wonder from another age. Wander its cobbled streets – too narrow for cars to pass through – to the market square, where you’ll be surrounded by some of the finest, most ornate half-timbered houses you’ll ever see, many dating from the 15th century. Most famous is the Pointed House, a jewel of the rustic middle-class building tradition from the Middle Ages and a classic example of a Moselle vintner’s dwelling.
We have lunch on board as the ship slips its moorings and our cruise back downstream commences. This afternoon, just sit back on one of the comfortable deck chairs on the Sun Deck and soak up the atmosphere of this magical river, breathing in the clean air, listening to the rippling water and absorbing the scenery in all its majesty. Why not catch up on some reading or enjoy a game of chess? Whatever your pastime, another gourmet experience awaits this evening in the ship’s restaurant, possibly followed by a nightcap in the company of newly made friends.
DAY FIVE KOBLENZ & BOPPARD
Early this morning, we reach Koblenz. Strategically situated at the confluence of these two great rivers, this 2,000-year-old city, with its mighty fortress towering above, is full of appeal. A knowledgeable local guide accompanies us around its principal monuments and intriguing centre, taking in historic squares, highlighting painstakingly restored house frontages and revealing hidden aspects of the city that only locals know. Koblenz is a joy to wander through, pausing to window shop while trying to resist the aromas of fresh coffee and cakes drifting from the numerous traditional cafés.
Returning to our ship for lunch, we proceed to Boppard, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, a famously picturesque town located on a long, looping bend of the river. The black and white spires of the Church of Saint Severus can be seen from a distance, but as we draw closer its bustling quayside comes into view. Captivating cobbled streets, lined by half-timbered houses, tucked-away shops selling traditional goods and characterful restaurants, lead into the town and its main square. Like many riverside settlements in the area, the Romans founded Boppard and their legacy remains in the superbly preserved town walls, the finest in Germany. There’s time to explore or promenade along the river, gazing at views of the vineyard-covered hillsides. Or you can simply pass time on board in anticipation of more fine dining in the ship’s restaurant this evening.
DAY SIX RHINE GORGE & RÜDESHEIM
Leaving Boppard, as the sun crests the surrounding hilltops, expectation rises at what lies in store as we journey through the outstanding natural beauty of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, at every dramatic turn of the river, towering valley slopes are crowned by the precarious ruins of castles built by princes to display their power and extort tolls from passing river traffic. The Gorge is home to medieval legends, tales of mysterious happenings and dark deeds, most famously the Lorelei – or ‘murmuring rock’ – said to have lured passing boats onto the rocks with its irresistible song.
The villages drifting by – Saint Goar, Bacharach and Kaub – are synonymous with wine production and one of the many thoughtful details of this cruise is the carefully compiled wine list, from which you can choose fine Rhine and Moselle wines to enjoy with the foods sourced from the region. During lunch, we arrive in Rüdesheim, perhaps the best known of all the wine towns, with crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards. There’s a range of options to experience here, including visiting the Asbach brandy distillery (a tasting of this speciality wine is assured, of course) or you could take the unusual gondola lift for its panoramic river views. Especially worth a visit is the excellent mechanical music museum: a collection of around 350 intricate antique musical instruments and musical boxes from all over the world, many in working order, still playing the delicate sounds of yesteryear.
DAY SEVEN COLOGNE
We slip our mooring early this morning and our ship resumes its voyage downstream as you enjoy another fine breakfast with views of pretty riverside towns, backed by the rolling volcanic hills for which the area is renowned. Passing the last vineyards and half-timbered houses around the pretty town of Linz, it’s not long before we reach the railway bridge at Remagen, captured intact towards the end of the Second World War, thereby arguably shortening the war in Germany.
Not long after, we draw in to the heart of Cologne, in the shadow of the magnificent dual-spired Gothic cathedral for which the city is so famous. It’s a truly monumental building, taking over 600 years to build and featuring myriad religious and art treasures and perhaps the most intricate stained glass windows in Europe.
After lunch, we join a local guide for an informative tour of the city, with time to explore its tree-lined squares and perhaps visit one of its traditional bars, many of which still brew their own beer.
This evening the Captain’s Dinner takes place on board, during which delicious specialities of the regions you’ve visited will be served, hosted by the Captain himself, of course. After dinner, enjoy a final digestif in the bar while reflecting on the memories made on this wonderful cruise through the romantic heartlands of Germany’s most iconic rivers.
DAY EIGHT RETURN HOME
Bid farewell to your friendly crew before transferring to the airport for your return flight or to Brussels to connect with the Eurostar service to London St Pancras International.
Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg River Cruise
Eight days away
Flying from Newcastle
09 May 2025 MS Geoffrey Chaucer £1,999 pp
18 Jul 2025 MS George Eliot £2,299 pp
10 Oct 2025 MS Oscar Wilde £2,299 pp
Train from Newcastle and Eurostar
29 Apr 2025 £2,279 pp
09 May 2025 £2,079 pp
20 May 2025 £2,279 pp
17 Jun 2025 £2,429 pp
10 Jul 2025 £2,379 pp
18 Jul 2025 £2,379 pp
14 Aug 2025 £2,379 pp
26 Aug 2025 £2,379 pp
11 Sep 2025 £2,579 pp
10 Oct 2025 £2,379 pp
16 Oct 2025 £2,279 pp
23 Oct 2025 £1,979 pp
Day One ARRIVAL IN COLOGNE
Arrive at the airport for your flight to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar to Brussels from London St Pancras International. On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship moored in picturesque Cologne. The dedicated English-speaking crew welcomes you on board and helps you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this splendid ship.
