Deckplan
Springtime on the Rhine & Moselle
A relaxing journey along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers from the Low Countries to Switzerland aboard the MS Royal Emerald
- 15 April 2019
- 27 April 2019
Join us for our journey along Germany’s lovely rivers. 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 most beautiful 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 as it does 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 and the enchanting resort of Baden-Baden. Added to these riches is a visit to Strasbourg in France, a fascinating place in the delightful Alsace region.
This detailed look at two of Europe’s great rivers offers 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 fairy tale castles and Medieval charms of the towns and villages along the rivers. This promises to be a most rewarding journey.
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Royal Emerald
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Royal Emerald for a series of river cruises along Europe’s main waterways in 2019. This elegant vessel was built in 2008 and offers a range of luxurious and comfortable suites, the majority with outdoor balconies. The atmosphere on board is friendly and welcoming and with its expansive Sun Deck there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your floating hotel.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival, transfer and embark the MS Royal Emerald. Welcome Drinks and Dinner on board. Moor overnight.
Day 2 - Amsterdam.
Explore the city of the ‘Golden Age’ on an excursion which will include the incomparable Rijksmuseum with its splendid collection of old masters. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore independently before we set sail this evening.
Day 3 - Arnhem.
Arrive this morning into Arnhem and after breakfast join an excursion to the memorable Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’; this renovated building houses the world’s largest collection of militaria from Operation Market Garden. It is so called due to it being the headquarters of the British airborne troops during World War II, although the building’s history dates back to as early as 1728 when its first use was as an Inn. Return to the MS Royal Emerald for lunch and this afternoon either choose to explore Arnhem independently or join an optional excursion to the Kröller-Müller Museum which houses the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world and masterpieces by modern masters such as Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. Return to the vessel and sail in the evening towards Germany.
Day 4 - Cologne, Germany.
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as we cruise along the Rhine, arriving in Cologne after lunch. On our guided tour we will include a walk along the river promenade and through the old town to the magnificent cathedral, the largest in Germany.
Day 5 - Cochem.
Relax this morning and enjoy the lovely scenery of the Moselle Valley as we make our way to Cochem, where we will arrive in the early afternoon. The town of Cochem is famous for its 11th century Schloss and the Reichsburg, set impressively on a tree clad hill above a bend of the river. On our guided tour, walk along its winding Medieval streets and see the Baroque Town Hall. Sail this evening.
Day 6 - Bernkastel.
Arrive in the early morning in the heart of the Moselle Valley. We will explore lovely Bernkastel and sample some of the locally produced wine. Return to the MS Royal Emerald and spend a leisurely afternoon on board enjoying the views along the meandering valley.
Day 7 - Rudesheim.
Enjoy a morning of cruising as we leave the Moselle and head back for the Rhine. This section of river is regarded by many as the most romantic with its cliff hugging castles and vine clad hills. This afternoon we will reach Rudesheim, a colourful riverside town. Here you can explore the cobblestone streets of the Drosselgasse and take a mini-train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. Return to the MS Royal Emerald and this evening sail past the city of Mainz where the Rhine meets the Main.
Day 8 - Heidelberg.
From our berth in Mannheim, we will visit the picturesque and romantic city of Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university, dating back to 1386. A morning tour will include the castle, a dramatically sited red sandstone ruin that dominates the city, the old town with its famous market place and the city gates. Return to the ship for lunch and some free time. Sail overnight to Speyer.
Day 9 - Speyer & Baden-Baden.
This morning join a guided walking tour of the handsome town of Speyer, including the mighty cathedral. This Romanesque basilica was founded by Emperor Conrad II in 1030 and is one of the largest and most impressive edifices in Germany. After lunch on board drive to the spa town of Baden-Baden. This beautiful belle-epoch resort is one of Germany’s best kept secrets. The spa assembly rooms and famously elegant casino form the focal point of the town, both architecturally and socially. The old quarter is full of elegant houses, exclusive boutiques and cafés and is fully pedestrianised. After our guided tour there will be some free time to wander around this remarkable town which somehow manages to retain its old world charm and yet be very much of the 21st century. Return to your ship in Speyer and sail in the early evening towards Strasbourg.
Day 10 - Strasbourg, France.
