Add to FavouritesSouthern Rhine Discovery
September & October 2021
8 days from £0pp
- Spend the day exploring the 2000-year-old city of Cologne
- Explore the cobbled streets of Rϋdesheim and a famous Rϋdesheim Coffee is a must
- See the neogothic castle that rises more than 100 meters above the river Moselle in Cochem
- Plenty of free time in Worms to explore the historical centre
Day 1: UK - Mainz
We travel to the German city of Mainz on the River Rhine and join our Captain and Crew aboard the MS Diamond. We settle aboard our ship for a relaxing evening and sail overnight to Cologne.
Day 2: Cologne
We arrive into Cologne this morning. Although modern in feel, Cologne also conceals over 2000 years of history within its foundations, dating back as early as Roman times. Our included sight-seeing tour, will highlight the various cultural and historical sites of Cologne, including the St. Martins Church and Historical Town Hall. The tour will finish at the impressive Dom Cathedral, which is the largest Gothic Cathedral in northern Europe. You are free to spend the remaining day at leisure.
Day 3: Cochem
We arrive in Cochem this morning where you can join our guided tour of Reichsburg Castle. The contours of this breath taking neogothic castle rise more than 100 meters above the river Moselle and allow for a stunning view of the surrounding valley. By minibus you will make your way to the hilltop to experience the magnificent vista over the valley where you will find the beautifully renovated Reichsburg Castle. Inside the castle, a guided tour takes you through the different castle chambers, which all uniquely have their own quirks and tales. On the way back, you can visit the centre of Cochem and explore this lovely town, or alternatively, the minibus will bring you back to the ship. After dinner, there’s the opportunity to join an optional wine tasting in a nearby wine cellar. While savouring several local Moselle wines.Day 4: Koblenz
Experience one of the most beautiful towns in Germany with more than 2000 years of history on our included guided walking tour. The great strategic location, at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. The romantic streets of Koblenz show a variety of famous stories shaped around many local traditions and sites. Enjoy highlights such as the Church of Our Lady and the St. Castor Basilica. Discover the picturesque squares and the impressive monument of Emperor Wilhelm I at the German Corner. From here, on the rocky cliff high above the confluence of the two rivers, radiates a magical attraction, known as Fortress Ehrenbreitstein which is accessible with a cable car. Later today we continue cruising through the scenic Lorelei Passage onwards to Rϋdesheim where you’ll have free time to explore this evening.Day 5: Mannheim
We arrive in Mannheim where there’s the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Heidelberg Castle. We travel by coach to Heidelberg; the oldest and most famous university town of Germany. Heidelberg is also one of the country’s most endearing small cities, famous for its historical baroque centre, spirited student atmosphere, beautiful riverside setting and ancient bridge crossing the Neckar River. After the castle tour, explore the romantic town centre before re-joining the MS Diamond in Germersheim.
Day 6: Strasbourg
Experience the Alsatian lifestyle with an international flair in Strasbourg! Get to know this charismatic city with its typical German and French influences on a local city tour. From the ship, a transfer will take you to the city centre from where the picturesque old town awaits to be explored. Now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Strasbourg is best enjoyed by boat cruise and we have included a cruise which offers unique views of the half-timbered houses in ‘Petite France’ and the impressive European Institutions. With its mesmerizing Gothic Cathedral, many cafés, antique stores, boutiques and typical Alsatian architecture, Strasbourg is definitely a highlight worth further discovering on foot! Enjoy some free time in the city before returning to the ship by coach.
Day 7: Worms - Mainz
We arrive in the city of Worms this morning where there’s some free time to explore the historical centre with it’s Romanesque Cathedral and Europe’s oldest Jewish cemetery. We continue our cruise onto Mainz arriving later this afternoon. You are free to discover the city at your own pace or you can join our optional guided walking tour plus entrance to the Gutenburg Museum.
Day 8: Mainz – UK
This morning we bid farewell to our captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
