New Year on the Rhine River Cruise

RHINE GORGE & RÜDESHEIM

As you wake to a sumptuous breakfast, the delights of the Rhine begin to emerge as we proceed upstream past the first rolling hills of the Rhine Valley. Journeying further you explore the most famous of all the rivers’ reaches and a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge: steep vineyards give way to almost vertical outcrops towering more than 600 feet above the sweeping valley sides of this wintry landscape.

Sailing past many ruined castles, there’s a real sense of the myths surrounding this historic river coming alive around you. The river twists and turns towards the famous Loreley Rock, where legend has it, unsuspecting sailors were lured to their deaths by enchanting maidens.  After lunch we moor in Rüdesheim, a classic Rhine wine village with crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides. If you imagine a typical Rhine town, then this would be it. During this afternoon’s delightful walking tour, witness the bustling marketplace, the half-timbered Klunkhardshof and Bromersburg Castle, which dates from 1275.

Enjoy some free time to make your own discoveries perhaps stopping for a warming Rüdesheim coffee with its fortifying shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. After welcome cocktails and another superb dinner, prepared by your chef, enjoy an entertaining folklore show in the welcoming surroundings of the ship’s lounge.

FRANKFURT

Cruise towards Frankfurt

During breakfast the ship effortlessly glides out of port as we commence another spectacular morning of cruising as our passage takes us up the Main River towards Frankfurt. Take in the glorious river views of this spectacular landscape at such a magical time of year as another delicious lunch is served in the ship’s restaurant.

Frankfurt

Set against a striking juxtaposition of medieval buildings and towering skyscrapers, Frankfurt is a dynamic international city. At its centre is the Römerberg, a charming, cobbled square lined with historic buildings including Frankfurt’s impressive town hall and the 13th century St Nicholas Church.

This afternoon take in the sights on a guided tour. You’ll take a stroll through the atmospheric old town and admire the giant façade of Frankfurt’s towering cathedral, the Kaiserdom. In the 14th century the church gained cathedral status when it became the election site for emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. Between the 16th and 18th centuries Kaisers were also crowned here.

There will also be free time for you to explore Frankfurt as you wish. Why not meander through the charming cobbled lanes of Sachsenhausen or cross the Eisener Steb and visit Germany’s oldest museum, the Städel where an extraordinary collection of art spans 700 years. You can’t leave Frankfurt without sampling its famous Apfelwein cider or if you prefer try Ebbelwoi, a wine made from apples.

If day 3 of your cruise falls on New Year's Eve

Enjoy tonight's celebrations on board, which include an excellent New Year's Eve dinner, followed by a classical recital in the festively decorated lounge.

As the clock strikes midnight our wonderful crew will serve celebration drinks and canapés as you welcome in the New Year.

KOBLENZ ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

Rhine Gorge

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you anticipate a morning of cruising. Wrap up warm and take to the deck for an invigorating breath of frosty air while a kaleidoscope of riverside views drifts by in all their winter glory. One of the cruise highlights will be our return passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge so have your camera at the ready to capture some of the most stunning river views, as the captain skilfully navigates our passage between the narrow valley sides that tower above.

Koblenz

There’s nothing quite like that feeling of anticipation when gliding alongside the promenade of a river port, and Koblenz – beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers – doesn’t disappoint.

The city is immersed in two millennia of history: founded by the Romans, it was successively occupied by the Franks, chosen as a residence of the German prince electors, conquered by the French and fortified by the Prussians. All have left their marks in the city’s rich array of castles, churches and historic buildings.

Koblenz is a romantic’s dream; forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, whilst the lower slopes are strewn with the pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland.

After lunch in the ship’s restaurant enjoy a guided tour through ‘Old Koblenz’, a patchwork of narrow streets and squares. You’ll stop to see the principal monuments and admire beautifully restored historic house frontages and quaint hidden passageways.

After free time to explore the historic old town further, it’s time to head back to the inviting warmth of the ship’s lounge for an apéritif before tonight's dinner.

If day 4 of your cruise falls on New Year's Eve

Enjoy tonight's celebrations on board, which include an excellent New Year's Eve dinner, followed by a classical recital in the festively decorated lounge.

As the clock strikes midnight our wonderful crew will serve celebration drinks and canapés as you welcome in the New Year.

COLOGNE ON NEW YEAR'S DAY

RETURN FLIGHT

It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and transfer to the train station in Brussels or the airport for your return journey home.