The Majestic Rhine, Heidelberg & Switzerland river cruise

Lucerne & Bernese Oberland

Lucerne

What an impressive kick-off to our cruise, as today promises to be a visual feast. We’ll take the short drive to Lucerne, spectacularly nestled among mountain views. This chic city is by far Switzerland’s most beautiful and has been attracting well-heeled visitors for two centuries - our very own Queen Victoria among them.  

A must-do is a brisk stroll along the Chapel Bridge symbol of the city, a unique and covered wooden walkway crossing the lake, supported by stilts, lined with flower-filled window boxes and a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s rather regal atmosphere.  You’ll be transported back in time as you take in the views that have charmed royalty and travelers alike. 

Bernese Oberland  

The scenery becomes ever more dramatic, and as you enter the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland, it becomes quite literally, breathtaking! This is the majestic Alpine heart of Europe, boasting some of the planet’s most sublime mountain landscapes. Mendelssohn, the composer, once declared it as ‘the most wonderful of all in this unbelievably beautiful country’. He wasn’t wrong.  

Prepare to be awestruck as you take in the legendary snow-draped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau; this is quintessential Switzerland at its absolute best. We’ll ascend by mountain railway for even more extraordinary vistas, with crystal-clear lakes mirroring the grassy meadows and emerald forests below - this magical landscape is sure to enchant you.  

Later we’ll descend again by mountain railway, soaking up the views before making our way by coach back to our ship in Basel. Please note: temperatures will be significantly lower at altitude, even during the summer months, so it’s advisable to pack suitable clothing. While lunch is not included on this full-day excursion, the ship will offer a packed lunch.  

Cap off this spectacular day with another exquisite dinner in the ship's restaurant.  

Breisach & The Black Forest

Breisach

Relax this morning on board whilst we sail to the ancient town of Breisach, whose historic heart is surrounded by stone ramparts and dominated by the impressive Saint Stephan’s Cathedral. 

Black Forest & Titisee 

This afternoon you drive through some of Central Europe’s most stunning scenery – the Black Forest Mountains. This is a fabled landscape of rugged valleys, white-water rivers, cascading waterfalls and rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees – exactly as you expect it to be. Our destination is the idyllic village of Titisee, nestling on the shores of its crystal-clear lake. 

As the sun sets and the riverside lights begin to twinkle, enjoy the views through the restaurant’s panoramic windows during tonight's excellent dinner. Afterwards retire to the lounge to enjoy tonight's live performance of popular music spanning the years by a highly talented violin soloist, before we slip our moorings to commence our cruise towards Strasbourg.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg 

This morning, we have arrived in France and Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. After a hearty breakfast, we embark on a stroll through the charming 16th-century old town; straight from the pages of a storybook, it’s a real-life maze of narrow streets and canals adorned with timber-framed houses and fancy portals.   

Prepare to be wowed by the Gothic grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the multi-towered Ponts Couverts - covered bridges - and the pretty Petite France quarter with pastel-painted houses lining the canals. And let's not forget the wine. Alsace wine is famed the world over, so don't resist the urge to linger in an Alsatian café or two to sample a crisp Riesling or the spicy kick of Gewürztraminer.  

During lunch, our vessel glides away from our mooring as we commence an afternoon’s scenic cruising. Flop onto a sun lounger on the sun deck or retire to the shady comfort of the lounge to chat over a coffee with newly made friends.  

As evening falls, thoughts turn to what might be on the menu tonight, so head to the relaxed ambience of the ship’s restaurant as the chef presents another delicious meal. In the bar toast the day’s adventures with newly made friends as we arrive in Speyer later tonight.  

Speyer

Speyer

We’ll remain moored in Speyer this morning to enjoy a guided tour of this medieval gem, founded by the Celts and one of Germany’s oldest cities, celebrated for its illustrious past.  

The Imperial Cathedral steals the show—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Romanesque masterpiece, and the resting place of Holy Roman emperors and German kings. The marble-floored crypt, a serene space adorned with pastel-coloured pillars, is the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors and German kings.  

