Holiday Tour Details
Description
Mighty Rhine Cruise to Switzerland Description
This wonderful river cruise aboard the stylish four star MS Arena showcases the highlights of the Rhine at every twist and turn as we follow its course in the countries of Germany, France and Switzerland. Our fully packaged tour includes exploration of the beautiful winemaking town of Rudesheim, a visit to the fairytale Alsace region with wine tasting and a Strasbourg canal cruise to discover its perfect setting and unusual combination of French and German influences.
Itinerary
Mighty Rhine Cruise to Switzerland Itinerary
Sunday We leave Cornwall early in the morning and travel to Dover where we board an afternoon ferry for Calais. We then travel onto The Altia Hotel, Lille for an overnight stay.
Monday Our coach will take us through France and into Germany. On arrival in Cologne we board the MS Arena and enjoy a welcome reception and dinner. Later in the evening the ship sails for Rudesheim.
Tuesday Relax on board as we cruise through the Rhine Gorge past the legendary Lorelei. In the afternoon we arrive at the quaint wine town of Rudesheim where we include a ride on the local land train, admission to Siegfrieds Mechanical Museum and cable car ride to Niederwald monument. In the evening the ship sails for Speyer.
Wednesday This morning we arrive in the charming town of Speyer. Easily explored on foot, Speyer has a magnificent Romanesque Cathedral, as well as an abundance of museums and the remains of a medieval Synagogue. We include a visit to the Speyer Technical Museum which houses vintage cars, locomotives and an original Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet. In the afternoon we sail overnight to Strasbourg.
Thursday Today we sail into the magnificent city of Strasbourg, well known for its world heritage status. Enjoy some free time to explore the main sights at leisure or take a walk around the old city. Whilst here we enjoy a cruise along Strasbourg’s waterways, which is a great way to see the city. We return to the ship for lunch and a late afternoon sailing to Basel.
Friday On arrival in the old University City of Basel we have a coach excursion to the Swiss resort of Lucerne. This scenic journey travels through the Jura Mountains, before arriving at Lucerne – the historic and scenic heart of Switzerland. Tonight we sail overnight to Breisach.
Saturday This morning we arrive into Breisach, where the Black Forest meets the Alsace. We take an excursion into the beautiful Alsace, stopping at the little village of Riquewihr where we enjoy wine tasting at the famous Dopff & Irion vineyard. We sail for Mannheim overnight.
Sunday We cruise to the river port of Mannheim and meet our coach for a guided tour of the majestic city of Heidelberg, home of Germany’s oldest university. We return to our ship for lunch onboard as we cruise to Mainz where we arrive later this afternoon. Mainz is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers and has been the capital of the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate since 1946. We include a guided walking tour of the pretty pedestrian precincts and entrance to the Gutenberg Museum. This evening we enjoy our final night onboard as we set sail for Cologne.
Monday We disembark the ship in Cologne and make our way back to Lille for an overnight stay at the Altia Hotel.
Tuesday After breakfast we travel to Calais and board the ferry back to the UK. We arrive home in the evening.
Hotel
Mighty Rhine Cruise to Switzerland Hotel
This four star ship is comfortable, stylish and has been decorated with unfaltering attention to detail. Take advantage of the wellness and fitness suite, treat yourself to a drink or two with new friends in the Ambassador’s Lounge or soak up the ambience and spectacular sights from the comfort of the elevated sun deck.
Wherever you choose to spend your time on board, you’ll be in great hands with the attentive crew and cruise managers who are on hand to assure you of the perfect river cruise experience.
There is also a library and onboard shop for stocking up on souvenirs and essentials, and for your convenience there is complimentary Wifi onboard.
http://www.rivercruiseline.co.uk/our-ships/ms-arena#tabs-overview
Cost Includes
Mighty Rhine Cruise to Switzerland Includes
Premier Class coach travel
Free optional travel insurance
Ferry crossings
9 Nights dinner, bed & breakfast
Welcome drink at overnight hotel
Lunch on 6 days
Early and mid morning beverage on ship
5 Course farewell dinner on ship
Porterage to and from ship
Welcome reception on ship
Nightly entertainment on ship
Excursions as detailed
Road train at Rudesheim
Admission to Siegfrieds Mechanical Museum
Cable car to Niederwald Monument
Admission to Speyer Technical Museum
Strasbourg Canal Cruise
Wine tasting at Dopff & Irion Vineyard
Guided tour of Heidelberg
Mainz guided walking tour
Admission to Gutenberg Museum
Free home pick up in designated area
Further Information
Mighty Rhine Cruise to Switzerland Further Information
Single cabins available at a supplement of £448
Main deck superior cabin supplement £151
Upper deck superior cabin supplement £298
£100 non-refundable deposit
Balance due 15 weeks prior to travel
River cruising is not always suited to people with mobility issues as ships may have to dock more than one abreast and there may be a distance to walk to coach or towns.
For navigational and safety reasons cruise route may be modified
Dress code on board will be informal but shorts and denim are not permitted attire for dinner
Tipping is at passengers discretion
