New Year on the Rhine
A festive cruise between Basle & Amsterdam aboard the MS Royal Crown
- 28 December 2019
If you are looking for a seasonal break, our cruise along the beautiful Rhine over New Year may be of interest offering as it does a relaxing journey as we gently wind our way between Basle in Switzerland & the great city of Amsterdam. Ashore you will see a wonderful mix of the historic and cultural diversity of this region, witness stunning scenery and visit fairy-tale castles as well as Medieval towns and villages, all with their own unique history and adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. All this is achieved from the comfort of our floating hotel, the MS Royal Crown, and you can take life at your own pace and relax on board whilst sailing past ever-changing landscapes and enjoy the included guided excursions.
Highlights of our cruise include the charming spa town of Baden-Baden with its unique setting and ambiance, the historic cities of Bonn and Speyer, New Year’s Eve celebrations on board in Mannheim with a special Gala Dinner and a leisurely start to 2020 as we cruise along the legendary Rhine followed by a wine tasting in the pretty village of Bacharach.
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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 and on arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown for embarkation. Sail this evening towards Strasbourg.
Day 2 Strasbourg, France.
After breakfast, there will be a choice of tours. 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 several 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. This afternoon we visit the Alsace region for a wine tasting tour. Alternatively, join a full day tour to the charming town of Colmar. Colmar offers an exciting glimpse of 1000 years of European history with its wonderfully preserved historical centre. Our tour will include a visit to the Unterlinden Museum, lunch in a local restaurant and wine tasting. This evening join your fellow travellers for the welcome drinks and dinner on board. 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 towards Speyer in the afternoon.
Day 4 Speyer & Mannheim.
From our berth in Speyer, there will be a choice of morning tours. Join a tour to visit the University City of Heidelberg, with its Baroque style old town and castle, immediately conjuring images of romance and beauty. During our guided tour which will include a visit to the city’s castle and gardens, we will stroll through Heidelberg’s enchanting old town and see its Renaissance building, ‘Zum Ritter’, which survived the fire of 1693. Alternatively, take a short drive through the Palatinate countryside to the small town of Bad Durkheim, a well-known spa resort and a major wine-growing centre. After a shortguided walk through the old town enjoy a glass of the excellent local wine. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch. Sail to Mannheim and tonight enjoy the New Year’s Eve celebrations on board.
Day 5 Bacharach.
Relax on board this morning as we cruise along the legendary Rhine. In the late afternoon we arrive into Bacharach, a charming and friendly town with historic buildings and the majestic backdrop of Stahleck Castle. Since the Middle Ages, Bacharach, named after Bacchus, the ancient Roman God of wine, has been the most important wine village in the Middle Rhine Valley. Enjoy a wine tasting ashore of the locally produced Rieslings.
Day 6 Bonn.
This morning our walking tour will include a visit to Beethoven’s House. The tour will finish with a concert by a string quartet in the adjacent hall. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and sail in the afternoon.
Day 7 Arnhem.
Arrive this morning into Arnhem. After breakfast on board join an excursion to visit the private art collection at the Kroller Muller Museum with its late 19th and 20th century paintings. Return to the ship for lunch and sail towards Amsterdam. In the evening join your fellow travellers for farewell drinks and dinner.
Day 8 Amsterdam to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy28 December 2019 to 4 January 2020 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Junior Suite | £2795 | |
Superior Suite | £3095 | |
Deluxe Suite | £3195 | |
Premium Suite | £3295 | |
Royal Suite | £3895 | |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £3195 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC281219
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights aboard the MS Royal Crown on full board • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Cruise Director • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • 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.
Also of Interest
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000