Rhine Cruise to Switzerland with Glacier Express Extension

On arrival, transfer by coach to your cruise ship moored in Cologne. The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you aboard your first-class floating hotel, ensuring you settle into your luxurious, well-equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship.

As you wake to a sumptuous breakfast, the delights of this river cruise begin to emerge as we drift past the first rolling hills of the Rhine Valley.

The forested Siebengebirge – Seven Mountains – a cluster of ancient volcanic hills that inspired many of the Brothers Grimm’s legends, including ‘Snow White’, act as the overture for even more dramatic scenery upstream.

We cruise past the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, which was captured intact by the Allies towards the end of the Second World War, allowing thousands of troops to cross into Germany’s heartland.

Pretty waterfront towns and carefully tended vineyards come into view as we glide gently into our mooring to visit delightful Koblenz for a guided tour.

Founded by the Romans, this historic city is beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister river the Moselle. Discover Koblenz’s maze of medieval buildings in the Altstadt – old town – which is studded with a fine array of traditional shops and classic Rhineland cafés.

As you wander, historic buildings appear seemingly at every turn; see a former mint, the Four Towers – 17th-century houses with striking turrets set at a crossroads – and many fascinating squares and churches, including the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Kastor.

Wherever you wander you’re never far from a riverbank, and it’s worth crossing the 14th-century stone Balduin Bridge across the Moselle for fine views back across the spires of the Altstadt.

Tonight, enjoy a meticulously prepared dinner on board, and afterwards, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance of traditional instruments.

Slipping our mooring at Koblenz we proceed upstream on the Rhine and soon encounter the impressive Marksburg Castle, a fortress dating back to the 13th-century.

We then weave through the huge looping bend – one of the most impressive on the river – at Boppard, a wonderfully picturesque town known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’.

Journeying further, you explore the most famous of all the river’s reaches and a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge: steep vineyards give way to almost vertical rocky outcrops towering more than 600 feet above the sweeping valley sides. Sailing past Saint Goar and the many ruined castles, there’s a real sense of the myths surrounding this historic river coming alive around you.

After lunch we moor in Rüdesheim, a classic Rhine wine village with crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards.

Rüdesheim is a delight to wander, witness the bustling marketplace, the half-timbered Klunkhardshof and Brömserburg Castle, which dates from 1275. This afternoon you are free to explore at leisure or choose from one of our included experiences:

You could visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a fantastical adventure into the world of automatic musical instruments. See the impressive collection of fascinating musical instruments that function like computers, ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion.

Or you might choose to travel up the hillside, above Rüdesheim's famous vineyards, in a two-seater cable car enjoying lovely views of the Rhine River and surrounding countryside. At the top the views get even better, and a stroll around the Niederwald monument – which celebrates the unification of Germany by Prussians in the 1870s - allows for a peaceful moment looking out over the town.

After dinner this evening, another sumptuous affair prepared by your chef, maybe sample a small Asbach – the famous brandy distilled in Rüdesheim – while watching the last of the ferries crossing the river in the moonlight glow.

Still sailing upstream, the landscape becomes much wider and flatter, with gently rolling hills and vineyards that are home to the Liebfraumilch wines. Occasionally the excited chatter of birdlife breaks out as we pass oxbow lakes, long deserted by the river flow, which are now havens for over a hundred bird species.

Today we berth in historic Speyer, founded by the Celts and one of Germany’s oldest cities, celebrated for its illustrious past, for an afternoon walking tour. The breath-taking Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the largest Romanesque churches in the world; it’s also one of the finest. Its beautiful four-roomed crypt is the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors and German kings.

Another landmark is the magnificent neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche, built at the turn of the 20th-century to commemorate the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’, a significant event when a group of Martin Luther’s followers protested against his imperial ban – henceforth Luther’s religious followers were known as ‘Protestants’.

There’s free time to explore here before stepping back on board for another splendid dinner.

This morning we cruise gently upstream, passing through two spectacular locks, whose elaborate engineering never ceases to fascinate. Why not find a comfortable chair and catch up on some reading, play chess or watch the rolling kaleidoscope of scenery from the Sun Deck?

We soon arrive in France and moor in Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. This afternoon we have a walking tour of its picturesque Old Town, bisected by canals and made up of a maze of narrow streets lined with timber-framed houses and sculptured portals.

