Join us aboard the MS Royal Crown for what promises to be a most rewarding journey along Germany’s lovely rivers. Our exploration of the mighty Rhine, for so long one of Europe’s main trading routes contrasts beautifully with the Moselle which is surely one of the most beautiful rivers in all Europe. During this comprehensive journey you will see a wonderful mix of the historic and cultural diversity of the region. 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 detailed look at two of Europe’s great rivers offers a captivating and romantic journey. As we gently wind our way between Basle in Switzerland and the great city of Amsterdam we will visit the great wine producing areas along the Moselle, historic cities such Heidelberg on the Neckar River, one of Europe’s great seats of learning, the traditional town of Cochem and explore France’s delightful Alsace region. All this will be achieved from the comfort of our floating hotel, the 90-passenger 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.
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Itinerary Highlights
• Sail along two of the most beautiful rivers in Europe
• Wine tastings in Alsace, Schloss Vollrads & Bernkastel
• Visit the mighty Cathedrals of Strasbourg and Speyer
• Cochem’s 11th century Schloss and Reichsburg
• Discover the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
• Enjoy a string quartet and chamber music performance
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 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, 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 this afternoon take a tour to Alsace where we will enjoy some time exploring before we sample some of the region’s splendid wines.
Day 3 Speyer & Heidelberg, Germany.
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 that 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. Return to the ship in Mannheim.
Day 4 Mainz.
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Mainz this morning which will include the Hoefchen (“Little Court”), residence of the city’s archbishops until the 15th century, the Kirschgarten with its romantic half-timbered houses and Marian-Fountain. Our tour will end with a visit to the Johannes Gutenberg Museum. After lunch on board we visit Schloss Vollrads for a wine tasting and string quartet performance.
Day 5 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. Arrive in Koblenz this afternoon and depart for a visit to Burg Thurant, one of the most romantic castles in the whole Moselle area. The castle was first built in the 12th century and the interior is charming and offers superb views over the River Moselle. The castle is also famous for its vineyards and we will taste the excellent Riesling after our tour. We continue with a short walking tour through the charming village of Alken on the bank of the Moselle before returning to the ship.
Day 6 Cochem.
This morning we arrive 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. Enjoy a guided walking tour along Cochem’s winding Medieval streets to see the Baroque Town Hall. Spend the afternoon relaxing on board as we sail towards Bernkastel situated in the heart of the Moselle Valley.
Day 7 Bernkastel for Trier.
Trier is possibly the oldest city in Germany and well known for its Roman and Medieval buildings. Visit the well-preserved Porta Nigra city gate, the 4th century Basilica of Constantine (Aula Palatina), and a 2nd century AD Roman bridge, still in use. After lunch visit Bernkastel- Kues, an acclaimed wine-growing centre on the Middle Moselle and birthplace of one of the most famous German polymaths, the Medieval churchman and philosopher Nikolaus von Kues. Enjoy a private tasting of wines, primarily Rieslings, grown on steep-sloped vineyards.
Day 8 Bonn.
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 relax on board as we sail to Arnhem.
Day 9 Arnhem, The Netherlands.
After breakfast there will be a choice of morning excursions. Arnhem is well known because of the airborne paratrooper landings and the battles around the bridge over the Rhine. Join 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, you may like to visit the private art collection at the Kroller Muller Museum with its late 19th and 20th century paintings.
Day 10 Amsterdam.
This morning join a tour to the Rijksmuseum. Housing some of the greatest examples of Western European painting and decorative arts, it boasts works by Vermeer, Goya, and Rubens. Here, Rembrandt’s famous ‘The Night Watch’ hangs in the Hall of Honour. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and this evening join your fellow travellers for a performance of chamber music by the renowned Dudok quartet and farewell dinner.
Day 11 Amsterdam to London.
Disembark this morning for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
24 October to 3 November 2022 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | Fully Booked | Fully Booked |
Superior Suite | £3695 | £3495 |
Deluxe Suite | £3995 | £3795 |
Premium Suite | £4395 | £4195 |
Royal Suite | £4795 | £4595 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £4595 | £4395 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC241022
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 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.
Itinerary Highlights
• Sail along two of the most beautiful rivers in Europe
• Wine tastings in Alsace, Schloss Vollrads & Bernkastel
• Visit the mighty Cathedrals of Strasbourg and Speyer
• Cochem’s 11th century Schloss and Reichsburg
• Discover the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
• Enjoy a string quartet and chamber music performance
Travelling with You
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Canon David Nason
Canon David Nason has recently retired from the role of Priest Vicar in Chichester Cathedral and that of Senior Master and Head of Classics in the Prebendal School, the Cathedral Choir School. He held these posts for 25 years and, during this time, could also be heard singing choral evensong on BBC Radio 3. For more than ten years he also worked for a travel company as a ‘music host’ at the opera in Verona, lecturing to the guests and indulging in a personal passion for grand opera. David still has an active ministry as Chaplain to the Festival Theatre in Chichester and is the London and South East Region Chaplain for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. In retirement he finds himself busier than ever taking Sunday services in churches around Chichester and fulfilling many speaking and playing engagements on opera, music and musical theatre.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000