Arrival in Cologne - Welcome to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities! Board your five-star ship and meet the friendly English-speaking crew who will be looking after you for the next week. They will welcome you and help you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and well-equipped accommodation, it’s time to familiarise yourself with this floating boutique hotel that will be your home for the next seven nights.
Cochem - The first morning on board a river cruise is always a thrill, awakening to the peaceful lapping of the water outside as the scenic valley sides slip past your cabin window – there’s no other holiday experience quite like it. This morning, you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. You’re cruising some of Europe’s most dramatic and romantic waterways – the mighty River Rhine and its tributary the Moselle - so there are endless beautiful views to enjoy, as picture-postcard villages with slanting timber-framed houses pass by. After a leisurely breakfast, get a cup of tea or coffee and take it to the Sun Deck, or head to the lounge and simply watch the scenery slip by. After a delicious lunch onboard, we glide into our moorings at Cochem, where we'll have an afternoon guided tour. This is the traditional centre of the Moselle wine trade, so dominating the scene is a multi-turreted castle crowning a vineyard covered hillside, but Cochem’s real charm is its jumble of narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings and peppered with quirky shops and wine cellars. Inhabited since Celtic times and once a part of the Roman Empire, this city has seen the struggles of occupation, including from the French and Napoleon’s army in the 18th century, before eventually coming under Prussian rule. The scars of World War II linger, as much of the city was devastated due to its connection to the subcamps of the Natzweiler concentration camp. As you stroll through this remarkable town, you can marvel at the beauty of St Martin’s Church, a true landmark, and wander through the historic Market Square, where the echoes of the late Middle Ages reverberate, all while admiring the charm of the city’s picturesque half-timbered houses. There’s ample time to explore here, immersing yourself in the relaxed ambience of this quintessential riverside town, before stepping back on board to enjoy a five-star dinner, served in the ship’s restaurant. Then delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance on traditional instruments. Personalise your holiday - Cochem guided tour including Reichsburg castle Duration: 2.5hrs Price: £39pp (2025) & £43pp (2026) Join us for a guided tour of Cochem's old town, before joining a transfer to visit Reichsburg Castle. Perched atop a stunning crag, this fairytale castle is the largest along the Moselle River. It can be seen from the river, its four turrets stretching into the sky above, serving as an ancient symbol of power and prestige. Although it was destroyed by the French in the Nine Years' War, it was lovingly restored by Louis Ravené, a Berlin Councillor of Commerce, who envisioned the castle as a fitting residence while constructing the Koblenz-Metz railway line. Thanks to his efforts, it still remains a well-preserved medieval castle today. During our guided tour, you will have the opportunity to explore within its walls. Marvel at the intricately painted wall panels and carvings of the Neo-Renaissance dining room. Visit the Knight's Hall, the largest room in the castle, as well as the Trophy Room, which features a wide array of taxidermy specimens - 'trophies' from the hunt. Optional excursion can be selected instead of the walking tour of Cochem. Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Please note this excursion is only available on selected dates and numbers are limited.
As with all Riviera Travel cruise ships, MS George Eliot was built to the highest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most modern cruisers in Europe.
Guests are welcomed in the elegant lobby with its gleaming marble floor, well-lit by sophisticated lighting. Thoughtful design is on tasteful display throughout the ship – sustainable hardwood furniture, intricate wrought-iron work, and polished copper and brass are beautifully complemented by soft leather and sumptuous Italian fabrics.
MS George Eliot offers the convivial ambience and personal service of a luxury boutique hotel with an enjoyable and intimate service.
There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, mini fridge, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
From 2027, MS George Eliot will become the world’s first river cruise ship dedicated exclusively to solo travellers. Every departure will be solo-only, with no single supplements and a full season of thoughtfully curated itineraries designed for independent explorers. This pioneering move means more choice, more space, and the freedom to enjoy your own double cabin while sharing the journey with like-minded guests.
View a 360 tour of the MS George Eliot