Roses of the Rhine
A journey along the Main & Rhine Rivers celebrating the region’s splendid gardens aboard the MS Royal Crown with Guest Speaker Rosemary Legrand
- 12 July 2021
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 wonderfully comfortable MS Royal Crown as we journey to the very heart of Europe’s most enchanting horticultural wonders with a plethora of historical, cultural and scenic delights to be enjoyed along the way.
Our journey begins in Nuremberg where we will discover the wonderfully preserved Hesperides Gardens, developed in the 17th and 18th centuries by rich tradesmen. After encountering the awe-inspiring architecture of Bamberg and wine-tasting in Wurzburg, we continue to Baden-Baden for a visit to 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 into The Netherlands we will visit the magnificent moated house of De Wiersse in Arnhem and the pretty town of Delft before returning to the ship for the farewell dinner and a soothing string quartet concert on board.
There will of course also be plenty of time to relax on board to observe everyday life on the banks of the Main and Rhine rivers and delight in the panoramic views of the passing scenery. Guided excursions with excellent local guides and interesting talks by our Guest Speaker, Rosemary Legrand, will enhance your holiday further and for those wishing to explore Bavaria we are offering a three night extension to this beautiful region.
Useful links & Travel Advice
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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 Munich, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight to Munich. On arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown moored in Regensburg. Sail in the early evening.
Day 2 Nuremberg.
Enjoy a morning of cruising and lunch on board. This afternoon we will explore Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia, on a guided tour of the old city with its vast walls and fortifications. We then continue to the lovely Hesperides Gardens, developed in the 17th and 18th centuries by rich tradesmen and often referred to as the “Baroque Gardens”. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner this evening.
Day 3 Bamberg.
Arrive in Bamberg this morning and enjoy a tour of one of Germany’s loveliest cities. Its location, some 40 miles north of Nuremberg, was a key factor in preserving its architectural heritage from the ravages of war. Every single European style from the Romanesque period onwards has left its mark on Bamberg, each bequeathing at least one major building. We continue on to Rosengarten, located in the inner courtyard of the New Residenz. It was designed in 1733, framed by lime trees and an elegant garden pavilion with splendid views of Bamberg. Our morning tour will end with a performance by a string quartet in the Residenz. Return to the ship for lunch as we cruise towards Wurzburg.
Day 4 Wurzburg.
Arrive this morning in historic Wurzburg, the wine capital of Franconia, where our tour will include the old town with its impressive collection of churches and the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. Our visit to this magnificent palace will end with a wine tasting in the Residenz Cellar.
Day 5 Cruising.
Enjoy a day cruising on the Main River.
Day 6 Rastatt for Baden-Baden.
After breakfast, depart on a full day tour to the Rosenneuheitengarten Beutig and Baden-Baden. We begin 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. This evening enjoy a piano recital on board whilst we sail to Mainz.
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. Return to the ship in Mainz and set sail this afternoon through the beautiful Rhine Gorge.
Day 8 Cologne.
After breakfast depart on a morning tour to 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. After lunch on board, visit the city’s famous cathedral, one of the largest Gothic churches in northern Europe with the second tallest spire and largest facade in the world, before continuing to a “Brauhaus” to sample some of the local Kolsch beer. Alternatively, visit the Cologne Botanical Garden, established in the 19th century and home to more than 10,000 species of plants.
Day 9 Arnhem, The Netherlands.
Today we have a choice of excursions. You can 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. Alternatively, depart for a full day tour to the Botanical Pond Garden of Ada Hofman (Botanische Vijvertuin van Ada Hofman). This beautiful two and a quarter hectare comprehensive pond garden was created in 1987 by Ada Hofman, author of various pond books. Approximately 30 gardens with 50 ponds are situated around three large natural ponds, together forming the large garden. They have succeeded in bringing together one of the largest collections of plants, shrubs and trees in the country, with around 3000 different species found in the garden. This is a haven for wildlife with many species found here including ring snakes, frogs, slow worms, various fish species, salamanders and lizards.
Day 10 Delft & The Hague.
From Rotterdam we depart on a full day tour. Our first stop will be Delft, the birthplace of Vermeer, where we will enjoy a walking tour of the pretty town and a visit to the Delft Blue Pottery. After lunch in a local restaurant, we continue to The Hague for a visit to the Rose Garden in Westbroek Park. Early this evening join your fellow travellers in the lounge for a concert by a string quartet followed by a farewell dinner.
Day 11 Amsterdam to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight.
Dates and Prices
12 to 22 July 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | £3595 | £3295 |
Superior Suite | £3695 | £3395 |
Deluxe Suite | £3895 | £3595 |
Premium Suite | £4295 | £3995 |
Royal Suite | £4795 | £4495 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £4995 | £4695 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC120721
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.
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’.
Rosemary Legrand will be on the following tour dates: 12 to 22 July 2021
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Munich before embarking the MS Royal Crown, we are offering a three night pre-cruise extension including a morning tour to ‘Rose Island’ and a full day exploring Bavaria’s blue alpine lakes and surrounds.
Lake Tegernsee
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Munich, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to our hotel for a three night stay. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner in the hotel. (D)
Day 2 Roseinsel.
After breakfast, depart on a morning tour to visit Roseinsel (The Rose Island). This nearly two and a half acre island, located only 170 metres from the western shore of Lake Starnberg, has always enticed people with its special scenic attractions. Until the mid-19th century, the island was used by fishermen and farmers, but in 1850 King Maximilian II of Bavaria bought and remodelled the island into a summer retreat called ‘Rose Island’. Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)
Day 3 Bavarian Lakes.
Today we spend the day visiting the picturesque Bavarian Lakes. Our first stop is Lake Tegernsee, known to be one of the cleanest lakes in Bavaria with stunning views of the Bavarian Alps behind. We continue to Prien to take a ferry to the Herrenchiemsee for lunch followed by a visit to the palace. Modelled on Versailles, this palace was built as a “Temple of Fame” for King Louis XIV of France, whom the Bavarian monarch fervently admired. After our tour we re-board the ferry and return to Munich. (B, L)
Day 4 Munich.
Spend the morning exploring independently or relax in the hotel before we check out. Transfer to Regensburg for lunch followed by a walking tour around Germany’s largest and best-preserved Medieval city. In the late afternoon we transfer to the MS Royal Crown and embark. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
9 to 12 July 2021 Category Price Twin £1145 Single £1495 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation, Meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner), excursions, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000