Unforgettable sites include the stupendous Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, multi-towered Ponts Couverts – covered bridges – and the pretty Petite France quarter of pastel-coloured former artisans’ houses lining the canals.

Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to linger a while in a typical Alsatian café to sample some of the region’s world-famous wines – a crisp Riesling or that particular speciality of Alsace, spicy Gewürztraminer.

After another delicious dinner on board, you can retire to the lounge to enjoy tonight's live performance of popular music spanning the years by a highly talented violin soloist.

This morning's cruising is spent gliding through the dramatic scenery of the rift valley separating the Vosges and Black Forest mountains.

We arrive at the ancient town of Breisach, whose historic heart is surrounded by stone ramparts and dominated by the impressive Saint Stephan’s Cathedral, which you can see during time at leisure before lunch onboard.

This afternoon you have a choice of touring the Black Forest and Freiburg or visiting the Alsace wine route with its typical wine villages.

We drive through some of Central Europe’s most stunning scenery – the Black Forest Mountains. This is a fabled landscape of rugged valleys, white-water rivers, cascading waterfalls and rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees – exactly as you expect it to be.

Look out for the Baroque spires of St. Peter Abbey as we drive through the quaint village and stop for a photo of the incredible countryside surrounding St Märgen, on our way to Freiburg. This vibrant university city in southwest Germany’s Black Forest, is home to a medieval old town, crisscrossed by picturesque brooks. On arrival, we'll follow a local guide around some of the city's sights - including the Münsterplatz and the historic Kaufhaus - before time at leisure to explore independently.

Travelling, between the vineyards and mountains, along the Wine Route we make our way to Ribeauvillé - a charming village that lies in the shadow of the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. After a short walking tour, there's time to wander its picturesque streets to admire the 15th- to 18th-century buildings and Renaissance squares.

Leaving Ribeauvillé, we head next to Riquewihr. Named the 'Most Beautiful Village in France', this medieval town lies right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. Famous for both its architecture and its wine, there's plenty to see during our walking tour. Afterwards, you can enjoy a little free time to explore before heading back to the ship.

Back on board this evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. Overnight we will continue to Switzerland and our final stop, Basel. 

Today you have the choice between a full day excursion to Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland, or a more leisurely guided tour of Lucerne and free afternoon in Basel.

Lucerne

To make the most of the day, we depart early and take the short drive to Lucerne, often considered Switzerland’s most beautiful city, spectacularly situated among stunning mountain views.

It has been attracting well-heeled visitors for two centuries, including our very own Queen Victoria. Highly recommended is an invigorating stroll along the Chapel Bridge, a unique covered wooden walkway crossing the lake, supported by stilts and lined with colourful flower-filled window boxes. Not only is it the city’s most iconic structure, it’s a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s regal atmosphere, before we continue our exploration of the best of Switzerland.

Bernese Oberland

As you enter the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland, the views become quite literally breath-taking! This is the grand alpine heart of Europe with some of the finest mountain scenery on earth, described by the composer Mendelssohn as ‘the most wonderful of all in this unbelievably beautiful country’.

On viewing the legendary snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau you’ll be quite simply awestruck. We then ascend by mountain railway for more extraordinary vistas, with the crystal-clear lakes reflecting the meadows and forests below. This truly magical landscape is sure to enchant you.

Later we’ll descend again by mountain railway before returning to the ship. Please note, temperatures will be significantly lower at altitude, even during the summer months, so it’s advisable to pack suitable clothing. Lunch is not included on this full day excursion; however, the ship will offer a packed lunch. 

If you chose a more leisurely start to the day, we drive to Lucerne.

Lucerne

Enjoy a more comprehensive excursion in Lucerne, with a guided tour of the city. Then spend time at leisure wandering its medieval streets before returning to the ship for lunch.

Basel

This afternoon you can choose to stay on board or hop on our shuttle bus to Basel for time to explore independently. With a mix of historic and modern architecture, Basel seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. While you're here, head to the old town to explore its narrow winding streets. At its heart, you'll find the magnificent cathedral with its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles, and twin towers. Or you could immerse yourself in the city's remarkable museums and countless galleries, celebrating its rich tradition of art collecting.

