River Deep & Mountain High
A cruise along the picturesque Rhine & Moselle Rivers from Strasbourg to the Low Countries with Guest Speaker Dr Alan Borg aboard the MS Royal Crown
- 20 June 2020
The month of June is a wonderful time to explore Europe by river, the weather is warm, the evenings become longer, and the Rhine and Moselle’s popular towns and cities are not yet busy with tourists. Join us aboard the MS Royal Crown as we cruise from Strasbourg to Amsterdam experiencing the captivating and diverse scenery along the route. Visit some enchanting ports of call such as the charming spa town of Baden- Baden with its unique setting and ambiance, the ancient city of Speyer, famous for its mighty cathedral, and the UNESCO city of Trier, with its Roman treasures. The fairytale castles and Medieval charms of the towns and villages we encounter during this detailed look at two of Europe’s great rivers makes for a truly memorable voyage as we sail on to our final destination of Amsterdam.
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Royal Crown
This elegant vessel combines the nostalgic charm of the 1930s with the comfort and service of a four-star vessel. No expense has been spared to create not only a vessel that is beautiful to look at, but also a great joy to travel on. Spacious teak decks, elegant public rooms and staterooms with mahogany, rosewood and marble, together with rich fabrics and specially designed furniture, all blend together to create a unique river vessel. Built in 1996, the 90 passenger MS Royal Crown was designed for the rivers flowing through the heart of Europe. Exquisite furniture, expensive materials and accessories give the vessel its unique atmosphere. Facilities onboard include a library, boutique, fitness area, lounge with panoramic views and a restaurant with open seating. Outside there is a large sun deck, lido bar, a putting green and large scale chessboard. Onboard the efficient air-conditioning system ensures a comfortable temperature. Two powerful engines propel the vessel up to a speed of 12 knots.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Basle, Switzerland.
Fly by scheduled flight to Basle. On arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown in Strasbourg and embark. Moor overnight.
Day 2 Strasbourg, France.
After breakfast join a morning guided tour which 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. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. In the early evening we will enjoy an onboard performance by the Stuttgart Symphony Quartet followed by welcome drinks and dinner. Moor overnight.
Day 3 Baden-Baden, Germany.
After breakfast this morning, we will drive inland to the beautiful spa town of Baden-Baden. This elegant Belle-Epoque resort is one of Germany’s best kept secrets. The spa assembly rooms and famous casino form the focal point of the town, both architecturally and socially. The old quarter is full of charming houses, exclusive boutiques and cafés and is fully pedestrianised. After a 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 the ship for a late lunch and sail in the evening towards Speyer.
Day 4 Speyer & Rudesheim.
Arrive into the handsome city of Speyer this morning. Enjoy a guided tour that will include a visit to 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. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and an afternoon cruising along the Rhine to Rudesheim where we will arrive in the early evening. Perhaps enjoy an after-dinner stroll ashore to explore the cobblestone streets of the vibrant Drosselgasse. Moor overnight.
Day 5 Sailing the Rhine Gorge.
We set sail this morning and cruise along the beautiful Rhine Gorge, regarded by many as the most romantic section of the Rhine, with its cliff hugging castles and vine clad hills. Arrive in the early evening at Cochem on the Moselle River, famous for its 11th century Schloss and the Reichsburg, and set impressively on a tree clad hill above a bend of the river. Moor overnight.
Day 6 Cochem & Cruising the Moselle.
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour along Cochem’s winding Medieval streets to see the Baroque Town Hall. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and spend an afternoon relaxing on board as we sail towards Bernkastel situated in the heart of the Moselle Valley. We arrive here in the early evening for an overnight mooring.
Day 7 Bernkastel.
After breakfast depart for an exploration of this lovely town and sample some of the locally produced wines. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to explore ashore in this glorious location. Moor overnight.
Day 8 Trier.
