Four River Odyssey
A cruise through the enchanting valleys of the Saar, Moselle, Rhine & Neckar Rivers aboard the MS Lafayette
- 18 June 2021
- 24 June 2021
Join us aboard the MS Lafayette for a six night journey that promises to be a scenic treat as we cruise along four of Europe’s rivers between Luxembourg and Strasbourg. We have planned our voyages for the month of June as it is a wonderful time to explore Europe by river, the weather is warm, the evenings become longer, and the popular towns and cities are not yet busy with tourists.
Our river odyssey begins in Saarbrucken on the River Saar and we will sail through unspoilt landscapes, past fascinating small towns towards Bernkastel. 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. At Koblenz 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.
Last, but not least, 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. We turn back at Eberbach and reach Strasbourg in France where our cruise ends. To complement our time sailing along these four picturesque rivers, we will enjoy guided excursions of which the highlights include a wine tasting in Bernkastel and the picturesque town of Heidelberg.
Please note that the 18th June departure operates from Strasbourg to Saarbrucken and the 24th June departure operates from Saarbrucken to Strasbourg.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Lafayette
For our river odyssey we have chartered the charming MS Lafayette from our associates CroisiEurope. Accommodating just 82 guests this delightful vessel is ideal for exploring the Rhine, Moselle, Necker and Saar Rivers in comfort. There is a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board and you will find yourself amongst like-minded fellow guests in an English-speaking environment.
18th June 2021 - Itinerary
Day 1 London to Basle, Switzerland to Strasbourg, France.
Fly by scheduled flight to Basle and on arrival transfer to the MS Lafayette in Strasbourg and embark in the afternoon (transfer is approximately 1.5 hours). This evening enjoy welcome drinks and dinner on board and there will be time to explore Strasbourg afterwards as the ship will be moored until the late evening.
Day 2 Speyer to Heidelberg, Germany.
Arrive into the handsome city of Speyer this morning. Enjoy a guided tour that will include a visit to the mighty cathedral; this Romanesque basilica was founded by Emperor Conrad II in 1030 and is one of the largest and most impressive edifices in Germany. Return to the ship and sail for Mannheim from where we will transfer 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 marketplace and the city gates. Spend the evening sailing towards Rudesheim.
Day 3 Rudesheim to Koblenz.
This morning awake in Rudesheim and join a walking tour of this lively town including a visit to the entertaining Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. This afternoon cruise along the romantic Rhine enjoying beautiful views of the magnificent Rhine Gorge, the striking hilltop castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock as we sail downriver. We arrive into Koblenz this evening and after dinner take some time to explore the narrow streets in the historic old town.
Day 4 Koblenz to Cochem.
This morning cruise along the Moselle River as we make our way to Cochem. Take in the scenery of pretty villages and rustic vineyards along the way. The town of Cochem is famous for its 11th century Schloss and the Reichburg set impressively on a tree clad hill above a bend in the river. On a guided tour, we will walk along its winding Medieval streets and see the Baroque Town Hall.
Day 5 Bernkastel to Trier.
Here in the heart of the Moselle Valley we will explore beautiful Bernkastel on a morning walking tour. See the Medieval market square and lovingly decorated half-timbered houses and end our tour with a wine tasting of some of the region’s glorious wines. Relax on board this afternoon as we sail towards the Roman city of Trier.
Day 6 Trier to Saarbrucken.
This morning we take a tour of Trier, well known for its well preserved Roman and Medieval buildings, before rejoining the ship in Saarburg. Sail towards Saarbrucken and this evening enjoy the farewell dinner on board.
Day 7 Saarbrucken to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Luxembourg City for the return scheduled flight to London.
24th June 2021 - Itinerary
Day 1 London to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
Fly by scheduled flight and on arrival transfer to the MS Lafayette in Saarbrucken (transfer is approximately 1.5 hours). We set sail this afternoon along the Saar River heading towards Bernkastel. This evening enjoy welcome drinks and dinner on board.
Day 2 Bernkastel to Cochem, Germany.
Here in the heart of the Moselle Valley we will explore beautiful Bernkastel on a morning walking tour. See the Medieval market square and lovingly decorated half-timbered houses and end our tour with a wine tasting of some of the region’s glorious wines. Return to the vessel for lunch and a relaxing afternoon of cruising along the Moselle River as we make our way to Cochem. Arrive this evening and moor overnight.
Day 3 Cochem to Koblenz.
The town of 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. Return to the vessel for lunch and spend the afternoon cruising, taking in the scenery of pretty villages and rustic vineyards as we sail towards Koblenz. We arrive into Koblenz this evening and after dinner take some time to explore the narrow streets in the historic old town.
Day 4 Scenic cruising to Rudesheim.
Our morning of cruising takes us along the romantic Rhine. Enjoy the magnificent Rhine Gorge, the striking hilltop castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive into Rudesheim after lunch 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 until the late evening allowing time ashore for independent sightseeing; perhaps visit the famous Drosselgasse with its numerous cafes, bars and live music.
Day 5 Heidelberg to Eberbach.
This morning we arrive in the port of Mannheim from where we depart for our tour to Heidelberg. This most picturesque and romantic of cities is home to Germany’s oldest university dating back to 1386. A morning tour will include the dramatically sited castle, the old town with its famous palace and the city gates. Rejoin the ship which will have sailed to Heidelberg. Enjoy lunch on board and this afternoon we sail along the Necker River, passing idyllic villages and majestic castles such as Neckergemund, Neckarsteinach and Hirschhorn. Arrive into Eberbach in the early evening and spend some free time exploring this ancient city.
