Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets - MS Thomas Hardy
Holiday Highlights
- Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and arrive in the renowned wine town of Rudesheim to browse the charming Christmas markets
- Guided tour of Koblenz with its ancient squares, restored historic frontages and quaint hidden passageways
- Discover Bonn on a guided tour of Germany’s historic former capital, then spend some time absorbing the festive atmosphere of its market
- Discover Cologne, home of one of the most photographed cathedrals in Germany, and explore one (or all) of the seven themed Christmas markets
- Return scheduled flights from 8 regional airports or seats on Eurostar from London St. Pancras International with regional rail connections available
- 4 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, all with river view
- All meals on board from dinner on your day or arrival until breakfast on your day of departure, including Welcome Cocktails & Dinner and Captain’s Dinner
- Services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and tour manager
- All port charges, airport taxes and overseas transfers
What's Included
- Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of single cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement.
- The price includes full board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day; if you choose to travel with us on any of the full day excursions by coach, a packed lunch will be provided. Anyone choosing to stay on the ship may of course have lunch in the restaurant; morning/afternoon tea and coffee.
- All visits and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Airport transfers.
- Coach travel as mentioned.
- Travel to and from port of embarkation.
- The services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager.
Itinerary
Day 1
You take a late morning Eurostar from London St Pancras International arriving in Brussels approximately two hours later where a coach will take you over the German border to your ship. Alternatively, you fly to Düsseldorf or Cologne from where a coach will take you to the ship. Moored in Cologne’s picturesque historic centre, your first-class crew will be ready to welcome you on board and ensure you settle into your comfortable and extremely well equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship.
Day 2
To really get yourself in the Christmas mood, nothing beats waking up on board and finding yourself already cruising through a stunning winter wonderland. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and relax on board whilst a kaleidoscope of riverside views drifts by in all their wintery glory. Wrap up warm and take to the deck for an invigorating breath of frosty air, whilst witnessing a real highlight as we cruise through the outstanding natural beauty of the world famous Rhine Gorge. Tales of mysterious happenings here have been passed down by generations of sailors and legends abound, the most famous legend of all – a beautiful maiden is said to have enticed sailors on to the rocks with her feminine charms and alluring song. After lunch on board we arrive in Rüdesheim, its quirky crooked half-timbered houses and tiny streets provide the perfect chocolate box setting for its Christmas market. The Christmas period is a magical time to visit this part of Germany – no country really does it better. The traditional and historic Christmas markets here are the perfect place to immerse yourself in their enchanting atmosphere whilst seeking out unusual presents for friends and family back home. Wander the myriad of stalls, glistening in the glow of hundreds of fairy lights, stopping perhaps for a slice of gingerbread or a warming Rüdesheim coffee, with its reviving shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and dollop of whipped cream. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas shop here – open all year round, it is a treasure trove of all things Christmas, from tree decorations, music boxes to wooden nutcrackers and figurines. As the light fades, head back on board where another dinner in the ship’s excellent restaurants awaits.
After years of painstaking research to create the most perfect vessels afloat, a new era in river cruising dawns as we introduce our brand new, state of the art, ‘all suite’ ships. Swiss operated and truly world-class, we are absolutely delighted to present the five-star MS Thomas Hardy.
Cabin Information
All suites feature hotel standard twin beds, en-suite bathroom with shower and WC, hairdryer, safe and minibar, telephone, flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and individually controlled air conditioning.
Emerald Deck Suites: 16 square metres (172 square feet)
Ruby and Diamond Deck Suites: 17 square metres (183 square feet)
Ruby and Diamond Deck Superior Suites: 23 square metres (247 square feet)
Diamond Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites: 25 square metres (269 square feet)
Dining Information
The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. Breakfast and lunch buffets. Dinner of four courses: entrée, soup, main course and dessert, followed by tea and coffee. Complimentary morning and afternoon tea/coffee are served on deck or in the lounge. Restaurant with large panoramic windows, free-seating and no large tables, ‘Gala Dinner’.
Deck Plan
Drinks Package
For all 2018 river cruises we offer a selection of drinks packages available to purchase and the price is £59pp for this cruise. This includes the following with lunch and dinner: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rose house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu.
If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, or you are travelling on a 2017 river cruise, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase.
The drinks package must be added to your booking for all passengers in a cabin prior to departure and you can do this by calling the reservations team.