Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg River Cruise - MS George Eliot
Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg River Cruise - MS George Eliot
Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg River Cruise - MS George Eliot
8 Days Starting and ending in Cologne, Germany
Visiting: Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Rüdesheim am Rhein
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
MS George EliotGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
132
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
A scenic cruise of wonderful contrasts, from refined and historic Heidelberg to quaint Boppard and the old-world charm of medieval Strasbourg plus the enduring allure of the glorious Rhine Gorge.
From Cologne, we slip our moorings and head on our journey south to Koblenz spending a morning exploring this historic town sitting at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers then continuing to the beautiful old town of Boppard for the evening.
Continuing our journey, we navigate through the outstanding beauty of the world-famous Rhine Gorge onto Mainz famous for the ‘Gutenberg’ Bibles. Next, we enjoy a guided tour of stunning Heidelberg, on the route of Europe’s ‘Grand Tour’, nestling by the picturesque river Neckar. By day five, we arrive in Strasbourg, a delightful city. Then to Colmar, almost embarrassingly perfect - a typically quaint medieval Alsatian town.
The following day we start our journey back downstream, stopping in Rudesheim one of the liveliest towns on the river, before continuing through the Rhine Gorge to Cologne. Here we enjoy a guided walking tour of the city with time to explore the stunning cathedral, an excellent finale to this most wonderful cruise.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Cologne
Accommodation Name: five-star cruise ship
Meals Included: Dinner
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 2
Location: Koblenz
Accommodation Name: five-star cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
The city is immersed in two millennia of history: founded by the Romans, it was successively occupied by the Franks, chosen as a residence of the German prince electors, conquered by the French and fortified by the Prussians! All have left their marks in the city’s rich array of castles, churches and historic buildings.
Koblenz is a romantic’s dream – forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, while the lower slopes are strewn with pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland. 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. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour lead by one of our local experts, with highlights including the beautiful white stone St. Severus and Carmelite churches, the marketplace with the ruins of the fortress and the old town with its charming winding alleys and half-timbered houses.
The early evening is an ideal time to wander along the town’s attractive riverside Rheinallee promenade before thoughts turn to tonight’s menu. After dinner, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance on traditional instruments.
Personalise your holiday -
Rhine wine tasting
Sample a selection of the delightful wines produced in this section of the Rhine Valley, famous for its Riesling production. Visit a local winery and learn all about the different wines grown in this area during the tasting.
2024 € 10.00 per person (payable locally).
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking, or you may have the chance on board to book. Minimum numbers apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.
Day 3
Location: Mainz
Accommodation Name: five-star cruise ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 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 for an unmissable guided tour. The city is 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 4
Location: Heidelberg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to relax on board or explore the local area.
Day 5
Location: Strasbourg
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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’.
We return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon the choice is yours - explore Strasbourg further, or join our tour to Colmar along the legendary Alsace wine route, passing through a string of picturesque villages, wine-producing towns and exceptional landscapes.
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. We return to the ship in Strasbourg for dinner, and afterwards unwind to a medley of live music and songs performed on board by a professional duo.
Day 6
Location: Rüdesheim am Rhein
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rüdesheim - As we started our journey back downstream, after a leisurely brekfast head up to the sun deck and take in the views from the comfort of a sun lounger or retire to the lounge to chat over a coffee with newly made friends. 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.
After a relaxing morning cruise, we arrive in Rüdesheim by late afternoon for a wonderful walking tour – 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 ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant - a truly memorable experience.
Personalise your holiday -
Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet
Embark on 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.
From €7.40 per person (payable locally).
This experience is bookable onboard with your Cruise Director or Concierge. Minimum numbers apply, so if not enough guests opt for this extra, it may not happen.
Day 7
Location: Cologne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cologne - This morning, early risers can enjoy phenomenal views as once again we pass through the Rhine Gorge where, in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, the Rhine Maidens guard lost treasure, the ‘Rheingold’. What better way to spend the morning than relaxing on the Sun Deck beneath dramatic rocky, vineyard-topped valley sides dotted with romantic ruined castles. The valley sides dissolve and hills give way to plains as we progress majestically to Cologne.
This afternoon you can discover this fascinating city on our tour led by a local guide who’ll help you get the most out of your visit, which of course takes in the twin-spired 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, 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.
We also see the vibrant Old Town, beautifully restored and boasting an abundance of excellent shopping and cosy bars, some of which still brew their own beer.
As night falls, a sumptuous dinner provides the perfect finale to this memorable cruise through the romantic River Rhine.
Day 8
Location: Cologne
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return home
Ship Details
MS George Eliot
Ship Overview
The five-star MS George Eliot – named after one of the leading English novelists of the 19th century – is 110 metres of fine Swiss engineering and craftsmanship. As with all Riviera Travel cruise ships, MS George Eliot was built to the highest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most modern cruisers in Europe.
Guests are welcomed in the elegant lobby with its gleaming marble floor, well-lit by sophisticated lighting. Thoughtful design is on tasteful display throughout the ship – sustainable hardwood furniture, intricate wrought-iron work, and polished copper and brass are beautifully complemented by soft leather and sumptuous Italian fabrics.
