Autumn is one of the loveliest times in Middle Europe when the forests and vineyards are in full colour. Enjoy the colourful foliage, the tranquil beauty of the countryside and the contrasts and vibrancy of the cities and towns along the Main and Rhine rivers as we cruise along them aboard the elegant, 100-passenger MS River Crown. If you have not cruised along such rivers before, nothing can prepare you for the peace and beauty of it. To relax on deck or in the beautiful lounge whilst the world floats by is a fortifying experience. Such vistas cannot be appreciated from any other means of transport, the stately pace and quietness of the vessel allows you to be at one with your surroundings.
This is a river voyage through idyllic landscapes, past centuries old villages, towns and cities which have witnessed the fascinating and turbulent history of Middle Europe. From Regensburg we cruise along the tranquil waters of the Main River visiting the enchanting towns of Bamberg and Miltenberg and continue onwards along the Rhine to explore the fascinating cities of Heidelberg and Strasbourg in addition to the splendid town of Colmar. Over the course of ten nights our river vessel will transport us along the Main and Rhine in considerable comfort and with great ease, allowing us to relax and enjoy the scenery and interesting guided excursions. When combined with some daytime cruising, informative talks from our Guest Speaker as well as the opportunity to sample some wonderful wines along the way, we have a fascinating trip.
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 Munich, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown in Regensburg.
Day 2 Regensburg.
On our guided morning tour we will stroll around this World Heritage listed historic city. Widely regarded as the Medieval wonder of Germany, we will see the majestic twin-spired cathedral Dom St Peter, the ancient Romanesque Porta Praetoria and the tower houses. The afternoon is free to explore this charming town at your own pace.
Day 3 Nuremberg.
Nuremberg’s long and sometimes troubled history has left its mark on the city and there is plenty to discover during our afternoon tour. Visit the World War II sites, including the Third Reich Party Rally Grounds, and discover the city’s spectacular Medieval architecture.
Day 4 Bamberg.
Arrive in Bamberg this morning, one of Germany’s most beautiful historic towns. Its geographical location, some 40 miles north of Nuremberg, was a key factor in preserving its magnificent architectural heritage from the ravages of war. Every European style from the Romanesque onwards has left its mark on Bamberg, each bequeathing at least one major building. Return to the ship for lunch and sail this afternoon as the MS River Crown leaves the Main-Danube Canal and enters the River Main.
Day 5 Wurzburg.
This morning we arrive in historic Wurzburg, the wine capital of Franconia. We will tour this lovely town including the old town with its collection of churches which range in style from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance to Baroque, as well as the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. Our visit will end with a wine tasting of local wines before we return to the MS River Crown for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon on board sailing towards Miltenberg.
Day 6 Miltenberg.
We arrive today in the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg, renowned for its half-timbered Medieval houses. On a walking tour see the picturesque triangular shaped Marktplatz and the restored castle. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing.
Day 7 Mainz.
Arrive this morning in atmospheric Mainz where our guided walking tour 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 Johan Gutenberg Museum. The afternoon is free to explore further independently.
Day 8 Mannheim for Heidelberg.
From our berth in Mannheim, we visit nearby Heidelberg to enjoy this most picturesque and romantic of German cities which is home to Germany’s oldest university, dating back to 1386. 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.
Day 9 Kehl, Germany for Strasbourg, France.
From the nearby town of Kehl, our guided tour this morning 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 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. After lunch on board you can choose to spend the afternoon at leisure or alternatively join a scenic tour along Alsace’s “Route des Vins”, including a tasting of the region’s splendid wines.
Day 10 Breisach, Germany for Colmar, France.
From our berth in Breisach, we will cross the River Rhine into France and drive to the capital of the Upper Rhine region, Colmar. We begin with a visit to the impressive Unterlinden Museum which dates back to the 13th century. Admire a fine collection of religious Medieval paintings and also paintings from the 20th and 21st centuries, including works by Picasso and Monet. The highlight of the Museum is the Isenheim Altar, a wonderful triptych created for the monastery at Isenheim by Mattheus Grunewald. We continue on for a walk through the charming Old Town, with delightful patrician houses and winding lanes and enjoy some free time before our drive back to Breisach to reboard the MS River Crown. The afternoon is free for independent exploration in Breisach.
Day 11 Basle, Switzerland to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Basle airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
10 to 20 October 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: RCRC101026
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 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.
NB: The Sun Deck will be closed whilst sailing through sections of the Rhine-Main-Danube canal and the River Main.
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Deck Plan
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.
Also of Interest
Four River Odyssey
A cruise through the enchanting valleys of the Neckar, Rhine, Moselle & Saar Rivers aboard the MS Elbe Princesse II
Elbe Princesse II
Itinerary at a glance
- Eberbach / Neckar River Cruising / Heidelberg / Rudesheim / Koblenz / Cochem / Bernkastel / Trier / Saarbrucken
Across Europe by River
An epic river journey along the Rhine, Main & Danube aboard the MS River Crown with highlight performances by London Festival Opera
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Amsterdam / Rotterdam / Cologne / Koblenz / Rudesheim / Mainz / Miltenberg / Wurzburg / Bamberg / Nuremberg / Regensburg / Passau / Melk / Wachau Valley / Vienna / Bratislava / Budapest / Kalocsa / Pecs / Villany / Belgrade / Iron Gates / Veliko Tarnovo / Giurgiu
Mozart & the Golden Age of Music
Explore the wonderful music & opera of the Danube with London Festival Opera aboard the MS River Crown
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Regensburg / Passau / Salzburg / Melk / Durnstein / Bratislava / Budapest
Three River Odyssey
A river journey between Budapest & Basle aboard the MS River Crown
River Crown
Itinerary at a glance
- Budapest / Bratislava / Vienna / Wachau Valley / Melk / Passau / Regensburg / Nuremberg / Bamberg / Wurzburg / Miltenberg / Heidelberg / Strasbourg / Colmar / Basle
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000