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 from Strasbourg in Alsace through Germany to Amsterdam. Along the way you will find vineyards, castles, historic cities such as Koblenz and Cologne and a visit to Arnhem before we reach the canals of Amsterdam. A calm journey through three countries, where landscape and history change from day to day.
Highlights
- Strasbourg with Petite France and the old town
- Sailing through the Romantic Rhine
- Koblenz at the Deutsches Eck and Cologne Cathedral
- Arnhem and the canals of Amsterdam
- 8-day river cruise on MS Leonora
- All meals on board
Itinerary
Day 1Embarkation, Strasbourg
After check-in, the ship's cruise manager welcomes you in the lounge and goes through safety procedures and practical information. Overnight in Strasbourg.
Day 2Strasbourg
A full day in Strasbourg. 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. Overnight in Strasbourg.
Day 3Mannheim
We sail from Strasbourg during the night and arrive in Mannheim at 13:00. The afternoon is free. From here it is a short distance to the university town of Heidelberg with its old town and castle above the Neckar.
Day 4The Romantic Rhine and Koblenz
Early in the morning we sail on through the Romantic Rhine, where vineyards and castles line the river, and pass the Lorelei rock. We arrive in Koblenz at 13:00. The afternoon is free to explore the old town and walk out to the Deutsches Eck, where the Moselle joins the Rhine beside the large equestrian statue of Emperor William I.
Day 5Koblenz and Cologne
We leave Koblenz at 11:00 and sail down the Rhine to Cologne, arriving at 16:00. The evening is free to see the great cathedral, the city's landmark, and stroll through the old town, perhaps with a glass of Kölsch in one of the city's beer halls. Late in the evening we sail on towards the Netherlands.
Day 6Arnhem
We arrive in Arnhem at 11:00. The city is known for the Battle of Arnhem in September 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. Overnight in Arnhem.
Day 7Amsterdam
Early in the morning we sail towards Amsterdam, arriving at 13:00. The afternoon is free to experience the city's canals and narrow gabled houses, ideally from the water on a canal cruise.
Day 8Amsterdam
Disembarkation in Amsterdam 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.