Day Two KOBLENZ & BOPPARD
When you peek out from your cabin this morning, you’ll realise the ship has slipped quietly away from Cologne; the view that greets you is of vine-covered valleys sides aglow in the morning light, bidding you a warm welcome to the charms of the Rhine. There’s nothing quite like that feeling of anticipation when gliding alongside the promenade of a river port, snatching tantalising glimpses of what lies ashore, and Koblenz – beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers – doesn’t disappoint. After a satisfying breakfast, we disembark to enjoy an insightful guided tour through ‘Old Koblenz’, a patchwork of narrow streets and squares, many lined with exquisitely restored traditional houses and cosy cafés. There’s time to explore on your own, maybe taking in a little shopping, before ambling back to the cruise ship. We continue upstream as we enjoy our first relaxing lunch on board and before long we arrive in Boppard, a gorgeous town on a dramatic, almost U-shaped river bend. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, Boppard is renowned for its storybook medieval atmosphere of cobbled streets and ancient houses. It’s a delight to explore, or you can simply relax on board and watch life go by. The early evening is an ideal time to wander along the town’s attractive riverside Rheinallee promenade before thoughts turn to tonight’s menu, prepared by the ship’s chef and served to your delight in the restaurant.
Day Three RHINE GORGE & MAINZ
Slipping our moorings in Boppard we cruise through the Rhine Gorge, where the waters narrow to one-fifth their normal width and flow more swiftly. Sheer valley walls soar 600 feet and magnificent birds of prey glide on the thermals above. Teutonic knights built the numerous redoubtable castles as symbols of their power and to extract tolls from ships, but the fortresses now stand as silent ruins on forested hillsides as reminders of how fortunes change with the passage of history. This really is the magical Rhine of our imagination, so find a comfortable spot on the Sun Deck or in the forward observation lounge and enjoy the experience of cruising this famous stretch of water.
Your next port of call is historic Mainz, renowned today as Germany’s wine capital but whose most famous son was Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the movable type printing press. You can visit the excellent museum housing a reconstruction of his workshop and, outstandingly, two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles. The museum is in a beautifully restored 17th-century building in the heart of Mainz’s Old Town, opposite the impressive Romanesque cathedral.
Day Four HEIDELBERG
Overnight we cruise further downstream and, after breakfast, we take a short drive to Heidelberg, undoubtedly one of Germany’s most perfect architectural treasures and all the more remarkable because it escaped bombing during the Second World War. Set in an almost idealised German landscape, this jewel sits on the banks of the River Neckar, surrounded by forests and with an imposing castle dominating the church spires and terracotta gabled roofs of the compact Aldstadt – the romantic Old Town. Its 14th-century university, one of the most prestigious in Europe, lends Heidelberg a genteel atmosphere rather similar to its ‘twin’ town – Cambridge. During the 19th century it was the centre of Germany’s Romantic Movement, on the route of the ‘Grand Tour’ and visited by many artists including JMW Turner, who captured its splendours for eternity. There are few more delightful places to explore, as you’ll discover on our guided walking tour, which reveals its principal attractions – including the magical stone bridge with its twin white towers – and local secrets. Afterwards, you’ll have time to explore on your own before returning to the ship to enjoy the gorgeous views as the sun sets.
Day Five STRASBOURG & COLMAR
By breakfast we’ve arrived in France and the charming city of Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. The city is a complete delight – its centre a mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with quirkily crooked, half-timbered houses largely unchanged since the 14th century. During its history Strasbourg has been both German and French, and you see influences of both in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating a truly individual ambience. This morning, we explore this delightful city on a walking tour with a local guide leading us to its enchanting centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – taking in the Petite France quarter of pretty canals lined with classic pastel-coloured houses crisscrossed with timbers and with flower-filled window boxes, the famous multi-towered Ponts Couverts, or covered bridges, and, of course, the stunning Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which Victor Hugo memorably described as a ‘veritable tiara of stone’.
Just south of Strasbourg lies a picturesque wine route, virtually an open-air museum of romantic medieval villages, cobbled streets and Renaissance chateaux strung like pearls on a necklace against a sweeping backdrop of rolling hills. We enjoy all this on a splendidly scenic drive, soon arriving in the medieval town of Colmar, the best-preserved in Alsace. Little known outside the area, it’s a magical concoction of canals, former merchants’ houses, ancient religious buildings and antique shops. The cathedral quarter is surrounded by pastel-coloured half-timbered houses displaying the intricate wrought-iron hanging signs so typical of this area of Europe. We’ve plenty of time here to sit, enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by or just wander. We return to the ship in Strasbourg for dinner.
Day Six RÜDESHEIM
One of the joys of life aboard our cruise ship is the sheer sense of relaxation it brings: time to catch up on some reading, enjoy a game of chess or perhaps improve your ‘putting’ on the Sun Deck golf green. Why not enjoy a coffee with your congenial travelling companions or simply watch the river traffic still using this vital artery through central Europe?
In the late afternoon we visit Rüdesheim – if you imagine a typical Rhine town, then this would be it! Narrow crooked streets lead down to the sweeping river with a backdrop of wooded and vine-covered slopes. Riesling is the speciality grape here and Rüdesheim has many atmospheric Weinstuben where you can sample local wines produced from the surrounding vineyards.
On board tonight, we enjoy a culinary spectacular – the Captain’s Dinner – featuring a range of irresistible specialities from the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. This special occasion is hosted, of course, by the Captain himself.
Day Seven ARRIVAL IN COLOGNE
Arrive at the airport for your flight to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar to Brussels from London St Pancras International. On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship moored in picturesque Cologne. The dedicated English-speaking crew welcomes you on board and helps you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this splendid ship.
Day Eight RETURN HOME
Say farewell to your newly made friends and the crew before transferring to the airport for your return flight or to Brussels to connect with the Eurostar service to London St Pancras International.