Another landmark is the neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche, built to commemorate the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’, a pivotal moment in Protestant history when a group of Martin Luther’s followers rejected his imperial ban – and his religious followers subsequently known as Protestants.  

Returning on board for lunch, we’ll recommence our cruise, so sit back and watch the scenery slipping past through the panoramic windows. Soak up the rolling hills and fertile vineyards, home to the Liebfraumilch wines of the region, oxbow lakes, long deserted by the river flow and now havens for bird and wildlife.  

Captain’s Dinner 

Tonight on board, we’ll be served a special treat - the 'Captain's Dinner,' a culinary journey featuring specialties from the regions we've explored. Dress to impress – if you fancy it; it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavours of our cruise!  

During dinner our vessel arrives in the classic Rhine wine village of Rüdesheim, so you might fancy wandering ashore to enjoy a digestif – perhaps a glass of Asbach, the famous brandy distilled locally.   

Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge & Koblenz

Rüdesheim

Our ship is moored in Rüdesheim, amidst crooked houses cascading down wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards. The morning unfolds with a walking tour through the bustling marketplace, (you’ll struggle not to fall for its charms), stopping to admire the half-timbered Klunkhardshof and formidable Bromserburg Castle, standing guard since 1275. 

Rhine Gorge

This afternoon we’ll witness a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Steep vineyards give way to almost vertical rocky outcrops, towering over 1,000 feet above the sweeping valley sides. Sailing past Saint Goar and its many ruined castles, the legends of this historic river come to life, and the infamous Loreley Rock, where beautiful nymphs supposedly lured sailors to their demise, adds a touch of mystique to our journey.  

Relax on the sun deck as our captain skilfully navigates the ship through the huge looping bend at Boppard – one of the river’s most captivating turns. Keep an eye out for the mighty Marksburg Castle too, an impressive fortress dating back to the 13th century.

Koblenz

It’s not long before we arrive in picturesque Koblenz, founded by the Romans, and strikingly located at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister, the Moselle. Wander Koblenz’s maze of medieval buildings in the Altstadt – old town – with traditional little shops and delicious aromas wafting from its classic Rhineland cafés.  

On our guided tour of this town, historic buildings emerge at every turn: you’ll see the former mint, the Four Towers with their ornamental 17th-century turrets and several fascinating squares and churches, including the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Kastor. The waterfront along the Moselle is stunning too, with the medieval Balduin Bridge, staggeringly still in use.  

If you manage to resist the tempting cakes on offer from the beckoning pavement cafés, then you’ll be ready for tonight’s meticulously prepared dinner on board. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the lively sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance featuring traditional instruments - a fitting conclusion to a day rich in history and culture.  

Cologne

Free time sailing

Early birds will witness our departure from Koblenz as we set sail towards Cologne before we settle in for a leisurely morning on board as we drift through this lovely Rhineland scenery, past quaint riverside towns with pretty waterfronts and carefully tended vineyards. See the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, which was captured intact by the Allies towards the end of the Second World War, allowing thousands of troops to cross into Germany’s heartland and the forested Siebengebirge - Seven Mountains – a cluster of ancient volcanic hills. Rumour has it they inspired many of the Brothers Grimm’s legends, including Snow White.  

Cologne

During lunch, we arrive in historic Cologne, where you’ll have a free afternoon to explore. Perhaps visit the cathedral, the largest Gothic structure on earth. It has Europe’s most intricate stained glass, (a labour of 600 years!) and when work was finally complete, it was the largest building on earth, until eclipsed by the Eiffel Tower.  

Or maybe you’ll opt to wander in the vibrant and attractive old town, beautifully restored and boasting a plethora of excellent shopping and cosy bars, some of which still traditionally brew their own beer.  

This evening, the chef presents another superb menu and it’s the perfect moment to reflect with your fellow diners on some of the wonderful places you’ve seen so far – with plenty more to in store!   

