Day 1: London to Strasbourg
We leave St Pancras International on the morning Eurostar for Paris, then continue on by high-speed TGV to Strasbourg where we board our floating hotel for four nights. After a welcome cocktail and dinner, you have the chance to join an optional tour of Old Strasbourg by riverboat. (D)
Day 2: Strasbourg to Koblenz
Today we cruise through the beautiful Rhine Valley, inspiration to countless poets and painters. We pass fairytale castles, picturesque vineyards and medieval towns dominated by imposing ruins, bringing to mind the area’s turbulent past. We arrive in Koblenz in the early evening, a pretty town situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle and guarded by an enormous fortress set high above the valley. You have the opportunity to discover Koblenz at your own pace, or join the ship’s host for a walking tour of the Old Town. We are moored here overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim
This morning we cruise upstream, heading through the most breathtaking stretch of the Rhine Gorge and gliding past the famous Lorelei Rock. This huge rocky outcrop is situated on the eastern bank of the Rhine, and legend has it that Lorelei was a beautiful maiden who lured sailors to their doom with her bewitching singing. This afternoon we arrive in the wine town of Rüdesheim and our optional excursion offers you the chance to travel on a tourist road train to visit a local wine cellar. Here you can taste some of the wines for which the area is justly famous, before continuing to Siegfried’s Museum of Mechanical Music, which houses a fascinating collection of old instruments from the last two centuries. Alternatively, you could spend the afternoon exploring Rüdesheim. The Niederwald Monument, perched high above the Rhine, with vineyards stretching out like a tapestry below, offers spectacular views across the river. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Heidelberg and Mannheim
Our cruise continues upstream, passing the delightful towns of Wiesbaden, Nierstein and Worms. After lunch on board, we arrive in Speyer or Mannheim, both charming, ancient towns dating from around the 11th century. Our optional afternoon excursion is to Heidelberg, on the banks of the River Neckar and dominated by its majestic castle. The walk up to the ruins is vigorous, but offers incredible views of the surrounding area and the river below. Tonight, we enjoy a gala dinner to mark our final evening on board, followed by a night of dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Strasbourg to London
We leave Strasbourg after breakfast and transfer to the station, where we catch the TGV bound for Paris. We change onto the Eurostar to St Pancras International, arriving mid-afternoon. (B)
Your cruise ship
All of CroisiEurope’s fleet have between 50 and 77 cabins, each with shower/wc, television, hairdryer, safe and picture window. Each ship also has a comfortable lounge/bar and a separate restaurant where meals are served. Three-course lunches and dinners are waiter-service while breakfast is a self-service buffet. There is a large sun-deck with deck-chairs on each vessel where you can relax and enjoy the views.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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