Moselle & Saar Valley Cruise

By Coach, 9 days Full Board from £299, departing 16th October 2011, 20th May 2012 - BRAND NEW DATE ADDED DUE TO DEMAND

The magical Moselle is simply one of the most hauntingly beautiful river valleys on earth, branching seamlessly from this river the Saar river combines spectacular scenery with an array of remarkable attractions. The Saar is only accessible to a few cruise ships of which we are pleased to say that the MS Arlene is one.

TWIN DEAL 1st person in cabin pays £599, 2nd person pays only £299

BRAND NEW DATE ADDED DUE TO DEMAND - BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT

5-Day Break

Day 1 – Cochem Selected early morning pick-ups and a journey to Dover/Folkestone for the 08:30 crossing to Calais. Alternatively, join at the Holiday Inn Ashford. Our coach then continues through Germany where you will join MS Arlene in Cochem in time for dinner. D
Day 2 – Cochem - Bernkastel-Kaus After a relaxing breakfast and leisurely morning meandering upstream on board the MS Arlene. Tea and coffee will be served in the lounge mid morning, after which you are free to continue enjoying the scenery from your floating viewing platform, allowing you 360° views of the magnificent Moselle. After lunch we will arrive at Bernkastel-Kaus, where after your included orientation tour, you will have free time to explore. This evening we remain berthed in Bernkastel-Kaus. B,L,D
Day 3 – Bernkastel-Kaus - Trier This morning we continue upstream through the meandering valley and past a kaleidoscope of vineyards, castles and ruins. Arrival in Trier is scheduled for just after your included lunch. This afternoon take advantage of our optional city tour and gain a valuable insight into this fascinating Roman City, one of Germany’s oldest. B,L,D
Day 4 – Trier - Saarlouis Today you are treated to a river cruise highlight, as the only British cruise company cruising this section of the European rivers. Phoenix Holidays are delighted to cruise with you up the Saar River and through the famous Saar Bow where the river loops completely back on itself. After our arrival in Saarlouis and lunch, join us on our optional excursion to Saarbrucken, the capital city of the state of Saarland. B,L,D
Day 5 - Saarlouis - Remich Wake up as we cruise down stream of the sensational Saar River and back into the magical Moselle, where we continue upstream across the German border into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Make the most of this unique visit and join us on our optional tour through the heart of this independent sovereign state to its capital city and marvel at the old quarters and fortress now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. B,L,D
Day 6 - Remich - Traben-Trabach This morning we leave the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg behind us, and head downstream. Arrival in Traben Trabech will be in good time to join our optional Castles of the Moselle and wine tasting tour. B,L,D
Day 7 - Traben-Trabach - Cochem We continue downstream to the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between the two escarpments of the Eifel & Hunsruck. Overlooking the delightful town of Cochem is the Reichsburg Castle. Today we have included an orientation tour of Cochem followed by free time to explore this gem of a town. B,L,D
Day 8 - Cochem - Koblenz We cruise downstream to the impressive city of Koblenz, which sits in its grand position at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. From here join us on our optional tour to the Ahr Valley where you will have an included wine tasting. B,L,D
Day 9 - After breakfast we must bid farewell to the MS Arlene and her crew and journey back to Calais for the 5.45pm return crossing. On arrival back in the UK we will return you to your original departure point. B

B=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included

Look what's included

• Stays in Cochem, Bernkastel-Keus, Trier, Saarlouis, Remich, Traben Trabach and Koblenz
• Eight nights accommodation in a twin bedded Grade 1 cabin
• Full board and welcome drink
• Captain's Dinner
• Entertainer on board
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• Return coach travel from your local area
• Return Channel crossings
• Full services of a Cruise Manager on board

Optional and Included Excursions:

Day 2 Bernkastel-Kues Orientation Tour (included)
Bernkastel-Kues is famous for its wines and medieval market square. At the centre of the market square lies the fountain of St. Michael. Join our guides as they show you the highlights, before enjoying free time.

Day 3 Option 1 - Trier city tour (£14.99pp)
This guided walking tour will take you to see many of the city's ancient monuments, included the basilica, the ruins of the imperial baths and the imposing and well-preserved fortified gate - Porta Nigra, which dates back to Roman times.

Day 3 Option 2 - Trier and Karl Marx (£14.99pp)
Trier, the oldest city in Germany, boasts civilisations since Roman times, however, its most popular citizen is undoubtedly Karl Marx, whose parents were vineyard owners. Marx himself was fond of drinking wine and this relationship with wine and the Mosel wine industry eventually led to his controversial writings and subsequent exile. See where Marx lived with his family near the 4th century Porta Nigra, and en-route browse the wares of the Main and Grain markets. We also visit the Theological Seminary and Kesselstatt Palace, and toast this wonderful region with a glass of sparkling wine.

Day 4  Option 1 - Saarbrucken (£19.99pp)
Saarbrucken has a love for all things french, visible in its picturesque streets and courtyards. Join us and explore the city's three famous squares and attractions, including the impressive palace, which delightfully blends modern and baroque styles.

Day 4 Option 2 - Saarland & the Beautiful 1,000 Year Old Town of Saarburg (£19.99pp)
Saarburg is proud of its 1,000 years of history. It is nestled amidst vineyards and forests within the great Germany-France-Luxembourg triangle. It has a rich and diverse history, from the Romans who settled here to the medieval villages with half-timbered houses, working bell foundry and a waterfall that runs through the old town. En route we'll also make a stop at the famous picture postcard viewpoint, to see the Saar bow from above.

Day 5 Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (£24.99pp)
The independent sovereign state of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg showcases spectacular architecture and an impressive history. Join us and discover such famous sights as Our Lady Cathedral, the Archdukes Palace and the World War II Cemetery.

Day 6 Machern Tour & Wine Tasting (£19.99pp)
Our coach will follow the meandering Moselle along the wonderful vineyards to the former Cistercian Abbey of Machern. Taste the local wine of a top German Vintner as secrets of this region are revealed. Free time allows you to explore the Doll-Museum, Schnapps-Distillery and the Beer-Brewery.

Day 7 Option 1 - Cochem (included)
Cochem is famed for its unique position beneath the magnificent vantage point of the Reichsburg Castle and particularly well known for its bustling market place. Join our orientation tour, followed by free time to explore.

Day 7 Option 2 - Cochem Evening Wine tasting (£14.99pp)
After dinner this evening add a little extra sparkle to your holiday and join us to sample some of the local wines. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy some of the wine's for which this regional is so famous. After which you may wish to spend some free time in Cochem, exploring the old quarter and soaking up some more of the unique atmosphere.

Day 8 Option 1 -  Ahr valley & wine tastine (£19.99pp)
Here we will visit the spa town of Bad Neuenahr and the picturesque medieval fortifi ed town of Ahrweiler. While in the Ahr Valley you will no doubt wish to sample the fruity red wines for which the area is justifiably famous for oaked passages and charming buildings.

Day 8 Option 2 - Koblenz National Garden Show (£29.99pp)
Feast your eyes on the colour of thousands of flowers and blooms at the Electoral Palace with its uninterrupted views of the Rhine. The Blumenhof will display creative horticultural sculptures and gardens displaying plants and flowers from biblical mythology. Take a trip on the cable car over the Rhine and you'll find the largest area, the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress enthroned high above the valley with astounding views of the Rhine, the Moselle and the town.

Excursion saving package:
Book 5 or more excursions in advance (just give us a call) and save 10%.