We leave our cruise ship and take the train to historic Chur at the heart of Graubünden, the largest canton in Switzerland. As we leave behind Basel’s city skyline the scenery becomes ever more picturesque – a wild landscape of deep isolated valleys, sheer rocky summits and thick pine forests. Glittering sunlight pours from the blue skies above on to sparkling glaciers oozing from the lofty summits; this is truly some of the most awe-inspiring mountain scenery in the world.

We arrive in Switzerland’s oldest city, nestled in a forested valley with the Alps rising like an amphitheatre around it. Chur has been inhabited for over 5,000 years; the Celts, Romans, Ostrogoths and Franks have all ruled here due to its strategic position as a gateway to high alpine passes and important trade routes.

Its characterful Old Town is a maze of winding cobbled alleys, handsome townhouses, refreshing fountains and quiet courtyards. Set high above the streets, its rising spires puncturing the sky, is the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Mary’s Ascension, a fascinating mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles with a fantastically ornate interior.

Officially trilingual, Chur has a distinctly cosmopolitan, almost Mediterranean ambience. It’s a centre for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, but also a spot to indulge in the more leisurely pastimes of eating and window-shopping – its streets are lined with restaurants, boutiques and traditional shops.

If you’re feeling hungry, look out for the regional speciality of Bündnerfleisch – prime beef traditionally air-dried in the eaves of a barn or open attic, then carved into wafer-thin slices. It’s usually enjoyed with other cold meats and washed down with a cooling glass of the purest local mineral water. For something stronger, enjoy a refreshing drink in your choice of the city’s many atmospheric bars and cafés.

There’s free time to explore the city at your leisure. We stay one night with breakfast at the historic Hotel Stern Chur, or the Alpine style Hotel Grischa in nearby Davos.

After breakfast we embark on an unforgettably scenic and spectacular rail journey – the legendary Glacier Express. Our starting point at Chur is the lowest point of the route to Zermatt and the iconic Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain and a ‘must-see’ highlight for many. The train first winds its way through the ‘Swiss Grand Canyon’, a dramatic section of the Upper Rhine where the river has carved deep into an eerie landscape of white rocks, climbing ever higher along the Oberalp Pass to a height of 6,673 feet.

At this altitude the mountain landscape becomes ever more eye-catching – lush wild flower meadows are studded with tiny shepherds’ shelters, dense forests sweep up scree-covered mountainsides and snow-capped mountains glisten in the sunshine. You could be lucky and catch a glimpse of an elusive ibex or chamois negotiating a rocky ledge, or even a golden eagle soaring high above.

It’s impossible not to marvel at the engineering achievements as the track traverses jaw-dropping precipices and snakes into tunnels hewn through mountain walls into the Upper Rhône Valley, with dramatic views at every turn. We pass countless torrential mountain streams and tumbling waterfalls before arriving at the legendary village of Zermatt, nestling at the foot of the instantly recognisable Matterhorn.

Zermatt itself is iconically Swiss. It’s a car-free jumble of chalets and wooden farm huts strewn across the valley floor, surrounded by lush pastures alive with the sound of cowbells, while dramatic cable cars and soaring footpaths weave ever upwards to a majestic amphitheatre of lofty summits. Overseeing it all is the ultimate attraction in this alpine wonderland – the mighty, mythical Matterhorn. Seeing this pyramid-shaped symbol of Switzerland in its unrivalled glory is truly one of life’s ‘wow’ moments and it doesn’t disappoint!

We stay two nights at chalet-style Hotel Simi, with breakfast.

Today you may wish to explore Zermatt further under your own steam, or you can take Europe’s highest open-air cog railway to the Gornergrat for more stupendous vistas.

This extraordinary train service departs from Zermatt and climbs through a glorious landscape of mountains, valleys, lakes, streams and grassy meadows; you won’t be surprised that some of the country’s best hiking trails are here.

The train stops at the summit of the Gornergrat, an altitude of just over 10,000 feet, where you’re surrounded by 29 snow-capped peaks – including the Matterhorn – and numerous glaciers, together creating an absolutely jaw-dropping mountain panorama. Sit back and admire a view of some of the mightiest peaks in the world – their magnitude and beauty will simply astound you.

Maybe enjoy a leisurely lunch against this most dazzling of backdrops before descending to Zermatt. Perhaps take a cable car ride for more dramatic views or visit the Alpine Museum with its intriguing collection of mountaineering memorabilia. Or you can simply relax over afternoon tea in a cosy café and soak up the magical alpine ambience.