MS George Eliot offers the convivial ambience and personal service of a luxury boutique hotel. With 36 staff serving just 132 guests, the experience is far more intimate and enjoyable.
There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
MS George Eliot
Adults Only Areas:
kids allowed
Ship Children Facilities:
none
Ship Nursery:
none
Smoking Areas:
some
Ship Size:
boutique
Ship Style:
luxury
Ship Type:
river
Ship Currency:
EUR
Ship Language:
en-GB
Ship Capacity:
132
Ship Crew Count:
36
Number of Decks:
4
Number of Cabins:
70
Ship Launch Year:
2018
Ship Length (Meters):
110 M
Ship Width (Meters):
12 M
Ship Speed (Knots):
13 Kn
Deck Plans
Diamond Deck
BistroTravel DeskReceptionShopPanorama LoungeBarLibraryDiamond Deck CabinDeluxe Balcony SuiteSuperior Suite
Emerald Deck
Wellness CentreEmerald Deck CabinSuperior Suite
Ruby Deck
RestaurantRuby Deck CabinSuperior Suite
Sun Deck
Sun Loungers & ChairsSplash PoolPutting Green
Cabins
There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
Deluxe Balcony Cabin (Grade DBS )
For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, the spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite offers a generous living area with chairs and table, plus soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open out on to a small balcony with a table for two.There are four Deluxe Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).Size: 23.5 sq.m / 253 sq.ft.Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Superior Suite (Grade RDS EDS DDS )
Superior Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks benefit from a generous living area, plus floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to create a French balcony for guests to enjoy panoramic river views.There are two Superior Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are two Superior Suites the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Superior Suites on the Emerald Deck benefit from a generous living area and smaller fixed windows.There are two Superior Suites the Emerald Deck (lower deck).Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Standard Cabin (Diamond and Ruby) (Grade DD RD )
Standard Cabins on the Diamond and Ruby Deck feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide away to create a French balcony to enjoy panoramic river views.There are 22 Standard Cabins on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are 28 Standard Cabins on the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Indulge in the luxury of ?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Standard Cabin (Emerald) (Grade SED )
Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).
Superior Suite (Grade RDS EDS DDS SEDS )
Superior Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Deck benefit from a generous living area, plus floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to create a French balcony for guests to enjoy panoramic river views.Superior Suites on the Emerald Deck benefit from a generous living area and smaller fixed windows.There are two Superior Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are two Superior Suites the Ruby Deck (middle deck).There are two Superior Suites the Emerald Deck (lower deck).Indulge in the luxury of? Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Standard Cabin (Emerald) (Grade SED ED )
Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).
Deluxe Balcony Suite (Grade DBS )
For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, the spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite offers a generous living area with chairs and table, plus soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open out on to a small balcony with a table for two.There are four Deluxe Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special.
Standard Cabin (Grade DD ED RD )
Standard Cabins on the Diamond and Ruby Decks feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide away to create a French balcony to enjoy panoramic river views.There are 22 Standard Cabins on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are 28 Standard Cabins on the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.
Dining
The main restaurant is on the Ruby Deck, with tables laid for up to six guests, serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
Bistro
The Bistro is on the Diamond Deck, with panoramic windows and al fresco seating, serving early-bird breakfast, light lunch and dinner (complimentary)
Main Restaurant
The spacious main restaurant offers an intimate yet relaxed fine dining experience with informal free seating. Guests are spoilt for choice with a hearty range of buffets at breakfast and lunch, and sumptuous four-course dinners executed with silver service. (complimentary)
Entertainment
Observation lounge and bar on the Diamond Deck with panoramic windows for breathtaking views.
Sun Deck with shaded sitting area plus comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers.
Bistro
Perhaps escape to the bistro at the rear of the ship and enjoy a quiet read on the terrace. Should you have any queries, stop by the reception desk in the lobby, or let a crew member at the travel desk help you with your travel arrangements.
Panoramic Observation Lounge & Bar
The lobby, observation lounge and bar, bistro and boutique are located on the Diamond Deck.At the heart of the ship is the elegant panoramic observation lounge, where guests can enjoy marvellous views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Take a seat on a leather armchair or modern settee, while the charming bar staff prepares your drink. During the evenings, the ship pianist entertains with a relaxing repertoire.
Sun Deck
Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.
The Sun Deck
Crowning MS George Eliot is the sun deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as deck games such as giant chess. Cool off in the splash pool and enjoy a full bar service.
Enrichment
Excursions
On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains. You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.
Kids and Teens
Please Note: There are no children's facilities on board.
Health & Fitness
There is a Wellness Centre on board MS George Eliot, located on the Emerald Deck.
Hairdressers
Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.
Sun Deck & Splash Pool
Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.
Wellness Centre
The wellness centre and hair salon are located on the Emerald Deck. The wellness centre features a spa, which guests can reserve for private use to take a sauna or unwind in the steam room. Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.
