Rhine In Flames 2019
Join us on a memorable river cruise as we enjoy the Rhine in Flames festival from the best seats in town, as we join the grand flotilla for an incredible firework spectacle. Combined with highlights of the Rhine Valley, this unique tour will light up the sky and leave you with memories you'll remember, remember not just in November!
Tour Includes
7 nights cruising with full board
Convenient local joining points
Travel by Silver Service coach
Rhine in Flames Fireworks display
Visits to Boppard, Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim, Koblenz & Cologne
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Düsseldorf to join our cruise ship, the MV Esmeralda for a seven-night cruise.
Included meals: Light Supper
Day 2 - Dusseldorf to Bonn
We begin our cruise upstream to Bonn where we will moor here overnight. Once we have arrived in Bonn you can spend time exploring the city or enjoy a stroll along the Rhine promenade. Bonn is a lovely city on the banks of the river and has a wide history dating back 2000 years. One of the most famous classical composers was born in Bonn and the city still has a strong link to Ludwig Van Beethoven’s legacy today. There are lots of things to see and do in Bonn from museums to the exhibition hall of the Federal Republic of Germany and many more such as the Bonner Munster.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Bonn to Koblenz
We continue our cruise to Koblenz, at the point where the Rhine meets the Moselle. This afternoon you can join our optional wine tasting on the Moselle. We enjoy a scenic drive to the House of Anton Hammes in the village of Alken where we sample local Moselle wine. As well as the winetasting you will have the opportunity to purchase the wine should you wish to do so. We moor overnight in Koblenz.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Koblenz to Rüdesheim
A day of wonderful scenery today, as we cruise along the most dramatic stretch of the mighty Rhine. Our cruise takes us through the Rhine Gorge, passing hill-top castles, picturesque towns and vine-clad slopes. We also pass the legendary Loreley Rock before reaching Rüdesheim. Explore this bustling wine town this afternoon on our optional excursion.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Rüdesheim to Boppard.
We cruise downstream towards Boppard, affectionately knows as the 'Pearl of the Rhine', where we arrive around lunchtime. This afternoon, you may wish to join our optional excursion by coach to Cochem. Cochem, the ‘pearl of the Moselle’, a picturesque town with narrow cobbled streets and twisting alleys and restored half-timbered houses with slate roofs, overlooked by the magnificent Reichsburg Castle. Cochem is the biggest town in the district and the Reichsburg Castle was first documented in 1130. The castle was once an Imperial castle as in 1151 King Konrad III named it his home. Why not visit the castle or enjoy one of the many cafés which offer a wide range of local pastries and cakes.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Rhine In Flames
We continue our cruise to the quintessential Rhine town of Andernach. At around 5.00pm, we sail in convoy, as part of the flotilla, towards Bonn and witness the amazing fireworks* display. We moor overnight in Bonn, arriving in the early hours. *Please note: Due to health and safety reason there is now a limit to the amount of ships that have access to the Rhine in Flames celebrations. This means that you may view the celebration from either the ship with the convoy as stated above or you may join a ‘daily ship’ where you embark late afternoon to enjoy the fireworks in convoy with dinner on board then disembark after the display.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Bonn to Cologne
We cruise from Bonn to Cologne, arriving around lunch time. You will have free time to explore the city, known as the capital of the Rhineland. While in Cologne why not explore and have a look at some of the stunning attractions such as Cologne Cathedral which is a Gothic style church that they started building in 1248 but didn't fully completed till 1880, or the Cologne City Hall which was once a medieval house still used today for official business and the relaxing water front and bridges which has helped build Cologne through the ages to the city we know today. You may wish to relax in one of the many beer halls, enjoying the local Kölsch beer.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
We disembark and return home.
Included meals: Breakfast