Your adventure begins with a flight into Geneva or Zurich, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Zermatt. Zermatt itself is iconically Swiss. It’s a car-free jumble of chalets and wooden farm huts strewn across the valley floor, surrounded by lush pastures alive with the sound of cowbells, while dramatic cable cars and soaring footpaths weave ever upwards to a majestic amphitheatre of lofty summits.

Overseeing it all is the ultimate attraction in this alpine wonderland – the mighty, mythical Matterhorn. Seeing this pyramid-shaped symbol of Switzerland in its unrivalled glory is truly one of life’s ‘wow’ moments and it doesn’t disappoint! The evening is yours to relax and enjoy this charming town.

Today you may wish to explore Zermatt further under your own steam, or you can take Europe’s highest open-air cog railway to the Gornergrat for more stupendous vistas. This extraordinary train service departs from Zermatt and climbs through a glorious landscape of mountains, valleys, lakes, streams and grassy meadows; you won’t be surprised that some of the country’s best hiking trails are here.

The train stops at the summit of the Gornergrat, an altitude of just over 10,000 feet, where you’re surrounded by 29 snow-capped peaks – including the Matterhorn – and numerous glaciers, together creating an absolutely jaw-dropping mountain panorama. Sit back and admire a view of some of the mightiest peaks in the world – their magnitude and beauty will simply astound you.

Maybe enjoy a leisurely lunch against this most dazzling of backdrops before descending to Zermatt. Perhaps take a cable car ride for more dramatic views or visit the Alpine Museum with its intriguing collection of mountaineering memorabilia. Or you can simply relax over afternoon tea in a cosy café and soak up the magical alpine ambience.

After breakfast we embark on an unforgettably scenic and spectacular rail journey towards Chur – on the great Glacier Express. We pass countless torrential mountain streams and tumbling waterfalls after departing the legendary village of Zermatt. It’s impossible not to marvel at the engineering achievements as the track traverses jaw-dropping precipices and snakes into tunnels hewn through mountain walls through the Upper Rhône Valley, with dramatic views at every turn.

The train then winds its way through the ‘Swiss Grand Canyon’, a dramatic section of the Upper Rhine where the river has carved deep into an eerie landscape of white rocks, climbing ever higher along the Oberalp Pass to a height of 6,673 feet. At this altitude the mountain landscape becomes ever more eye-catching – lush wild flower meadows are studded with tiny shepherds’ shelters, dense forests sweep up scree-covered mountainsides and snow-capped mountains glisten in the sunshine. You could be lucky and catch a glimpse of an elusive ibex or chamois negotiating a rocky ledge, or even a golden eagle soaring high above.

This evening we arrive in Switzerland’s oldest city, Chur. Nestled in a forested valley with the Alps rising like an amphitheatre around it, Chur has been inhabited for over 5,000 years; the Celts, Romans, Ostrogoths and Franks have all ruled here due to its strategic position as a gateway to high alpine passes and important trade routes. Its characterful old town is a maze of winding cobbled alleys, handsome townhouses, refreshing fountains and quiet courtyards. Set high above the streets, its rising spires puncturing the sky, is the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Mary’s Ascension, a fascinating mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles with a fantastically ornate interior.

We stay for one night with breakfast at the historic Hotel Stern in Chur, or the Alpine style Hotel Grischa in nearby Davos.

Officially trilingual, Chur has a distinctly cosmopolitan, almost Mediterranean ambience. It’s a centre for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, but also a spot to indulge in the more leisurely pastimes of eating and window shopping – its streets are lined with restaurants, boutiques, and traditional shops.

If you’re feeling hungry, look out for the regional speciality of Bündnerfleisch – prime beef traditionally airdried in the eaves of a barn or open attic, then carved into wafer-thin slices. It’s usually enjoyed with other cold meats and washed down with a cooling glass of the purest local mineral water. For something stronger, enjoy a refreshing drink in your choice of the city’s many atmospheric bars and cafés. This morning there is free time to explore the city at your leisure before we take the train from historic Chur to your opulent vessel awaiting you in Basel.

As we leave Chur, glittering sunlight pours from the blue skies above on to sparkling glaciers oozing from the lofty summits, and onto deep isolated valleys, sheer rocky summits, and thick pine forests; this is truly some of the most awe-inspiring mountain scenery in the world.

