Grand Cruise of the Moselle, Rhine, Luxembourg & Switzerland - MS Emily Brontë

Embark in Basel

The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you aboard your first-class floating hotel, ensuring you settle into your luxurious, well-equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship.

Today you have the choice between a full day excursion to Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland, or a more leisurely guided tour of Lucerne and free afternoon in Basel.

Lucerne & Bernese Oberland

Lucerne

To make the most of the day we depart early and take the short drive to Lucerne, often considered Switzerland’s most beautiful city, spectacularly situated among stunning mountain views.

It has been attracting well-heeled visitors for two centuries, including our very own Queen Victoria. Highly recommended is an invigorating stroll along the Chapel Bridge, a unique covered wooden walkway crossing the lake, supported by stilts and lined with colourful flower-filled window boxes. Not only is it the city’s most iconic structure, it’s a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s regal atmosphere, before we continue our exploration of the best of Switzerland.

Bernese Oberland

As you enter the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland, the views become quite literally breath-taking! This is the grand alpine heart of Europe with some of the finest mountain scenery on earth, described by the composer Mendelssohn as ‘the most wonderful of all in this unbelievably beautiful country’.

On viewing the legendary snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau you’ll be quite simply awestruck. We then ascend by mountain railway for more extraordinary vistas, with the crystal-clear lakes reflecting the meadows and forests below. This truly magical landscape is sure to enchant you.

Later we’ll descend again by mountain railway before returning to the ship. Please note, temperatures will be significantly lower at altitude, even during the summer months, so it’s advisable to pack suitable clothing. Lunch is not included on this full day excursion; however, the ship will offer a packed lunch.

If you chose a more leisurely start to the day, we drive to Lucerne.

Lucerne & Free afternoon in Basel

Lucerne

Enjoy a more comprehensive excursion in Lucerne, with a guided tour of the city. Then spend time at leisure wandering its medieval streets before returning to the ship for lunch.

Basel

This afternoon you can choose to stay on board or hop on our shuttle bus to Basel for time to explore independently. With a mix of historic and modern architecture, Basel seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. While you're here, head to the old town to explore its narrow winding streets. At its heart, you'll find the magnificent cathedral with its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles, and twin towers. Or you could immerse yourself in the city's remarkable museums and countless galleries, celebrating its rich tradition of art collecting. 

Included experiences:


Visit to Lucerne
Option 1: Full day tour to Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland with scenic rail journey
Option 2: Morning tour to Lucerne and free afternoon in Basel

Breisach

This morning's cruising is spent gliding through the dramatic scenery of the rift valley separating the Vosges and Black Forest mountains.

We arrive at the ancient town of Breisach, whose historic heart is surrounded by stone ramparts and dominated by the impressive Saint Stephan’s Cathedral, which you can see during time at leisure before lunch onboard.

This afternoon you have a choice of touring the Black Forest and Freiburg or visiting the Alsace wine route with its typical wine villages. 

Black Forest and Freiburg

We drive through some of Central Europe’s most stunning scenery – the Black Forest Mountains. This is a fabled landscape of rugged valleys, white-water rivers, cascading waterfalls and rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees – exactly as you expect it to be.

Look out for the Baroque spires of St. Peter Abbey as we drive through the quaint village and stop for a photo of the incredible countryside surrounding St Märgen, on our way to Freiburg. On arrival, we'll follow a local guide around some of the city's sights - including the Münsterplatz and the historic Kaufhaus - before time at leisure to explore independently.

Alsace wine route

Travelling, between the vineyards and mountains, along the Wine Route we make our way to Ribeauvillé - a charming village that lies in the shadow of the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. After a short walking tour, there's time to wander its picturesque streets to admire the 15th- to 18th-century buildings and Renaissance squares.

Leaving Ribeauvillé, we head next to Riquewihr. Named the 'Most Beautiful Village in France', this medieval town lies right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. Famous for both its architecture and its wine, there's plenty to see during our walking tour. There's a little free time to explore before heading back to the ship.

As the sun sets and the riverside lights begin to twinkle, enjoy the views through the restaurant’s panoramic windows during tonight's excellent dinner. Afterwards retire to the lounge to enjoy tonight's live performance of popular music spanning the years by a highly talented violin soloist, before we slip our moorings to commence our cruise towards Strasbourg.

