Highlights of the Rhine & Bavaria

This excellent cruise will introduce you to some of the most spectacular riverside sights of Germany, Switzerland and France as you cruise aboard the wonderful MV Serenade I. With several UNESCO World Heritage Sites en route, this cruise is full of history and culture.

• UK/Cologne - 1
  

  Fly from a choice of airports to Dusseldorf and transfer to the MV Serenade I.

• Cologne - 2
  

  Spend the morning the vibrant city of Cologne, where an optional city walking tour will introduce you to the best it has to offer. Explore the fine squares and cobbled streets that surround the magnificent cathedral. After lunch you set sail for Koblenz, where you moor overnight.

• Koblenz & Ruddesheim - 3
  

  Get to know the history-steeped Rhine Gorge as you cruise its waters today. Abundant vineyards, pretty villages and imposing castles make this one of Europe’s most stunning riverscapes, declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site. Be sure to be on deck as MV Serenade I passes the fabled and beautiful Lorelei Rock.

  You later arrive in the pretty wine town of Rüdesheim where you can sample some of the excellent local Reisling wines in one of the many authentic taverns.

• Mannheim - 4
  
  Cruising deep into southern Germany, you arrive in Mannheim this morning. Many writers and painters have been drawn to the charming historic centre and university quarter, which remain the ideal place for a stroll today.

  Historic Heidelberg, dominated by its impressive castle and set on the banks of the Neckar, is the focus of a fascinating optional excursion.

• Breisach - 5
  

  The charming border city of Breisach is home to some superb medieval buildings and you and free to explore at your own pace. Its location makes it the ideal starting point for a wonderful optional tour of the leafy scenery of the Black Forest.

• Basel - 6
  

  You are free to explore Basel this morning, one of Switzerland’s wealthiest cities with a delightful old town. Alternatively, join a spectacular full-day excursion to the stunning Bernese Oberland, home to the dramatic Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. You’ll pass through beautiful alpine towns and regions to Interlaken, set in the shadow of the Jungfrau.

• Strasbourg - 7
  

  You have the morning to explore medieval Strasbourg, set right on the border between France and Germany. Make your own discoveries amongst this city of canals, rivers and elegant buildings – perhaps admire the graceful spire and magnificent rose window of the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

  MV Serenade I sets sail for Speyer at lunchtime, arriving late at night – perhaps reflect on the highlights of the past week with your fellow travellers against a backdrop of delightful river scenery.

• Speyer - 8
  

  The morning is spent in historic Speyer, its ancient past evident in many of its fine buildings. A walk along the Maximilianstrasse reveals excellent examples of colourful Baroque and Rococo architecture. Your cruise continues at lunchtime.

• Miltenberg - 9
  

  Spend the afternoon exploring the historic sights of Miltenberg, an old walled town built on a slope beneath a fine castle. Why not sample the local beers and wines in the Weinhaus, a 500 year old inn? You set sail mid-afternoon.

• Wurzburg - 10
  

  Discover the sights of Würzburg this morning, boasting some of the grandest architecture in Germany and surrounded by the acclaimed vineyards of the Franconia region. Be sure to visit the Marienberg Fortress, sitting proudly above the town, and the breathtaking Würzburg Residence, perhaps Europe’s finest Baroque palace.

• Bamberg - 11
  

  You are free to explore Bamberg this morning, perhaps on an optional walking to see its lovely parks, buildings and fountains, including a visit to the cathedral. There will be time to explore Bamberg’s plentiful antique shops, or perhaps visit one of the town’s breweries to sample the beer.

• Nuremburg - 12
  

  Enjoy a full day discovering this ancient city, painstakingly reconstructed after severe damage in World War II. Make the most of your time here on an optional walking tour, taking in the medieval towns and Our Lady’s Church, a fine Gothic cathedral.

• Nuremberg/UK - 13
  

  Your cruise comes to an end as you disembark and transfer to Munich airport ready to retrun home.

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Accommodation

Built to the highest standards of safety and design, the MV Serenade I has something for everyone. Whether it’s a quiet drink in the panoramic bar watching the sunset, a stroll on deck or a delicious afternoon tea, you’ll feel wonderfully pampered and right at home.

• Flights are scheduled services of British Airways
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 2:00 pm

Includes

Not Included