The mighty Rhine, for so long one of Europe’s main trading routes contrasts beautifully with our exploration of the Moselle, surely one of the loveliest rivers in all Europe. We will also visit the historic city of Heidelberg on the Neckar River, one of Europe’s great seats of learning. Most trips on offer along the Rhine are based on four to six days and concentrate on only one section of the river. Here you have a most comprehensive journey including some of the most interesting places in the Netherlands, combined with the great wine producing areas along the Moselle and the historic cities of Cologne, Koblenz and Heidelberg as well as the enchanting resort of Baden-Baden.

Added to these riches are visits in France to Strasbourg, an endlessly fascinating place in the delightful Alsace region. This detailed look at two of Europe’s great rivers will offer a captivating and romantic journey. The scenery is stunning and makes an excellent combination with the artistic riches we shall see along the way from the wonderful collections on show in the museums and galleries to the fairytale castles and medieval charms of the towns and villages.

MUSICAL INTERLUDES
Not only have we organised one of the most comprehensive trips along these two great rivers, but have added the extra dimension of music. The journey along the Rhine with its strong connections with the lives of Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schumann and Mozart is all the more enjoyable when accompanied by the music of the masters. We will have the pleasure of listening to London Festival Opera perform both on board as well as other highlights such as a string quartet recital in Beethoven’s house in the former German capital of Bonn and another recital in the Hall of Mirrors at the Mannheim Residence. Mozart first performed here in the summer of 1763 and retained his links with the city for many years. The joy of music performed in such special places puts the finishing touch to a splendid trip.

LONDON FESTIVAL OPERA
Accompanying us on this cruise and performing onboard will be members of London Festival Opera. Bringing together established opera singers from major British opera companies, London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera and music performances in a wide variety of worldwide venues.