Overview

The River Rhine is the main artery of Europe, a truly romantic waterway. Due to popular demand, our holiday begins with an overnight in beautiful Bruges, then, joining our cruise to from Cologne into France with visits to Germany’s delightful ‘Black Forest’, the picture book town of Rudesheim and the ‘European City’ of Strasbourg. We stay aboard the 4 star DCS Amethyst Classic ship combining the relaxing and peaceful style of a river cruise where you can just sit back and enjoy the breath-taking scenery.

Your Accommodation:

The tried and tested, 4 star rated Amethyst Classic is a stylish vessel with a relaxing ambience. The ship's three decks offer a tastefully furnished interior with public areas including the elegant restaurant, which is connected to the upper deck by a lift, panorama lounge and bar, a reading corner and a souvenir shop. There is also the spacious sun deck with comfortable deck chairs and lounge furniture along with the wellness area, complete with indoor pool and sauna. Each of the two-bed cabins are situated across the Upper and Main Decks and feature either panoramic windows (Main Deck) or French balconies (Upper Deck). They are approx. 12-14 m² in size and have 2 single beds, which can also be made into double beds upon request. All cabins are equipped with a bathroom shower/WC, hairdryer, TV, safe, minibar, telephone and individually adjustable air conditioning.

Your Itinerary:

A leisurely start takes us to Dover for the midday crossing to Calais. Now, just the short journey to beautiful Bruges in Belgium, and our overnight hotel, the centrally located, 4 star Raddisson Blu, just a 5 minute walk from the city centre. We enjoy free time in this visually stunning city before this evening’s dinner.

A leisurely breakfast before our included scenic canal cruise, taking in the famous sights of this romantic city.Early afternoon we set off for Cologne to join our river cruiser, the DCS Amethyst Classic where we have time to settle into cabins before this evening’s Welcome Cocktail followed by dinner whilst we set off for vibrant Rudesheim.

Early morning, we cruise through the most well-known stretch of the historic river, the Rhine gorge We pass the famous Lorelei Rock and arrive mid-morning at the pretty town of Rudesheim best known for its ‘Drosselgasse, a narrow cobblestone street lined with a host of beautifully decorated wine taverns. We include a visit to the towering Niederwald Monument and entrance to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. Back on board we enjoy dinner and entertainment.

Overnight we have travelled to the city of Speyer. Ashore we enjoy a walking tour to the main square for the magnificent 11th century cathedral. one of the Holy Roman Empires most exquisite monuments. We also include a visit to the famed historic city of Heidelberg overlooked by its dramatic castle.

Another overnight sailing has brought us to Strasbourg. We join the coach for a short tour then take a scenic drive to a picturesque Alsace wine village to enjoy free time and possibly sample some of the local wine. On returning to our ship, we depart late evening for an overnight sailing to Breisach in the Black Forest with dinner served on board.

Today, we will visit the beautiful ‘Black Forest’ town of Frieber, located at the foot of the Black Forest’s wooded slopes and vineyards, We travel back to our cruiser to enjoy dinner and entertainment on board. Our cruise continues overnight.

Early afternoon we arrive in the fine city of Mainz, with beautiful half-timbered houses and medieval market squares. Its home to Johannes Guttenberg, inventor of the modern printing press and has museum containing exhibits of his work and life. Tonight, we enjoy a farewell drinks reception followed by our final dinner on board as we cruise back through the Rhine Gorge to Cologne.

A final breakfast on board before disembarking and retracing the steps of our outward journey back to Calais and the return short sea crossing to Dover. We arrive back in our home area early evening after a most memorable Rhine Cruise.

* Insurance Premiums are renewed from 1st January 2024.