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.
|
