Rhine Dreams Amsterdam to Mainz

On your first day, you'll settle into the charming city of Amsterdam. Transfers from arrivals will take you to board the comfortable MS Crucevita, which will be docked at either Coenhaven or Zaandam port, marking the start of your delightful Rhine Valley cruise. Boarding officially begins at 4:00 p.m., but feel free to arrive earlier to drop off your luggage at reception and start exploring the city at your leisure. Amsterdam, with its iconic canals and rich history, offers plenty to discover. In the evening, we welcome you with a reception and dinner on board. You'll spend your first night moored in Amsterdam, a perfect introduction to your journey. Please be aware that fellow travellers might join or leave us at various points throughout the tour, but rest assured our group will never exceed the maximum size. 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.

After a hearty breakfast onboard, we will embark on a guided tour of Amsterdam, affectionately known as "The Venice of the North". With a history spanning more than 800 years, Amsterdam is celebrated for its iconic canal houses, secret courtyards, and its rich tapestry of cultures and nationalities that bring its streets to life. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure – explore the world-class museums, wander the city’s eclectic neighbourhoods, or perhaps take an optional excursion to the enchanting northern regions of the country. As the night unfolds, we will continue our journey, sailing onwards into the night.

Today, we journey to Nijmegen, the Netherlands' oldest city, steeped in history dating back to Roman times. As we dock, you'll notice Nijmegen's rich historic atmosphere, with archaeological sites and monuments offering glimpses into its past. We will explore the historic centre with a guided walk, allowing us to appreciate the city's significance over the centuries. Afterwards, you are free to delve further into Nijmegen's treasures, perhaps visiting iconic landmarks such as St. Stevenskerk or the Valkhof Museum. As the day comes to a close, we continue our voyage, sailing into the night.

Upon our early arrival in Cologne, one of Germany’s major cities, we will embark on a walking tour through its historic centre. Our journey culminates at the iconic Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), the seat of the city's Archbishopric and a masterpiece of gothic architecture. The afternoon is yours to explore Cologne's vibrant scene, from sampling local brews to meandering through its bustling shopping streets. You might also choose to venture to nearby Düsseldorf at your leisure. After dinner onboard, we'll continue our travels, sailing onward through the night.

Today we embark on an enchanting journey through one of Europe's most picturesque regions – the Romantic Rhine. This section, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans a stunning 65 kilometres, celebrated for its awe-inspiring vistas, historical importance, and fascinating legends, including the tale of the Loreley siren. Our exploration will also take us to the delightful towns of Koblenz and Rüdesheim, positioned at the ends of this remarkable stretch. As we traverse this captivating landscape, we'll sail through the night, soaking up the ethereal beauty and timeless charm that define the heart of Europe.

We arrive in Mannheim by mid-morning, a university city located where the Rhine and Neckar rivers converge. Known as a cradle of invention, Mannheim saw the creation of the first two-wheeled vehicle by Karl Drais in 1817, Carl Benz's inaugural car journey in 1886, and the world's first rocket plane by Julius Hatry in 1929. From Mannheim, we head to the picturesque town of Heidelberg. Here, you can explore its 14th-century university and admire the magnificent hilltop palace offering sweeping views over the Neckar River. We'll continue our voyage overnight, setting sail into the evening.

We will immerse ourselves in the picturesque beauty of Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace region and one of Europe's most alluring cities, known for its scenic landscapes. Our day begins with a panoramic tour of the city, followed by a guided walk through its historic centre to discover its most significant landmarks. After lunch, you are free to explore further or perhaps take a trip to Colmar, one of the region's most iconic villages renowned for its charming medieval architecture. As the day closes, we will continue our cruise journey, setting sail into the night.

This morning we find ourselves in Mainz, the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg and his groundbreaking invention, the movable-type printing press. This city artfully balances its historical core, with its magnificent thousand-year-old cathedral, and the lively atmosphere of a modern university town. By 09:00 a.m., please vacate your cabins, although you're welcome to leave your luggage at reception until it's time to depart. After breakfast, we’ll partake in a guided tour of Mainz, an endeavour that perfectly complements your travel schedule. As our journey concludes, we hope to have left you with a collection of enriching memories.