Grand Voyage of the Rhine, Main and Moselle

Depart Utrecht, 1900.

Travel to Utrecht and embark Spirit of the Rhine.

Arrive 1400. Depart 1900.

Düsseldorf is famed for its Old Town. The narrow backstreets are home to the Gothic St Lambertus church with its twisted tower and the Burgplatz (square) features a Schlossturm (palace tower).

Nearby, the Rhine embankment promenade offers a sweeping view of Düsseldorf's skyline and the Oberkassel Rhine banks. An included tour of Düsseldorf offers a relaxing way to see some of the highlights.

Arrive 0900. Depart 2000.

Koblenz, meaning 'merging of the rivers', is situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. At the exact point where the two rivers meet, the Deutsches Eck, there is a monument with a huge equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. Above the town sits the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a citadel built by the Prussians between 1816 and 1832.

Nearby, medieval Eltz Castle has been owned by the Eltz family for over 800 years.

Arrive 1200.

The small town of Bernkastel-Kues has a historic market square lined by medieval houses and adorned with a 17th-century fountain. The town is overlooked by the ruins of Landshut Castle, the one-time seat of the Bishops of Trier.

Depart Bernkastel-Kues, 0900.
Arrive Traben-Trarbach, 1300. Depart 2100.

Cruise through the attractive scenery of the Moselle river this morning, passing vineyards, wooded hills and quaint villages to arrive in Traben-Trarbach. This twin town straddles the Moselle and is known as the 'capital' of the wine region. It is home to many art nouveau buildings, underground cellar vaults and an elaborate bridge gate designed by Berlin art nouveau architect Bruno Möhring.

Look forward to an included wine tasting on board your ship this evening.

Scenic Cruise, Middle Rhine Gorge.
Arrive Rüdesheim, 1500. Depart 2200.

Spend a relaxing morning cruising through the picturesque scenery of the Middle Rhine Gorge with its myriad castles en route to Rüdesheim. This popular wine town has a traditional old town of half-timbered houses and is backed by terraced vineyards.

Among its main attractions is a long narrow street, the Drosselgasse, which is lined on both sides with traditional wine taverns.

Arrive 0800. Depart 0000.

The city of Frankfurt sits beside the Main river. The medieval old town, in the heart of the city, is lined with half-timbered buildings, boutiques and quaint apple-wine taverns. In the central square, Römerberg, you can see the medieval Römer complex with their distinctive stepped gables and opposite is the Old St Nicholas church.

An included excursion this morning explores the city by coach and on foot.

Arrive 1300.

The city of Aschaffenburg is set beside the Main river. The riverbank is dominated by the Renaissance Johannisburg Palace. It's a vast complex, with four wings and two towers, built in the 17th century.

In the old quarter, on Theaterplatz square, is a fine neo-classical theatre, arcade and fountains. Nearby, there's a replica of a Roman villa discovered in Pompeii – the Pompejanum – commissioned by King Ludwig I and built between 1840-1848.

Depart 1300.

Spend the morning in Aschaffenburg, before enjoying the rest of your day on board as your cruise continues towards Mainz.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1300.

Mainz is known for its medieval market squares, half-timbered houses, Romanesque sandstone cathedral and St Stephen’s church, which features stained glass windows by renowned artist Marc Chagall.

Behind the cathedral in Gutenbergplatz square is a statue of the father of modern printing Johannes Gutenberg, who was born in Mainz in the 14th century.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1800.

Kehl is located on the banks of the Rhine river, directly opposite the French city of Strasbourg. The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg, features cobbled streets, medieval architecture and a Gothic cathedral with an astronomical clock.

See some of the highlights of the old quarter on an included excursion and cruise along the city’s scenic canals this morning.

Scenic Cruise, Middle Rhine Gorge
Arrive Boppard, 1200. Depart 1900.

Cruise through the majestic scenery of the Middle Rhine Gorge, passing the fabled Lorelei Rock en route to Boppard. The waterfront of this classic Rhineland wine town is overlooked by wooded gorges and vineyards. There are extensive Roman remains, medieval fortifications and half-timbered buildings.

Arrive 1200. Depart 2200.

Arnhem, located on the banks of the Nederrijn and St Jansbeek rivers, is best known for its connection to one of the famous battles of World War Two and the subject of the epic war film A Bridge too Far.

Arrive Amsterdam, 0800. Depart 2100.
Arrive Utrecht, 0000.

Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, started life as a fishing village in the 13th century. Among the most interesting sights are the Royal Palace on Dam Square, the floating flower market, the Central Railway Station, which is built on thousands of wooden piles, and the grand 19th-century Rijksmuseum. Tree-shaded canals, historic bridges, colourful cafes, gabled buildings and plenty of bicycles combine to create an atmosphere that is unique to this city.

Enjoy an included visit to a nearby cheese farm, followed by a cruise along Amsterdam’s historic canals.

Disembark Spirit of the Rhine and begin your return journey.