Deckplan
Join us aboard the MS Elbe Princesse II for a seven night journey that promises to be a scenic treat as we cruise along four of Europe’s rivers between Eberbach and Saarbrucken. We have planned our voyages for the months of June and September as they are a wonderful time to explore Europe by river, the weather is warm, the evenings longer, and the popular towns and cities are not overly busy with tourists.
Our river odyssey begins in Eberbach from where we journey along the River Neckar, one of Germany’s most idyllic, cruising past tiny villages and majestic castles such as Neckargemund, Neckarsteinach and Hirschhorn. At Manheim we reach the Rhine and turn towards Rudesheim, here the River Rhine shows her unique beauty; high on the hills are legendary castles, sunlit vineyards and chocolate box villages scattered along both of its banks. From here we continue along the beautiful Moselle River travelling through this historic region first cultivated by the Romans. The river’s intricate and picturesque path meanders between steeply terraced vineyards and hills with riverbanks home to attractive towns and villages. Last, but not least, we journey along the River Saar and we will sail through unspoilt landscapes, past fascinating small towns towards Saarbrucken where our cruise ends.
To complement our time sailing along these four scenic rivers, we will enjoy guided excursions to picturesque towns including Heidelberg and Rudesheim along with a wine tasting in Bernkastel. Our floating hotel, the MS Elbe Princesse II, which we have exclusively chartered for these unique journeys, will transport us in comfort and with a maximum of just 74 passengers we can promise you a marvellous experience.
Elbe Princesse II
For our journey we have chartered the delightful MS Elbe Princesse II. Launched in 2018, the vessel accommodates a maximum of 74 passengers, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere on board. With plenty of light and a large Sun Deck, there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your comfortable floating hotel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Eberbach, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight to Frankfurt and transfer to the MS Elbe Princesse II moored in Eberbach. Meet your fellow travellers at the welcome dinner this evening.
Day 2 Neckar River Cruising & Heidelberg.
Spend the morning cruising down the Neckar River passing idyllic villages and majestic castles such as Neckergemund, Neckarsteinach and Hirschhorn on our way to Heidelberg. This most picturesque and romantic of cities is home to Germany’s oldest university dating back to 1386. An afternoon tour will include the dramatically sited castle, the old town with its famous palace, and the city gates. We will moor overnight for anyone wishing to take an after-dinner stroll.
Day 3 Rudesheim.
This morning we continue our journey on the Neckar River before joining the Rhine at Mannheim. In the early afternoon we arrive into Rudesheim and join a walking tour of this lively town, including a visit to the entertaining Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. The ship will remain here overnight allowing for time ashore for independent sightseeing; perhaps visit the famous Drosselgasse with its numerous cafes, bars and live music.
Day 4 Rhine River Cruising & Koblenz.
A lesiurely morning of cruising takes us along the romantic Rhine. Enjoy the magnificent Rhine Gorge, the striking hilltop castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arriving into Koblenz at lunchtime we have the afternoon to explore the narrow streets and colourful mansions in the historic old town.
Day 5 Moselle River Cruising & Cochem.
Leaving Koblenz over breakfast we join the Moselle River this morning and cruise past pretty villages and rustic vineyards towards the town of Cochem. Cochem is famous for its 11th century Schloss and the Reichsburg, set impressively on a tree-clad hill above a bend of the river. On a guided tour walk along its winding Medieval streets and see the Baroque town hall. We remain moored overnight for those wishing to explore further independently.
Day 6 Bernkastel.
This morning we cruise into the heart of the Moselle Valley arriving into beautiful Bernkastel over lunch. During our afternoon walking tour we will see the Medieval market square and lovingly decorated half-timbered houses before the tour concludes with a wine tasting of some of the region’s glorious wines. Return to the ship in the late afternoon as we continue cruising to Trier where we moor overnight.
Day 7 Trier & Saar River cruising.
Spend the morning in lovely Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Trier was once the capital of the Roman Western Empire and retains one of the most impressive groups of Roman monuments north of the Alps. Here we will see the Roman ruins including the impressive Porta Nigra, the most important ancient monument in the city and the largest Roman city gate extant. Return to the ship, which will have sailed to Saarburg and spend our final afternoon cruising along the Saar River. Arrive into Saarbrucken this evening and moor overnight.