Cologne

Free day in Cologne

After a lazy breakfast there’ll be the opportunity to recharge and reset today with time to yourself to get further acquainted with this beautifully grand and historic city. Your tick list might include a wander round the Sculpture Park or indulging your sweet tooth at the famous Chocolate Museum. Take a ride on the city’s cable car as you soar over the Rhine with dazzling views of the city and beyond. Or perhaps while away a few peaceful hours in the Museum Ludwig pondering the colourful canvases in its modern art collections then head to the Flora Botanic Gardens to lose yourself in the vibrant blooms and exotic plants. Don’t forget to stop for some refreshment with a glass or two of craft beer in the quirky Belgian Quarter too, with its cool bars and laid-back feel.  

Later return to the ship and relax on board (you’ll be in the swing of things by now!) before the chef wows us once again with another exquisitely presented menu.  

Included experience

Visit to Cologne.

Koblenz & Boppard

Koblenz

This morning, we’ll have the chance to explore the city of Koblenz further. Here, you can chart your own course through this 2,000-year-old city as you stroll its historic squares, taking in the beautifully restored buildings and cosy little cafes with the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries tempting you inside. Ride the city’s cable car over the rooftops or weave through the winding streets on the Noddy Train.

Boppard

Returning to our ship for lunch, we’ll proceed to Boppard, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’ for a guided tour, a famously picturesque town located on a long, looping bend of the river. The black and white spires of the Church of Saint Severus vie for our attention from afar, but as we draw closer the quayside comes into view.  

Cobbled streets, lined by half-timbered houses, tucked-away shops selling traditional goods and characterful restaurants, lead into the town and its main square. Like many riverside settlements in the area, Boppard wears its heritage proudly, with preserved town walls that rank among Germany's finest. Take your time here, promenading along the river, or just gazing at views of the vineyard-covered hillsides. Alternatively relax on board in anticipation of more fine dining in the ship’s restaurant this evening.  

Rhine Gorge & Mainz

Rhine Gorge

Slipping our moorings in Boppard we have another opportunity to cruise through the Rhine Gorge, where the waters narrow to one-fifth their normal width and flow more swiftly. Grab your camera, as we glide between sheer valley walls soaring 600 feet whilst birds of prey glide on the thermals above.  

Teutonic knights built the numerous castles as symbols of their power and to extract tolls from ships, but the fortresses now stand as silent ruins on hillsides as reminders of how fortunes change with the passage of history. This really is the magical Rhine of our imagination, so pull up a comfy seat on the sun deck or in the lounge and enjoy the experience of cruising this famous stretch of water.  

Mainz

Our next port of call is historic Mainz where we’ll join our expert local for a guided tour. The city is renowned today as Germany’s wine capital but whose most famous son was Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the movable type printing press. You can visit the museum housing a reconstruction of his workshop and, outstandingly, two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles. A beautifully restored 17th-century building in the heart of Mainz’s Old Town houses the museum, opposite the impressive Romanesque cathedral.  

Heidelberg

Heidelberg

Overnight we cruise further downstream, and, after breakfast, we take a short drive to Heidelberg, undoubtedly one of Germany’s most perfect architectural treasures and all the more remarkable because it escaped bombing during the Second World War.  

Set in an almost idealised German landscape, this jewel sits on the banks of the River Neckar, surrounded by forests and with an imposing castle dominating the church spires and terracotta gabled roofs of the compact Aldstadt – the romantic Old Town. Its 14th-century university, one of the most prestigious in Europe, lends Heidelberg a genteel atmosphere that’ll put you in mind of its ‘twin’ town – Cambridge. During the 19th century it was the centre of Germany’s Romantic Movement, on the route of the ‘Grand Tour’ and visited by many artists including JMW Turner, who captured its splendours for eternity.  

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a romantic painting as you stroll the city’s streets on our guided walking tour, which reveals its principal attractions – including the stone bridge with its twin white towers – and local secrets.  

After your guided tour, you’ll have time to do your own thing before returning to the ship for lunch.

Strasbourg & Colmar

Free time in Strasbourg

During your coffee and croissants this morning, we’ll arrive in France again and back in the charming city of Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. The city is a delight – its centre a mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with crooked, half-timbered houses largely unchanged since the 14th century. During its history Strasbourg has been both German and French, and you’ll witness the influences of both in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating its charming ambience.  

