Race to the Rhine in WWII
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What's Included
Five nights’ cruise on a full board basis
Four visits included to Schiedam, Nijmegen, Koblenz & Cologne
Two full day excursions around the battle areas of Nijmegen, Arnhem and the Reischwald
Two after dinner military history talks
Opportunity for personal grave visits at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery and Reichswald Forest War Cemetery
Entry to the Airborne Museum at Hartenstein in Oosterbeek
Act of Remembrance and lay wreath
Welcome drink & Captain’s Gala Dinner
Morning & afternoon tea/coffee and a late evening snack
On board entertainment each evening
Services of a Cruise Manager and two expert Military History Guides throughout
Transport:
Travel independently to Central London the day before your cruise and take advantage of our complimentary shuttle to Ashford for an overnight stay. Our coach will then collect you after breakfast the following morning. Pick ups are available from London Euston, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, Paddington Station, Waterloo, St Pancras and Victoria Coach Station. Call our friendly Holiday Advisors for me information.
Join at port
Meet at the ship
Itinerary
Day to day 6
Day 1: UK to Nijmegen
We travel to Schiedam where we board our ship, the MPS Calypso. Enjoy dinner and a talk by our military history guides who will tell the story of D Day and the Allied advance across Europe leading to Operation Market Garden before relaxing onboard as we sail overnight to Nijmegen.
Day 2: Nijmegen
After a leisurely breakfast on board, we join our coach for a full day excursion starting at the Nijmegen bridge. We continue to Renkum and see 1st Airborne Division LZ areas then drive along 3 Para Tiger Route to the Airborne Museum at Hartenstein in Oosterbeek. Here we visit the museum and then Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery before we drive along 2 Para Lion Route to the Arnhem and visit the John Frost Bridge. We return to the ship late afternoon where we enjoy dinner on board. We are berthed overnight in Nijmegen.
Day 3: Nijmegen to Monheim
Today, our excursion by coach will take us along the Siegfried Line through the Reichswald where we hear about the Allied battles of early 1945 for the Rhineland. We continue to the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery and then follow the route of Allied battles to the River Rhine. We’ll visit the crossing places of the Allies in Operation Plunder and Commandos in Operation Widgeon near Wesel then onto LZ’s of 6th Airborne Division near Hamminkeln and HQ of 6th Airborne Division at Kopenhof Farm. We re-join the ship in Wesel and sail onwards to Monheim. Enjoy a relaxing dinner on board this evening.
Day 4: Monheim to Koblenz
This morning, we sail from Monheim to Andernach. During the sailing, the MPS Calypso will slow down at Ludendorff Bridge also known as Remagen Bridge where we will hear the story of the US 1st Army, commanded by Lt Gen Courtney Hodges, crossing the Rhine. Later this afternoon, we disembark the ship in Andernach and travel by coach to the historic city of Koblenz. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz is one of the most picturesque towns on the Rhine. Here you can join our optional excursion for a trip on the Koblenz cable car, which offers breath-taking views across the region along with entrance to the magnificent Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This evening you can relax on board or join our military history guides for their final after dinner talk where we will hear about the last days of the war in Europe. We are berthed overnight in Koblenz.
Day 5: Koblenz to Cologne
is a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany. It’s a landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid the reconstructed old town. You’ll have plenty of time this afternoon to explore Cologne at your leisure; be sure to visit the beautiful Gothic cathedral. We enjoy our final dinner on board the ship this evening.
Day 6: Cologne to UK
This morning, we bid farewell to our captain, crew and ship and begin our return journey to the UK.
MPS Calypso
Captain Wido and Arena River Cruises are thrilled to introduce you to the newest addition to our fleet: the MPS Calypso. Sailing along the Dutch and German Waterways, Captain Wido’s stunning new ship will set sail in 2022, visiting some familiar favourites as well as some exciting new destinations and we can’t wait to welcome you on board.
The charismatic Dutchman and his handpicked crew will be on hand as always to ensure our guests have a memorable experience as you discover Europe’s stunning rivers and waterways. Captain Wido runs a tight ship, and from the spotless brass furnishings and smart uniforms, to the well-presented meals and sparkling glassware, the crew’s attention to detail is second to none. Carrying just 92 guests, MPS Calypso is a vessel that simply oozes authenticity, and for anyone looking to enjoy a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, she is the perfect ship to explore the Rhine and Moselle rivers, or the Dutch and Belgian waterways.
SHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Captain Wido's new ship for 2022
3 star plus
A traditional friendly ship
Sails along the Rhine, Moselle and Dutch Waterways
Premium Package available
Facilities
Restaurant
Each exciting day on board begins with fresh aromas from the delicious breakfast served in the spacious and well presented restaurant on the Main Deck. There’s always a choice of cereals, yogurts, cold meats, cheese and fruits, as well as traditional cooked English breakfast. Lunch is also a delicious affair, with a wonderful variety of both hot and cold dishes. The ship favours wholesome, home-style menus and in the evening you will enjoy a four-course dinner using fresh seasonal ingredients. Spacious and well-presented, the restaurant seats all guests at one sitting and the ambience is always one of a sociable dining experience.
Lounge/Bar
Located forward on the Promenade Deck, the comfortable Lounge Bar, with its large picture windows, is the perfect place to watch the world go by. Here guests can relax with a good book, enjoy mid-morning coffee or tea, or chat with fellow guests over a drink from the bar. Each evening, the on-board musician and crew invite guests to join them for a little light entertainment and perhaps a few steps on the dance floor.
Sun Deck
The open Sun Deck on MPS Calypso promises the best views on the ship. There are plenty of tables, comfortable chairs and loungers where you can relax and enjoy the stunning river scenery. Relaxation is key and friendly waiters are on hand to bring guests their choice of drink from the bar.