October 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, 90-passenger MS Royal 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 with its glorious chocolate box towns of Bamberg, Rothenburg and Miltenberg and continue onwards along the Rhine to explore the fascinating cities of Heidelberg and Strasbourg in addition to the splendid spa town of Baden-Baden. Over the course of eleven nights our river vessel will take us from place to place along the Main and Rhine with great ease, allowing us to relax and enjoy the scenery and interesting guided excursions. When combined with some day time cruising, informative talks from our Guest Speaker as well as some musical interludes and the opportunity to sample some wonderful wines along the way, we have a fascinating trip.
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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 the 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 Kitzingen.
Day 4 Kitzingen & Rothenburg.
After breakfast join a walking tour of Kitzingen which will include the famous Leaning Tower, built during the 13th century. Legend has it that the golden ball that sits at the top of the crooked roof contains the heart of the original Count Dracula. Also see the Old Main Bridge, Kitzingen Church and the Renaissance Town Hall. At the end of the tour we drive a short distance to an idyllic winery to sample some of the famous Main wines. After lunch on board, depart by coach on the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, the best preserved Medieval town in Germany. On arrival take a tour of this picturesque walled town with its splendid skyline of 42 gates and towers.
Day 5 Wurzburg.
This morning we arrive in Wurzburg, the wine capital of Franconia. Our tour of this attractive town will include the old town with its impressive collection of churches and the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace. The tour of this magnificent palace will end with a wine tasting in the Residenz Cellar.
Day 6 Miltenberg.
We arrive today in the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg, renowned for its half-timbered Medieval houses. On a morning walking tour see the picturesque triangular shaped Marktplatz and the restored castle. We continue with a short drive to the beautiful Amorbach Abbey for an organ concert. 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 Johannes Gutenberg Museum.
Day 8 Mannheim for Heidelberg & Speyer.
From our berth in Mannheim, we visit nearby Heidelberg where we have the morning 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. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch as we continue sailing to the handsome city of Speyer for an afternoon walking tour.
Day 9 Rastatt for Baden-Baden.
From our berth in Rastatt, we depart for a visit to 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. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and sail towards Strasbourg.
Day 10 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 enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Day 11 Breisach & The Black Forest.
This morning we arrive in Breisach, gateway to the Black Forest. After breakfast we will depart for a scenic excursion through the area’s mountain landscape, meadows and dense forest. During our tour we will ensure there is time to sample some delicious Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte. Return to the MS Royal Crown for lunch and our final afternoon sailing.
Day 12 Basle, Switzerland to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
13 to 24 October 2022 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Junior Suite | £3695 | £3495 |
Superior Suite | £3895 | £3695 |
Deluxe Suite | £4195 | £3995 |
Premium Suite | £4695 | £4495 |
Royal Suite | £5195 | £4995 |
Deluxe Suite For sole use | £4995 | £4795 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC131022
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 11 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 • Transfers • Gratuities • 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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Michael Hindley
Michael Hindley was born in Blackburn, UK and educated at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and London University (BA Hons in German and French), Lancaster University (MA in Comparative Cultural Studies), and the Free University of West Berlin. Michael also has a post graduate diploma in International Law.
Michael was an elected council leader in North West England, a Lancashire County Councillor and a Member of the European Parliament for three terms (1984-99). He was the Majority Leader on the Trade Committee (1989-99). During this time Michael was part of the group which worked towards Sweden and Finland joining the EU in 1995. Michael is now a freelance political consultant and has acted as an expert adviser for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) where his most recent report was on “Sustainable Development and Trade”.
He wrote a report on “Fair Trade” for the United Nations, International Trade Centre, Geneva. He organized annual summer schools in Brussels for Georgetown University, Washington DC and Melbourne University, Australia on “Understanding Europe” for post-graduate students. Michael is a frequent lecturer on European politics and has lectured at the Universities of Greifswald and Gottingen, Germany and worked with the University of Tallinn, Estonia. Most recently he has been guest lecturer at Mangalore University, India. He has recently published a book on Britain’s relationship with Europe since 1945 entitled “The semi-detached European”.
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Itinerary at a glance
- Oporto / Regua / Salamanca / Fifueira de Castelo Rodrigo / Quinta do Seixo / Lamego
Book with Confidence
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