The month of July is a wonderful time to explore Europe by river; the weather is warm and the long summer days are perfect for exploring the natural beauty of Germany and The Netherlands’ spectacular gardens which will be in bloom. Join us aboard the 90-passenger MS Royal Crown as we journey along the Rhine visiting the region’s most enchanting horticultural wonders with a plethora of historical, cultural and scenic delights to be enjoyed along the way.
Our journey begins in Basle where we visit the delightful Ettenbuehl Castle and Garden including the rose garden which features over 10,000 flowers. Horticultural highlights continue in Baden-Baden where we visit the beautiful rose gardens and Steinfurth, the oldest rose village in Germany. Here you can relax beneath the elegant rose arches and learn about the art and cultural history of the rose in the Rose Museum. Another horticultural delight will be our visit to the Japanese Gardens of Leverkusen, with their 15,000 square metres of rare plants from many different parts of East Asia. Arriving in The Netherlands we will visit the magnificent, moated house of De Wiersse in Arnhem and the Rose Garden in Westbroek Park which was created during the 1920s and features more than 300 varieties of roses.
In addition to our garden visits, there will be guided tours to some of the region’s most charming towns and cities including fascinating Strasbourg and picturesque Heidelberg. We will sample some of the local food and wines of the area including the traditional Black Forest gateau, wines from Alsace and the sparkling wine of Eltville. There will also be ample time to relax on board to observe everyday life on the banks of the Rhine, delight in the panoramic views of the passing scenery and attend the talks by our Guest Speaker, Rosemary Legrand.
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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. On arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown and embark.
Day 2 Basle.
After breakfast on board we will depart for a guided walking tour of Basle. The Medieval appearance of Basle’s historic quarter remains as impressive to the locals as it does to the tourists who come here each year and our tour will pass by the cathedral, the glorious guildhalls and Basle’s manor houses ending with breathtaking views from the top of Münster hill. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon visit to Ettenbuehl Castle and Garden. The Seidel family first considered their garden to be a hobby but soon their interest in roses became so keen that they began to collect roses on a large scale. Now there are several themed gardens in a delightful historically English style but the most important is the rose garden with over 10,000 flowers. This evening join your fellow travellers for welcome drinks and dinner on board.
Day 3 Breisach for Freiburg & Titisee-Neustadt, Germany.
This morning we arrive in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. After breakfast we will travel to Freiburg for 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 make our way through the lovely Höllen Valley to the famous resort of Titisee-Neustadt, where we will enjoy delicious Black Forest gateau before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon relax on board whilst we sail through the countryside of Alsace.
Day 4 Strasbourg, France.
After breakfast our guided tour will introduce us to the delights of Strasbourg. Start with a cruise through the fascinating old quarter of Petite France where the River Ill splits into a number of canals. We will 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 MS Royal Crown for lunch and this afternoon join the tour to Alsace which will include a tasting of some of the region’s splendid wines.
Day 5 Rastatt for Baden-Baden.
After breakfast, depart on a full day tour to the Rosenneuheitengarten Beutig and Baden-Baden. We begin Titisee-Neustadt Beethoven’s House, Bonn with a visit to the beautiful rose gardens in which 100 rose novelties are presented and awarded every year. The 3000 square metre garden area on the hillside is divided into four major fields with the middle way of the garden covered with rose arches and situated in semi-circular arcades are statues of Aphrodite, Hebe and Bacchus. After lunch in a local restaurant we continue onto 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, and the fully pedestrianised old quarter is packed with charming houses, exclusive boutiques and cafés. 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.
Day 6 Speyer & Heidelberg.
This morning join a walking tour of Speyer which will include the mighty cathedral; the Romanesque basilica was founded by Emperor Conrad II in 1030 and is one of the largest and most impressive edifices in Germany. After lunch, we visit nearby Heidelberg where we have the afternoon to enjoy this most picturesque and romantic of German cities which is home to Germany’s oldest university, dating back to 1386. Our tour will include the castle, a dramatically sited red sandstone ruin that dominates the city, the old town with its famous marketplace and the city gates.
Day 7 Mainz for Steinfurth, Bad Nauheim.
