Christmas & New Year on the Rhine
A festive cruise aboard the MS Royal Crown
- 21 December 2019
If you are looking for a seasonal break, our cruise along the beautiful Rhine over Christmas & New Year may be of interest offering as it does a relaxing journey as we gently wind along this most picturesque river. 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.
Christmas in this region is a special time and our cruise has been planned to include Amsterdam, city of the ‘Golden Age’ with its artistic and historic treasures, Cologne with the opportunity to attend Midnight Mass in its magnificent cathedral and a relaxing Christmas Day sailing through the beautiful Rhine Gorge with a traditional dinner on board. Also visit the charming spa town of Baden-Baden with its unique setting and ambiance, the historic cities of Bonn and Speyer and bring in the New Year’s Eve on board in Mannheim with a special Gala Dinner. Enjoy 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 Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Fly by scheduled flight and on arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown. After dinner this evening make your way to the lounge for some uplifting music by a string quartet. Moor overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 2 Amsterdam.
After breakfast we depart on a canal cruise and admire the city from a glass-top boat as we glide past 17th century homes, churches and 16th century merchant houses. Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon we visit the Rijksmuseum, arguably Amsterdam’s most important art venue. Housing some of the greatest examples of Western European painting and decorative arts, it boasts works by Vermeer, Goya, and Rubens. This evening join your fellow travellers for welcome drinks and dinner.
Day 3 Arnhem.
Arrive this morning into Arnhem. After breakfast join an excursion to visit the Overloon War Museum, the largest war museum in the Netherlands. The battle of the Overloon was a battle fought in the Second World War between Allied forces and the German Army. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and sail towards Cologne.
Day 4 Cologne, Germany.
This morning we arrive in to Cologne. Depart for a tour to see the city’s famous cathedral; it is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe with the second tallest spire and largest façade in the world. Our guided tour will continue with a visit to a “Brauhaus” to sample some of the local Kolsch beer. This evening there will be the opportunity to attend Midnight Mass in Cologne Cathedral.
Day 5 Christmas Day sailing through the Rhine Gorge.
Enjoy a relaxing day as we sail through the beautiful Rhine Gorge with good food and Christmas festivities on board.
Day 6 Mannheim for Heidelberg.
From our berth in Mannheim, we set off after breakfast for an excursion to 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. Return to the vessel for lunch and sail this afternoon towards Strasbourg.
Day 7 Strasbourg, France.
After breakfast, take 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 and enjoy an afternoon sailing. In the evening a string quartet will perform a concert of music by Dvorak. Join your fellow travellers for the farewell drinks and dinner.
Day 8 Basle, Switzerland.
This morning’s 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 part of the building dates from between the 9th and 13th centuries, although much was rebuilt in the Gothic style after the 1356 earthquake. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to the ship in the late afternoon.
Day 9 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 10 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 11 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 short-guided 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 12 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 13 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 14 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 15 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 occupancy21 December 2019 to 4 January 2020 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Junior Suite | £5195 | |
Superior Suite | £5595 | |
Deluxe Suite | £5795 | |
Premium Suite | £5995 | |
Royal Suite | £7195 | |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £5795 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC211219C
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel - 14 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.
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Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000