This morning, we’ll have some free time to enjoy its centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – taking in the Petite France quarter of pretty canals lined with pastel-coloured houses crisscrossed with timbers and with flower-filled window boxes, the multi-towered Ponts Couverts, or covered bridges, and, of course, the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which Victor Hugo memorably described as a ‘veritable tiara of stone’.  

Colmar

A scenic drive this afternoon brings us to the medieval town of Colmar, the best-preserved in Alsace. Little known outside the area, it’s a concoction of canals, former merchants’ houses, ancient religious buildings and antique shops.  

The cathedral quarter is surrounded by pastel-coloured half-timbered houses displaying the intricate wrought-iron hanging signs so typical of this area of Europe. We’ve plenty of time here to sit, enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by or just wander. We return to the ship in Strasbourg for dinner.  

Live music on board

Later, with your favourite digestif in tow, unwind to a medley of live music and songs performed on board by a professional duo.

Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim

After a relaxing morning cruise, we’ll arrive in Rüdesheim where you'll have the afternoon to yourself. If you imagine a typical Rhine town, then this would be it; narrow crooked streets with pointy-gabled little houses and slanty roofs lead down to the sweeping riverbank with a backdrop of wooded and vine-covered slopes. Riesling is the speciality grape here and Rüdesheim has many atmospheric Weinstuben where you can sample local wines produced from the surrounding vineyards. There’s a cable car over the town too, so you can hover above the vines taking in the views!

Gala Dinner

On board tonight, we enjoy a culinary spectacular – the Gala Dinner – featuring a range of irresistible specialities from the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. This special occasion is hosted, of course, by the Captain. 

Cologne

Free time sailing

This morning, early risers can enjoy phenomenal views as once again we’ll pass through the Rhine Gorge where, in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, the Rhine Maidens guard lost treasure, the ‘Rheingold’. What better way to spend the morning than relaxing on the sun deck beneath dramatic vineyard-topped valley sides dotted with ruined castles.   

Cologne

The valley sides dissolve and hills give way to plains as we progress to Cologne. This afternoon you’ll uncover the secrets as well as the landmarks of this city on our tour led by a local guide. We’ll see the twin-spired cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took six centuries to complete, and among its many treasures are the magnificent stained-glass windows and gilded sarcophagus said to contain the remains of the three kings from the Nativity story.  

We’ll also amble through the vibrant Old Town, beautifully restored, with winding streets crammed with shops and cosy bars, some of which still brew their own beer. As night falls, a delicious dinner provides the perfect finale to the cruise through the River Rhine.  

Return home

Wave goodbye to your ship and crew this morning to start your journey home.

Koblenz & Boppard

Koblenz

When you peek out from your cabin this morning, you’ll realise the ship has slipped quietly away from Cologne; the view that greets you is of vine-covered valleys sides aglow in the morning light, bidding you a warm welcome to the charms of the Rhine. 

We travel to Koblenz – beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. 

The city is immersed in two millennia of history: founded by the Romans, it was occupied by the Franks, chosen as a residence of the German prince electors, conquered by the French and fortified by the Prussians. All have left their marks in the city’s rich array of castles, churches and historic buildings. 

Koblenz is a romantic’s dream – forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, while the lower slopes are strewn with half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland. After breakfast, we disembark to enjoy an insightful guided tour through ‘Old Koblenz’, a patchwork of narrow streets and squares, many lined with restored traditional houses and cafés. 

There’s time to explore on your own, maybe taking in a little shopping, before ambling back to the cruise ship. We continue upstream as we enjoy our first lunch on board and before long, we arrive in Boppard, a gorgeous town on a dramatic, almost U-shaped river bend. 

Boppard

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, Boppard is renowned for its storybook medieval atmosphere of cobbled streets and ancient houses. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour lead by one of our local experts, with highlights including the white stone St. Severus and Carmelite churches, the marketplace with the ruins of the fortress and the old town with its winding alleys. 

The early evening is an ideal time to wander along the town’s riverside Rheinallee promenade before thoughts turn to tonight’s menu.  

Live music on board

After dinner, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance on traditional instruments. 

