We return to Germany to glide through the magnificent scenery of wooded valleys and lush vineyards, past timeless villages and medieval castles, as we cruise along the unspoilt Saar, picturesque Moselle, romantic Rhine and enchanting Neckar. Enjoy full board while on the MS Sainte Odile with beer, wine, fruit juice, tea and coffee included with your meals.

ITINERARY

Day 1 We make our way to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Once in France we travel into Belgium and on to our overnight hotel (half board).

Day 2 After breakfast we drive to Saarbrucken with some free time for lunch before we board the MS Sainte Odile. We cruise through the magnificent landscape of the Saar, as the river meanders through woods and pastures. This evening there is a welcome cocktail and an introduction to the crew. We sail at night.

Day 3 A free morning in Bernkastel or join a guided walk to explore this famous wine town, known throughout the world for its superb half-timbered houses and delicately sculpted weathervanes. Before lunch we cruise along the Moselle to Cochem, a small medieval town dominated by its marvellous castle, arriving at around 8pm.

Day 4 A full day’s excursion along the northern stretch of the “Romantic Road”, a tourist route which winds its way through the vineyard-clad slopes, towns and villages of the Frankenhohe Valley and Upper Bavaria. We travel south to the medieval city of Dinkelsbuhl with its market place, half-timbered Gustav Adolf House, 14th Century city gates and fortified walls, before taking the scenic route north to Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber. This unspoilt medieval town is situated high above the river and again has fortified towers and gates dating from the 14th Century, magnificent half-timbered and gabled houses and beautiful floral decorations.

Day 5 Departure after breakfast for Rüdesheim, as we cruise along the most beautiful section of the Romantic Rhine. Throughout this cruise, you will see numerous castles amid the famous vineyards and the celebrated ‘Rock of the Lorelei’. We arrive at Rüdesheim after lunch with free time, or an optional tour (A small train journey stopping at a wine tasting cellar, followed by a visit to the Museum of Mechanical Music). Dinner on board. Free evening in the famous Drosselgasse, known throughout the world for its wonderful atmosphere. Departure of the boat around midnight.

Day 6 A morning sailing on the enchanting Neckar admiring castles nested on hills, including those at Neckargemünd, Hirschorn and four castles at Neckarsteinach. Lunch is taken on board before arrival at Eberbach at around 4pm followed by time at leisure to discover this medieval city, which is located in the nature park “Neckartal-Odenwald” and was founded in the 13th Century. Dinner on board will be followed by an evening of entertainment.

Day 7 The boat sails early in the morning towards Heidelberg and we enjoy breakfast and lunch on board while cruising down the Neckar. Arrival in Heidelberg at around 8am with an optional tour of the city. Meanwhile our ship sails to Mannheim where those on the excursion reboard for lunch. We then have free time to discover Mannheim. Dinner will be served on board, followed by a gala evening while cruising towards Strasbourg, sailing by night.

Day 8 After an early breakfast we disembark in Strasbourg and travel up to the charming town of Monschau arriving mid afternoon. The historic centre is filled with narrow streets of half-timbered buildings which have changed little in over 300 years. We stay in Monschau overnight at the excellent Hotel Carat.

Day 9 Leaving the Carat, we travel via the motorways to the port of Calais for the short ferry crossing to Dover and then back to the south coast, arriving back home in the evening.