This superb cruise from Cologne explores the beautiful towns and cities dotted along the Rhine, one of Europe's most loved rivers.
Enjoy a tour of Koblenz, an interesting city founded by the Romans and admire Boppard's impressive castle, before cruising the dramatic Rhine Gorge with its fairytale castles.
Discover Mainz, capital of the Rhineland and the birthplace of Gutenberg, the father of modern printing. Learn about printing methods on a tour of the museum and see the original Gutenberg Bibles, before heading to scenic Heidelberg, nestled in a stunning valley and dominated by a spectacular castle.
Arrive in the breathtaking Alsace region and explore its fascinating capital, Strasbourg. Wander along the meandering lanes of the Petite France district or visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral during your time here. Rudesheim in the heart of the Riesling wine region is the last stop before you head back to Cologne for an overnight stop, plenty of time to see the city's iconic sights.
RT110 Operated by Riviera Travel
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Rhine to Strasbourg and Heidelberg Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Cologne (Germany)
Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels and transfer by coach to the ship moored in Cologne. Alternatively, fly from the UK to Dusseldorf or Cologne and transfer to the ship. Once on board, meet the crew and settle in to your luxurious cabin.
Day 2 - Koblenz - Boppard
Koblenz is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and was founded by the Romans. Admire the traditional half-timbered buildings and wander along the winding streets on a morning walking tour. Return to the ship for lunch and begin cruising upstream to Boppard. Perhaps explore the stunning Rheinallee promenade before dinner.
Day 3 - Rhine Gorge - Mainz
This morning, cruise through the famous Rhine Gorge with its sheer walls and castles perched on the hilltops. Go up on deck and admire the breathtaking scenery as you pass through. Later, the ship arrives in Mainz which is home to Germany's largest wine market and the birthplace of Gutenberg, the father of modern printing. You can take the opportunity to visit the museum with its working reconstruction of the earliest printing press. You will also see the original Gutenberg Bibles, the first book printed in Europe. During dinner the ship cruises past the lakes of the Kuhkopf nature reserve.
Day 4 - Heidelberg
After breakfast, enjoy a short drive to the city of Heidelberg, nestled in a picturesque valley overlooked by an impressive castle. Join a guided walking of the city, home to a prestigious 14th-century university and romantic old town. Later, enjoy some time at leisure before rejoining the ship.
Day 5 - Strasbourg (France) - Colmar
Strasbourg is the beautiful capital of the Alsace region and has a myriad of meandering alleys and crooked lanes. A walking tour showcases the old centre, including the Petit France district with its tranquil canals and the striking gothic cathedral. Later, enjoy a scenic drive to Colmar, built in the 16th-century. Explore this town at leisure or have a coffee in one of the local cafes.
Day 6 - Rudesheim (Germany)
Late afternoon, arrive in the wine-producing town of Rudesheim. It is located in the heart of Riesling and is a typical Rhine town with crooked streets and terraced slopes. This evening, enjoy the Captain's Dinner which includes regional specialties.
Day 7 - Cologne
Early morning, the ship passes through the Rhine Gorge en route back to Cologne. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the city, home to an impressive Gothic cathedral with beautiful stained glass. Explore the old town before returning to the ship for you final dinner.
Day 8 - Cologne - UK
This morning, head to Brussels to connect with the Eurostar or to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary to suit wind and weather conditions.