Riviera Travel The Majestic Rhine, Heidelberg & Switzerland

• Guided tours of Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Boppard, Mainz, Speyer, Koblenz
• Visits to Colmar and Breisach
• Sail through the picturesque Rhine Gorge
• Railway journey up Bernese Oberland Mountain range and visit to Lucerne
• Live folk music show and performances on board

• Return flights and transfers
• 14nts onboard 5* ship
• Full Board dining
• 13 visits and tours
• Services of an expert cruise director

Day 1 – Arrive in Basel
Travel to Basel. Upon arrival, transfer to your five-star river cruise ship. After checking in, the rest of the day is free to settle into your cabin and start enjoying the facilities onboard.

Day 2 – Lucerne & Bernese Oberland
Take a short drive to Lucerne this morning, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities. While here, you can take in the sights, and walk along the Chapel Bridge, a unique walkway crossing the lake, decorated with flower-filled boxes. Later on, drive into the Bernese Oberland where you’ll get the chance to ascend the mountains by rail, enjoying extraordinary views before returning to Basel to reboard the ship.

Day 3 – Breisach & The Black Forest
This morning is free for you to relax as the ship sails to the town of Breisach. From here, drive through the stunning Black Forest, hoe to rugged valleys, waterfalls and rolling hills. Arriving at Titisee, you’ll have some free time to explore this lake-side village before returning to the ship. This evening, enjoy a live violin performance after dinner

Day 4 – Strasbourg
After breakfast, take a stroll on a guided tour through the town Strasbourg, know for its canals and pastel-coloured waterfront houses. After a morning of exploring, head back to the ship and enjoy lunch while you begin an afternoon of sailing.

Day 5 – Speyer
Having arrived there late last night, this morning is dedicated to exploring the medieval town of city of Speyer. Discover its historic landmarks on a guided tour, including the Imperial Cathedral, the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors. After lunch, the ship continues its cruising, passing scenic countryside and vineyards. Tonight, you’ll be treated to the ‘Captain’s Dinner’ which features specialities from the regions you’re exploring. After dinner, the ship docks in the village of Rüdesheim.

Day 6: Rudesheim, the Rhine Gorge & Koblenz
This morning, head on a guided tour of Rudesheim, stopping to admire its marketplace, timbered buildings and Bromserburg Castle. This afternoon, cruise further down river, passing through the dramatic Rhine Gorge. You’ll pass Saint Goar and its ruined castles, as well as the famous Loreley Rock.  You’ll arrive in Koblenz, where the Rhine meets the Moselle River. On a guided tour, you’ll see the former mint, the Four Towers and several historic squares and churches. Return to the ship for dinner, followed by a live Rhenish folk music performance.

Day 7: Cologne
Early in the morning, the ship will depart Koblenz to sail to Cologne. En route, you’ll pass the famous bridge at Remagen and the forested Siebengebirge. During lunch, the ship will arrive in Cologne where the afternoon is free for you to explore independently.

Day 8: Cologne
Today, you’ll have another full day to explore Cologne, giving you the chance to visit its museums, gardens, and cafes.

Day 9: Koblenz & Boppard
This morning, you’ll return to Koblenz, where you’ll have free time to wander the city before the ship sails to Boppard. Here you’ll have a guided tour, taking you to see its cobbled streets with timbered houses and the well-preserved town walls.

Day 10: Rhine Gorge & Mainz
Today you’ll sail back through the Rhine Gorge, giving you another chance to take in its magnificent views. Arrive in Mainz, where you’ll join a local expert for a guided tour. Visit the museum dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg and two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles.

Day 11: Heidelberg
After cruising further downstream during the night, enjoy breakfast before driving to Heidelberg. Spend the morning on a guided tour of this picturesque town, exploring the compact Old Town and its other attractions. After the tour, there is some free time before returning to the ship for lunch.

Day 12: Strasbourg & Colmar
The ship sails back into France this morning, docking in the city of Strasbourg. There’s free time to explore before travelling to the medieval town of Colmar where you’ll have a brief guided tour of its canals and cathedral quarter. Return to the ship for dinner, followed by a live music performance.

Day 13: Rüdesheim
Spend the morning relaxing as you cruise to Rudesheim, where the afternoon is free for you to spend as you wish. This evening, enjoy a Gala Dinner hosted by the Captain.

Day 14: Cologne
Sail to Cologne today, where you’ll have a guided tour in the afternoon. Join a local guide and discover the large Cathedral and the vibrant Old Town before a final dinner onboard the ship.

Day 15: Return home
Transfer to the airport for your journey home

MS Oscar Wilde

MS Geoffrey Chaucer

MS George Elliot

MS Emily Bronte

• Currency: Euro, Swiss Franc
• Flight Time: Approx. 1 hr 20 mins to 2 hrs
• Language: German, French
• Time Zone: GMT+1
• Country: Germany, France, Switzerland

*All transfer times listed are approximate and dependent on traffic.