Day 6 Speyer.
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as we sail from Eberbach towards the handsome city of Speyer. Arrive in the late afternoon for our tour 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. Return to the ship and this evening enjoy the farewell dinner as we sail towards Strasbourg.
Day 7 Strasbourg, France to Basle, Switzerland to London.
Disembark after breakfast and join a brief tour of this delightful town including the fascinating old quarter. Continue to Basle airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
18th June 2021 - Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy18 to 24 June 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Main Deck Twin | £2195 | £1995 |
Main Deck Single | £2195 | £1995 |
Upper Deck Twin | £2495 | £2295 |
Upper Deck Single | £2495 | £2295 |
24th June 2021 - Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy24 to 30 June 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Main Deck Twin | £2195 | £1995 |
Main Deck Single | £2195 | £1995 |
Upper Deck Twin | £2495 | £2295 |
Upper Deck Single | £2495 | £2295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCLFRIVER
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Six nights aboard the MS Lafayette on a full board basis • All-inclusive drinks from 10am-11pm (please note that premium brands & sparkling wine are not included) • Shore excursions • Cruise Director • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB. Works to locks on the Necker and Saar rivers are scheduled for 2021. The cruise itinerary has been planned based on the preliminary works schedule but is subject to change.
Lafayette
For our river odyssey we have chartered the charming MS Lafayette from our associates CroisiEurope. Accommodating just 82 guests this delightful vessel is ideal for exploring the Rhine, Moselle, Necker and Saar Rivers in comfort. There is a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board and you will find yourself amongst like-minded fellow guests in an English-speaking environment.
Travelling with You
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Professor Martyn Rady
Martyn Rady is Professor of Central European History at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, a part of University College London. He has written books on German, Hungarian and Romanian history, and has edited and translated some of the leading texts for the history of Hungary – most recently the earliest Hungarian chronicle, written in Latin about the year 1200, and an eye-witness account of the Mongol invasion of Hungary in 1241. He has broadcast extensively on television and radio, discussing subjects ranging from contemporary politics in Central Europe to vampirism and the history of the Habsburg Monarchy.
Professor Martyn Rady will be on the following tour dates: 18 to 24 June 2021 • 24 to 30 June 2021
Tour Extensions
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We are offering the opportunity to spend three nights after your cruise exploring the tiny country of Luxembourg and its charming capital city with its dramatic clifftop setting.
Vianden castle fortifications, Luxembourg
The Itinerary
Day 1 Saarbrucken, Germany to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
Disembark the ship and travel to the charming little Moselle village of Remich, the centre of the Luxembourg wine growing industry. Here we will enjoy a local wine tasting and lunch. Continue to Luxembourg City and check in to the hotel. This afternoon there will be a walking tour to discover this interesting city. (L, D)
Day 2 Vianden, Clervaux & Echternach.
Today we explore some of the highlights of Luxembourg's long history. Heading north we arrive at picturesque Vianden whose centuries-old castle offers impressive views of the surrounding area. There will be time to see the Trinitarian Church built in 1248 in Gothic style as well as hear about Victor Hugo’s time in Vianden as an exile. Continue to the pretty town of Clervaux where we will have lunch in the restaurant of the chateau. In the afternoon we will visit Echternach, the oldest city in Luxembourg which has retained its Medieval ambiance. Return to Luxembourg City in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Luxembourg City.
Today is a day at leisure to explore Luxembourg City at your own pace and enjoy the many museums that the city has to offer before meeting for dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 4 Luxembourg City to London.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for the scheduled return flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
24 to 27 June 2021 Category Price Twin £1095 Single £1395 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation in Luxembourg City at the Grand Hotel Cravat (or similar), meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), tours as described, Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers
Not included: Travel insurance.
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We are offering the opportunity to spend three nights before your cruise exploring the tiny country of Luxembourg and its charming capital city with its dramatic clifftop setting.
Vianden Castle and village
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
Fly by scheduled flight to Luxembourg. On arrival enjoy a city tour of this interesting city before transferring to the hotel for check in. Enjoy time at leisure before meeting for dinner this evening. (L, D)
Day 2 Vianden, Clervaux & Echternach.
Today we explore some of the highlights of Luxembourg’s long history. Heading north we arrive at picturesque Vianden whose centuriesold castle offers impressive views of the surrounding area. There will be time to see the Trinitarian Church, built in 1248 in Gothic style, as well as hear about Victor Hugo’s time in Vianden as an exile. Continue to the pretty town of Clervaux where we will have lunch in the restaurant of the chateau. In the afternoon we will visit Echternach, the oldest city in Luxembourg which has retained its Medieval ambiance. Return to Luxembourg City in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 3 Luxembourg City.
Today is a day at leisure to explore Luxembourg City at your own pace and enjoy the many museums that the city has to offer before meeting for dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 4 Luxembourg City to Saarbrucken, Germany.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Saarbrucken via the charming little Moselle village of Remich, the centre of the Luxembourg wine growing industry. Here we will enjoy a local wine tasting with lunch. Continue to Saarbrucken where we will embark the MS Lafayette. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
21 to 24 June 2021 Category Price Twin £1095 Single £1395 Price Includes: Three nights hotel accommodation in Luxembourg City at the Grand Hotel Cravat (or similar), meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), tours as described, 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