After breakfast on board we depart for our full day visit to the Roman city of Trier. Founded in the 4th century and reigned over by Constantine the Great, Trier has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. On arrival we will see the mighty Porta Nigra, a fortified gate in the Roman town walls, as well as the High Cathedral of Saint Peter with its rich Treasury, and the skull of Emperor Constantine’s mother, St Helena. Also see the Aula Palatina, a Roman basilica built in the time of Emperor Constantine, and the Church of Our Lady, dating from 1270. We will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant including a chance to sample some of the region’s delicious wines. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Trier's pretty streets and view its lovely half-timbered buildings.
Day 9 Koblenz & Boppard.
After a leisurely morning of cruising and lunch on board we will depart for a walking tour of this ancient and fascinating commercial centre with its monumental statue of William the Great, which marks the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. We then travel a short distance by coach to Boppard and enjoy some free time in this picturesque riverside town followed by a wine tasting. Return to the ship and moor overnight in Koblenz.
Day 10 Cologne.
Sail this morning along the Rhine, arriving into the grand city of Cologne in the early afternoon. After lunch on board depart for a tour to see the city’s famous cathedral. The cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe with a total area of almost 8000 square metres, room for more than 20,000 people and the second tallest spire and largest facade in the world. Return to your ship and this evening we sail on towards Arnhem.
Day 11 Arnhem, The Netherlands.
We arrive into Arnhem in the morning and will have a choice of morning excursions. Arnhem is well known because of the airborne paratrooper landings and the battles around the bridge over the Rhine. There will be an excursion to the Airborne Museum at Villa Hartenstein, the allied headquarters during the Battle of Arnhem, and nowadays dedicated to the historic military 'Operation Market Garden' in World War II. Alternatively, visit the fascinating “Open Air Museum” which offers a display of houses, mills and farmhouses depicting a history of traditional life in Holland. This evening we sail overnight to Amsterdam.
Day 12 Amsterdam.
There will be a choice of guided tours today. Explore the city of the ‘Golden Age’ on an excursion which will include the incomparable Rijksmuseum with its splendid collection of old masters. Alternatively, visit the city’s superb Maritime Museum and discover how the sea has shaped Dutch Culture. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch an enjoy an afternoon at leisure. This evening join your fellow travellers for farewell drinks and dinner.
Day 13 Amsterdam to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
20 June to 2 July 2020 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | £3795 | £3595 |
Superior Suite | £3895 | £3695 |
Deluxe Suite | £4195 | £3995 |
Premium Suite | £4695 | £4495 |
Royal Suite | £5195 | £4995 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £5245 | £5045 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC200620
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard the MS Royal Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Transfers • Gratuities • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deckplan
Royal Crown
This elegant vessel combines the nostalgic charm of the 1930s with the comfort and service of a four-star vessel. No expense has been spared to create not only a vessel that is beautiful to look at, but also a great joy to travel on. Spacious teak decks, elegant public rooms and staterooms with mahogany, rosewood and marble, together with rich fabrics and specially designed furniture, all blend together to create a unique river vessel. Built in 1996, the 90 passenger MS Royal Crown was designed for the rivers flowing through the heart of Europe. Exquisite furniture, expensive materials and accessories give the vessel its unique atmosphere. Facilities onboard include a library, boutique, fitness area, lounge with panoramic views and a restaurant with open seating. Outside there is a large sun deck, lido bar, a putting green and large scale chessboard. Onboard the efficient air-conditioning system ensures a comfortable temperature. Two powerful engines propel the vessel up to a speed of 12 knots.
Travelling with You
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Dr Alan Borg
Alan began his career teaching history of art at Indiana and Princeton Universities. Returning to Britain in 1970, he became Assistant Keeper in the Royal Armouries in the Tower of London. In 1982 he became Director General of the Imperial War Museum, where he was responsible for the complete refurbishment and reinterpretation of the Museum, the opening of the Cabinet War Rooms, the preservation of HMS Belfast and the development of Duxford Airfield as a major aviation museum. Appointed Director of the V&A in 1996, he undertook the redisplay of the entire sequence of British Galleries. He retired in 2001 and is currently Vice President of the Foundling Museum, and Librarian of the Priory of England and the Islands, the Venerable Order of St John. Awarded the CBE in 1991, he is also a Knight of the Order of St John. His publications include books on Romanesque art, the history of Arms and Armour, War Memorials and A History of Vauxhall Gardens.
