Day 3: Speyer – Strasbourg
This morning we arrive in the charming town of Speyer. Easily explored on foot, Speyer has a magnificent Romanesque Cathedral, as well as an abundance of museums and the remains of a medieval synagogue. You can also take advantage of our optional excursion to the Speyer Technical Museum which houses vintage cars, locomotives and an original Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet. Lunch is served onboard before we sail overnight to Strasbourg.
Day 4: Strasbourg – Basel
This morning we arrive at the magnificent city of Strasbourg, which is well known for its world heritage status. Enjoy some free time to explore the main sights at leisure or take a walk around the old city. You can enjoy our fantastic optional excursion cruising along Strasbourg’s waterways, which is a great way to see the city. We return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing to Basel.
Day 5: Basel – Lucerne – Breisach
We arrive this morning into the old University City of Basel. Here you can join our included full day excursion by coach to the Swiss resort of Lucerne. This scenic journey follows a route that tunnels through the Jura Mountains, before arriving at Lucerne - the historic and scenic heart of Switzerland. Here you can visit the beautiful Chapel Bridge with its prominent water tower, one of the most photographed landmarks in Switzerland. Tonight we sail overnight to Breisach.
Day 6: Breisach – Alsace – Mannheim
This morning we arrive into Breisach, where the Black Forest meets the Alsace. Here you can join our optional excursion into the beautiful Alsace, stopping at the little village of Riquewihr where we enjoy wine tasting at the famous Dopff & Irion vineyard. This afternoon we set sail for Mannheim.
Day 7: Mannheim – Heidelberg – Mainz
We cruise to the river port of Mannheim where you can join our optional guided excursion to the majestic city of Heidelberg, home of Germany’s oldest university. We return to our ship for lunch onboard as we cruise to Mainz where we arrive later this afternoon. Mainz is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers and has been the capital of the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate since 1946. Join our optional guided walking tour, taking in the university, the pretty pedestrian precincts and the fabulous Romanesque cathedral. We also include entrance to the Gutenberg Museum. This evening enjoy your final night onboard as we set sail for Cologne.
Day 8: Cologne – UK
This morning we bid farewell to our captain and crew and set off on the return journey to the UK.