Day 1
You embark in Cologne, the great metropolis on the Rhine. Once you have
found your way round your ‘floating hotel’ the tour manager
will welcome you with a cocktail before the welcome dinner on board.
The ship casts off in early evening, travelling upstream towards Koblenz.
Day 2
In the morning you arrive in Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine
and Moselle Rivers. A walking tour (€ 15) shows you the highlights
of the city. Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle
and surrounded by four low mountain ranges is the 2000-year-old town.
Its abundance of cultural monuments and historic buildings, its cosy
lanes and narrow alleyways, the relaxed and happy atmosphere of its squares
and river promenades make Koblenz a friendly town where its guests feel
right at home. You will also have time to strolll through the Christmas
market. The town has five tranquil old squares and 100 beautifully decorated
little Christmas huts amid a blaze of lights, while gingerbread hearts
and hot mulled wine are to be had everywhere.
This afternoon you sail through the glorious Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, passing charming villages, many castles and the
legendary Lorelei Rock.
Day 3
The following midday your ship will have reached Strasbourg, the ancient
capital of Alsace. After lunch, take a guided tour (€ 35) of the
city. See the European Parliament and enjoy a guided visit inside the
city’s famed cathedral. With its monumental cathedral featuring
carvings as delicate as any piece of lacework, Strasbourg is one of Europe’s
most attractive cities. Thanks to the richness and sheer density of its
heritage sites, the entire city centre has been listed as a UNESCO World
Heritage site. Strasbourg is definitely well worth a visit, to discover
its history, its cuisine and its unique atmosphere. One of France’s
longest-established Christmas markets is also worth seeing around.
Day
4
In the morning you reach Basel that you can explore on a guided city
tour (€ 35). Basel's Old Town is one of the best-preserved and most
beautiful in Europe. In few other cities you will find buildings dating
back to the 15th century contrasting with and yet complementing the modern
works of internationally renowned architects. The Old Town is divided
in two sides by the Rhine: Grossbasel and Kleinbasel. Both parts of the
city have their own
individual charm. Kleinbasel entices first of all with the Rhine bank,
which invites to linger and relax at the first rays of sunshine. The
Old Town of Grossbasel on the other hand captivates with its snug spots
and winding alleys, which invite to take a stroll. On this evening the
captain invites you to his special dinner and the ship’s orchestra,
which has entertained you in the bar throughout the whole cruise, will
not fail to inspire most passengers to round off their cruise on the
dance floor.
Day 5
In the morning the vessel docks in Speyer, one of the German Roman Empire’s
most important settlements. After you have had breakfast a guided walk
(€15.00) round the town is available that includes, among other
sights, Speyer’s famous cathedral, which is one of the world’s
best-preserved Romanesque churches. You can also join an excursion to
the university town of Heidelberg. Our tour of the town here (€35)
enables you to see many sights, including the world-renowned castle,
the Karl-Theodor bridge, the twin-towered bridge gate, the late-Gothic
church of the Holy Spirit, the Town Hall and old university. Heidelberg
combines little streets steeped in history with an exuberant student
atmosphere. In the afternoon the cruise continues towards Cologne.
Day 6
Disembarkation is after breakfast in Cologne. End of the cruise.
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