The Seine, Paris & Normandy River Cruise
Eight days away
Guided tour of historic Rouen
Visit to Claude Monet's house and beautiful garden
Explore Vernon, one of Normandy's most picturesque towns
Guided tour of Paris
See the Bayeux Tapestry
Tour the D-Day Normandy Beaches
Stop in Les Andelys, village of half-timbered houses and twisted alleys
Visit to delightful Honfleur, one of Normandy’s most alluring fishing ports
Cruise through the delightful Seine Valley
Price includes full board (except one lunch), from dinner on your day of arrival to breakfast on your final day
Services of a Riviera Travel cruise director
Standard class reserved seat on Eurostar from London St. Pancras or return flights from selected airports (at a supplement)
Flying from Newcastle
River Cruise 09 Apr 2025 TBC Newcastle Airport MS Jane Austen
£1,799.00 pp
River Cruise 10 May 2025 TBC Newcastle Airport MS Jane Austen
£1,999.00 pp
River Cruise 03 Jun 2025 TBC Newcastle Airport MS Jane Austen
£2,249.00 pp
River Cruise 01 Sep 2025 TBC Newcastle Airport MS Jane Austen
£2,449.00 pp
Train and Eurostar from Newcastle
River Cruise 02 Apr 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£1,664.00 pp
River Cruise 09 Apr 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£1,764.00 pp
River Cruise 26 Apr 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£1,864.00 pp
River Cruise 03 May 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£1,964.00 pp
River Cruise 10 May 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£1,964.00 pp
River Cruise 17 May 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,064.00 pp
River Cruise 03 Jun 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,214.00 pp
River Cruise 10 Jun 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,314.00 pp
River Cruise 17 Jun 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,314.00 pp
River Cruise 24 Jun 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,214.00 pp
River Cruise 01 Jul 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,114.00 pp
River Cruise 25 Jul 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,014.00 pp
River Cruise 01 Aug 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£1,964.00 pp
River Cruise 08 Aug 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£1,964.00 pp
River Cruise 15 Aug 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,014.00 pp
River Cruise 01 Sep 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,414.00 pp
River Cruise 08 Sep 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,414.00 pp
River Cruise 15 Sep 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,414.00 pp
River Cruise 22 Sep 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£2,264.00 pp
River Cruise 09 Oct 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£1,964.00 pp
River Cruise 16 Oct 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£1,864.00 pp
River Cruise 23 Oct 2025 TBC Newcastle Station**** MS Jane Austen
£1,664.00 pp
Day One ARRIVAL IN PARIS
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris or fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. On arrival, transfer by coach to your cruise ship moored on the River Seine in the heart of the city. The friendly crew will welcome you on board, helping you settle into your spacious and exquisitely furnished accommodation – you’ll immediately feel at home. This evening you enjoy your first sumptuous dinner, served in the ship’s restaurant.
Day Two LES ANDELYS
During the night our ship slips her mooring and, as you enjoy breakfast, the landscape passes by serenely and you quickly get used to this luxurious sightseeing experience. Rounding a sweeping bend so typical of the Seine, we reach the town of Mantes-la-Jolie with its imposing church – so large and architecturally impressive it could be a cathedral – while straight ahead is a medieval stone bridge. The central section of the bridge was destroyed during the Second World War and never repaired – it’s the first of many poignant reminders that this region of France has been a battleground for centuries.
Beyond Mantes we encounter another typical feature of the Seine as it flows seaward – picturesque chalk cliffs, almost resembling a giant’s teeth. Beautiful villages like La Roche Guyon slide by, surrounded by bocage countryside of lush pastures and high hedgerows, countless cider orchards, half-timbered barns and ancient wooden farmhouses. We’re truly in the heart of one of France’s historic and stunningly attractive dukedoms – Normandy.
While you’re enjoying your first delicious lunch, the captain has skilfully berthed at Les Andelys, a small town dominated by one of the most spectacular sights along the entire valley – Château Gaillard. This remarkable castle guards the apex of the river bend and was built by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century to defend Rouen from the French. Besieged many times during the turbulent history of northern France, Château Gaillard is now one of the most dramatic ruins in the region.
A much-appreciated feature of our river cruises is that they’re thoughtfully planned and paced, allowing time to explore the many places of interest we visit. So this afternoon you are free to roam the town of Les Andelys at your leisure, investigating the Gallo-Roman remains, churches and museums of two former fishing villages that grew together, or alternatively join the short drive up to Château Gaillard. From this spectacular vantage point – probably the finest of the entire cruise – you enjoy stupendous views across the countryside.
During your second excellent dinner we slip our mooring unobtrusively, and what could be better than heading to the lounge for a digestif and a chance to discuss your impressions of the Seine with your like-minded companions? The evening cruise is delightful as we glide past more bucolic scenery, some of the finest France can offer. Should you wish why not visit the wheelhouse, the Captain is always delighted to explain to those interested how the highly sophisticated navigation and safety systems operate.
Day Three ROUEN
We awake in Rouen, Normandy’s capital, one of Europe’s finest medieval cities and scene of many momentous events over the centuries. Pride of place on our guided tour of the city belongs to its stunning Gothic cathedral, which was immortalised by the great Impressionist Claude Monet in a series of 28 paintings showing the facade at varying times of day and in different weather conditions. Briefly becoming the world’s tallest building when the soaring spire was added in the 19th century, the cathedral is also notable for the recumbent statue reputedly containing the heart of Richard the Lionheart.
Rouen’s beautifully tangled alleyways are a revelation, lined with antique shops, tasteful boutiques and, of course, countless restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine emphasising the country’s outstanding gastronomic heritage. The Place du Vieux-Marché is one of the city’s most poignant spots; a large cross marks the point where the ‘Maid of Orléans’ Joan of Arc was burned at the stake for her beliefs.
During another superb lunch we cast off to navigate through yet more twists and turns, chalk cliffs and a landscape of forest-covered hills that are designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty and sanctuaries for diverse wildlife, including deer and wild boar. Another highlight of the valley soon greets us – the ethereal ruins of Jumièges Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, it was consecrated in the presence of William the Conqueror and was an important political and religious centre until it was sacked in the 16th century. In the late afternoon we moor in the pretty town of Caudebec-en-Caux, so after dinner why not take a stroll to explore this lovely spot, with its typical market square, richly decorated church and the Maison des Templiers, one of the oldest houses in Normandy.
