Castles and Fables of the Rhine: Düsseldorf to Frankfurt

Dive into the most interesting facets of Cologne's past and present on this guided tour through history. First, you’ll see the grand exterior of Cologne Cathedral, recognised as a UNESCO-listed site in 1996. During independent time later on, you may choose to go inside for a glimpse into the Roman’s previous love for ornate and intricate architecture.

Then it’s time to venture into the medieval Old Town, home to characteristic churches, guilds and merchant’s houses. Stroll past the town hall and the Romanesque St Martin Church and see Cologne’s modernised and urban development. Many parts of the city have undergone a long period of restoration following heavy bombing during World War Two.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over mostly flat ground. On the way to the Alter Markt, there is a gentle incline with some cobblestones. If a coach transfer is required for this excursion due to a less central docking location, it will add approximately 45 minutes to the overall excursion duration.

1½ hours

This tour will reveal some of the highlights of Bonn, visiting places such as the Beethoven monument, the Romanesque Minster Cathedral and the University of Bonn, which was formerly the Elector’s Palace – with its elegant Hofgarten and the grand baroque City Hall. You will also travel to the banks of the Rhine, near the Bonn Opera House, to see the imposing view of Germany’s oldest nature park, Siebengebirge (Seven Hills). After your coach tour you will join your guide to explore more of the city on foot.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over flat terrain with some cobblestones. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

3 hours

This combined coach and walking tour of the largest city in the German state of Hesse, straddling the river Main, reveals a striking contrast of old and new. Take a guided coach tour through the modern centre with its skyline of dazzling glass skyscrapers, then enjoy a stroll in Römerberg, the central square of the historic old town where you can see the stepped gables of Römer City Hall. Other highlights include St Paul's Church, the seat of the first freely elected German parliament.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over paved terrain, which may at times be cobbled. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately 90 minutes.

2½ hours

Join a local guide and make the short journey from your ship to the station by land-train. On arrival, board the Drachenfelsbahn – Germany’s oldest rack and pinion railway, dating back to 1883 – for a scenic journey, which 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, you can enjoy a talk from your guide about this area, the rail and its history. You will then have some free time to explore the ruins of 12th-century Drachenfel Castle and admire the panoramic view, or perhaps treat yourself to slice of pie and a drink at the hill-top cafe.

Afterwards, reboard the train for the journey back down to your waiting ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile over terrain, which will be uneven in places. There is essential walking and/or standing of approximately 45 minutes. Your explore Drachenfels Castle ruins independently, therefore walking is at your discretion. 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.

2 hours

Depart the ship by coach for your journey to the fairytale Eltz Castle, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Germany, partly due to its hillside setting surrounded by woodland.

The 850-year-old castle is now in the possession of the 34th generation of the von Eltz family and is one of the only complexes in Germany that has never been conquered in conflict and was able to survive the wars of the 17th and 18th centuries and the social upheavals of the French Revolution unscathed.

The treasure chamber in the cellar vaults houses more than 500 masterpieces of art from the 12th-19th centuries. You will explore the castle and discover more about its unique history in the company of an expert guide.

Walking Grade 5

Please Note: As Eltz Castle has an elevated position there is a moderately steep downhill walk of approximately half a mile on arrival and half a mile uphill on your return via a tarmac path. Inside the castle there are frequent steps, no lifts are available, and you should expect to walk approximately 550 yards. The terrain can be uneven in places and during wet weather some of the stone paths can also be very slippery, so we recommend that sturdy footwear is worn. This tour has a total walking and/or standing time of approximately two hours. This tour is not suitable for those with limitedmobility.

4½ hours

On this tour you will be introduced to the Prussian Koblenz of 1870, when the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein was under siege due to the Franco-Prussian War and just 10 valiant night watchmen looked after the safety of all the citizens of the city. Immerse yourself in history and accompany a 'watchman' on the nightly patrol of his precinct around the Church of Our Lady as he shares the intriguing tales of the city during this turbulent time.

Walking Grade 4

Please note:Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be cobbled, and there may be some steps to climb. There is a standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes.

1½ hours

Enjoy a panoramic drive through the wild and romantic Brohl valley, in the company of a local guide, to Lake Laach – the largest and oldest active crater lake in the Eifel. Next to it is situated the striking Maria Laach Abbey.

At the Abbey information centre you will be able to view a short film presentation about the building’s history, before some free time to explore at your own pace, with your guide remaining on hand to provide additional insight should you wish. The monastery was founded in 1093 by Count Palatine Heinrich II von Laach and is now run by the Beuron Benedictines.

Next to the impressive abbey church, is the monastery nursery nestled between the monastery wall and the basilica. After you have explored the monastery grounds, which also house a library, art smithy and furniture exhibition, there is time to visit the souvenir and organic food shop where you can purchase some of the monastery's own produce.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: On this tour you should expect to walk approximately 1 mile over terrain which may be uneven in places, although most of the walking is at your own discretion. We suggest a total standing and/or walking time of approximately two hours, but this is also at your discretion.

3½ 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.

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 90 minutes.

1½ hours

Disembarking the ship, you’ll start the day by boarding the Land Train for a relaxing journey through the 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’ll 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. Finally, you will experience the ""Admiral 2"", dating back to 1910 and fully restored, it is now the largest instrument in the collection. Next, you’ll have the chance to sample three regional wines with a guided tasting before your return to the ship via the Land Train.

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. This excursion includes travel by land train, which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

2½ hours