Romantic Rhine & Alsace Cruise (Standard Cabin)
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Set sail from Cologne and return 8 days later, after a relaxed Rhine cruise packed with culture and storybook scenery. You’ll explore Koblenz at the Deutsches Eck, wander Mannheim with the chance to visit Heidelberg’s hilltop castle, and discover Strasbourg’s half timbered charm – perhaps add pretty Colmar. Expect to see Speyer’s mighty Romanesque cathedral, Mainz with Gutenberg heritage, and lanes lined with vines in Rüdesheim. A highlight is the UNESCO listed Romantic Rhine – a glittering run of castles, vineyards and the Loreley cliff – before time in Bonn, Beethoven’s birthplace. Full board, guided visits and generous free time keep the pace easy – and the views constant.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
River CruiserStarts
CologneEnds
CologneMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in France that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guideCountries
France, GermanyTour Style
Group Size
Up to 192 travelers
Min 2 / Max 192
Trip Type
River Cruises
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 192Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
River CruisesPassengers
$7,020.00
$3,510.00
Places You'll See
Cologne
Koblenz
Mannheim
Strasbourg
Speyer
Mainz
Rüdesheim am Rhein
Romantic Rhine
Bonn
Included
Tips during the cruise are not included (€50 per person/cruise is recommended).
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Embark in Cologne
On arrival, transfer to the MS VISTARIO in Cologne. Check in from 4:00 pm – if you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage at reception and explore at leisure. We gather for a welcome cocktail and dinner on board, then set sail afterwards. Overnight sailing.
Day 2 - Exploring Koblenz
A relaxing morning of Rhine cruising with full board as we make our way to Koblenz, arriving in the afternoon at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle near the Deutsches Eck. We join an included visit to uncover more than two millennia of history, then you have free time to wander the old town. Overnight sailing.
Day 3 - Free Time in Mannheim
By late morning we reach Mannheim, a university city at the meeting of the Rhine and Neckar, where you have free time to explore – associated with the two wheeled vehicle in 1817, the first automobile in 1886 and a pioneering rocket powered aircraft in 1929. In the afternoon you can opt for an excursion to Heidelberg and its celebrated castle, available to purchase on board subject to minimum participation. Overnight sailing.
Day 4 - Exploring Strasbourg
Today we enjoy Strasbourg, capital of Alsace and one of Europe’s most scenic cities. In the morning we join a guided tour that begins by coach and continues on foot through the historic centre and main sights, or you may prefer to explore independently. After lunch you have free time, or you can take an optional excursion to Colmar, one of Alsace’s most picturesque towns. Overnight sailing.
Day 5 - Free Time in Speyer & Mainz
We wake in Speyer, a small German town on the Rhine in Rhineland–Palatinate. You have free time to stroll its streets and perhaps visit the largest surviving Romanesque cathedral, dedicated to St Mary of the Assumption and St Stephen, one of Germany’s three Imperial Cathedrals together with Mainz and Worms. Over lunch we sail towards Mainz, the city where Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press – its historic centre crowned by a thousand year old cathedral contrasts with the modern, lively university city it is today. Overnight in Mainz.
Day 6 - Exploring Rüdesheim am Rhine & Sail to Bonn
Early this morning we cruise a short way to Rüdesheim. We set out on a guided tour of this much loved riverside town, then you have free time before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon we glide through the Romantic Rhine – a 65 km UNESCO World Heritage stretch famed for castles, vineyards and legends such as the Loreley siren. By early evening we arrive in Bonn. Overnight in Bonn.
Day 7 - Free Time in Bonn & Return to Cologne
We wake in Bonn, where you have free time to explore this historic Rhine city. At midday we resume sailing and, after lunch, arrive in Cologne. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of a city with more than two millennia of history, celebrated for its architectural heritage, its iconic cathedral and its colourful atmosphere. Overnight in Cologne.
Day 8 - Cologne
After breakfast we disembark. Cabins must be vacated by 9:00 am – you can leave your luggage on board and stay in the common areas, or head out to enjoy the city until your scheduled transfer. End of services.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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