Day Four BAYEUX & ARROMANCHES
After breakfast you’ll be ready for a full-day tour exploring two of the most important aspects of European history – the Bayeux Tapestry and the D-Day landings. (Please note lunch is not provided today.) Bayeux itself is a delightful town with a historic core that escaped the ravages of war, so you can marvel at its many splendid buildings including the grand Gothic cathedral. But, of course, Bayeux is most famous as the home of the tapestry telling the story of the Norman invasion of Britain in 1066 in glorious detail. Among its 75 scenes are the coronation of Harold following the death of Edward the Confessor and his subsequent demise at the Battle of Hastings, which led to William of Normandy invading England and becoming king. The 230-foot-long tapestry is made up of nine panels of extremely delicate embroidery – gazing at its wonderful depictions of the battle and the period’s architecture, weapons and everyday life, you’ll appreciate why the Bayeux Tapestry is arguably the finest relic of the Middle Ages.
This afternoon we drive to nearby Gold Beach, one of the five main landing sites on D-Day, when Allied forces surged into Normandy to begin the liberation of occupied Europe. Casting your eyes across the sand to the water’s edge, it’s sobering to consider that on 6 June 1944 around 25,000 British troops came ashore on this one beach, with 400 killed by the defenders. At the western end of the shoreline is the village of Arromanches, where there is a museum dedicated to the ‘longest day’ and you can still see remnants of the two Mulberry harbours constructed for the landing craft. After a day recalling such momentous events and the stories surrounding them, thoughts turn again to the culinary delights awaiting you in the refined comfort of the ship’s restaurant.
Day Five HONFLEUR
Honfleur is often regarded as the most picturesque spot on the northern French coast, and after breakfast we make the short journey to this delightful town. Its old harbour, sheltering both fishing boats and luxurious pleasure craft, is beautifully preserved and surrounded by a perfect waterfront of pastel-coloured 16th- to 18th-century houses, many converted to seafood restaurants. Watch the talented artists capturing the captivating views along the waterfront, while the intricate maze of streets behind is also well worth discovering. The eaves of the tall half-timbered buildings almost touch, and on the streets below is an abundance of traditional shops selling antiques, books and fine foods. Honfleur’s most famous son is Eugene Boudin, one of the forerunners of Impressionism and a friend of Claude Monet, who also painted the harbour many times.
After returning to the ship for lunch, we slip our mooring and begin our passage back upstream, retracing the river’s winding course, its huge variety of wildlife, enchanting scenery and forests, all reflected in differing colours in the sparkling waters. Villages slip by, birds glide on thermals rising from the surrounding cliffs and, as this ever-changing kaleidoscope slips by, it’s an ideal opportunity to join new friends for a chat. Squeeze in a spot of reading on the Sun Deck or simply recline, letting the gentle breezes lull you into a relaxing doze. By this stage of your cruise you’ll be totally unwound and modern life will seem very distant.
Day six GIVERNY & VERNON
One of the great delights of river cruising is the magical sensation of waking up in a different place from where you were the night before. This morning the ship has moored in delightful Vernon, and we take the short drive to Giverny to visit Monet’s garden and house. The artist himself called his garden his ‘most beautiful masterpiece’, and it’s certainly one of the world’s most photographed and painted, ideally viewed in the delicate morning light. In the Japanese-inspired water garden, shaded by great weeping willows and surrounded by bamboo, rhododendrons and azaleas, is the lily pond where he painted his extraordinary Les Nymphéas (Water Lilies) series. There’s ample time to wander here, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere while marvelling at the light bouncing off foliage of every hue and the magical reflections dancing off the water.
After another leisurely lunch on board, you can explore Vernon’s quaint buildings before embarking on our cruise to Paris. As the sun sets on the shimmering Seine and the Norman countryside recedes into dusk, it’s a perfect time to reflect on your few days cruising among the creamy chalk cliffs and charming villages of this splendid river.
Day Seven PARIS
We have arrived in Paris and this morning we take a sightseeing tour of this amazing capital, one of the world’s most iconic cities. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, Sacré-Coeur – you’ll see all these and much more. The grand Place de la Concorde, the largest square in the city, shows off 18th-century French architecture at its best, and just over the Seine on the Left Bank you’ll find the Musée d’Orsay, home of the world’s finest Impressionist art collection. Then there’s the eccentrically modern and yet stylish Pompidou Centre, famous not only for its exhibits but also for street entertainment. Notre-Dame Cathedral and the delicate spire of the sublime Saint-Chapelle dominate the Ile de la Cité, while the exquisite Tuileries Gardens are perfect for a stroll.
After lunch on board you could visit fine shops such as the Galeries Lafayette or those in the smart arcaded Rue de Rivoli, or perhaps wander around the café-lined streets of bohemian Montmartre. Paris is everything you imagine it to be – romantic, inspiring, vibrant – even outrageous – but best of all Paris is unique, and a fitting finale to a wonderful cruise. This evening is the Captain’s Dinner, hosted of course by the Captain himself. Featuring specialities of the regions through which we have travelled, it’s a truly memorable experience.
Day Eight PARIS
We have arrived in Paris and this morning we take a sightseeing tour of this amazing capital, one of the world’s most iconic cities. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Élysées, Sacré-Coeur – you’ll see all these and much more. The grand Place de la Concorde, the largest square in the city, shows off 18th-century French architecture at its best, and just over the Seine on the Left Bank you’ll find the Musée d’Orsay, home of the world’s finest Impressionist art collection. Then there’s the eccentrically modern and yet stylish Pompidou Centre, famous not only for its exhibits but also for street entertainment. Notre-Dame Cathedral and the delicate spire of the sublime Saint-Chapelle dominate the Ile de la Cité, while the exquisite Tuileries Gardens are perfect for a stroll.
