The long summer days of July are perfect for exploring the beauty of Germany and the Netherlands’ spectacular gardens which will be in full bloom. Join us aboard the elegant 100-passenger MS River 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 Mainz 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.
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Basle, Switzerland.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown. Moor overnight.
Day 2 Basle.
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. Return to the MS River Crown for lunch and this afternoon enjoy a visit to the Landhuis Ettenbuehl 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, Germany.
Early 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 Munster 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 River 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 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 lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon on board sailing towards Speyer.
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.
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. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon enjoy a guided walking tour of atmospheric Mainz 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. This evening there will be a concert by a string quartet on board 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 perhaps enjoy the holiday atmosphere of Rudesheim’s quaint little streets and alleys and taste the excellent Rieslings as we moor overnight in Rudesheim.
Day 9 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 we 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 River 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 sail towards Arnhem.
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 towards Rotterdam.
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. Afterwards continue on to Delft, birthplace of Vermeer. We will have lunch in a local restaurant on arrival followed by a walking tour of this pretty town and a visit to see the Delft Blue Pottery.
Day 14 Coenhaven for Amsterdam.
After breakfast, we will drive into Amsterdam for a canal cruise to admire the city from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th century homes, churches and 16th century merchant houses. Afterwards, 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. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. This evening join your fellow travellers for a special concert of music by a string quartet followed by farewell drinks and dinner on board.
Day 15 Amsterdam to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 1 to 15 July 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £7295 | £6795 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £7495 | £6995 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £8195 | £7695 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £8495 | £7995 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £9495 | £8995 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £7295 | £6795 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £8495 | £7995 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC010726
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 14 nights aboard the MS River 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.
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 100
Length: 135 metres
Width: 11.40 metres
Draft: 1.60 metres
Year built:2008 / Refurbished: 2025
Cruise speed: 22 km/h maxAIR-CONDITIONING
Cabins/suites and public areas are heated and have air-conditioning.
ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur.
CABIN SIZES & FACILITIES
All cabins/suites are spacious and welldesigned and feature an en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample storage space, writing/dressing table, television, telephone, safety deposit box, hairdryer and mini-bar.
The five Standard Single Cabins are located on the Main Deck and measure 12 square metres. These cabins feature a single bed and portholes that do not open.
Premium Cabins are located on the Middle and Upper decks and measure 15.5 square metres. They feature a double bed with two separate mattresses that be configured as twin or double. Premium cabins benefit from a French balcony providing wonderful views and access to fresh air. The bathroom has a shower and sliding doors of frosted glass.
Deluxe Cabins are located on the Middle and Upper decks and measure 22 square metres. The fixed double bed is located diagonally to the front of the window and there is a separate seating area. The spacious marble bathroom has a shower and a natural light window.
Queen Suites are located on the Upper Deck and measure 30 square metres. The suites feature both a French balcony and a separate balcony with chairs and a table, and a living room area with a separable sliding door. The fixed double bed is located diagonally to the front of the window. The spacious marble bathroom has a separate bath and shower as well as a double wash basin.
THE CLUB
The Club area on board comprises of two small lounges on the Upper Deck and is the perfect location if you are seeking somewhere quiet to relax with a good book and a tea or coffee whilst admiring the passing scenery.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A daily programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities, is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening.
DRESS CODE
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. Evening attire is smart casual though you may like to bring something a little dressier for the welcome and farewell dinners.
DRINKS
Complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner on board. Water is provided during breakfast, lunch and dinner and bottled water is available in your cabin and replenished daily. Tea and Coffee is available 24-hours day in the Atrium Lobby.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage is 220V and sockets accept European-style two round pin plugs. In the bathroom there is a 110V socket which may be used for electric razors only. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. For safety reasons, the use of electrical irons or other devices such as kettles, are not permitted on board.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
In the unlikely event of an emergency during your cruise, please remain calm and follow the instructions of the crew. We request that all guests carefully review the safety instructions on the inside of their cabin door.
FIRE SAFETY
On your cabin door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers are fitted in all corridors. Should you detect fire or smoke please alert the reception desk immediately and await instructions from the crew.
FIRST AID
A number of the crew members are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with an evening ‘turn down’ service.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is available on board. Laundry bags and a price list can be found in the closet of your cabin. Once you have filled out the laundry form, please include it in the bag and place it on your bed in the morning before you go to breakfast. Laundered items will be returned the next day. Dry cleaning services are not available on board.