The city skyline begins to appear as we arrive in Basel, ready for our short transfer to your luxurious new home for the next 7 nights.

Today you have the choice between a full day excursion to Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland, or a more leisurely guided tour of Lucerne and free afternoon in Basel.

Lucerne

To make the most of the day we depart early and take the short drive to Lucerne, often considered Switzerland’s most beautiful city, spectacularly situated among stunning mountain views.

It has been attracting well-heeled visitors for two centuries, including our very own Queen Victoria. Highly recommended is an invigorating stroll along the Chapel Bridge, a unique covered wooden walkway crossing the lake, supported by stilts and lined with colourful flower-filled window boxes. Not only is it the city’s most iconic structure, it’s a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s regal atmosphere, before we continue our exploration of the best of Switzerland.

Bernese Oberland

As you enter the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland, the views become quite literally breath-taking! This is the grand alpine heart of Europe with some of the finest mountain scenery on earth, described by the composer Mendelssohn as ‘the most wonderful of all in this unbelievably beautiful country’.

On viewing the legendary snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau you’ll be quite simply awestruck. We then ascend by mountain railway for more extraordinary vistas, with the crystal-clear lakes reflecting the meadows and forests below. This truly magical landscape is sure to enchant you.

Later we’ll descend again by mountain railway before returning to the ship. Please note, temperatures will be significantly lower at altitude, even during the summer months, so it’s advisable to pack suitable clothing. Lunch is not included on this full day excursion; however, the ship will offer a packed lunch.

If you chose a more leisurely start to the day, we drive to Lucerne.

Lucerne

Enjoy a more comprehensive excursion in Lucerne, with a guided tour of the city. Then spend time at leisure wandering its medieval streets before returning to the ship for lunch.

Basel

This afternoon you can choose to stay on board or hop on our shuttle bus to Basel for time to explore independently. With a mix of historic and modern architecture, Basel seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. While you're here, head to the old town to explore its narrow winding streets. At its heart, you'll find the magnificent cathedral with its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles, and twin towers. Or you could immerse yourself in the city's remarkable museums and countless galleries, celebrating its rich tradition of art collecting. 

This morning's cruising is spent gliding through the dramatic scenery of the rift valley separating the Vosges and Black Forest mountains.

We arrive at the ancient town of Breisach, whose historic heart is surrounded by stone ramparts and dominated by the impressive Saint Stephan’s Cathedral, which you can see during time at leisure before lunch onboard.

This afternoon you have a choice of touring the Black Forest and Freiburg or visiting the Alsace wine route with its typical wine villages. 

We drive through some of Central Europe’s most stunning scenery – the Black Forest Mountains. This is a fabled landscape of rugged valleys, white-water rivers, cascading waterfalls and rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees – exactly as you expect it to be.

Look out for the Baroque spires of St. Peter Abbey as we drive through the quaint village and stop for a photo of the incredible countryside surrounding St Märgen, on our way to Freiburg. On arrival, we'll follow a local guide around some of the city's sights - including the Münsterplatz and the historic Kaufhaus - before time at leisure to explore independently.

Travelling, between the vineyards and mountains, along the Wine Route we make our way to Ribeauvillé - a charming village that lies in the shadow of the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. After a short walking tour, there's time to wander its picturesque streets to admire the 15th- to 18th-century buildings and Renaissance squares.

Leaving Ribeauvillé, we head next to Riquewihr. Named the 'Most Beautiful Village in France', this medieval town lies right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. Famous for both its architecture and its wine, there's plenty to see during our walking tour. There's a little free time to explore before heading back to the ship.

As the sun sets and the riverside lights begin to twinkle, enjoy the views through the restaurant’s panoramic windows during tonight's excellent dinner. Afterwards retire to the lounge to enjoy tonight's live performance of popular music spanning the years by a highly talented violin soloist, before we slip our moorings to commence our cruise towards Strasbourg. 

This morning, we have arrived in France and Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. After breakfast we enjoy a walking tour of its picturesque 16th-century old town – a maze of narrow streets and canals lined with timber-framed houses and sculptured portals.