After lunch on board you could visit fine shops such as the Galeries Lafayette or those in the smart arcaded Rue de Rivoli, or perhaps wander around the café-lined streets of bohemian Montmartre. Paris is everything you imagine it to be – romantic, inspiring, vibrant – even outrageous – but best of all Paris is unique, and a fitting finale to a wonderful cruise. This evening is the Captain’s Dinner, hosted of course by the Captain himself. Featuring specialities of the regions through which we have travelled, it’s a truly memorable experience.
Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam & the Dutch Bulbfields
Eight days away
Tour of Amsterdam, one of the world's most unique cities
Walking tour of Bruges, one of Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval towns
Visit to Arnhem, famous for the 1944 battle vividly depicted in the film 'A Bridge Too Far'
Tour of Antwerp, the city of Rubens and the 'Flemish Masters'
Walking tour of Ghent, the 14th century’s largest city in Western Europe
Visit to Ypres and the First World War Battlefields
Visit to the stunning Keukenhof Gardens - the heart of the Dutch Bulbfields
Cruise along the Zuiderzee
Price includes full-board from dinner on your arrival day until breakfast on your final day
Services of a cruise director and tour manager
Return flights from Newcastle
Flying from Newcastle
14 Apr 2025 £2,049 pp
17 Apr 2025 £2,099 pp
DAY ONE ARRIVAL IN AMSTERDAM
Fly to Amsterdam from a choice of regional airports or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International, arriving in Brussels approximately two hours later, where you change trains connecting to Amsterdam. On arrival, a coach transfers you to your five-star cruise ship moored near the city centre and railway station. The dedicated crew welcomes you aboard, ensuring you settle in to your extremely comfortable and well-appointed cabin. There’s time to familiarise yourself with your first-class floating hotel before experiencing the chef’s specially chosen menu for your first dinner on board.
DAY TWO AMSTERDAM & HOORN
Breakfast is an on-board institution and you’re always assured of an enticing range of choices. We’re moored in the heart of delightful Amsterdam, and there’s no better way to explore than taking a classic glass-topped boat tour through the network of canals that infuse every aspect of life here. The tour brings a real insight into the history and everyday life of Amsterdam, a maritime, financial and cultural powerhouse uniquely located facing both the sea and the heartlands of Europe. As we glide over the calm canal waters, you’ll see a fascinating variety of typically Dutch narrow gabled buildings, bustling streets and historic bridges immortalised by the great artists, and learn about its famous canalside residents, from the tragic Anne Frank, who wrote her diaries hidden in a merchant’s house, to Rembrandt, the Dutch Old Master.
A splendid buffet lunch awaits our return as we slip away from the quayside towards the IJsselmeer, the enormous inland lake created when the Zuiderzee was cut off from the North Sea by a series of dykes and dams. Our port of call is Hoorn, once a prosperous port of the Dutch East India Company. Reminiscent of another age, it’s a charming mix of imposing buildings dating from the 15th century onwards, brick-built warehouses, cobbled squares and twisting alleys. Hoorn’s ships traded the world over, with one sailor even naming the southern tip of South America after his home town – Cape Horn. There’s time to explore this intriguing spot and its boat-filled harbour, dominated by the distinctive 16th-century Head Tower, before returning to our cruise ship to enjoy dinner and maybe a nightcap in the lounge.
DAY THREE ARNHEM
One of the delights of river cruising is the enchanting experience of waking somewhere new, the water gently lapping as the ship glides almost imperceptibly along. We’re now deep in the heart of Holland, passing flower-bedecked houseboats, flocks of wildfowl and, of course, windmills! We soon arrive in Arnhem, synonymous with the ill-fated 1944 aerial assault depicted in the film A Bridge Too Far. We visit the battle HQ of the British 1st Airborne Division at Oosterbeek, now an excellent museum, and the Commonwealth War Cemetery, the final resting place of so many. Back on board, we continue our passage along the mighty River Rhine, one of Europe’s most important arterial waterways, before enjoying another sumptuous dinner on board, as distant lights glint on the waterfront as we silently slip by.
DAY FOUR ANTWERP
This morning there’s a chance to marvel at the Captain’s skill as he calmly navigates the busy River Scheldt and moors in Antwerp, birthplace of the Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens. This morning we enjoy a tour led by a local guide taking in its numerous highlights and lesser-known features. Once part of the Spanish Empire, Antwerp grew wealthy during its 16th-century Golden Age, when it was Europe’s largest port north of the Alps, with profits invested in the city’s Flemish art and architectural heritage, and later it became the world’s diamond trading centre. At its heart is the captivating main square – the Grote Markt – dominated by ornately gabled guildhouses, the Renaissance town hall and opulent Brabo Fountain.
This afternoon is free to explore as you wish, perhaps visiting Rubens’ extravagant former home and studio, the magnificent Gothic cathedral or even the painstakingly restored train station, of such architectural splendour it is often called the ‘Railway Cathedral’.
DAY FIVE GHENT & YPRES
Today we awake in picturesque Ghent, once Western Europe’s second largest city after Paris. Fortunate to escape the ravages of the 20th century and often overlooked by tourists, Ghent is a medieval gem we explore in the company of an experienced guide. Highlights include a gorgeously unspoilt waterfront, the 13th-century skyline punctured by soaring belfries, the 12th-century Gravenstein fortress towering above the river, and one of the world’s foremost art treasures – the van Eyck brothers’ Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, the altarpiece adorning Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.
After lunch on board, there’s the option to spend the afternoon in Ghent, maybe taking a horse-drawn carriage ride or finding a cosy spot in a quintessential Flemish café.
Alternatively, you can join our tour to Ypres, a name synonymous with the horrors of the Great War. Almost totally destroyed during a series of battles, Ypres is now a place of peace, reverence and reflection. You may wish to visit the award-winning In Flanders Fields Museum that tells the haunting story of the conflict, providing a thought-provoking insight into the extraordinary lives of the soldiers and civilians; it’s located in the Cloth Hall in the heart of Ypres’ beautifully restored town centre. Nearby are many battlefields synonymous with the horrors of trench warfare, including Passchendaele, where around 600,000 perished. In addition we visit Tyne Cot, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. Ypres is also the home of the Menin Gate, the deeply moving memorial to the missing where the ‘Last Post’ is played every evening.