Dr Alan Borg will be on the following tour dates: 20 June to 2 July 2020
Tour Extensions
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Join us on our pre-cruise tour to Germany’s Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions. Home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking halftimbered houses and quaint towns, we will spend our time exploring some of the forest’s highlights. Our base will be the city of Freiburg, a friendly town boasting a host of gabled townhouses, cobblestone lanes and cafe-rimmed plazas.
Black Forest
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Freiburg, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight to Basle and on arrival transfer to our hotel in Freiburg (approx. 1 hour) for our three night stay. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome drink and traditional “Black Forest” dinner.
Day 2 Freiburg.
After breakfast at the hotel we will depart on a walking tour of this vibrant city. Explore the cobblestone streets, the spectacular Minster with its 116-metre tall tower, and see its ‘Bächle’, or miniature canals, which were once used to supply water for drinking. After our tour, we visit a master baker, who will demonstrate how to make the famous Black Forest Gateau, followed by a sample of this delicious cake. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore independently.
Day 3 The Pigtail Train & Titisee-Neustadt.
This morning we will drive to the town of Blumberg and board the little Pigtail train. The German name, Sauschwänzlebahn, literally meaning pigtail, is derived from the course of the rail track, built between 1887 and 1890, necessary to keep the gradient of the line below 1%. Depending on the day, the wagons will be either pulled by a diesel or steam engine. The journey ends in Weizen and we will have lunch in a local restaurant, including a chance to sample some of the locally brewed beers, before we continue on to the pretty lakeside village of Titisee-Neustadt, where you will enjoy free time to stroll along the lakeside promenade or relax in one of the shoreside cafes. Return to Freiburg for an evening at leisure.
Day 4 Triberg to Strasbourg.
After breakfast we will leave Freiburg and head to Triberg, the quintessential Black Forest town, with just over 5000 inhabitants. Home to world’s largest cuckoo clock, Triberg is also famous for its waterfalls, the ‘highest’ in Germany with an overall drop of 163 metres and seven cascades. Enjoy a tour on arrival, followed by a relaxing lunch. Later we continue on to Strasbourg to embark the MS Royal Crown.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
17 to 20 June 2020 Category Price Twin £995 Single £1295 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation, dinner on day 1, lunches on days 3 & 4, excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, transfers, gratuities.
Not Included: Travel insurance, meals other than those described..
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Also of Interest
Amsterdam to the Black Sea
A journey across Europe with Guest Speakers Dr Katherine Lack and Olga Stone & highlight performances by London Festival Opera aboard the MS Royal Crown
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Itinerary at a glance
- Amsterdam / Cologne / Mainz / Wertheim / Nuremberg / Passau / Melk / Vienna / Budapest / Pecs / Belgrade / Iron Gates / Danube Delta / Bucharest
Rivers of Music
A cruise along the Rhine & Moselle Rivers from the Low Countries to Switzerland with highlight performances by London Festival Opera & Guest Speaker Canon David Nason aboard the MS Royal Crown
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Itinerary at a glance
- Amsterdam / Bonn / Cochem / Bernkastel / Boppard / Bachrach / Rudesheim / Heidelberg / Speyer / Strasbourg / Breisach / Black Forest / Basle
Hidden Treasures of the Netherlands
A cruise exploring the lesser known landscapes of Northern Holland including Lake Ijsselmeer & Friesland with Guest Speaker Hendrika Foster aboard the MS Royal Crown
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Itinerary at a glance
- Amsterdam / Haarlem / Hoorn / Edam / Marken / Enkhuizen / Alkmaar / Harlingen /Friesland / Franeker /Leeuwarden / Lemmer / Lelystad
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
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Royal Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Bucharest / Danube Delta / Constanta / Veliko Tarnovo / Belogradchick / Vidin / Iron Gates / Belgrade / Pecs / Villany / Budapest / Bratislava / Vienna / Wachau Valley / Melk / Passau / Regensburg / Nuremberg / Bamberg / Wurzburg / Miltenberg /Eltville / Kloster Eberbach / Rudesheim / Cologne / Amsterdam
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000