Unforgettable sights include the stupendous Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, multi-towered Ponts Couverts – covered bridges – and the pretty Petite France quarter of pastel-coloured former artisans’ houses lining the canals. Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to linger a while in a typical Alsatian café to sample some of the region’s world-famous wines – a crisp Riesling or that particular speciality of Alsace, spicy Gewürztraminer.

During lunch, our elegant vessel glides away from our mooring as we commence an afternoon’s scenic cruising. Head up to the sun deck and take in the views from the comfort of a sun lounger or retire to the shady comfort of the lounge to chat over a coffee with newly made friends.

As evening falls, thoughts turn to what might be on the menu tonight, so head to the relaxed ambience of the ship’s restaurant as the chef presents another delicious meal. Retire to the bar as we arrive in Speyer later tonight.

We remain moored in Speyer this morning to enjoy a guided tour of this delightful medieval gem, founded by the Celts and one of Germany’s oldest cities, celebrated for its illustrious past.

The breath-taking Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the largest Romanesque churches in the world and also one of the finest. The beautiful four-roomed crypt, with its striking marble floors and pastel-coloured pillars, is the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors and German kings.

Another landmark is the magnificent neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche, built to commemorate the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’, a significant event when a group of Martin Luther’s followers protested his imperial ban. Henceforth, Luther’s religious followers were known as Protestants.

Returning on board for lunch, we commence our cruise once again, so sit back and watch the idyllic scenery slipping past through the panoramic windows: rolling hills and fertile vineyards, home to the Liebfraumilch wines of the region, oxbow lakes, long deserted by the river flow and now havens for bird and wildlife.

This evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. During dinner our vessel arrives in the classic Rhine wine village of Rüdesheim, so you might fancy wandering ashore to enjoy a digestif – perhaps a glass of Asbach, the famous brandy distilled locally.

Rüdesheim is a delight to wander, witness the bustling marketplace, the half-timbered Klunkhardshof and Brömserburg Castle, which dates from 1275. This afternoon you are free to explore at leisure or choose form one of our included experiences:

You could visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a fantastical adventure into the world of automatic musical instruments. See the impressive collection of fascinating musical instruments that function like computers, ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion.

Or you might choose to travel up the hillside, above Rüdesheim's famous vineyards, in a two-seater cable car enjoying lovely views of the Rhine River and surrounding countryside. At the top the views get even better, and a stroll around the Niederwald monument – which celebrates the unification of Germany by Prussians in the 1870s - allows for a peaceful moment looking out over the town.

This afternoon we witness a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge: steep vineyards give way to almost vertical rocky outcrops, towering above the sweeping valley sides. Sailing past Saint Goar and the many ruined castles, you get a real sense of the myths of this historic river coming alive around you. No legend is more famous than that surrounding the Loreley Rock, where beautiful nymphs distracted hapless sailors, luring them to their deaths in the treacherous waters.

Relax on the sun deck as our captain skilfully navigates the ship through the huge looping bend at Boppard – one of the most impressive on the river. Keep an eye out for the mighty Marksburg Castle too, an impressive fortress dating back to the 13th century.

It’s not long before we arrive in picturesque Koblenz and another meticulously prepared dinner awaits on board. Afterwards, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance of traditional instruments.

Founded by the Romans, this historic city is beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister river the Moselle. Discover Koblenz’s maze of medieval buildings in the Altstadt – old town – which is studded with a fine array of traditional shops and classic Rhineland cafés.

On our guided tour of this delightful town, historic buildings appear seemingly at every turn: see the former mint, the Four Towers with their ornamental 17th-century turrets and several fascinating squares and churches, including the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Kastor. The waterfront along the Moselle is stunning too, with the medieval Balduin Bridge, staggeringly still in use.

If you manage to resist the tempting cakes on offer from the beckoning pavement cafés, then you’ll be ready for lunch as we leave Koblenz behind.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board as we drift through this lovely Rhineland scenery, past quaint riverside towns with pretty waterfronts and carefully tended vineyards. See the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, which was captured intact by the Allies towards the end of the Second World War, allowing thousands of troops to cross into Germany’s heartland, and the forested Siebengebirge - Seven Mountains – a cluster of ancient volcanic hills that inspired many of the Brothers Grimm’s legends, including Snow White.

During dinner this evening, reflect on the spectacular sights seen and wonderful places visited whilst travelling with us on this magical cruise as we arrive at our final destination, Cologne.