Across to Calais and then onwards to our overnight hotel in Northern France in time for dinner.

Today we join the MPS Rotterdam to start our Rhine & Moselle cruise, but first there’s the opportunity to explore one of Germany’s oldest cities. With its cafes, bars, shops, old town and gothic cathedral, Cologne is a special place for any visitor.

A morning’s sail to Königswinter, a pretty summer retreat at the foot of the Siedengebirge, or seven mountains range, andhome to Drachenfels Castle. Sailing south we then visit Andernach, one of the oldest towns in Germany, containing medieval remnants of the old town and a well-preserved castle.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Moselle’, Cochem is dominated by the fairytale 11th century Reichsburg Castle standing guard above the town and river.

Koblenz is situated at the confluence of the Rhine with the Moselle and marks the northern end of the Rhine Gorge, declared a World Heritage site in 2002. In 2011 the first Rhineland National Garden Show will take place in Koblenz. The town will be transformed with displays taking place within the town centre. There is also a new cable car connecting the town centre to the Fortress on the opposite side of the river, a rid offering truly spectacular views of the Rhine.

Heading south we stop at the popular resort of Rüdesheim, at the southern entrance to the Loreley valley, with its choice of restaurants, wine houses and open-air taverns to enjoy.

Today’s sail takes us to two of the prettiest places on the whole trip. Our first port of call is an ancient fortress town known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, which has an unspoilt promenade alongside the river, while the charming city of Linz is decorated with colourful half-timbered houses.

Two more treats today include Remagen, which you may know for the Ludenorff Bridge and the movie ‘A Bridge Too Far’; and Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven, with its well-kept botanic gardens and palace.

Our final cruise day, ready to disembark and make the journey by coach to our overnight hotel in Northern France.

We set off for Calais, to Dover, and then home.