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Description
THE ESSENCE OF THE RHINE
Undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking rivers
in Central Europe, the majestic Rhine begins its journey in Lake Constance
(Switzerland), flows through the charming French city of Strasbourg, and
reveals its most stunning beauty in Germany. Along its winding course, every
rock and hillside is crowned with castles, ancient ruins, or towers with
narrow, shadowy windows—each whispering tales of centuries past. Join us on a
journey to uncover the hidden treasures nestled along the legendary Rhine Rive
Dates
Departure | From | Arrival | From | Price From | Reserve |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
13-05-2026 | Colonia | 20-05-2026 | Colonia | 1655.00€ | RESERVE |
03-06-2026 | Colonia | 10-06-2026 | Colonia | 1655.00€ | RESERVE |
01-07-2026 | Colonia | 08-07-2026 | Colonia | 1655.00€ | RESERVE |
05-08-2026 | Colonia | 12-08-2026 | Colonia | 1655.00€ | RESERVE |
26-08-2026 | Colonia | 02-09-2026 | Colonia | 1655.00€ | RESERVE |
02-09-2026 | Colonia | 09-09-2026 | Colonia | 1655.00€ | RESERVE |
Itinerary
THE ESSENCE OF THE RHINE I | ||
---|---|---|
Duration | 8 days | |
Departure date | 03-06-2026 | 05-08-2026 | 02-09-2026 | | |
Cities | Cologne, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Basel, Breisach, Worms, Mainz | |
Rivers | RHINE | |
INCLUDED: Accommodation in
outside cabins; 3 guided tours as indicated in the itinerary; full board from
dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day; drinks included during
onboard meals: draft beer, house wine, soft drinks, water, coffee/tea; welcome
drink (limited time); afternoon tea with pastries or a midnight snack; coffee
station available; live music onboard; welcome and farewell cocktail (includes
one drink); Captain’s dinner; port and tourist taxes (€65/person/cruise);
medical assistance insurance; onboard luggage handling.
NOT INCLUDED: Optional excursions; drinks not mentioned above; individual transfers; flights; trip cancellation insurance; tips (€60/person/cruise); port and tourist taxes (€65/person/cruise); Wi-Fi; laundry service; minibar PACKAGE
OF INCLUDED VISITS – ROUTE I: Guided walking tour of Basel Guided walking tour of Speyer (or Mainz)
Walking tour of Rüdesheim |
||
Day 1 | DAY 1 COLOGNE Boarding from 16:00. Welcome cocktail. Free time in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay on board. |
|
Day 2 | DAY 2
RÜDESHEIM |
|
Day 3 | DAY 3 – SPEYER* Full board on board. We arrive in Speyer early in the morning. Located in the
state of Rhineland-Palatinate, this historic city is home to the largest
surviving Romanesque cathedral in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since
1981. The cathedral also serves as the final resting place for several emperors
of the Holy Roman Empire. Enjoy the guided walking tour through the city. Overnight on board. Please note: the stop in Speyer may be replaced by a visit to Gernsheim. |
|
Day 4 | DAY 4
STRASBOURG Full board on board. In the morning, we arrive in Strasbourg, the capital of
the Alsace region. Its historic center, Grande Île, was declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1988 as a remarkable example of a medieval city. The area
where the canals converge is known as La Petite France, once a lively district
of fishermen and millers. In addition to its charming half-timbered houses, the
old town is home to numerous landmarks, most notably the stunning cathedral
that towers as a proud symbol of the city. Enjoy a guided optional tour of Strasbourg’s
most iconic sites. In the afternoon, we set sail again. Take in the
unforgettable scenery of the Rhine from the Sun Deck. Overnight stay on board. |
|
Day 5 | DAY 5
BASEL |
|
Day 6 | DAY 6
BREISACH |
|
Day 7 | DAY 7 – WORMS / MAINZ Full board on board. In the morning, we arrive in Worms (Bormes in German). The
Germanic tribes once made Worms their capital. The city is also famous for its
Romanesque architecture. The highlight of the visit is the 11th-century St.
