Four Rivers Cruise - Germany

Description

A journey through Europe’s most scenic waterways aboard the MS Leonardo Da Vinci

Experience the timeless beauty of Europe’s rivers on this enchanting seven-night holiday, combining the charm of historic towns, vineyard-covered valleys, and the relaxed luxury of life on the water. Your adventure begins with a journey through France and Belgium to Remich, Luxembourg, where you’ll board the elegant MS Leonardo Da Vinci and be welcomed with cocktails and evening entertainment.

Cruise in comfort along the Moselle and Rhine Rivers, exploring some of Europe’s most picturesque towns and landscapes. Discover Luxembourg City’s mix of history and culture, enjoy a sparkling wine tasting in the Moselle Valley, and wander the cobbled streets of Cochem, crowned by its fairytale castle.

In Trier, Germany’s oldest city, ancient Roman gates and imperial baths tell stories of empires past, while Rüdesheim offers a taste of local life with vineyard tours, wine tastings, and the magical sounds of Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. The voyage continues through the romantic Rhine Valley, past castle-topped hills and the legendary Lorelei Rock, before reaching Heidelberg, famed for its red-sandstone castle and old-world charm.

Enjoy fine dining and unlimited drinks aboard ship, along with onboard entertainment and a gala farewell evening to celebrate your unforgettable journey.

Itinerary

Thursday: Following an early start we travel to Dover where we board the ferry for the short sea crossing to Calais. On arrival we rejoin our coach and travel through Northern France into Belgium and on into Luxembourg to Remich. Here we board the ship. After settling into our cabins we are introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail, followed by an evening of entertainment.

Friday: This morning there is an optional guided tour of Luxembourg City by coach. The city is a real mix of styles and cultures. A walking tour of the city gets a closer look at some of the sites, including the Place Des Armes, Place De La Constitution, Capital Buildings, Corniche, The Old City, The Grand Ducal Palace and Place Guillaume II. After the tour we can enjoy some free time before returning to our ship in Remich. This afternoon there is an optional visit to a winery with tasting. The vineyards are well known for their sparking wines. We will discover the secrets to winemaking while strolling through the underground passages. After the tour we make our way to the historical centre of Remich where we can enjoy some free, known as the “Pearl of the Moselle”. This charming city is surrounded by an outstanding panorama of vineyards and forests. Later we return to our ship. This evening we cruise to Saarburg. Join us for an evening of entertainment.

Saturday: This morning is spent cruising the Sarre and the Moselle towards Trier. We arrive in Trier by late morning. This afternoon there is an optional guided tour of Trier. Discover the Roman Vestiges and heritage here. The splendid view of the city offers views of the Moselle and its magnificent landscape. Trier is known for its well preserved Roman and Medieval buildings and is also home to some impressive churches as well. We will see the Amphitheatre, The Imperial Baths, The Roman Basilica and the Porta Nigra, one of the best preserved Roman city gates. After we return on bard we will cruise to Cochem, once again join us for an evening of entertainment.

Sunday: We arrive in Cochem early in the morning. During the morning there is an optional guided tour of Cochem Castle. The imperial Castle sits on a mighty crag over the Moselle River and is reached by a minibus transfer. The Castle dates back to the 11th Century, after being destroyed by the French in the 17th Century, it was re-built from scratch in a Neo-Gothic style. We also have time at leisure to enjoy this popular riverside town with its narrow winding streets and lovely half timbered homes. The historic square and the early walls, gates and churches. The afternoon will be spent cruising along the Moselle River, one of the most beautiful tributaries of the River Rhine towards Koblenz. Enjoy the calm as we pass charming villages, vineyards and what seems like a Castle on every peak. Once we arrive at the end of the afternoon, explore the city with our host or hostess. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Monday: This morning we will pass through the beautiful and romantic Rhine Valley, majestic Castles, mysterious ruins and famous vineyards. The countryside is known for its legendary German Royalty and fabled Lorelei Rock. We arrive in Rudesheim by late morning. During the afternoon join us for an optional guided tour of Rudesheim. First we enjoy a guided tour of the local vineyards on a tourist train. Then we can participate in a wine tasting in the historic rooms of the Bassenheimer HOF. Afterwards we head to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, located in a lovely 15th Century building. This museum holds a collection of fascinating musical instruments ranging from tiny delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion. In the evening, the famous Drosselgasse with its numerous cafe’s, bars and music awaits us. Our ship will begin to cruise to Mannheim at the end of the evening.

Tuesday: We arrive in Mannheim early in the morning. This will be our starting point for the optional excursion to Heidelberg, known as the most romantic city in Germany. It has inspired many a painter and poet with it’s beauty. We will visit the partially ruined, red sandstone Castle that sits majestically above the city overlooking the Neckar River. Up to the thirty years war Heidelberg boasted one of the most notable ensembles of buildings in the holy Roman Empire. While time has taken its toll, the Castle’s fame lives on to this day. One of the most popular attractions is a giant wine barrel, built in 1591 it held about 34,000 gallons of wine collected from the Palatinate inpayment of taxes. The facade of the Friedrich building, displaying a perfect gallery of portraits from the Royal line is also a must see. After our visit we will go to the historical centre of the city to take in the many sites. Enjoy some free time before returning on board in Heidelberg. The afternoon will be spent cruising the Neckar and Rhine Rivers towards Strasbourg. Tonight is our gala evening.

Wednesday: We Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking, from Strasbourg we travel via Metz to Reims where we spend our last night at the Novotel Hotel Reims Tinqueux.

Thursday: We leave Reims and travel towards Calais where we board the ferry for the return sea crossing. On arrival we re-join our coach and travel towards home, making the usual refreshment stops. We arrive by early evening.

Please Note: the following items are not include in the price;

• Drinks from Specials List

• Drinks ordered during excursions or transfers

• Optional Excursions

Excursions must be reserved and paid for onboard.