Rhine Tributaries Cruise: Luxembourg, Germany & Strasbourg

Travel by Eurostar and TGV from London to Luxembourg, via Paris. Upon arrival in Luxembourg, you will transfer to Remich for a late afternoon embarkation on the MS Leonardo Da Vinci, your vessel for the six-night cruise. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and meet the crew before dinner aboard. (D)

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Luxembourg City. We will depart from Remich for Luxembourg by coach. Luxembourg is a blend of various styles and cultures. We will embark on a guided walking tour to explore some of the city's landmarks, including Place des Armes, Place de la Constitution, capital buildings, Corniche, the old city, the exterior of the Grand Ducal Palace, and Place Guillaume II.

After the tour, enjoy some free time before returning to the ship in Remich. This afternoon, a visit to a winery that includes a tasting. Seven pioneering men of the region identified the magic of the large calcareous rock downstream from Remich and cultivated the first vineyards, now renowned for their sparkling wines. In 1919, after World War I, they established the Caves St. Martin. You will uncover the secrets of winemaking while strolling through the seemingly endless underground passages. We will return to the ship in Wasserbillig and then sailtowards Saarburg. Jules Verne pre-dinner drinks. (B, L, D)

In the morning, join a guided tour of Trier. Departure from the boat for a panoramic coach tour of the city. Discover the Roman cultural heritage of Trier with a splendid view over the Moselle and its magnificent countryside. Trier is the oldest of German cities, founded 13 years before Rome. Trier's age is not its only claim to glory; it was also one of the seats of power of the Holy Roman Empire, a significant centre of Early Christianity, and a dynamic medieval town. The city has retained precious architectural marks from these periods. The tour continues on foot. We will view the Amphitheatre, the tenth largest in the Roman Empire, capable of holding up to 30,000 spectators. Next, we'll visit the Imperial Baths, sumptuously adorned with marble, mosaics, frescoes, and statues. The thermae buildings form a rectangle 140m x 250m. We'll proceed to the Basilica of Constantine, in continuous use since its construction around 310. Imposing at 67m long, 27m wide, and 30m high, the basilica has had many additions over time. Finally, we'll see the famous Porta Nigra, designed as both a gate and a monument, in a remarkable state of conservation. We'll explore the city centre, marked by medieval architecture, including St. Peter's Cathedral (exteriors only), dating back to 326, but altered significantly in the 10th century. Enjoy the ambiance of the Main Market square, adorned with timber-framed and pastel-coloured houses decorated with white stucco.

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to stroll around and explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will sail to Beilstein for overnight. (B, L, D)

A morning of cruising on the Moselle takes us to Cochem, lining the riverbank with colourful façades. On a tor above the town, the magnificent Reichsburg Castle rises amid the vines of crisp Moselle wines, enjoying gorgeous views of the river. Take the short trip to the hilltop by minibus, for a guided tour of the castle. Built in the 11th century, destroyed in the 17th, and rebuilt in the 19th in Neo-Gothic style, it follows its original plans, and features the fanciful turrets and towers which form its fairytale image. Return to the riverside for time at leisure to enjoy the old town’s narrow alleys and medieval Market Square, hemmed with half-timbered houses and the rose-pink Town Hall.

The afternoon will be spent cruising the Moselle River, one of the most beautiful tributaries of the Rhine, towards Koblenz. Enjoy the calm as we pass by charming villages, vineyards, and what seems like a castle on every peak. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, explore Koblenz. Stay moored overnight. (B, L, D)

This morning, we'll pass through the beautiful and romantic Rhine Valley. Majestic castles, mysterious ruins, and famous vineyards dot the countryside, renowned for its legendary German royalty and the fabled Lorelei Rock. Our ship will arrive in Rüdesheim by late morning.

In the afternoon, join guided tour of Rüdesheim. First, we'll take a guided tour of the local vineyards on a tourist train. Then, we'll enjoy a wine tasting in the historic rooms of the Bassenheimer Hof. Afterward, we will visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, located in a charming 15th-century building. This museum features a collection of fascinating musical instruments, ranging from tiny,delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion.

In the evening, the famous Drosselgasse with its numerous cafés, bars, and music awaits you. Our ship will begin to cruise towards Mannheim at the end of the evening. (B, L, D)

We will arrive in Mannheim early in the morning. This will be our starting point for the excursion to Heidelberg. Known as the most romantic city in Germany, Heidelberg has inspired many painters and poets with its beauty. We'll visit the partially ruined, red sandstone castle that sits majestically above the city, overlooking the Neckar River. Up until the Thirty Years' War, Heidelberg boasted one of the most notable ensembles of buildings in the Holy Roman Empire. While time has taken its toll, the castle's fame lives on to this day. The giant wine barrel is one of the most popular attractions; built in 1591, it held about 34,342 gallons of wine collected from the Palatinate in payment of taxes. The facade of the Friedrich Building, displaying a perfect gallery of portraits from the royal line, is also must-see.

Enjoy some free time before returning on board in Heidelberg.The afternoon will be spent cruising along the Neckar and Rhine Rivers towards Strasbourg. Tonight is our festive gala evening. (B, L, D)

Transfer to Strasbourg station for return rail journey on TGV and Eurostar to London, via Paris. (B)