Today, we cross to the other side of the Rhine and enter France. A morning guided tour will introduce us to the delights of Strasbourg including the fascinating old quarter. Start with the Quai de la Petite France where the River Ill splits into a number of canals, see the Ponts Couverts, a series of wooden bridges dating back to the 13th century, the Place Gutenberg and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the tallest Medieval building in Europe.
Day 11 - Breisach, Germany.
This morning we arrive in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. After breakfast enjoy an excursion through the area’s mountain landscape, meadows and dense forest. This afternoon is at leisure in the pretty town of Breisach before we sail this evening towards Basle.
Day 12 - Basle, Switzerland.
Arrive in Switzerland at breakfast time and moor in Basle, the nation’s second largest city. Our morning excursion will take us to the old market square with its brightly painted Town Hall and along Minster Hill, past many handsome 18th century houses to the Minster with its slender twin spires. The oldest parts of the building date between the 9th and 13th centuries, although much was rebuilt in the Gothic style after the 1356 earthquake.
Day 13 - Basle to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London.
Basle to Amsterdam
Day 1 - London to Basle, Switzerland.
Fly by scheduled flight and transfer to the MS Royal Emerald for embarkation. Moor overnight in Basle.
Day 2 - Basle.
After breakfast depart for our excursion that will take us to the old market square with its brightly painted Town Hall and along Minster Hill, past many handsome 18th century houses to the Minster with its slender twin spires. The oldest parts of the building date between the 9th and 13th centuries, although much was rebuilt in the Gothic style after the 1356 earthquake. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we set sail in the early evening towards Breisach.
Day 3 - Breisach, Germany.
Arrive in Breisach this morning, gateway to the Black Forest. After breakfast enjoy an excursion through the area’s mountain landscape, meadows and dense forest. Return to the MS Royal Emerald for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure for independent sightseeing ashore. Later we sail on to Strasbourg.
Day 4 - Strasbourg, France.
A morning guided tour will introduce us to the delights of Strasbourg including the fascinating old quarter. Start with the Quai de la Petite France where the River Ill splits into a number of canals, see the Ponts Couverts, a series of wooden bridges dating back to the 13th century, the Place Gutenberg and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the tallest Medieval building in Europe. Sail in the early evening.
Day 5 - Speyer & Baden-Baden, Germany.
After breakfast join a walking tour of the handsome town of Speyer, including the mighty cathedral. This Romanesque basilica was founded by Emperor Conrad II in 1030 and is one of the largest and most impressive edifices in Germany. After lunch on board drive to the spa town of Baden-Baden. This beautiful belle-epoch resort is one of Germany’s best kept secrets. The spa assembly rooms and famously elegant casino form the focal point of the town, both architecturally and socially. The old quarter is full of elegant houses, exclusive boutiques and cafés and is fully pedestrianised. After our guided tour there will be free time to wander around this remarkable town which somehow manages to retain its old world charm and yet be very much of the 21st century. Return to your ship in Speyer and sail in the early evening towards Mannheim for an overnight mooring.
Day 6 - Heidelberg.
From our berth in Mannheim, we visit picturesque and romantic Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university, dating back to 1386. A morning tour will include the castle, a dramatically sited red sandstone ruin that dominates the city, the old town with its famous market place and the city gates. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon we set sail to Rudesheim, arriving for an overnight mooring.
Day 7 - Rudesheim.
This morning we explore the cobblestone streets of this colourful riverside town, and take a mini-train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. Return to the MS Royal Emerald and this afternoon relax on board as we cruise along a section of river which is regarded by many as the most romantic with its cliff hugging castles and vine clad hills.
Day 8 - Bernkastel.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as we continue sailing to Bernkastel in the Moselle Valley. On arrival in the afternoon we will explore this lovely town, and sample some of the locally produced wine. We moor overnight in this beautiful location.
Day 9 - Cochem.
Relax this morning and enjoy the lovely scenery of the Moselle Valley as we make our way to Cochem, where we will arrive in the early afternoon. The town of Cochem is famous for its 11th century Schloss and the Reichsburg, set impressively on a tree clad hill above a bend of the river. On our guided tour, walk along its winding Medieval streets and see the Baroque Town Hall. Sail in the late evening.
Day 10 - Cologne.