Day 8 Saarbrucken to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Luxembourg airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 27 June to 4 July 2025 • 20 to 27 September 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Main Deck Twin | £3495 | £3295 |
| Upper Deck Twin | £3795 | £3595 |
| Main Deck Twin for sole use | £4695 | £4495 |
| Upper Deck Twin for sole use | £4995 | £4795 |
Tour Reference Code: RCEP270625/RCEP200925
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights aboard the MS Elbe Princesse II on on a full board basis • All inclusive drinks from 10am to 11pm (please note that premium brands and sparkling wines are not included) • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Ports subject to change, water levels and weather conditions may affect the itinerary.
Elbe Princesse II
For our journey we have chartered the delightful MS Elbe Princesse II. Launched in 2018, the vessel accommodates a maximum of 74 passengers, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere on board. With plenty of light and a large Sun Deck, there is ample opportunity to watch the world gently pass by as you relax on board your comfortable floating hotel.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the vessel or click on the booklet to download.
VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS
Year built: 2018
Length: 101 metres
Width: 10.5 metres
Tonnage: 800 Gross tonnes
Passengers: 74
Crew: 25AIR-CONDITIONING
All cabins have an individually controlled heating and cooling system. We recommend you keep your cabin’s windows and balcony door closed for optimal performance of the unit.
BAR/BEVERAGES
All-inclusive drinks are provided on board (excluding premium brands) between the hours of 10.00 am and 11.00 pm daily.
CABIN DIMENSIONS
All twin cabins measure 14 square metres with two beds measuring 80 x 190 cm each and pushed together.
CABIN FACILITIES
Each cabin features air-conditioning, hairdryer, safe, in-cabin telephone, television, en-suite bathroom with shower and toiletries.
DAILY PROGRAMME
Each evening the next day’s programme will be delivered to your cabin.
DRESS CODE
Comfortable and practical attire is recommended during the day for excursions and something dressier for the evening. More formal dress is required only for welcome drinks/dinner (black tie is not necessary).
ELECTRICITY
Electricity on board is 220v with 2-pin power outlets. We recommend you take an adaptor with you. In the interests of safety, please note that the use of electrical irons on board is strictly prohibited.
EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. Please note there is no doctor on board the vessel.
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 fitted in all corridors.
FIRST AID
A number of crew are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid. Further medical assistance can be sought from one of the hospitals along the river in the event of emergency.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.
GIFT SHOP
A small gift shop selling various practical and souvenir items is available by Reception.
HOUSEKEEPING
Your cabin will be cleaned once a day and you will be provided with a ‘turn down’ service at night.
LAUNDRY
There are no laundry or dry cleaning services on board.
LIFT
There is no lift on board.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property can be handed in to the ship’s Reception. Should you leave 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
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are served on board. Breakfast and lunches are buffet style with hot and cold items and dinners are a served set menu with a choice of main course or vegetarian option. Certain dietary requests can be catered for (on request), however please note that due to galley restrictions, Croisi Europe is unable to offer a choice at each course. Please provide any such requests in writing to Noble Caledonia at the time of your reservation and please reiterate these requests to the ship’s Hotel Manager upon your embarkation.
MOORING
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. On occasion other river cruise vessels may be required to dock alongside our ship. This may result in restricted cabin views and may also entail us being required to embark and disembark the ship through another vessel’s public area and/or for the other ship’s passengers to do the same.
PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The currency on board is the Euro. All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign for all purchases and services throughout your cruise. You may then settle your bill by Visa, Mastercard or cash (Euros only) at the end of the cruise. Personal cheques and debit cards are not accepted. Regrettably, the ship is not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would be contravening official regulations.
POST
The vessel’s gift shop sells postcards and stamps for you to purchase (subject to availability) and items can be posted on your behalf by the ship’s crew (although as they are unable to do so each day, this could take longer than if you were to post yourself).
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 shore excursions. Further details shall be provided to you following your embarkation.