Peter’s Cathedral. With its four towers and twin domes, this spectacular
ancient building ranks alongside the cathedrals of Speyer and Mainz as one of
the finest examples of High Romanesque style. The nave is particularly
impressive, rising about 27 meters, while its domes reach heights of up to 40
meters. Worms is also a popular starting point for exploring the Deutsche
Weinstrasse, a 50-mile route through local wine towns. Guided optional walking tour . In the afternoon, we arrive in Mainz, a city with nearly 2,000 years of rich
history. The cityscape is dominated by Mainz Cathedral. In the shadow of the
cathedral lies medieval Mainz, where life unfolds in its narrow, winding
streets, surrounded by numerous shops, boutiques, and cafés around the charming
Kirschgarten with its romantic half-timbered houses. In the evening, enjoy the
Captain’s dinner. Overnight on board. |
|
Day 8 | DAY 8 – COLOGNE |
THE ESSENCE OF THE RHINE II | ||
---|---|---|
Duration | 8 days | |
Departure date | 13-05-2026 | 01-07-2026 | 26-08-2026 | | |
Cities | Cologne, Koblenz, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Speyer, Mainz, Rüdesheim, Andernach, Cologne | |
PACKAGE
OF INCLUDED VISITS – ROUTE II: Guided walking tour of Cologne Guided walking tour of Koblenz Walking tour of Rüdesheim |
||
Day 1 | DAY 1
COLOGNE |
|
Day 2 | DAY 2 KOBLENZ Full board on board. In the early
afternoon, we will arrive in one of Germany’s most beautiful and oldest cities:
Koblenz. The city is located in the world-famous "German Corner." The
spectacular landscape, shaped by four central mountain ranges, vineyards, and
forests, surrounds this town with over 2,000 years of history. Guided tour of
the city. Overnight on board. |
|
Day 3 | DAY 3 MANNHEIM Full board on board. Mannheim is the German
city where, in 1886, Carl Benz’s first automobile began circulating through its
streets. The city offers a wide range of monuments, culture, art, and
gastronomy. Among its many landmarks are the second-largest Baroque palace in
Europe and the beautiful Water Tower. Optional excursion to Heidelberg Castle.
Overnight on board. |
|
Day 4 | DAY 4
STRASBOURG Full board on board. In the morning, we arrive in Strasbourg, the capital of
the Alsace region. Its historic center, Grande Île, was declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1988 as a remarkable example of a medieval city. The area
where the canals converge is known as La Petite France, once a lively district
of fishermen and millers. In addition to its charming half-timbered houses, the
old town is home to numerous landmarks, most notably the stunning cathedral
that towers as a proud symbol of the city. Enjoy a guided optional tour of Strasbourg’s
most iconic sites. In the afternoon, we set sail again. Take in the
unforgettable scenery of the Rhine from the Sun Deck. Overnight stay on board. |
|
Day 5 | DAY 5 SPEYER / MAINZ Full
board on board. At breakfast time, we will arrive in Speyer, a city located in
the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, home to the largest surviving Romanesque
cathedral in the world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the
cathedral is the final resting place of several emperors of the Holy Roman
Empire. Guided optional tour of the city. Afternoon of navigation. Enjoy the
unforgettable scenery of the Rhine from the Sun Deck.
In
the afternoon, we will arrive in Mainz, a city with nearly 2,000 years of
historical heritage. The cityscape is dominated by the Mainz Cathedral. In its
shadow lies medieval Mainz, where life unfolds in narrow, winding streets
filled with small shops, boutiques, and cafés that surround the beautiful
Kirschgarten with its romantic half-timbered houses. Overnight stop in the
city. Overnight on board. |
|
Day 6 | DAY 6 RÜDESHEIM/ ANDERNACH
Full board on
board. Early in the morning, we will drop anchor in Rüdesheim, one of the most
visited towns in the country. Historical monuments such as the Klunkhardshof,
the fortified Adler Tower, the millennium-old Brömser Castle, and the ruins of
Ehrenfels Castle invite you to spend some time in this town. Free morning.
Afternoon sailing. Enjoy the unforgettable landscape offered by the Rhine from
the Sol bridge. We will spend the night in the German town of Andernach, known
for its geysers. Overnight
on board. |
|
Day 7 | DAY 7 – ANDERNACH / COLOGNE Full board on board. In the
morning, we will remain anchored in Andernach. With over 2,000 years of
history, Andernach has many stories to tell. Impressive landmarks such as the
56-meter-high Runde Turm (Round Tower), the Mariendom (St. Mary's
Cathedral), the old crane on the banks of the Rhine, the Mikveh (Jewish
ritual bath), and the well-preserved city walls await you during your stroll
through the town.
In the afternoon, we will
arrive in Cologne. In Cologne’s historic old town, you’ll find monuments, fountains,
and archaeological sites at nearly every turn. The city's Roman past and its
Jewish history during the Middle Ages have been uncovered in the archaeological
zone of Rathausplatz. Another highlight of the old town is, of course, the
Cologne Cathedral—one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Guided
walking tour included. In the evening, the Captain’s Dinner will take place. Overnight
stay on board. |
|
Day 8 | DAY 8 – COLOGNE Disembarkation
after breakfast. End of our services. |
Ship MS "Vista Rio"
Technical Details
Amenities
Accommodation