Christmas and New Year on the Rhine 2023

This tour will take you on a journey back in time as you combine a visit to the old town with a guided exploration through the local castle. As you set off through the winding alleys of the old town, you’ll get to know the many different faces of Heidelberg, from its shady squares to the oldest university in Germany and the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit).

Then, after a wander through the Jewish Quarter, you can head up to the castle itself by Heidelberg funicular railway. Upon arrival, look forward to a tour around the inner courtyard and the castle garden before discovering the residence ruins and the famous giant barrel.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over flat ground during this excursion with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately three hours.

4½ hours

This is a Gentle Walker group version of ‘Heidelberg and Castle Visit’.

Please note: Gentle Walker Groups follow an adjusted itinerary covering selected tour highlights at a slower pace and have a total standing and/or walking time of one hour or less. They may also feature more independent exploration time where walking is at your discretion.

4½ hours

Discover the fascinating city of Basel in the company of an expert local guide on this combined coach and walking tour.

After seeing some of the highlights on a short panoramic drive, you will leave your coach and explore the pretty Old Town on foot.

Learn about how this dynamic Swiss city has evolved over time to become a city of contrasts with historic buildings and traditions merging with striking modern architecture and a lively developing art scene.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 1650 yards over predominately flat terrain which may be cobbled. The total standing and/ or walking time will be approximately one-and-a-half hours.

3 hours

Visit La Petite France, Strasbourg’s old quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its wealth of history and graceful architecture. Depart from your ship by coach for the short journey into the city centre.

Starting at the Place de la République, one of Strasbourg’s main squares, your tour will take you through the old town to the magnificent pink sandstone cathedral. From outside your guide will share the fascinating past of this impressive building, you will have the opportunity to visit inside independently later on if you choose.

Then it’s time to step aboard a canal boat for a relaxing cruise along the majestic waterways where you will be bathed in 12 centuries of religious, civil and military architecture before your return to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: As access to the city centre in Strasbourg is restricted for large vehicles there will be compulsory walking of approximately ¾ mile each way between the closest coach drop off point and the embarkation location for your canal cruise, this will be over mostly level but cobbled terrain. In addition to the compulsory guided walk to and from the coach parking, you should expect to walk approximately ½ mile further during the remainder of the guided walk section of the tour. Guests who do not wish to participate in the latter part of the guided walk can enjoy free time instead. Steps are required to access the canal cruise boat. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately 2 hours. Due to coach access restrictions, a Gentle Walker Group is not possible, however guides will adapt the route for those less able wherever possible. This tour may also run in reverse with the canal cruise before the guided walk.

4 hours

On this walking tour of Boppard, you’ll pass by historical buildings at every turn, giving you a great insight into the wealth of Roman history that lies here.

Accompanied by your guide, you’ll hear about this city’s link as one of the most important settlements during this period; then it’s time to make your way on foot to the Gothic-style Carmelite church dating back to the 14th Century. Afterwards, you can feast your eyes on the imposing two-towered church of St Severus, home to painted wall scenes built over the Roman military baths in the 13th century.

Before you return to the ship, you can also follow along the banks of the Rhine to explore the Roman fort of Bodobrica, passing rows of old half-timbered houses in the centre of the town.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over flat ground with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes.

4 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: You should 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.

2 hours

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 (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 compulsory 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 1650 yards over terrain which may be cobbled. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours.

4½ hours

Start your journey from the ship in Breisach and embark on a scenic coach ride through the Höllental, known as "Hell's Valley," characterised by its cliffs, deep ravines and towering mountains. There, you will visit the "Hofgut Sternen", an old inn which has been transformed into a hotel and showcase for the traditional crafts of the Black Forest, such as glass and cuckoo-clock making. Here there’s time to enjoy a demonstration of these age-old crafts, and even watch the preparation of the famous Black Forest Cherry Cake, which you'll have the pleasure of tasting a slice of. You’ll then have some free time to explore independently and enjoy a glass of mulled wine before the return to your ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately half a mile over mostly level terrain with some cobblestones and steps. The short walk from the parking at Hofgut Sternen is on a gentle slope. There is a total compulsory walking and/or standing time of approximately 30 minutes.

4½ hours

Straight from the disembarkation of your ship, the tour begins as you join a knowledgeable guide on foot, to explore some of the town’s main attractions. One of the first sights you’ll see is the Beethoven monument, overlooking the city as a proud reminder of the iconic composer that was born here.

Next, you’ll pass the Romanesque Minster Cathedral and the University of Bonn, which was formerly the Elector’s Palace and the grand baroque City Hall. The tour then takes you to the banks of the Rhine near the Bonn Opera House to see the imposing view of Germany‘s oldest nature park, Siebengebirge, or Seven Hills in English. After enjoying the mountainous greenery, your tour comes to a close with a visit to the Beethoven House Museum. Here, you’ll learn more about the composer himself, along with his work and early life in this charming German city.

A Gentle Walker Group is also available on this tour.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over mainly flat terrain with the possibility of cobblestones. The Beethoven House Museum, whilst compact, is split across several floors with some steep stairs in between. This tour has a total standing and/or walking time of approximately two-and-a-half hours.

2½ hours

You will accompany a local guide on foot on a journey through the city's history from its beginnings until today: Roman times, the cathedral, the picturesque Old Town and the modern Mainz city centre.

After your walking tour your guide will leave you to explore at your own pace at the Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest book and print museums located right at the heart of Mainz. Founded in 1900 by a group of citizens from Mainz, the Gutenberg Museum is dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, the man behind one of the most important inventions in the history of mankind, the printing press.

Inside you will witness the work of Johannes Gutenberg during a demonstration at the historic printing press and be sure not to miss the original Gutenberg Bible in the vault of the museum. After your time in the museum your return to the ship is independently on foot whenever you wish.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: You should expect to walk approximately ¾ mile over mostly level, cobbled terrain on the guided walking section of this tour, however in addition to this there will be a walk of approximately ¾ mile from the Gutenberg Museum back to your ship at your own pace.

Inside the museum walking is at your discretion, however we suggest you should expect to walk a further 750 years approximately to make the most of your visit. Some steps are possible inside the museum, but a lift is available if required. This tour has a total walking and/or standing time of approximately 2.5 hours, however 1 hour of this is at your discretion inside the museum.

2½ hours

Depart your ship by minibus and head up the hillside to Reichsburg Castle where you’ll learn about its colourful history and see a panoramic view of the Moselle valley and river below.

During this castle visit, you’ll be accompanied by a guide who will delve deeper into it’s interesting past revolving around its rescue and restoration into a grand 19th-century neo-Gothic wonder. Today, it is a showcase for Renaissance and Baroque furniture which you can see for yourself as you explore the rooms before later heading down to the town for a short, guided walk.

This will take you to a local vineyard and winery for an introductory talk on the production of wine, finishing with a tasting.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 1200 yards over level but cobbled terrain. On arrival at the castle, there is a walk of approximately 220 yards on a steep incline between the minibus drop-off point and the entrance. Inside Reichsburg Castle there are frequent steps and the paths are uneven; there is no lift access. This tour has a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes.

2½ hours