DAY SIX BRUGES
After breakfast we take the short drive to Bruges and have a guided walk of this beautiful town, which really does carry its remarkable medieval legacy with charm and to perfection. The atmosphere here is pure romance and its streets are crammed with fascination. Exquisitely compact, its entire historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of serene canals, narrow cobbled streets, romantic gabled houses, exquisite churches and myriad shops selling artisan goods – including its legendary chocolate! Its main square is dominated by the soaring Belfry, whose 47 bells chime to create an idyllic atmosphere. It’s a 366-step climb to the top, but the breathtaking views are well worth it. You’ll also see the City Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, home to a venerated relic – a phial of Jesus’s blood reputedly brought back from the Crusades. Another must is the Church of Our Lady, where you can see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child, a work of incomparable beauty carved in white Carrara marble. You’ll be reluctant to leave this enchanting place, although the promise of more first-class dining in the ship’s restaurant will lure you back.
DAY SEVEN KEUKENHOF & AMSTERDAM
Early risers discover the ship making effortless progress along the delightful waterways and you experience the somewhat surreal effect of cruising above the surrounding reclaimed polders – it’s almost like flying! Today we visit Keukenhof, the heart of the glorious Dutch bulbfields. On arrival, nothing prepares you for the dazzling spectrum of colours stretched out before you in the world’s largest flower garden, covering nearly 80 acres. The art of flower planting reaches breathtaking heights at Keukenhof, a gardener’s heaven created by more than seven million tulips, daffodils and other blooms set among a beautiful landscape of shimmering lakes, ancient trees, flowering shrubs and water gardens.
We re-join our ship in Amsterdam and after lunch you’re free to explore as you wish. Amsterdam is an art-lover’s dream. The Rijksmuseum is an architectural marvel itself, but it holds a magnificent collection of works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, while admirers of Post-Impressionism might prefer the Van Gogh Museum, housing the world’s greatest collection of works by this genius of a man. Or relax in a pavement café, absorbing Amsterdam’s special atmosphere over a rich Dutch coffee, browse the many shops or perhaps just stay on board to catch up on some reading. Tonight there’s another culinary highlight – the Captain’s Dinner, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, with a chance to reflect on the fascinating places you have discovered, poignant stories you have heard and the new friends you have made.
DAY EIGHT RETURN HOME
After breakfast, your friendly crew bid you farewell, then we transfer to the airport for our return journey.
The Moselle, Luxembourg & the Majestic Rhine River Cruise
11 day river cruise flying from Newcastle
Free Superior drinks package
10 nights on board a five-star ship
Welcome drinks & Chef’s Dinner
Full board dining
Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
Free on-board Wi-Fi
Return flights & transfers
Return Eurostar & transfers
Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge
Highlights
9 Guided tours of Koblenz, Luxembourg, Trier, Cochem, Rüdesheim, Worms, either Heidelberg or Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, Marksburg Castle and Cologne
Visits to Andernach, Speyer, Bonn and Braubach
Sail through spectacular Rhine Gorge
Wine tasting in Bernkastel
Flying from Newcastle
30 May 2025 MS Geoffrey Chaucer £3,249 pp
DAY ONE Cologne
Arrive at your five-star cruise ship moored on the banks of the Rhine in historic Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities. Your professional, English-speaking crew will welcome you on board, show you to your cabin and help you familiarise yourself with all aspects of this first-class floating boutique hotel before dinner is served. Overnight we set sail on our journey towards Andernach.
DAY TWO Andernach & Koblenz
Awake in the delightful town of Andernach, nestling behind sturdy medieval walls.
One of the oldest towns in Germany, it was founded by the Romans in 12BC on the site of an old Celtic settlement then seized by the Franks in 450 AD who set up a royal court within its old fort walls. By medieval times, the town had grown in stature and was trading with places as far away as England and Scandinavia – even having its own mint and coinage. Andernach and the surrounding area is well known for its pumice with production booming since the 1950s. Enjoy a guided walking tour around its picturesque streets and admire the town’s mighty defensive walls, gates and towers, the finest of which is the 56-metre tall Round Tower. See the impressive, ruined castle with its well-preserved keep, and the majestic cathedral with its four soaring towers, fine interior and unusual wall decorations. At the old harbour area discover the Old Crane, a 16th-century stone-turning tower crane, still in use until 1911 to load millstones, tuff and wine.
Over lunch, we set sail, arriving before long at the magnificent city of Koblenz, sited at the confluence of two of Europe’s great rivers – the Rhine and Moselle. An expert local guide will take us on an insightful tour to learn more about this 2,000-year-old city. Discover its historic squares, beautifully restored buildings and cosy little cafes with the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries tempting you inside. Over tonight’s splendid four-course meal our ship gracefully sails on along the Moselle’s gently winding course.
Included experience
Visit to Andernach & guided tour of Koblenz.
DAY THREE Bernkastel
After breakfast head up onto the magnificent sun deck to enjoy some fabulous river views during a morning of scenic sailing through this magical natural landscape, with gentle forested hills sweeping down to the rippling water’s edge.
After lunch on board, explore the medieval town of Bernkastel, a huddle of pointy roofs and spires, tall timber framed treasures and intriguing alleys hiding a host of wineries and cosy taverns. Stroll the cobbled lanes, pausing to admire the famous Pointed House, the perfect example of a Moselle vintner’s traditional dwelling, its ancient timber frame bedecked with colourful window boxes. Look out for the Graacher Tor, the last remaining gate dating from 1300 ow housing a local history museum or if you’re feeling energetic, take a walk up to the old castle for amazing views.
