Rhine in Flames

This morning we cruise to Bingen, a picture perfect riverside village surrounded by lush green hills which is known for its Roman architecture and medieval history.  You have free time to explore this afternoon, why not walk to the impressive Basilika St. Martin where you can admire the impressive works of art dating back to the 16th century, or discover the famous ‘Mouse Tower’, located on a tiny island in the middle of the Rhine. Relax on board this evening as we berth overnight in Bingen.

Today we cruise to the city of Mainz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Main rivers. You can explore at leisure or join our optional guided walking tour which is the perfect introduction to Mainz, a fascinating city heralded as the wine capital of Germany. Join us as we explore the old quarter and the modern city centre. We’ll also visit the Gutenburg Museum opposite the cathedral. Relax onboard this evening as we berth overnight in Mainz. 

This morning we set sail for the river port of Mannheim where we arrive just after lunchtime. Our optional excursion today will be to the majestic city of Heidelberg where you are free to explore at your own pace. Home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg is full of charm and history. Visit the spectacular castle, which has inspired generations of painters and poets since the 18th century, or explore the geometric terraces of the Palatinate gardens, once considered the ‘8th world wonder’. We return to the ship later this afternoon for a relaxing evening in Mannheim.

We depart Mannheim this morning and cruise towards the pretty town of Rüdesheim, where we arrive after lunch. Best known for its historic hilltop monument the Niederwald, Rüdesheim is one of Germany’s most famous wine regions. This afternoon you are free to explore at leisure or join our optional excursion for the chance to see the fascinating Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum and enjoy some wine tasting. Relax on board this evening as we berth overnight in Rüdesheim.

Our Rhine in Flames festival day gets off to a gentle start as we cruise through the Rhine Gorge to Boppard. Tonight we witness the thrilling Rhine in Flames spectacle, a flotilla of beautifully illuminated ships as they make their way down the Rhine basking in the glow of a thousand Bengal lights, while hill top fireworks create shimmering cascades of colour high above the mountains, castle and vineyards. See the festival panel for details. This evening we berth overnight in Boppard. 

Enjoy breakfast with a view this morning as we cruise along the Rhine back to Andernach. The town was originally established in 12BC by the Romans, making it one of the oldest towns in Germany and you are free to explore at leisure. Why not visit the Runder Turm (Round Tower) for amazing views of the town, or browse for local souvenirs in the many shops. Alternatively you can join our optional excursion by coach to Maria Laach Abbey, a six-towered Romanesque Basilica and one of the most beautiful monuments in Germany which is also home to over 60 monks. There are two prayers and worships daily which are open to the public. The abbey is situated next to Laacher See, a volcanic lake surrounded by a nature reserve. After our visit there will be free time to explore the Garden Centre overlooking the Eiffel Mountains before we continue with a picturesque journey to Ahrweiler for some free time. We return to the ship for a relaxing final evening on board as we berth overnight in Andernach.

This morning we bid farewell to our captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.