Rhine Gorge & Mainz

Rhine Gorge

Slipping our moorings in Boppard we cruise through the Rhine Gorge, where the waters narrow to one-fifth their normal width and flow more swiftly. Grab your camera, as we glide between sheer valley walls soaring 600 feet whilst birds of prey glide on the thermals above.  

Teutonic knights built the numerous castles as symbols of their power and to extract tolls from ships, but the fortresses now stand as silent ruins on hillsides as reminders of how fortunes change with the passage of history. This really is the magical Rhine of our imagination, so pull up a comfy seat on the sun deck or in the lounge and enjoy the experience of cruising this famous stretch of water.  

Mainz

Our next port of call is historic Mainz where we’ll join our expert local for a guided tour. The city is renowned today as Germany’s wine capital but whose most famous son was Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the movable type printing press. You can visit the museum housing a reconstruction of his workshop and, outstandingly, two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles. A beautifully restored 17th-century building in the heart of Mainz’s Old Town houses the museum, opposite the impressive Romanesque cathedral.  

Heidelberg

Heidelberg

Overnight we cruise further downstream, and, after breakfast, we take a short drive to Heidelberg, undoubtedly one of Germany’s most perfect architectural treasures and all the more remarkable because it escaped bombing during the Second World War.  

Set in an almost idealised German landscape, this jewel sits on the banks of the River Neckar, surrounded by forests and with an imposing castle dominating the church spires and terracotta gabled roofs of the compact Aldstadt – the romantic Old Town. Its 14th-century university, one of the most prestigious in Europe, lends Heidelberg a genteel atmosphere that’ll put you in mind of its ‘twin’ town – Cambridge. During the 19th century it was the centre of Germany’s Romantic Movement, on the route of the ‘Grand Tour’ and visited by many artists including JMW Turner, who captured its splendours for eternity.  

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a romantic painting as you stroll the city’s streets on our guided walking tour, which reveals its principal attractions – including the stone bridge with its twin white towers – and local secrets.  

After your guided tour, you’ll have time to do your own thing before returning to the ship for lunch.

Strasbourg & Colmar

Strasbourg

By breakfast we’ve arrived in France and the charming city of Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. The city is a delight – its centre a mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with crooked, half-timbered houses largely unchanged since the 14th century. During its history Strasbourg has been both German and French, and you see influences of both in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating a truly individual ambience. 

This morning, we explore this city on a walking tour with a local guide leading us to its centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – taking in the Petite France quarter of pretty canals lined with pastel-coloured houses crisscrossed with timbers and with flower-filled window boxes, the multi-towered Ponts Couverts, or covered bridges, and, of course, the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which Victor Hugo memorably described as a ‘veritable tiara of stone’. 

Colmar

We enjoy all this on a splendidly scenic drive, soon arriving in the medieval town of Colmar, the best-preserved in Alsace. Little known outside the area, it’s a concoction of canals, former merchants’ houses, ancient religious buildings and antique shops. 

The cathedral quarter is surrounded by pastel-coloured half-timbered houses displaying the intricate wrought-iron hanging signs so typical of this area of Europe. We’ve plenty of time here to sit, enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by or just wander. We return to the ship in Strasbourg for dinner. 

Live music on board

Later, with your favourite digestif in tow, unwind to a medley of live music and songs performed on board by a professional duo.

Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim

After a relaxing morning cruise, we’ll arrive in Rüdesheim by late afternoon for a walking tour through this famous wine town’s cobbled lanes. If you imagine a typical Rhine town, then this would be it; narrow crooked streets with pointy-gabled little houses and slanty roofs lead down to the sweeping riverbank with a backdrop of wooded and vine-covered slopes. Riesling is the speciality grape here and Rüdesheim has many atmospheric Weinstuben where you can sample local wines produced from the surrounding vineyards.  

Gala Dinner

On board tonight, we enjoy a culinary spectacular – the Gala Dinner – featuring a range of irresistible specialities from the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. This special occasion is hosted, of course, by the Captain. 

