Rhine & Alsace Cruise (Superior Cabin)
New
Begin in Cologne – and end there too – on an immersive 8 day Rhine cruise. You’ll tour Koblenz where the Rhine meets the Moselle, enjoy free time in the lively university city of Mannheim with an optional hop to Heidelberg, and discover Strasbourg’s handsome old town with the chance to visit pretty Colmar. In Speyer and Mainz, expect Romanesque cathedrals and Gutenberg history. Rüdesheim serves up wine taverns and village charm before you drift through the UNESCO listed Romantic Rhine – castles, vineyards and the Loreley included. Andernach brings its famous cold water geyser, while Cologne’s mighty cathedral rounds things off in style.
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 110 travellers
Min 2 / Max 110
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 110Range
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
€5,020.00
€2,510.00
Places You'll See
Cologne
Koblenz
Mannheim
Strasbourg
Speyer
Mainz
Rüdesheim am Rhein
Romantic Rhine
Andernach
Included
Tips during the cruise are not included (€50 per person/cruise is recommended).
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Embark in Cologne
Arrival transfer and embarkation in Cologne – welcome aboard MS VISTA GRACIA. Check in from 4:00 p.m.; if you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage at reception and explore the city at your own pace. We gather for a welcome cocktail and dinner, then set sail after dinner. Overnight sailing.
Day 2 - Exploring Koblenz
After a relaxing morning on the river, we arrive in Koblenz in the afternoon and berth near the Deutsches Eck where the Rhine meets the Moselle. We uncover more than 2,000 years of history on an included guided visit, then you have free time to explore. 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. You have free time to discover a place linked to early cycling, the first automobile and pioneering rocketry. In the afternoon you can join an optional excursion to Heidelberg and its iconic castle – sold on board and subject to minimum participation. Overnight sailing.
Day 4 - Free Time in Strasbourg
Today we enjoy Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region and among Europe’s most scenic areas. In the morning you can explore independently or join a guided tour that begins by coach and continues on foot through the historic centre and main sights. After lunch you have free time, or you can take an optional excursion to Colmar, one of the region’s most picturesque towns. Overnight sailing.
Day 5 - Free Time in Speyer & Sail to Mainz
We wake in Speyer, a small German town on the Rhine in Rhineland–Palatinate. You have free time to wander its streets and visit the largest surviving Romanesque cathedral – the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption and St Stephen – one of Germany’s three Imperial Cathedrals alongside those in Mainz and Worms. During lunch we sail towards Mainz, where Gutenberg pioneered movable type. Its historic centre, crowned by a thousand year old cathedral, contrasts with the vibrant modern university city we see today. Overnight in Mainz.
Day 6 - Rüdesheim & Andernach
Early this morning we take a short cruise to Rüdesheim, the rowers’ town. We set out on a guided tour, then you have free time before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon we sail through one of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes – the most famous stretch of the Rhine, known as the Romantic Rhine. This 65 km section is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its scenic beauty and history, with dozens of castles, vineyards and legends such as the Loreley. By early evening we arrive in Andernach, where we spend the night. Overnight in Andernach.
Day 7 - Free Time in Andernach & Return to Cologne
We wake in Andernach, where you have free time to explore this ancient town, famous for the world’s highest cold water geyser that can erupt up to 60 metres. At midday we resume sailing and, after lunch, arrive in Cologne. In the afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of this city with more than 2,000 years of history, renowned for its striking architectural heritage, its iconic Cathedral and its colourful, lively atmosphere. Overnight in Cologne.
Day 8 - Cologne
After breakfast we disembark. Cabins must be vacated by 9:00 a.m., though you can leave your luggage on board and relax in the public 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.
River Cruiser
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.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in France to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?