Enchanted Journey London to Rhine

Upon your arrival in London, we'll provide a convenient transfer to your hotel. Once settled in, you'll have some leisure time to relax or begin exploring this vibrant city at your own pace. Later in the afternoon, be sure to check the hotel reception for essential information concerning the start of our tour. We aim to make your stay both comfortable and informative as you prepare for the exciting adventures that lie ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Begin your day with a captivating panoramic tour of London, guided by a local expert who will illuminate the city's rich cultural tapestry and historical landmarks. Witness the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament and the majestic River Thames, and, time permitting, you might catch a glimpse of the iconic Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. In the evening, we'll regroup at a designated spot in Piccadilly and set off on a leisurely stroll through the vibrant districts of Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho. These areas are famed for their dynamic atmosphere, teeming with theatres and a myriad of entertainment options. You'll have the freedom to choose from a wide selection of dining venues for an evening meal before we make our way back to the hotel.

On the third day, we start our morning with a visit to the British Museum, renowned for being one of the world's oldest museums, where you can observe artefacts from various global cultures. After some free time for lunch, we continue to Camden, famed for its lively and eclectic street market. Here, you can wander through stalls that offer unique items and sample dishes from its diverse array of food stands or small eateries.In the late afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., we set off for Colchester, recognised as England’s oldest recorded town. We’ll meander through Colchester’s historic streets before proceeding to Harwich, where we'll board the ferry for an overnight journey to the Netherlands. Accommodation is provided in en suite cabins.Please note that the itinerary may be subject to change due to the availability of ferry cabins. Alternatives include a daytime ferry with an overnight stay in Antwerp, or a train or flight to Amsterdam.

We will arrive in the Netherlands around eight in the morning, docking at Hoek van Holland. Our first destination is Volendam, a delightful fishing village known for its charming atmosphere and picturesque scenery. After exploring Volendam, we will journey to Amsterdam for a guided tour of this vibrant city. Our tour will showcase several highlights, including the iconic windmills, the elegant South District, and the traditional craft of diamond cutting at Museum Square. We will then leave the bus to explore the city’s centre on foot, concluding the guided part of our tour. After the tour, you will have free time to further immerse yourself in Amsterdam’s unique blend of history and modernity at your own pace.

After breakfast, we'll depart with fond farewells to our fellow travellers and head to the MS Crucevita, docked either at Coenhaven or Zaandam port in Amsterdam, to begin our Rhine Valley Cruise. You can check in from 4:00 p.m., but should you arrive earlier, you’re welcome to leave your luggage at reception and explore Amsterdam at your leisure. This city, renowned for its canal-filled charm and artistic heritage, offers plenty of attractions to discover on your own. In the evening, we’ll gather for a warm welcome reception and dinner on board, after which we'll settle in for our first night in Amsterdam.

After breakfast, we embark on a leisurely exploration of Amsterdam. This vibrant city, renowned for its artistic heritage and intricate canal system, offers an array of cultural experiences. We suggest visiting one of the city's world-class museums or taking a stroll along its picturesque, tree-lined canals to soak up the lively atmosphere and unique charm. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure and consider joining an optional guided excursion to the northern region of the country, where you can discover more of the Netherlands' rich history and landscapes. As night falls, we continue our journey by sailing onward, allowing you to relax and savour the comforts of your cruise.

Today, we arrive in the captivating city of Nijmegen, known as the oldest in the Netherlands. This city proudly displays its historical roots, stretching back to Roman times, through its well-preserved archaeological sites and monuments. We'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through its historic centre, allowing you to then explore freely. You might choose to visit such impressive landmarks as St. Stevenskerk or the Valkhof Museum, both steeped in history and culture. As the evening draws in, we'll continue our voyage and sail through the night, furthering our adventure along the water.

We arrive in Cologne, one of Germany's major cities, early in the morning. Our walking tour will guide us through its historic heart, culminating at the majestic Cologne Cathedral, known locally as the Kölner Dom. This iconic structure is the seat of the Archbishopric and a significant symbol of the city. Following the tour, the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. You might choose to discover Cologne's vibrant breweries, wander down its bustling shopping streets, or perhaps visit one of its renowned perfumeries. Alternatively, there is the option of a short journey to nearby Düsseldorf for further exploration. After dinner, we set sail once more, continuing our journey through the night.

Today, we embark on a scenic exploration of the Romantic Rhine, renowned for its enchanting beauty and historical allure. This 65-kilometre stretch, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers some of the most picturesque views in Europe. Our journey starts at Koblenz, situated where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, right through to Rüdesheim. Expect to be captivated by tales of lore, including that of the legendary Loreley siren, as we sail past ancient castles and charming villages nestled along the riverbanks. The day promises an enriching experience amid this storied landscape, as we enjoy the tranquillity and splendour of the Rhine before sailing through the night.

We will arrive mid-morning in Mannheim, a lively university city located where the Rhine meets the Neckar River. Mannheim has a proud heritage of innovation—it's where Karl Drais developed the first two-wheeled vehicle in 1817, Carl Benz debuted his inaugural car in 1886, and Julius Hatry crafted the world’s first rocket plane in 1929. From here, we’ll venture to Heidelberg, celebrated for its splendid hilltop castle and the prestigious 14th-century university. Enjoy the scenic beauty as we continue our journey by sailing overnight.

Today, we will immerse ourselves in the enchanting city of Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace region and celebrated as one of Europe's most beautiful cities. We will begin our exploration with a scenic drive, followed by a leisurely stroll through the historic centre to discover its remarkable sights. After enjoying lunch, you will have some free time to further explore Strasbourg at your own pace or, if you prefer, you can venture into the heart of French Alsace with an optional visit to the charming village of Colmar, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. As evening falls, we will continue our journey, setting sail once more.

This morning, we find ourselves in the historic city of Mainz, famously known as the birthplace of the movable-type printing press, courtesy of Johannes Gutenberg. The city’s rich past is perfectly complemented by its bustling contemporary energy, dominated by its iconic thousand-year-old cathedral standing as a testament to its heritage. Breakfast awaits, after which we'll offer you a guided exploration of this fascinating location. At 9:00 a.m., you'll be asked to vacate your cabins, although you can conveniently store your luggage at reception until your departure. We invite you to join the tour if it fits with your travel plans, allowing you to absorb the culture and charm of Mainz before bidding farewell to your fellow travellers. We hope you depart with fond memories of this splendid journey.