Cologne

Free time sailing

This morning, early risers can enjoy phenomenal views as once again we’ll pass through the Rhine Gorge where, in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, the Rhine Maidens guard lost treasure, the ‘Rheingold’. What better way to spend the morning than relaxing on the Sun Deck beneath dramatic rocky, vineyard-topped valley sides dotted with romantic ruined castles.  

Cologne

The valley sides dissolve and hills give way to plains as we progress to Cologne. This afternoon you’ll uncover the secrets as well as the landmarks of this city on our tour led by a local guide. We’ll see the twin-spired cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took six centuries to complete, and among its many treasures are the magnificent stained-glass windows and gilded sarcophagus said to contain the remains of the three kings from the Nativity story.  

We’ll also amble through the vibrant Old Town, beautifully restored, with winding streets crammed with shops and cosy bars, some of which still brew their own beer. As night falls, a delicious dinner provides the perfect finale to the cruise through the River Rhine.  

Cologne

Cologne free time

After a lazy breakfast there’ll be the opportunity to recharge and reset today with time to yourself to get further acquainted with this grand and historic city. Your tick list might include a wander round the Sculpture Park or indulging your sweet tooth at the famous Chocolate Museum. Take a ride on the city’s cable car as you soar over the Rhine with dazzling views of the city and beyond. Or perhaps while away a few peaceful hours in the Museum Ludwig pondering the canvases in its modern art collections then head to the Flora Botanic Gardens to lose yourself in the vibrant blooms and exotic plants. Don’t forget to stop for some liquid refreshment with a glass or two of craft beer in the quirky Belgian Quarter too, with its cool bars and laid-back feel.  

Later return to the ship and relax on board (you’ll be in the swing of things by now!) before the chef wows us once again with another superb and exquisitely presented menu.  

Koblenz

Koblenz

As you wake to a sumptuous breakfast, we drift past the first rolling hills of the Rhine Valley.

We cruise past the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, which was captured intact by the Allies towards the end of the Second World War, allowing thousands of troops to cross into Germany’s heartland. Pretty waterfront towns and carefully tended vineyards come into view as we glide gently into our mooring to visit delightful Koblenz again.

This afternoon you’ll have plenty of time to discover Koblenz at your own pace. There’s a maze of medieval buildings in the Altstadt – old town – which is studded with an array of traditional shops and classic Rhineland cafés. If you fancy a dose of culture, consider the Ludwig Museum or Beethoven Museum, or if gardens are your thing, you can’t go wrong with the beautifully kept grounds of the Electoral Palace.

As you wander, see a former mint, the Four Towers – 17th-century houses with turrets set at a crossroads – and many fascinating squares and churches, including the ninth-century Basilica of Saint Kastor. Wherever you stroll you’re never far from a riverbank, and it’s worth crossing the 14th-century stone Balduin Bridge across the Moselle for fine views back across the spires of the Altstadt.

If you’d like to indulge in pretty views, consider a ride on the Cable Car – it connects the Rhine River to the plateau where the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress site.

Tonight, enjoy a meticulously prepared dinner on board, and afterwards, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance of traditional instruments.

Rüdesheim

Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim

Slipping our mooring at Koblenz we proceed upstream on the Rhine and soon encounter the impressive Marksburg Castle, which we visited a few days ago.

We then weave through the huge looping bend – one of the most impressive on the river – at Boppard, a wonderfully picturesque town known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’.

Journeying further, you have another chance to explore the most famous of all the river’s reaches and a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge: steep vineyards give way to almost vertical rocky outcrops towering more than 600 feet above the sweeping valley sides. Sailing past Saint Goar and the many ruined castles, there’s a real sense of the myths surrounding this historic river coming alive around you.

Free time in Rüdesheim

After lunch we moor again in Rüdesheim, where you’ll have the whole afternoon to spend as you wish. You can take it easy and just explore at your own pace – we recommend Drosselgasse Old Town where you can spend hours wandering cobbled streets and popping into quirky buildings. Alternatively, there are plenty of things to do and things to see which can teach you about various areas of the city’s past. Maybe you’d like to visit the Rheinstein Castle that overlooks the river, or the petite Mauseturm tower; or perhaps you’d prefer the Eberbach Monastery with its vaulted ceilings and pristine gardens, or the Abbey of St Hildegard to understand the city’s religious history. If you’ve got a touch of morbid curiosity, there’s the Medieval Torture Museum, while history lovers might want to consider taking a cable car ride up to the Niederwald Monument, built to commemorate the Unification of Germany.