Included experiences:


Visit to Breisach
Afternoon option 1: Scenic drive through the Black Forest with visit to Freiburg
Afternoon option 2: Scenic drive along the Alsace wine route with visits to Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr
Live violin soloist on board

Strasbourg

This morning, we have arrived in France and Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. After breakfast we enjoy a walking tour of its picturesque 16th-century old town – a maze of narrow streets and canals lined with timber-framed houses and sculptured portals.

Unforgettable sights include the stupendous Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, multi-towered Ponts Couverts – covered bridges – and the pretty Petite France quarter of pastel-coloured former artisans’ houses lining the canals. Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to linger a while in a typical Alsatian café to sample some of the region’s world-famous wines – a crisp Riesling or that particular speciality of Alsace, spicy Gewürztraminer.

Cruise towards Speyer

During lunch, our elegant vessel glides away from our mooring as we commence an afternoon’s scenic cruising. Head up to the sun deck and take in the views from the comfort of a sun lounger or retire to the shady comfort of the lounge to chat over a coffee with newly made friends.

As evening falls, thoughts turn to what might be on the menu tonight, so head to the relaxed ambience of the ship’s restaurant as the chef presents another delicious meal. Retire to the bar as we arrive in Speyer later tonight.

Included experiences:


Guided tour of Strasbourg
Free afternoon sailing towards Speyer


 

Personalise your holiday

Land train tour of Strasbourg

Price: from €8pp

Duration: 30-40 mins

Hop on the Little Train and discover the charming narrow streets of Strasbourg's old town, the romantic 'Petite France', the many quays and covered bridges and the famous Cathedral Square.

Optional excursions can be done after or instead of the guided walking tour.

This excursion can be arranged with your Cruise Concierge on board and is payable locally. 

 

Take a cruise tour of Strasbourg

Price: from €15.70pp

Duration: 1hr 10mins

Discover Strasbourg from a unique perspective - the water! As it flows through the centre of the city, you'll explore three of Strasbourg's 15 districts. Along the way, you'll spot the UNESCO-protect Grande Île, the imperial district of Neustadt, the European Parliament and more.

Optional excursions can be done after or instead of the guided walking tour.

This excursion can be arranged with your Cruise Concierge on board and is payable locally. 

Speyer

We remain moored in Speyer this morning to enjoy a guided tour of this delightful medieval gem, founded by the Celts and one of Germany’s oldest cities, celebrated for its illustrious past.

The breath-taking Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the largest Romanesque churches in the world and also one of the finest. The beautiful four-roomed crypt, with its striking marble floors and pastel-coloured pillars, is the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors and German kings.

Another landmark is the magnificent neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche, built to commemorate the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’, a significant event when a group of Martin Luther’s followers protested his imperial ban. Henceforth, Luther’s religious followers were known as Protestants.

Cruise towards Rüdesheim

Returning on board for lunch, we commence our cruise once again, so sit back and watch the idyllic scenery slipping past through the panoramic windows: rolling hills and fertile vineyards, home to the Liebfraumilch wines of the region, oxbow lakes, long deserted by the river flow and now havens for bird and wildlife.

This evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. During dinner our vessel arrives in the classic Rhine wine village of Rüdesheim, so you might fancy wandering ashore to enjoy a digestif – perhaps a glass of Asbach, the famous brandy distilled locally.

Included experiences:


Guided tour of Speyer
Free afternoon on board, sailing towards Rüdesheim


 

Personalise your holiday

Visit to the Technik Museum

Duration: At leisure

Price: £23

Discover technology from the underwater world to space. Ever wonder what the inside of a submarine looks like? Or how big a jumbo jet is? From aircraft to vintage crafts, fire engines to mechanical instruments, there's plenty to inspire and amaze!

Included in your entrance is a ticket to the IMAX theatre where the gigantic screen shows fascinating movies detailing incredible technological feats and natural wonders.

Optional excursion can be done after or instead of the walking tour of Speyer.

Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure.

Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim is a delight to wander, witness the bustling marketplace, the half-timbered Klunkhardshof and Brömserburg Castle, which dates from 1275. This afternoon you are free to explore at leisure or choose form one of our included experiences:

You could visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a fantastical adventure into the world of automatic musical instruments. See the impressive collection of fascinating musical instruments that function like computers, ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion.

Or you might choose to travel up the hillside, above Rüdesheim's famous vineyards, in a two-seater cable car enjoying lovely views of the Rhine River and surrounding countryside. At the top the views get even better, and a stroll around the Niederwald monument – which celebrates the unification of Germany by Prussians in the 1870s - allows for a peaceful moment looking out over the town.

Rhine Gorge

This afternoon we witness a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge: steep vineyards give way to almost vertical rocky outcrops, towering above the sweeping valley sides. Sailing past Saint Goar and the many ruined castles, you get a real sense of the myths of this historic river coming alive around you. No legend is more famous than that surrounding the Loreley Rock, where beautiful nymphs distracted hapless sailors, luring them to their deaths in the treacherous waters.

Relax on the sun deck as our captain skilfully navigates the ship through the huge looping bend at Boppard – one of the most impressive on the river. Keep an eye out for the mighty Marksburg Castle too, an impressive fortress dating back to the 13th century.

It’s not long before we arrive in picturesque Koblenz and another meticulously prepared dinner awaits on board. Afterwards, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance of traditional instruments.

Included experiences:


Morning option 1: Rüdesheim with visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet
Morning option 2: Rüdesheim with cable car to Niederwald Monument
Scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge
Live folk music performance on board


 

Personalise your holiday

Wine tasting at a local winery

Duration: 1hr 30 mins

Price: £22

Before we sit down to another delicious dinner onboard our five-star ship, visit a winery in Rüdesheim to taste the local wine. In the atmospheric backdrop of a historic wine cave, enjoy sampling the varieties this region is famous for, including Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and learn interesting facts about the viticulture and the history of wine in the area.

Please note: Due to the location of the wine tasting, it's advised all guests bring a jacket.

Optional excursion can be done during free time in Rüdesheim.

Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply.

Koblenz

Founded by the Romans, this historic city is beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister river the Moselle. Discover Koblenz’s maze of medieval buildings in the Altstadt – old town – which is studded with a fine array of traditional shops and classic Rhineland cafés.

On our guided tour of this delightful town, historic buildings appear seemingly at every turn: see the former mint, the Four Towers with their ornamental 17th-century turrets and several fascinating squares and churches, including the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Kastor. The waterfront along the Moselle is stunning too, with the medieval Balduin Bridge, staggeringly still in use.

If you manage to resist the tempting cakes on offer from the beckoning pavement cafés, then you’ll be ready for lunch as we leave Koblenz behind.

Cruise towards Cologne

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board as we drift through this lovely Rhineland scenery, past quaint riverside towns with pretty waterfronts and carefully tended vineyards. See the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, which was captured intact by the Allies towards the end of the Second World War, allowing thousands of troops to cross into Germany’s heartland, and the forested Siebengebirge - Seven Mountains – a cluster of ancient volcanic hills that inspired many of the Brothers Grimm’s legends, including Snow White.

During dinner this evening, reflect on the spectacular sights seen and wonderful places visited whilst travelling with us on this magical cruise as we arrive at our final destination, Cologne.

Included experiences:


Guided tour of Koblenz
Free morning sailing towards Cologne


 

Personalise your holiday

Cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein fortress and visit

Duration: At leisure

Price: £19.00

Take a scenic cable car over the Rhine River to the impressive Ehrenbreitstein fortress, which stands 118 meters tall on its riverbanks. Built by the Prussians to fend off the French, it's the second-largest preserved fortress in Europe, with an unparalleled view of Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Here, you can explore the castle's 1000-year history at leisure before returning to Koblenz by cable car.

Optional excursion can be done during free time or instead of the walking tour of Koblenz.

Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure.

Cologne

After a lazy breakfast there’ll be the opportunity to recharge and reset today with time to yourself to get further acquainted with this beautifully grand and historic city. Your tick list might include a wander round the Sculpture Park or indulging your sweet tooth at the famous Chocolate Museum. Take a ride on the city’s cable car as you soar over the Rhine with dazzling views of the city and beyond. Or perhaps while away a few peaceful hours in the Museum Ludwig pondering the colourful canvases in its modern art collections then head to the Flora Botanic Gardens to lose yourself in the vibrant blooms and exotic plants. Don’t forget to stop for some refreshment with a glass or two of craft beer in the quirky Belgian Quarter too, with its cool bars and laid-back feel.  