LIBRARY
A selection of fiction and travel literature is available in the book cases located in the Atrium Lobby. A selection of fiction and travel literature is available on a self-serve basis.
LIFT
There is a lift on board that services the Upper and Middle decks.
LOUNGE & BAR
The Lounge & Bar is located on the Upper Deck and is open from 10.00 am until at least midnight offering a fine selection of drinks and bar snacks. Floor-to-ceiling panorama windows, beautiful rosewood panelling and warm and inviting decor provide a convivial atmosphere for conversation among fellow travellers. Relax in the comfortable sofas and chairs and listen to the onboard lectures or the musician playing background music on the piano.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed into the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you before you return home. Should you leave any items on board the ship, please contact Noble Caledonia. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MEALS
The restaurant is located on the Upper Deck and features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows so that you can enjoy the passing scenery as you dine. All meals on board are prepared by the highly skilled Executive Chef and his team and consist of European-style food. The restaurant has open seating, allowing you to sit where and with whom you like at each meal.
In the morning for early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available from 06.30 am. Breakfast is served buffet style, lunch is a combination of a delightful buffet and hot dishes served to order and dinner is a served four course meal. In addition, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included at both lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is also provided with a choice of cakes and, to finish the day, snacks are available in the lounge in the late evening. If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free and low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department.
We regret that not all dietary requirements can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require, we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board please speak to the Chef or Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night on board to reconfirm your needs.
MOORING
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. Views from cabins may occasionally be restricted. On occasion other river cruise vessels may dock alongside the ship. This may restrict cabin views, and you may find that embarking and disembarking necessitates walking through another ship’s reception area, and/or for their passengers to do the same.
PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The ship offers a cash-free system during your cruise and purchases are charged to your onboard account. The day before your cruise ends you will receive an itemised invoice for any onboard charges incurred. Please review the invoice carefully before settling your bill. All onboard charges will be in Euros, payable with Visa, Mastercard, debit cards or cash at the end of the cruise. Personal cheques are not accepted. Regrettably, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would be contravening official regulations.
QUESTIONNAIRES
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you on board.
QUIETVOX/AUDIO SYSTEM
Noble Caledonia has arranged for all passengers to have access to a ‘Quietvox’ audio system for use during the shore excursions. Further details shall be provided to you following your embarkation.
RECEPTION
Reception can be contacted 24 hours a day, except when the crew member on night watch duty is doing their intermittent security round during which a sign will be replaced at Reception.
SAFE
Your cabin is equipped with a small safe for your personal use. We recommend placing valuables in the safe whenever you are away from your room.
SUN DECK
There are loungers and armchairs available on the Sun Deck as well as a putting green and a giant chess board. To ensure your safety, the Sun Deck area may be closed in the evenings and when sailing through sections of the river where bridges are low. Please also note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms.
SMOKING
Smoking in your cabin or in any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck in designated areas.
TELEPHONE
To make an internal call please dial the corresponding cabin number. To make an external call, please contact Reception who will advise of the rates.
TOILETRIES
A selection of toiletries are provided including shampoo, shower gel, soap and tissues.
WELLNESS CENTRE
This is located on the Middle Deck. There is a spa area with a hairdresser as well as a sauna, Jacuzzi and shower area. The small gym has a variety of exercise equipment available for use.
WI-FI
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the cabins and public areas. There may be times when the internet connection is slow or not available such as when the ship sails through rural areas or locks.
Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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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 award-winning 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 Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth with a collection of her late Father’s azaleas named after the Late Queen’s former Head Gardener, Fred Nutbeam, at Chelsea Flower Show in 1996.
Her enjoyment of photography is used to great effect in creating the atmosphere of the gardens she discusses in her range of illustrated talks. She has travelled extensively to gardens in many parts of the world including Japan, where she was inspired by the unique and exquisite gardens of which she has amassed a substantial library of pictures.
Rosemary is an experienced public speaker and has given presentations to a wide range of organisations since 1992. She is on the RHS Speakers Register, and a speaker for NAFAS. She wrote a number of contributions for the book ‘1001 Gardens You Must see Before You Die’ and articles for horticultural publications. She is the Chairman of the New Forest Branch of the Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia Group affiliated to the RHS.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000