Enjoy a relaxing morning as we cruise down the Rhine, arriving in Cologne after lunch. On our guided tour we will include a walk along the river promenade and through the old town to the magnificent cathedral, the largest in Germany.
Day 11 - Arnhem, Netherlands.
Arrive this morning into Arnhem. After breakfast on board join an excursion to the memorable Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’; this renovated building houses the world’s largest collection of militaria from Operation Market Garden. It is so called due to it being the headquarters of the British airborne troops during World War II, although the building’s history dates back to as early as 1728 when its first use was as an Inn. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon either choose to explore Arnhem independently or join an optional excursion to the Kroller-Muller Museum which houses the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world and masterpieces by modern masters such as Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. Return to your ship and sail in the evening towards Amsterdam.
Day 12 - Amsterdam.
Explore the city of the ‘Golden Age’ on an excursion which will include the incomparable Rijksmuseum with its splendid collection of old masters. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore independently before our Farewell Dinner on board this evening.
Day 13 - Amsterdam to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
15 to 27 April 2019 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Standard Suite | £3195 | £2995 |
2 Balcony Suite | £3495 | £3295 |
3 Deluxe Balcony Suite | £3595 | £3395 |
4 Junior Balcony Suite | £3995 | £3795 |
5 Royal Balcony Suite | £4395 | £4195 |
1 Standard Suite for sole use | £3195 | £2995 |
2 Balcony Suite for sole use | £3495 | £3295 |
3 Deluxe Balcony for sole use | £3595 | £3395 |
Basle to Amsterdam
Prices per person based on double occupancy27 April 2019 to 9 May 2019 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
1 Standard Suite | £3195 | £2995 |
2 Balcony Suite | £3495 | £3295 |
3 Deluxe Balcony Suite | £3595 | £3395 |
4 Junior Balcony Suite | £3995 | £3795 |
5 Royal Balcony Suite | £4395 | £4195 |
1 Standard Suite for sole use | £3195 | £2995 |
2 Balcony Suite for sole use | £3495 | £3295 |
3 Deluxe Balcony for sole use | £3595 | £3395 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRM150419/RCRM270419
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard the MS Royal Emerald on full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Cruise Director • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board.
Not Included: Travel insurance, optional excursion to the Kröller-Müller Museum.
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Deckplan
Royal Emerald
We are delighted to have chartered the MS Royal Emerald for a series of river cruises along Europe’s main waterways in 2019. This elegant vessel was built in 2008 and offers a range of luxurious and comfortable suites, the majority with outdoor balconies. The atmosphere on board is friendly and welcoming and with its expansive Sun Deck there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your floating hotel.
Video Library
Travelling with You
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Michael Hindley
Michael Hindley was educated at London University (BA Hons in German and French), Lancaster University (MA in Comparative Cultural Studies), and the Free University of West Berlin. Michael also has a post graduate diploma in International Law.
He was an elected council leader in North West England, a Lancashire County Councillor and a Member of the European Parliament for three terms (1984-99) - where he was the Majority Leader on the Trade Committee (1989-99). From 1991-1995 he was responsible for relations with the new democracies in Central and Eastern Europe.
Michael is now a freelance political consultant and acts as an expert adviser for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) where he is currently writing a report on Agriculture and Trade. He has also written a report on Fair Trade for the United Nations, International Trade Centre, Geneva.
Michael is a frequent lecturer on European politics and has lectured at Greifswald University, Germany and Georgetown University, Washington DC. Most recently he has been guest lecturer at the Taras Schevchenko University, Kyiv, Ukraine.
He acted as an election observer for the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in the Ukraine in May and October 2014.
Michael has travelled extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He speaks fluent German and French.
Michael Hindley will be on the following tour dates: 15 to 27 April 2019 -
Dr Sophie Oosterwijk
Dr Sophie Oosterwijk was born in Gouda and studied English at Leiden and Medieval Studies at York before obtaining two doctorates in Art History (Leicester) and English Literature (Leiden). She is a recognised specialist in Early Netherlandish, Flemish and Dutch art and previously taught Art History at the Universities of Leicester, Manchester and St Andrews before returning to the Netherlands to take up a research post at Utrecht University.