This morning we visit the charming village of Steinfurth for the famous rose garden and museum. Steinfurth is the oldest rose village in Germany; in the district of Bad Nauheim roses have been cultivated for more than 150 years and shipped all over the world. The permanent exhibition “Rosy Times” tells of this tradition and of the art and cultural history of the rose in the Rose Museum. This afternoon we visit the rose garden in Mainz. The garden was founded in 1825 as part of a rose exhibition and was extended considerably in 1935 for another important rose exhibition. Now there are more than 100 different types of roses to be seen. This evening enjoy a string quartet concert before dinner.
Day 8 Eltville & Rudesheim.
After breakfast, join a tour to the rose garden in Eltville Castle. The gardens were founded in 1979 and boast over 350 different types of roses including climbing roses which grow up to 35 feet high. We will also see the delightful display of Japanese roses. At the height of the summer more than 10,000 roses bloom in the gardens and in 1988 the town of Eltville was nominated a “Rose Town” by the Association of German Friends of Roses. However, Eltville is famous not just for its roses but also for its Sekt (high class sparkling wine). We will enjoy a tasting before returning to the ship for lunch during which we will sail on to Rudesheim. On arrival join the Winzerexpress mini-train to visit Siegfried’s Musical Instrument Museum, home to one of Germany’s most fascinating collections of automated musical instruments. This evening enjoy the holiday atmosphere of Rudesheim’s quaint little streets and alleys and taste the excellent Rieslings.
Day 9 Sailing the Rhine Gorge & Koblenz.
Our morning of cruising takes us along the romantic Rhine. Enjoy the magnificent scenery from the Rhine Gorge with the striking hilltop castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This afternoon arrive in Koblenz for a walking tour of this historic commercial centre.
Day 10 Bonn & Cologne.
Our morning walking tour of Bonn will include a visit to Beethoven’s House and will finish with a concert by pianist Martin Ivanov in the adjacent hall. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and sail to Cologne. This afternoon we depart for a tour to see the city’s famous cathedral which is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe with the second tallest spire and largest façade in the world.
Day 11 Cologne.
After breakfast there will be a choice of excursions. Depart on a tour to visit the Botanic Gardens which were established in the 19th century and are an extensive complex of gardens home to more than 10,000 species of plants. Alternatively, visit the Japanese Gardens in Leverkusen. These stunning gardens have 15,000 square metres of rare plants from many different parts of East Asia along with enchanting sculptures, ornate lanterns and arched gates. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing.
Day 12 Arnhem, The Netherlands.
After breakfast join a morning tour to the De Wiersse Castle which is surrounded by 38 acres of garden and 74 acres of landscape park and has been lived in and managed by the family since 1678. This beautiful historic garden features avenues and pergolas, fountains and statues, meadows and bridges over a gently flowing stream. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing.
Day 13 Rotterdam.
This morning we depart to The Hague for a visit to the Rose Garden in Westbroek Park. The park was created during the 1920s according to a design by Pieter Westbroek. The rose garden contains approximately 20,000 rose bushes and more than 300 varieties of roses. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board sailing to Amsterdam.
Day 14 Amsterdam.
After breakfast explore the city of the ‘Golden Age’ on an excursion which will include the incomparable Rijksmuseum with its splendid collection of old masters. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to relax or explore further independently. This evening join your fellow travellers for a special concert of music by a string quartet and farewell drinks and dinner on board.
Day 15 Amsterdam to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight.
Dates and Prices
6 to 20 July 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | £4695 | £4295 |
Superior Suite | £4795 | £4395 |
Deluxe Suite | £5095 | £4695 |
Premium Suite | £5495 | £5095 |
Royal Suite | £5895 | £5495 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £5695 | £5295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC060722
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 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 • Gratuities • Transfers • 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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Rosemary Legrand
Rosemary is a former nursery owner and daughter of the late George Hyde, who was a hybridist of azaleas and rhododendrons. Many of his awardwinning hybrid plants can be seen at the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens at Wisley, Surrey, the de Rothschild rhododendron gardens at Exbury, Hampshire, and the National Trust Gardens at Kingston Lacy in Dorset. Rosemary had the honour of presenting HM The Queen with a collection of her late father’s azaleas named after the Queen’s former Head Gardener, Fred Nutbeam, at Chelsea Flower Show in 1996. She has travelled extensively to gardens in many parts of the world and is an experienced public speaker. She is on RHS Speakers Register and also speaks for NAFAS; she wrote a number of contributions for the book, ‘1001 Gardens you must see before you die’ and an article for the Royal Horticultural Society ‘Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia 2014 Year Book’.
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Book with Confidence
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