The Moselle is of course synonymous with wine production. One of thirteen wine growing regions in Germany it is the third largest yet most famous wine producing area. Mainly cultivating grapes for white wines, the Rieslings crafted from the Moselle’s vineyards are considered some of the finest in the world. Enjoy a visit to a local cellar to learn more about this ancient process, followed by a wine-tasting of some of their best produce.
Return to the ship for dinner and perhaps end the evening with a nightcap in the bar to the soothing tones of the on-board pianist as we sail overnight to Trier.
Included experience
Visit to Bernkastel and local cellar with wine-tasting.
DAY FOUR Trier & Luxembourg
This morning we drive from Trier through this famously scenic region to Luxembourg. Small but beautifully formed, just under 1,000 square miles in size, this diminutive country boasts fine castles, medieval fortifications and beautifully preserved little towns. We arrive in the capital bearing the same name, located amidst the deep gorges cut by the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers where a local guide will impart their knowledge of this interesting city. Discover sights including the fine cathedral, charming old town and grand squares lined with fine public buildings. The city is also famed for its extraordinary UNESCO Bock Casemates, a defensive subterranean tunnel network, initially carved in the 17th century under Spanish rule, and subsequently extended. There’ll be some free time to explore under your own steam so why not head for the beautiful Place d’Armes, fringed by the impressive facades of the city’s palace, as well as buzzing bars and restaurants and shady lime trees.
Return to the ship for lunch, before disembarking to discover the treasures of Germany’s oldest city. Trier, founded by the Romans, was the capital of much of their empire, encompassing present-day Spain, France, Britain and parts of Germany. The city had a population of 80,000 people – enormous for ancient times – and Emperor Constantine lived here. It boasts a wealth of intact Roman monuments, including an amphitheatre, baths and bridge – the most impressive being the Porta Nigra, a fortified gate made of huge stone blocks that towers above the medieval rooftops. This is the largest and best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, and testimony to the Romans’ architectural genius. Discover Trier’s Roman heritage, together with its impressive cathedral, the oldest bishop’s church in Germany through the expert eyes of our local guide before some free time for you to explore on your own. After tonight’s dinner we set sail towards Cochem.
Included experience
Scenic drive to Luxembourg and guided tour of Luxembourg City & guided tour of Trier.
DAY FIVE Cochem
A morning of scenic cruising awaits, so catch up on a spot of reading in the ship’s library, book yourself in for a little pampering in the spa, or simply enjoy the views from the sun deck. Approaching Cochem we pass through an impressive series of locks – so head up on deck to watch this fascinating system in operation. This is the very heart of the Moselle wine trade and all around you’ll note steep, tree-crested slopes covered in a patchwork of tidy vineyards, crisscrossed by narrow tracks and winding roads allowing access to the vines; these are some of the steepest vineyards in the world!
During lunch, we arrive in Cochem, the traditional wine trade centre. Perched high above the town is a splendid multi-turreted castle, its many spires puncturing the sky above the velvet green backdrop of thick forest and regimented vines. Enjoy a guided tour before free time to explore under your own steam. Laid back and charming, it’s a delight wandering Cochem’s streets, enjoying the fairytale backdrop of pastel-coloured houses, quirky shops and inviting wine cellars. Visit the Reichsburg, an imperial castle surveying the town below, to explore the sumptuous dining and hunting rooms and step back in time as you wander through the Knights’ Hall imagining the feasts that once took place here. The structure you see today was built in the 1868 on the site of a 12th-century castle which served to collect tolls from passing ships. The views from the castle grounds are spectacular and well worth the walk.
Return to our ship where the chef presents tonight’s delicious menu. As evening falls our ship slips away from port and our adventure continues.
Included experience
Guided tour of Cochem.
DAY SIX Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim
There’s a bucket-list treat in store this morning as we cruise through the world-famous Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and area of outstanding natural beauty. As the river twists and turns, encased by sheer valley sides 600 feet high, make sure you’re up on deck to experience these incredible views close up. Ruins of ancient castles teeter on the valley slopes, built by wealthy princes eager to display their power and influence and to extort tolls from passing river traffic. Legends abound here, most famously of the Lorelei - murmuring rock – where enchanting maidens lured unsuspecting sailors to watery graves. Look out for birds of prey floating above as we cruise on passing quaint villages – Saint Goar, Bacharach and Kaub – all famed for their wine production.
At lunchtime we arrive in Rüdesheim. A tangle of crooked houses, winding cobbled alleys and curious little shops, this pretty town is famous for its wine making. This afternoon we’ll board the Winzerexpress road train for a tour of the sights and the surrounding vineyards, enjoying some superb views of the town and river below. Later join an optional visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Museum located in the turreted Brömserhof, a collection of around 350 intricate, antique instruments and musical boxes from around the world, many still in working order, evoking the sounds of yesteryear with their delicate melodies. Alternatively, explore on your own to discover a delightful marketplace lined with pastel facades and cosy taverns at Rüdesheim’s heart, overlooked by Brömserburg Castle. As you wander the maze of streets, don’t miss the impressive Klunkhardshof, one of the town’s finest 15th-century homes with its traditional timber frame and gabled roof.
Back on board, before tonight’s dinner there’s chance to sample some of Bavaria’s legendary beers and learn more about its history and production. After dinner we set sail once more.
Included experience
Visit to Rüdesheim, Winzerexpress tour and a Bavarian beer experience.
DAY SEVEN Worms & Speyer
Wake this morning in the ancient city of Worms, its skyline dominated by the four, tiered towers and huge domes of the magnificent Romanesque cathedral. The Romans settled here as early as 14BC, and as you wander with our local guide, you’ll find relics of its fascinating past scattered across the old town, from impressive churches, ruins of the city’s fortifications and a Jewish cemetery. We’ll visit Worms’ centrepiece, the 12th-century cathedral, to admire its beautiful colonnaded interior and lovely chapel. Whilst much of its stained glass was replaced after a nearby explosion, you cannot fail to marvel at the intricate Gothic reliefs and the gilded high altar.