RECEPTION
Reception is staffed throughout the day. A member of crew can be contacted 24 hours a day.
SAFE
All cabins are fitted with a safe and we recommend you place your valuables inside the safe whenever you are away from your room. Please remember to remove all items from your safe prior to you departing the vessel at the end of the cruise.
SMOKING
Smoking within your cabin or any of the vessel’s public areas is strictly prohibited. Designated smoking areas are provided and can be advised by the ship’s reception upon embarkation.
SUN DECK
The ship has a Sun Deck which is available for guests to enjoy. There may be times, for example at periods of inclement weather or low bridges (when sailing), whereby it is necessary to close the Sun Deck. Please listen carefully to the Captain and Crew for instruction. Please also note that the Sun Deck and its steps may become slippery if the weather is cool or dew forms.
WATER
Complimentary water is available during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bottled water is available within your cabin and is replenished once a day.
WI-FI
Wireless internet connection is available in the ship’s public areas without charge. There may be times when internet connection is slow or not available.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained in this booklet should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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Deckplan
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Travelling with You
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Dr Angie Smith
Dr Angie Smith has a BA in Art History and a PhD in Combined Historical Studies from the Warburg Institute (London University). She taught art history for over a decade for Leicester University and a variety of historical and heritage subjects for Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. Angie has catalogued paintings in museums and galleries for the National Inventory Research Project, has led cultural tours across Spain and has lectured for the Arts Society for more than fifteen years. In addition, Angie has published many articles and has written a number of books, including a volume on the early Tudor building accounts of Corpus Christi College, Oxford published by the Oxford Historical Society and a guide for genealogists (UK Historical Timeline) published by Pen and Sword in 2021.
Dr Angie Smith will be on the following tour dates: 27 June to 4 July 2025 -
Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski
Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski graduated in History from Cambridge, before obtaining his doctorate from Oxford. He taught European history at Oxford and Queen’s University Belfast before moving to the School of Slavonic and East European Studies at University College London, where he has been Professor of Polish-Lithuanian History since 2013. He is also Principal Historian of the Polish History Museum in Warsaw. Richard’s academic interests range across the history and culture of Europe, especially in the eighteenth century. An admirer of the baroque and classical styles in the arts, he delights in Mozart’s operas. He has published four single-authored books, four edited books, and many articles in scholarly periodicals and collections, and is in frequent demand as a speaker at international conferences.
Professor Richard Butterwick-Pawlikowski will be on the following tour dates: 20 to 27 September 2025
Tour Extensions
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We are offering an opportunity to spend three nights after your cruise in the charming town of Colmar, the capital of the Alsace Region. Colmar offers an intriguing glimpse of 1,000 years of European history, with its wonderfully preserved historical centre, careful restoration, traditional hospitality and friendly ambience. Lying near the vinecovered foothills of the southern Vosges, the town boasts picturesque 16th and 17th century burghers’ houses, art treasures, delicious cuisine and superb wines.
Strasbourg
The Itinerary
Day 1 Saarbrucken to Strasbourg & Colmar.
Disembark after breakfast and drive to Strasbourg where on a walking tour 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. After lunch we will transfer to Colmar and check into our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure to explore this charming town at your own pace. (B, L)
Day 2 Colmar.
After breakfast join a walking tour of Colmar, including a visit to the Unterlinden Museum, home to the Isenheim Altarpiece, an altarpiece sculpted and painted by Niclaus of Haguenau and Matthias Grunewald. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to sightsee independently. (B)
Day 3 Colmar & Alsace Wine Region.
This morning is free to relax. In the afternoon we will travel into the surrounding Alsace wine growing region. With vastly contrasting terrain, from plains to slopes and mountains, it boasts 37 wine-growing communities and 30 Grands Crus. We will visit one of the vineyards to learn more about wine production before enjoying a tasting. Return to Colmar and meet for dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 4 Colmar to London.
After breakfast we transfer to Basle airport for our return scheduled flight to London.
Prices per person based on double occupancy
4 to 7 July 2025 • 27 to 30 September 2025 Category Price Twin £995 Single £1195 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Tour Manager, tours as described, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000