Sophie is currently a freelance researcher and a regular guest lecturer for the University of Cambridge, NADFAS (now The Arts Society), and other organisations. She is also co-editor of the international journal Church Monuments published annually by The Church Monuments Society, and she has published widely, especially on death, the danse macabre and commemorative art. Her publications include the co-edited volumes Monumental Industry. The Production of Tomb Sculpture in England and Wales in the Long Fourteenth Century (2010) and Mixed Metaphors. The Danse Macabre in Medieval and Early Modern Europe (2011). Sophie is a lively and entertaining speaker who specialises in discussing art in its historical and cultural context.
Dr Sophie Oosterwijk will be on the following tour dates: 27 April 2019 to 9 May 2019
Tour Extensions
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27th to 29th April 2019
We are offering an opportunity to spend two nights in the charming town of Colmar, capital of the Alsace Region. Colmar offers an exciting glimpse of 1000 years of European history, with its wonderfully preserved historical centre, careful restoration, traditional hospitality and friendly ambience. Lying near the vine-covered foothills of the southern Vosges, the town boasts picturesque 16th and 17th century burghers' houses, art treasures, delicious cuisine and superb wines.
Colmar
Day 1 Basle, Switzerland. Disembark the MS Royal Emerald in Basle after breakfast, and enjoy a tour of the town before driving on to the pretty town of Eguisheim. On arrival we will have lunch in a local restaurant, followed by a stroll around the narrow and brightly coloured streets. We then continue on to nearby Colmar, arriving at your hotel in the early evening. Remainder of the evening at leisure.
Day 2 Colmar. After breakfast at your hotel, join a walking tour of Colmar, including a visit to the Unterlinden Museum, home to the Isenheim Altarpiece, an altarpiece sculpted and painted by Niclaus of Haguenau and Matthias Grunewald. The remainder of your day will be at leisure to sightsee and explore independently.
Day 3 Colmar. After breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure. This afternoon you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Basle airport for your return scheduled flight to London.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
27th to 29th April 2019 Category Price Twin £495 Single £645 Price Includes: Two nights accommodation at the Grand Hotel Bristol Colmar on bed & breakfast basis, transfers, tours as described, lunch on day 1.
Not Included: Travel insurance, meals other than those described.
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25th to 27th April 2019
We are offering an opportunity to spend two nights in the charming town of Colmar, capital of the Alsace Region. Colmar offers an exciting glimpse of 1000 years of European history, with its wonderfully preserved historical centre, careful restoration, traditional hospitality and friendly ambience. Lying near the vine-covered foothills of the southern Vosges, the town boasts picturesque 16th and 17th century burghers' houses, art treasures, delicious cuisine and superb wines.
Colmar
Day 1 London to Basle. Fly by scheduled flight to Basle and on arrival we will drive to the pretty town of Eguisheim. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant followed by a stroll around the narrow and brightly coloured streets. We then continue on to nearby Colmar, arriving at your hotel in the early evening. Remainder of the evening at leisure.
Day 2 Colmar. After breakfast at your hotel, join a walking tour of Colmar, including a visit to the Unterlinden Museum home to the Isenheim Altarpiece, an altarpiece sculpted and painted by Niclaus of Haguenau and Matthias Grunewald. The remainder of your day will be at leisure to sightsee and explore independently.
Day 3 Colmar & Embarkation. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and a morning at leisure. This afternoon we will transfer to Basle and embark the MS Royal Emerald.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
25th to 27th April 2019 Category Price Twin £495 Single £645 Price Includes: Two nights accommodation at the Grand Hotel Bristol Colmar on bed & breakfast basis, transfers, tours as described, lunch on day 1.
Not Included: Travel insurance, meals other than those described.
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Also of Interest
Across Europe by River
A river voyage from the Danube Delta to Amsterdam aboard the MS Royal Crown With highlight performances by London Festival Opera
Royal Crown
Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Bucharest, Romania
- Danube Delta
- Constanta
- Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
- Belogradchick / Vidin
- Iron Gates
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Pecs & Villany, Hungary
- Budapest
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Vienna, Austria
- Wachau Valley / Melk
- Passau, Germany
- Regensburg
- Nuremberg
- Bamberg
- Wurzburg
- Miltenberg
- Eltville / Kloster Eberbach
- Rudesheim
- Cologne
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000