Gratuities
Tips are not charged at a set percentage and are not included in the holiday cost, as we understand that giving a gratuity should be entirely at your discretion.
As a guideline we would recommend giving €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate. Usually, an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening, for you to drop off at reception, if you choose to, the following morning. The tips are divided equally between the crew.
Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.
Useful Information
Age Restrictions
The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a ‘Parental Consent Guardianship Form’ must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
Air Conditioning
Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.
Dietary Requirements
If you have made a special request, they will do their utmost to see that your wishes are carried out. However, they cannot guarantee that your requests will be met.
Disabled Facilities
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us or call us on 01283 688 518 to discuss these concerns.MooringDue to the popularity of river cruising at some mooring places, or where our ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck and require the navigation of steps so passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.On boardOur ships are not adapted for wheelchair access; if you are intending to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter with you, it is essential that you please contact us to let us know. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions however cannot be used on board the ships due to safety reasons and must not be left in corridors, the lounge or restaurant or any other public areas, but must be stored at reception.River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility; therefore, a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.River cruising on European rivers offers the opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. If you are unable to do some of the shore excursions, your river cruise can still be enjoyable and worthwhile, so please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.Shore ExcursionsFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.AccommodationFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.Overseas Transport ArrangementsAll of our tours involve coach travel. The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.Air TravelWe are able to arrange airport assistance, from the check-in desk to the plane, for anyone with reduced mobility. This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel. If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.EurostarIf you have reduced mobility and are travelling by Eurostar to your cruise, please contact us. Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked. If you would like assistance at St. Pancras, we can provide you with information and contact details for Eurostar Assist, although we cannot reserve this service for you directly.
Dress Code
There is no requirement to bring formal dress; smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced. However men are requested not to wear shorts for dinner or vest tops at any time in the dining room. Men may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.
Drinks Packages
We offer a selection of drinks packages available to purchase and the price is dependent on the length of the cruise, so please check each tour page for more details. This includes the following with lunch and dinner: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rose house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu. The drinks package must be added to your booking for all passengers in a cabin prior to departure and you can do this by calling the reservations team.If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase.
Laundry Service
A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation. A dry cleaning service is not available.
Medical Facilities
If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour, please see your Cruise Director or Concierge. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc. In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary. There are no on-board medical personnel, although specific crew members will have basic first aid training. However, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.
Onboard Lifts
On the MS Emily Brontë, MS Oscar Wilde, MS Thomas Hardy, MS Robert Burns, MS William Wordsworth, MS George Eliot, MS Douro Elegance and MS Douro Splendour there is a lift between all three internal decks but not the sun deck. All other ships have lifts, but these do not operate to the lower deck or the sun deck; with the exception of the MS Swiss Ruby which has no lift.
Smoking and E-Cigarette Policy
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on board except for designated areas on the sun deck.More and more countries in Europe are adopting a stricter legislation on smoking in public places. Smoking is not allowed on any public transport and there may be other restrictions in hotels, bars and restaurants.
Special Dietary Requirements
In the morning a full breakfast is served which includes healthy options and your choice of eggs made to order. For lunch enjoy salads from the buffet, soup and a choice of main courses, including local dishes, plus dessert. The four course a la carte dinners include a selection of international and regional specialities. We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.
What's Included
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Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
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Free Superior drinks package
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Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
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Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
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All visits and excursions as mentioned
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Return flights or Eurostar with regional rail connections
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Coach travel as mentioned
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Transfers from the airport or station to and from the port of embarkation
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English-speaking expert guides
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The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
What's Not Included
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the package.
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Tipping and Gratuity
Tipping and gratuity are not included in the package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with return scheduled flights from 11 regional airports or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International. Enjoy seamless transfers by coach to your five-star cruise ship, and explore the Rhine on a luxurious river cruise with guided tours and excursions included.
Accommodation
Enjoy seven nights on board the luxurious MS George Eliot, offering a choice of elegant cabins or suites with river views. Experience five-star service from an English-speaking crew, with all meals included from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure, plus welcome cocktails and the Captain's Dinner.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on the cruise?
All meals are included from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure. You can enjoy a welcome cocktail and the Captain's Dinner, as well as a 'Chef's Dinner' featuring signature dishes prepared by the chef.
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Are there any special performances or entertainment on board?
Yes, there are live performances of Rhenish folk music with traditional instruments and a medley of live music and songs performed by a professional duo.
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What guided tours are included in the itinerary?
The cruise includes guided tours of Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne, Rudesheim, Boppard, Mainz, Koblenz, and a visit to Colmar.
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What is the accommodation like on the cruise ship?
You will stay in your choice of luxury cabin or suite with river views on board the five-star cruise ship.
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Is there Wi-Fi available on the cruise ship?
Yes, complimentary on-board Wi-Fi is available, although speeds may vary.
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What is the starting and ending point of the cruise?
The cruise starts and ends in Cologne, Germany.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the cruise price?
Yes, insurance and tipping or gratuity are not included in the cruise price.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 101 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 101 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 100 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions