ROMANTIC RHINELAND 7 nights ALL INCLUSIVE from £1099 Includes insurance and cancellation cover§ Price reduction available if not required.
THE RHINE AND HER TRIBUTARIES
Discover the highlights of two wonderful rivers, admiring scenic landscapes plus a host of pretty wine towns and villages…
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– see pages 144-149 for details No fly option
Vineyards thrive on the banks of the Moselle
Day 1: UK to Königswinter. Travel by coach from Folkestone, via Eurotunnel or ferry and embark Rex Rheni in Königswinter and moor for the night. Day 2: Königswinter to Koblenz . Wake up in the pretty village of Königswinter where you may wish to travel by rack railway up the hillside to the ruined 12thcentury castle of Drachenfels on an optional excursion. Dating from the 12th century, this castle was immortalised by Wagner, as it was here that Siegfried slew the dragon and then bathed in its blood to render himself invulnerable. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven. This afternoon you sail to Koblenz, passing dramatic scenery, the small island of Nonnenwerth and the ruined castle of Rolandsbogen. Your ship will pause in Remagen where you'll be able to see the remains of the old Ludendorff railway bridge, captured by the Americans on March 7, 1945. You will have the chance to disembark here for an optional excursion through the Ahr Valley. Or stay aboard and sail on to Koblenz. Day 3: Koblenz to Zell. Koblenz has a rich history spanning two millennia, and its past is reflected in a wealth of monuments and historic buildings. The city is situated at the exact point where the Rhine and Moselle meet, and the city's name means 'merging of the rivers'. Explore the city this morning, or perhaps visit the Festung Ehrenbreitstein, a citadel built by the Prussians between 1816 and 1832, on an optional excursion. Later, sail
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aboard Rex Rheni
along the tranquil Moselle to Zell, savouring panoramic views of exquisite vineyards along the way. Day 4: Zell to Bernkastel-Kues Awake in the charming town of Zell, departing shortly after breakfast as you cruise to the picture-perfect town of Bernkastel-Kues, arguably one of the prettiest small towns in Germany. Bernkastel-Kues features colourful Renaissance houses which line the market square with its 17th-century fountain. There will be free time to go ashore and perhaps join an optional trip on the Bernkastel panoramic train. Your ship remains moored here overnight. Day 5: Bernkastel-Kues to Cochem to Koblenz. Early this morning, Rex Rheni will leave Bernkastel-Kues, and sail to Cochem. With the romantic backdrop of neo-Gothic Reichsburg Castle, Cochem is understandably one of the most visited places on the Moselle River. An optional excursion is available to the castle. Although most of the castle was rebuilt in the 19th century, the original 11th-century keep still survives. During the excursion you can also visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting. Sail for Koblenz this evening. Day 6: Koblenz to Rüdesheim . This morning, cruise the most stunning stretch of the Rhine, passing Lorelei Rock and numerous castles. The rock is a symbol of the Rhine and inspired a famous poem by Heinrich Heine, which was set to music by Frederich Silcher. Continue to Rüdesheim,
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where you can perhaps sample the famous wines of the region in the tavern-lined Drosselgasse, visit Siegfried’s Museum of Mechanical Music on an optional excursion, or sample local wine on an optional wine tasting trip. Day 7: Rüdesheim to Cologne . Cruise back to Cologne this morning and spend the afternoon on an optional tour of the city, famous for its imposing cathedral and for giving its name to 'Eau de Cologne'. The city was founded by the Romans and has long been an important trading centre. The vast Gothic cathedral that towers over the surroundings was started in 1248 as a pilgrimage church to house the relics of the three Magi. The two spires are 157 metres high, and were not completed until 1880. Day 8: Cologne to UK. Disembark after breakfast and begin your return journey to the UK.
SOLO TRAVELLERS The May 13 and October 5, 2022 departures are reserved exclusively for solo travellers, and include a dedicated Solos host and a tour of Cologne. Cruise seven nights. Holiday codes: AF789 (May 13) and AF790 (Oct 5).
WALKING. 7 nights departing September 27, 2021. Holiday code: AK202.
