A Taste of the Rhine

Düsseldorf's Old Town is packed with more than 260 bars, restaurants, cafes, and breweries, adding to the atmosphere of this historic city. Tour the city firstly by coach with short stops at the Königsallee, a popular area of the city with a landscaped canal that runs through its centre, which is unusual for Germany, and the busy Media Harbour area.

Then travel to the Old Town where your guides will be on hand with tips on what to see as you enjoy some time at leisure. Perhaps discover the Burgplatz (castle square) with the Schlossturm (palace tower) which holds great charm or choose from one of the numerous cafes to sit back, relax and watch the world go by in this bustling city.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: This is a combined coach and walking tour. There is approximately 40 minutes of essential walking. During the free time in Düsseldorf Old Town walking will be at your discretion, but to make the most of your visit we recommend that you should expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which may be cobbled. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours. If your visit to Dusseldorf falls on a weekend, please be aware that the city centre can be very busy.

3 hours

This panoramic tour offers an informative way to experience the history and culture of Bonn, taking in some of its most iconic sights in the company of an expert local guide from the comfort of your coach. Setting off from ship you will journey through the heart of the city, passing by the renowned University of Bonn, one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, and the Hofgarten, a spacious green space lined by trees. Admire the ornate City Hall, a symbol of the city’s rich heritage. Learn about one of the most famous former residents whose influence is still felt throughout the city, composer Ludwig Van Beethoven, who spent the first 22 years of his life here.

The tour then continues along the banks of the majestic Rhine River, offering a view of the Opera House and of the waterway that has shaped the region’s history. On a clear day on the horizon, you will also be able to see the imposing Siebengebirge Mountains, a dramatic backdrop to this historic city. After you have taken in the sights, you will return by coach to your waiting ship.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: Coaches cannot currently stop next to the ship due to road constructions. Pick up and drop off will include a walk of up to 550 yards each way, depending on the mooring point.

3 hours

Koblenz is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities on the Rhine. The city has a rich history spanning over 2000 years and incorporating both French and German influences.

With a local guide you will discover the city on foot, taking in highlights such as the Deutsches Eck, or German Corner on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the quaint Old Town and the Schängel fountain, which stands in the courtyard of the Town Hall and is one of the city's main landmarks. The fountain dates to a time when Koblenz was under French control and features a little boy who periodically spits water a surprising distance, catching passers-by unaware.

Your guide will then accompany you on the brief stroll back to your ship or alternatively, depending on your cruise itinerary, you may choose to stay longer in the centre to explore further independently and make your own way back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be cobbled, and some steps may also be required. There is a standing and/or walking time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

1½ hours

Disembarking the ship, you will start by boarding the Land Train for a short relaxing journey through the pretty streets of Rüdesheim. After enjoying the passing vistas of this small wine town, get ready for a musical tour through Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to the world's largest collection of immersive self-playing instruments.

Accompanied by a guide, you will be shown some of the most beautiful musical pieces spanning three centuries, from music boxes to concert piano orchestrions, all presented to you in a humorous and curious way. You will also experience the music of the "Admiral 2", dating back to 1910 and fully restored, it is now the largest instrument in the collection.

Finally, head next door to meet a local vinter and have the chance to sample three regional wines with a guided tasting. After your tour you will return to the ship via the Land Train or you may choose to take further time to explore the famous Drosselgasse before making your own way back to your waiting ship.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 250 yards in total over flat ground with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 45 minutes. Inside the Museum of Mechanical Music there are a number of stairs which are narrow in places. A lift is available if required and there are regular opportunities to be seated. Due to the age of the building there are also some uneven floors. This tour includes travel by land train which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems. This tour may also operate in reverse with the wine tasting taking place before the museum visit.

2½ hours

Look forward to a trip aboard the Drachenfelsbahn – Germany’s oldest rack and pinion railway, dating back to 1883. After a coach journey of approximately 30 minutes from Bonn to Königswinter, in the company of a local guide, you will alight the coach and board the train.

This scenic journey takes eight minutes to climb a mile and travels at an angle of 20 degrees. Reaching a peak of nearly 1000 feet at the summit of Drachenfels Mountain, on arrival at the top you can enjoy some free time to explore the ruins of 12th-century Drachenfels Castle and admire the panoramic view or perhaps treat yourself to slice of pie and a drink at the hill-top cafe.

Then, reboard the train for a brief trip halfway down the hill where you will alight at Drachenburg Castle for a guided walking tour revealing its architecture, history and strategic position above the River Rhine.

After your tour, reboard the Drachenfelsbahn for the short journey to the foot of the hill, where you rejoin your coach for the return journey to Bonn.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be uneven in places and include numerous steps inside the castle however a lift is available if required. There is a total compulsory walking and/or standing time of approximately one-and-half hours. Your time at the Drachenfels Castle ruins is during independent exploration, therefore walking is at your discretion.

4 hours