Rhine & Alsace Cruise (Standard Cabin)
New
Set sail on an eight–day Rhine cruise from Cologne to Cologne, with full board and comfy overnights on the river. You’ll explore Koblenz at the meeting of the Rhine and Moselle, wander Mannheim and lively Mainz, and enjoy guided visits in Rüdesheim and historic Cologne. Expect to see Strasbourg’s half–timbered charm, soaring cathedrals in Speyer and Mainz, and the UNESCO–listed Romantic Rhine – castles, terraced vineyards and the Loreley cliff rolling by. There’s time for your own discoveries, plus optional trips to Heidelberg and Colmar. Look forward to relaxed sailing, storybook scenery and plenty of culture – all at an unhurried pace.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Standard Cabin
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
Standard Cabin
Group Size
Up to 110 travelers
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
$4,970.00
$2,485.00
Places You'll See
Cologne
Koblenz
Mannheim
Strasbourg
Speyer
Mainz
Rüdesheim am Rhein
Romantic Rhine
Andernach
Included
Standard Cabin
Tips during the cruise are not included (€50 per person/cruise is recommended).
Not Included
Standard Cabin
Itinerary
Standard Cabin
Day 1 - Arrive Cologne & Embark
Arrival transfer and embarkation in Cologne. Welcome aboard the MS VISTA GRACIA – check in opens at 4:00 pm; if you arrive earlier, you may leave your luggage at reception and explore the city on your own. We gather for a welcome cocktail and dinner, then we cast off and begin our voyage. Overnight sailing.
Day 2 - Exploring Koblenz
Full board included – we enjoy a relaxing, scenic cruise before arriving in Koblenz in the afternoon, mooring near the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) where the Rhine meets the Moselle. We uncover over 2,000 years of history on an included visit. After the tour, you have free time to explore. Overnight sailing.
Day 3 - Free Time in Mannheim
Full board included as we reach Mannheim by late morning – a university city where milestones such as the first bicycle and the first automobile made history. You have free time to explore. In the afternoon you can join an optional excursion to Heidelberg and its iconic castle (sold on board, subject to minimum participation). Overnight sailing.
Day 4 - Free Time in Strasbourg
Full board included as we spend the day in Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region and one of Europe’s most scenic settings. In the morning, you may 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 Alsace’s most picturesque towns. Overnight sailing.
Day 5 - Free Time in Speyer & Sail to Mainz
Full board included. We wake in Speyer, a small German town on the Rhine in Rhineland–Palatinate. You have free time to wander its streets and you can visit the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption and St Stephen – the largest surviving Romanesque cathedral – one of Germany’s three Imperial Cathedrals alongside those in Mainz and Worms. During lunch we sail to Mainz, where Johannes Gutenberg pioneered movable type printing and a cathedral over a thousand years old crowns the historic centre. Overnight in Mainz.
Day 6 - Rüdesheim & Andernach
Full board included. Early this morning we make a short cruise to the rowers’ town of Rüdesheim. We enjoy 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 river landscapes – the Romantic Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with castles, vineyards and legends such as the Loreley. By early evening we arrive in Andernach. Overnight in Andernach.
Day 7 - Free Time in Andernach & Return to Cologne
Full board included. We wake in Andernach and you have free time to explore – the town is famed for the world’s highest cold water geyser, which can erupt up to 60 metres. At midday we resume sailing and, after lunch, we 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 vibrant, colourful atmosphere. Overnight in Cologne.
Day 8 - Cologne
After breakfast we disembark. Cabins must be vacated by 9:00 am, though you may 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
Standard Cabin
Extras and add-ons
Standard Cabin
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
Standard Cabin
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
Standard Cabin
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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