Speyer

Speyer

Still sailing upstream, the landscape becomes much wider and flatter, with rolling hills and vineyards that are home to the Liebfraumilch wines. Occasionally the excited chatter of birdlife breaks out as we pass oxbow lakes, long deserted by the river flow, which are now havens for over a hundred bird species. 

Today we berth in historic Speyer, founded by the Celts and one of Germany’s oldest cities, celebrated for its illustrious past, for an afternoon walking tour. The breath-taking Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the largest Romanesque churches in the world; it’s also one of the finest. Its beautiful four-roomed crypt is the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors and German kings. 

Another landmark is the neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche, built at the turn of the 20th-century to commemorate the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’, a significant event when a group of Martin Luther’s followers protested against his imperial ban – henceforth Luther’s religious followers were known as ‘Protestants’. 

There’s free time to explore here before stepping back on board for another splendid dinner. 

Strasbourg

Free time in Strasbourg 

This morning, we’ll sail towards Strasbourg, capital of France’s Alsace region, where you’ll have the whole afternoon to explore at your own pace.  

Stroll through the charming 16th-century old town which are straight from the pages of a storybook, it’s a real-life maze of narrow streets and canals adorned with timber-framed houses and fancy portals.   

Prepare to be wowed by the Gothic grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the multi-towered Ponts Couverts - covered bridges - and the Petite France quarter with pastel-painted houses lining the canals. And let's not forget the wine. Alsace wine is famed the world over, so don't resist the urge to linger in an Alsatian café or two to sample a crisp Riesling or the spicy kick of Gewürztraminer.  

After another delicious dinner on board, you can retire to the lounge to enjoy tonight's live performance of popular music spanning the years by a highly talented violin soloist.

Breisach & The Black Forest

Breisach

This morning's cruising is spent gliding through the dramatic scenery of the rift valley separating the Vosges and Black Forest mountains. 

We arrive at the ancient town of Breisach, whose historic heart is surrounded by stone ramparts and dominated by the impressive Saint Stephan’s Cathedral. 

Black Forest & Titisee 

This afternoon you drive through some of Central Europe’s most stunning scenery – the Black Forest Mountains. This is a fabled landscape of rugged valleys, white-water rivers, cascading waterfalls and rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees – exactly as you expect it to be. Our destination is the idyllic village of Titisee, nestling on the shores of its crystal-clear lake. 

Captain's Dinner

Back on board this evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Captain’s Dinner’, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. Overnight we will continue to Switzerland and our final stop, Basel. 

Lucerne & Bernese Oberland

Lucerne

Today we take the short drive to Lucerne, often considered Switzerland’s most beautiful city, spectacularly situated among mountain views. 

It has been attracting well-heeled visitors for two centuries, including our very own Queen Victoria. Highly recommended is an invigorating stroll along the Chapel Bridge, a unique covered wooden walkway crossing the lake, supported by stilts and lined with colourful flower-filled window boxes. Not only is it the city’s most iconic structure, it’s a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s regal atmosphere. 

Bernese Oberland  

As you enter the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland, the views become quite literally breathtaking! This is the grand alpine heart of Europe with some of the finest mountain scenery on earth, described by the composer Mendelssohn as ‘the most wonderful of all in this unbelievably beautiful country’. 

On viewing the legendary snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau you’ll be quite simply awestruck. We then ascend by mountain railway for more extraordinary vistas, with the crystal-clear lakes reflecting the meadows and forests below. This truly magical landscape is sure to enchant you. 

Later we’ll descend again by mountain railway before returning to the ship. Please note, temperatures will be significantly lower at altitude, even during the summer months, so it’s advisable to pack suitable clothing. Lunch is not included on this full day excursion; however, the ship will offer a packed lunch. 

Return home

Wave goodbye to your ship and crew this morning to start your journey home.