For centuries the Rhine has both connected and divided peoples and cultures. Castles and fortresses along the river bear witness to its importance as a trade route and border, and the landscape has inspired many myths and legends. The stretch through the Romantic Rhine is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this cruise we follow the Rhine south from Amsterdam through the Netherlands and Germany to Strasbourg in Alsace. Along the way you will visit Arnhem, the cathedral city of Cologne, the wine town of Rüdesheim and the old imperial city of Speyer. A calm journey through three countries, where landscape and history change from day to day.
Highlights
- Two days in Amsterdam
- Cologne and its great cathedral
- Sailing through the Romantic Rhine past the Lorelei
- Rüdesheim, Speyer and Petite France in Strasbourg
- 8-day river cruise on MS Leonora
- All meals on board
Itinerary
Day 1Embarkation, Amsterdam
After you arrive on MS Leonora, the ship's cruise manager welcomes you in the lounge and goes through safety procedures and practical information. Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 2Amsterdam
A full day in Amsterdam. The city is criss-crossed by canals lined with narrow gabled houses, once taxed according to their width along the canal. See the city from the water on a canal cruise, or stroll through the old quarters. At 22:00 we sail towards Germany.
Day 3Arnhem
We arrive in Arnhem at 06:30 and stay until 15:30. The city is known for the Battle of Arnhem in 1944, and in nearby Oosterbeek the Airborne Museum tells the story of Operation Market Garden. Arnhem also has a pleasant centre with a pedestrian street and shops. In the afternoon we sail on up the Rhine.
Day 4Cologne
We arrive in Cologne at 09:00, and the whole day is free in the city. The great cathedral is the city's landmark and survived the bombing of the Second World War almost undamaged. Stroll through the old town along the Rhine, and perhaps try a glass of Kölsch in one of the city's beer halls. At 22:30 we sail on.
Day 5The Romantic Rhine and Rüdesheim
Today we sail through the Romantic Rhine, where vineyards and castles line the river. We pass the Lorelei rock, where the river narrows and, according to legend, a beautiful woman with golden hair lured sailors to their doom. We arrive in Rüdesheim at 15:00. The afternoon and evening are free in the wine town. Stroll along the lively Drosselgasse with its wine taverns and half-timbered houses, or enjoy the view over the Rhine Valley from the Niederwald Monument above the town. The ship is moored close to the centre, so you can also enjoy Rüdesheim in the evening.
Day 6Speyer
In the morning we make a short stop in Mannheim before sailing on to Speyer, arriving at 12:30. The city is one of the oldest in Germany and is known for its great Romanesque imperial cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is free to explore the old town. At 20:00 we sail towards France.
Day 7Strasbourg
We arrive in Strasbourg at 08:00, and the whole day is free. The city has alternated between French and German rule and is today a symbol of European reconciliation and home to several EU institutions, including the European Parliament. Stroll through picturesque Petite France with its half-timbered houses, narrow lanes and canals, or visit the great cathedral.
Day 8Strasbourg
Disembarkation in Strasbourg at around 09:00. Our Rhine river cruise comes to an end.
Please note: Sailing times are approximate and may change due to water levels, weather, locks or other conditions.
What is included?
Included
- 8 days / 7 nights on MS Leonora
- English-speaking staff on board
- All meals and selected drinks
- Entertainment on board
- All cabins are outside cabins with window, shower/toilet, hairdryer and air conditioning
- Port and passenger fees
Not included
- Most drinks on board
- Drinks package – available to purchase
- Excursions
- Transport to and from the ship
- Service charge, €8 per person per day
Prices and dates come straight from our booking system and are always up to date. We are happy to help with transfers, excursions and flights – just ask in your enquiry.