Later return to the ship and relax on board (you’ll be in the swing of things by now!) before the chef wows us once again with another exquisitely presented menu.

Included experiences:


Free day in Cologne

Andernach

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 free time to wander 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.

Koblenz

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. During tonight’s splendid four-course meal our ship gracefully sails on along the Moselle’s gently winding course.

Included experiences:


Visit to Andernach
Visit to Koblenz


 

Personalise your holiday

Andernach's Geyser Expedition

Duration: 3.5hrs

Learn all about the natural phenomenon of the cold-water geyser in Andernach. Start your expedition with a visit to the museum, taking you on a journey into the depths beneath the earth, then take a boat to the Namedyer Werth nature reserve where you’ll experience the geyser's eruption. You will return by boat back to Andernach.

This optional excursion can be done during free time in Andernach. Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. 

 

Cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein fortress and visit

Duration: At leisure

Take a scenic cable car over the Rhine River to the impressive Ehrenbreitstein fortress, which stands 118 meters tall on its riverbanks. Built by the Prussians to fend off the French, it's the second-largest preserved fortress in Europe, with an unparalleled view of Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Here, you can explore the castle's 1000-year history at leisure before returning to Koblenz by cable car.

Optional excursion can be done during free time or instead of the walking tour of Koblenz.

Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure.

Cruise along the Moselle

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.

Bernkastel

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 experiences:


Free morning onboard, sailing along the Moselle
Visit to Bernkastel and local cellar with wine-tasting

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 at your leisure 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, restaurants, and shady lime trees.

This afternoon, you have a few options. You can either return to the ship for lunch, before disembarking to discover the treasures of Germany’s oldest city, Trier.

Alternatively, you can choose to extend your stay to explore more of Luxembourg. Enjoy the local cuisine for lunch at your leisure and then return to Trier in the mid-afternoon for some free time. 

Trier

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 – 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 a testimony to the Romans’ architectural genius.

Discover Trier’s Roman heritage, its impressive cathedral, and 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 experiences:


Option 1: Guided tours of Luxembourg & Trier
Option 2: Guided tour of Luxembourg with extended time to explore & free time in Trier

Cruise towards 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!

Cochem

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 as you wish. 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, 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 there's a chance to sample some of Germany's legendary beers and learn more about its history and production. Afterwards the chef presents tonight’s delicious menu. As evening falls our ship slips away from port and our adventure continues.

Included experiences:


Free morning sailing towards Cochem
Guided tour of Cochem
German beer experience onboard

Rhine Gorge

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, 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.

Rüdesheim

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 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. Or maybe visit 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.

After dinner back on board, reconvene in the bar for a digestif or perhaps a coffee with a shot of locally produced Asbach brandy as we set sail once more.

Included experiences:


Scenic cruise through Rhine Gorge
Visit to Rüdesheim with Winzerexpress tour

Worms

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. After lunch on board, we sail on to Mannheim.

Free afternoon sailing to Mannheim

After a leisurely afternoon on board, we arrive in Mannheim. Before dinner you have some time to explore this innovative city with a world-famous reputation – the automobile, bicycle and tractor were all invented here. See the impressive baroque palace, - Germany’s largest -, or 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’.

We moor in Mannheim overnight. After dinner join our skilled and soulful singer in the lounge on a journey back to the early decades of the last century, accompanied by a pianist. 

Included experiences:


Guided tour of Worms
Afternoon sailing and visit to Mannheim
Musical performance on board


 

Personalise your holiday

Speyer with Technik Museum

Duration: 4hrs

Embark on a coach journey from Worms to Speyer, where we'll visit the Technik Museum - a must-see for tech and engineering enthusiasts! Explore a fascinating collection that includes cars, planes, and even a submarine, covering land, sky, and sea. The trip includes a day pass and an IMAX ticket.

After the museum visit, you might want to visit Speyer’s beautiful cathedral, before we return to the ship in Mannheim. This optional trip is an alternative to the afternoon sailing and visit to Mannheim.

Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply. 

Heidelberg or Schwetzingen

This morning you have a choice of activities, the first is 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. 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, its imposing castle that stands guard over its romantic old town, and there’ll also be some free time to explore yourself.

Alternatively, visit Schwetzingen Palace to enjoy a tour of its superb grounds and its grand 18th century rooms. 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.

Schwetzingen Palace is famous for its beautiful gardens, but its interior rooms are just as impressive. They feature a combination of Baroque and Rococo styles, blending functionality with elegance. Many of the rooms still maintain their historic grandeur, making the palace a remarkable example of European royal architecture and design from the 18th century.

Cruise towards Niederlahnstein passing the Rhine Gorge

Return to the ship for lunch, then enjoy the ship’s excellent facilities during our scenic afternoon’s cruising. After tonight’s dinner we cruise through the iconic Rhine Gorge once more as evening falls, arriving in Niederlahnstein later tonight.

Included experiences:


Morning choice 1: Guided tour of Heidelberg and its castle
Morning choice 2: Guided tour of Schwetzingen Palace and gardens
Free afternoon onboard, sailing towards Niederlahnstein

Braubach & Marksburg

Today we'll visit the charming town of Braubach, which offers picturesque riverside views and a lovely promenade perfect for scenic walks. The town is home to the serene Rose Garden Park, where visitors can enjoy lush greenery and vibrant flowers. A standout feature of Braubach is the impressive Philippsburg Palace, which currently houses the European Castles Institute. The palace's grandeur, along with its riverside setting, makes it a prominent landmark and enhances the town's historical and cultural appeal.

You can take an optional tour of the well-preserved Marksburg castle, with steep slopes and uneven terrain, this visit is for those feeling up to the physical challenge. Dating from the 13th century and one of the only castles on the Rhine to fully escape war damage, it deserves its UNESCO status. On a guided tour we'll learn about life here through the ages as you explore its 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-suited to view oncoming enemies.

Cruise towards Bonn

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 truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant.

Included experiences:


Morning choice 1: Visit to Braubach with guided tour of Marksburg Castle
Morning choice 2: Visit to Braubach
Free afternoon onboard, sailing towards Bonn

Bonn

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.

Cologne

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, where you will have a choice of guided tours.

You can choose a guided tour of Cologne’s old town, where a local guide will bring the city’s fascinating history to life. Explore the vibrant old town with its maze of cobbled streets, featuring beautifully restored buildings, excellent shopping opportunities, and cosy bars, some of which still brew their own beer. The spire of the Great St. Martin Church has pierced the skyline of the old town since the Middle Ages, while the historic City Hall is recognised as the oldest town hall in Germany.

Alternatively, you can choose a tour of the cathedral instead with an expert guide. The largest Gothic church in Northern Europe was a miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and is 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. Please note that capacity for this tour is limited, and it is not available on religious holidays.

After some free time, we’ll return to the ship for our final dinner. Afterwards retire to the lounge to enjoy professional musicians from leading symphony orchestras demonstrating perfect mastery of their instruments, showcasing melodies from the most famous European composers with a special focus on Beethoven, who was born in Bonn - a splendid finale to this memorable holiday.

Included experiences:


Visit to Bonn
Afternoon option 1: guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Afternoon option 2: guided tour of Cologne Cathedral
Classical duo musical performance on board


 

Personalise your holiday

Beethoven tour with visit to Beethoven House

Duration: 3hrs

Bonn is the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, so we'll explore all the sights of the iconic composer. Born in December 1770, Beethoven lived in Bonn until 1792, before he moved to Vienna, where he became one of the world’s most famous composers. You'll see places and locations where the composer worked and gain fascinating insights into his everyday life.  

We'll visit Beethoven House, a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into his life, and after an introduction by the guide, you are free to explore. Housing a collection of artifacts, manuscripts, and personal belongings it impressively highlights his early life and creative genius. As you explore the various rooms, you can learn about his struggles with deafness, his musical innovations, and his deep passion for art.

This optional tour can be done instead of free time in Bonn.

Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply. 

Wave goodbye to your ship and crew this morning to start your journey home.