Autumnal Rhine Cruise
The Rhine looks spectacular in the ochre colours of Autumn, so join this low-cost over-50s river cruise to witness the most beautiful of Rhineland landscapes. There are few better times to cruise the stately Rhine than at a time when the banks are ablaze with the colours of autumn. This seven-night seasonal cruise aboard Spirit of the Rhine has been specially planned so you can admire the colourful Autumn scenery. In addition to enjoying the marvels of Mother Nature, you can also visit historic cities and quaint wine towns as you wind your way along the Rhine.
Begin your cruise with a full day and included tour in the vibrant heart of Dusseldorf before you can stroll along Rüdesheim’s cobbled Drosselgasse and perhaps opt to join a wine tasting. On an optional excursion venture into Ehrenbreitstein Fortress overlooking the town of Koblenz and after cruising to Bonn, another optional excursion allows you to explore the former home of Beethoven. Sail on to Arnhem where you can learn more about one of the most famous battles of World War II on an included excursion. Discovering the highlights of Amsterdam on an included tour is a fitting way to round-off your holiday…
Your Tour Includes
TRAVEL
VIP door-to-door travel service from anywhere on the UK mainland
Included travel insurance
Return coach travel via Eurotunnel or ferry
ACCOMMODATION
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
All gratuities on board
EXPERIENCES
Amsterdam city tour and canal cruise OR Amsterdam Culinary Walking Tour
Arnhem Commemoration Tour
Dusseldorf City Tour
FOOD & DRINK
20 meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Drinks reception and Captain’s dinner
Day 1 UK - Düsseldorf
Travel to Düsseldorf - a journey from Calais of 4 hours and 45 minutes - and embark Spirit of the Rhine, which remains moored here overnight.
Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board.
Day 2 Düsseldorf
Look forward to spending a full day in delightful Düsseldorf where, with an expert guide, you can enjoy an included tour of the famous Old Town.
Set sail before dinner and cruise overnight.
Day 3 Rüdesheim
Cruise through the morning, arriving in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim at lunchtime.
This afternoon is at leisure – perhaps take an interactive map to embark on a self-guided tour. Later you might wish to join an optional trip to either the eccentric attraction of Siegfried's Museum of Mechanical Music or alternatively a wine tasting excursion.
Your ship remains moored here overnight.
Day 4 Rüdesheim - Koblenz
This morning relax on board during one of the highlights of your voyage as Spirit of the Rhine cruises through the UNESCO-listed Middle Rhine to Koblenz.
Spend the afternoon in Koblenz, the town where the rivers Rhine and Moselle meet and continue their journey to the North Sea. The confluence is marked by a monument to Emperor Wilhelm I, and across the river from here is the vast Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which you can visit by cable car on an optional excursion as your ship remains moored here overnight.
Day 5 Koblenz to Bonn
Set sail over breakfast and cruise through the morning to reach Bonn at lunchtime.
An optional walking tour this afternoon reveals sights such as the Electoral Palace and the baroque City Hall, and includes entrance to Beethoven's former home, now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
Remain moored here overnight.
Day 6 Bonn - Arnhem
Set sail early this morning and cruise into the Netherlands to enjoy the afternoon in Arnhem where you can join an included tour to learn more about the bloody battle that was fought here during World War II.
Visit the site of the momentous events of Operation Market Garden, beginning at the famous ‘Bridge Too Far’. It was here that the 2nd Battalion held out for four days in September 1944 against overwhelming odds, explored at the Airborne Museum,
Remain moored here until late tonight.
Day 7 Amsterdam
At breakfast time cruise into the Dutch capital.
This morning you can join an included excursion that focuses on local food and culture, or you can join an included tour of Amsterdam by coach.
Afterwards, enjoy a canal cruise to see the city centre.
Moor here overnight.
Day 8 Amsterdam - UK
Disembark Spirit of the Rhine after breakfast to begin your return journey to the UK (your journey to Calais will take approximately 4 and a half hours).