Over lunch on board we sail on to Mannheim. This afternoon there’s the option to join our visit to Speyer. Founded by the Celts, this historic city is celebrated for its illustrious past. You’ll have free time here to discover some of its many sights including the Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and amongst the largest and finest Romanesque cathedrals in the world. Visit the beautiful four-roomed crypt, resting place of many Holy Roman Emperors and German kings. Another landmark is the magnificent neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche; built at the turn of the 20th century, it commemorates the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’ during which supporters of Martin Luther protested his imperial ban, with these religious followers subsequently known as ‘Protestants.’
Alternatively, stay to explore Mannheim, an innovative city with a world-famous reputation – the automobile, bicycle and tractor were all invented here. Visit the impressive baroque palace, Germany’s largest, to wander its splendid staterooms and palace church, or take in its trio of museums with superb collections from art and antiquities to photography and music history. Stroll to the sixty-metre-high Water Tower dating from 1886, set amongst cascading fountains and neatly tended flower gardens – you’ll understand why it was once known as ‘Little Paris’.
After dinner, join our skilled and soulful singer on a journey back to the early decades of the last century, accompanied by a pianist as we moor in Mannheim overnight.
Included experience
Guided tour of Worms, visit to Speyer & onboard musical performance.
DAY EIGHT Heidelberg or Schwetzingen & Rhine Gorge
This morning you have a choice of activities, the first a visit to the refined city of Heidelberg. An architectural treasure, escaping damage during the Second World War, this beautifully preserved city straddles the banks of the river Neckar, against an idyllic backdrop of thickly forested slopes. An imposing castle stands guard over its romantic Altstadt – old town – a huddle of gabled terracotta roofs and pointy spires. Its 14th-century university is one of Europe’s most prestigious, and reminiscent of its ‘twin’ – Cambridge. During the 19th century it was the centre of Germany’s Romantic Movement, on the route of the Grand Tour and visited by many artists including JMW Turner who captured its splendours for eternity. On our guided walking tour you’ll discover the main attractions, including the magical stone bridge with its twin white towers and there’ll also be some free time to explore yourself.
Alternatively, visit Schwetzingen Palace to enjoy a tour of its superb grounds. Built on the site of a former castle, dating back to 1350, the palace reached the height of its splendour under the Prince Elector Carl Theodor during the 18th century, who instructed the most notable landscape gardeners of the time to create the exquisite gardens, the design of which survives today. A baroque masterpiece, stroll the painstakingly tended paths and leafy avenues, admiring the vibrant blooms from far and wide and a host of eye-catching sculptures. An assortment of whimsical buildings – a small Temple of Apollo, a Bathhouse in the style of an Italian villa and the Turkish Garden’s Mosque with its intricate oriental decoration - lend an exotic touch. The 18th-century English-style park is one of the earliest of its kind in Germany and it’s a joy to amble around the lake, with the many tree species mirrored in its tranquil water.
Return to the ship for lunch, then enjoy the ship’s excellent facilities during our scenic afternoon’s cruising towards Niederlahnstein. After tonight’s dinner we cruise through the iconic Rhine Gorge once more as evening falls, arriving in Niederlahnstein later tonight.
Included experience
Guided tour of Heidelberg or visit to Schwetzingen Palace with guided tour of gardens.
DAY NINE Niederlahnstein
We'll visit superbly preserved Marksburg castle in nearby Braubach. Dating from the 13th century and as one of the only castles on the Rhine to fully escape war damage, it well-deserves its UNESCO status. On a guided tour learn about life here through the ages as you wander through the impressive Gothic Hall, armoury and kitchen. Take in the expansive views stretching for miles over the river and valley below – you can see exactly why the castle was so well sited to view oncoming enemies.
Return to the ship for lunch after which we set sail for Bonn, so relax on board for the afternoon, enjoying the views from a comfortable chair or sun lounger. Freshen up for dinner then reconvene for an aperitif in the lounge to watch our arrival in the vibrant city of Bonn. Tonight enjoy a superb Chef's Dinner.
Included experience
Guided tour of Marksburg Castle.
DAY TEN Bonn & Cologne
This morning enjoy free time to explore Bonn at your own pace. This historic city served as the capital of the West German state from 1949-1990 until the reunification of Germany which restored Berlin as the country’s capital. Whilst it lost the battle to retain the parliament, Bonn still holds the status of a secondary governmental seat, so many government ministries and public bodies still have their headquarters here. But behind its official façade lies a historic and fascinating city which you’ll discover as you wander its old town, centred around two grand squares fringed by the pastel pink town hall with its gleaming gilding. The soaring spire of the imposing Romanesque church is the city’s landmark, and the great classical composer Ludwig van Beethoven was also born here. You can visit his home – now a museum detailing the life and work of this musical genius, one of the greatest composers of all time.
As lunch is served on board, we set sail once more and it’s not long until Cologne’s skyline appears on the horizon. Head up on deck to watch our final approach into this most majestic of cities. The cathedral’s famous spires tower above the old town’s maze of cobbled streets, where our expert guide will bring the city’s fascinating history to life. Visit the cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took six centuries to complete this iconic masterpiece and among its many treasures are the magnificent stained-glass windows and gilded sarcophagus said to contain the remains of the three kings from the Nativity story. Explore the vibrant old town, beautifully restored and boasting an abundance of excellent shopping and cosy bars, some of which still brew their own beer.
After some free time, we’ll return to the ship to enjoy our final dinner, followed by a special onboard performance by professional musicians from leading symphony orchestras. They will showcase melodies from the most famous European composers, with a particular focus on Beethoven, who was born in Bonn. The perfect finale to this spectacular cruise.
Included experience
Visit to Bonn, guided tour of Cologne & onboard musical performance.
DAY ELEVEN Return home
Depart the ship after breakfast for your onward journey or return home.
Tours operated by Riviera Travel. ATOL NO 3430
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