Christmas and New Year on the Rhine 2024

Depart Düsseldorf, 2200.

Travel to Düsseldorf and embark Spirit of the Rhine.

Arrive Bonn, 0800. Depart 1900.
Arrive Andernach, 0000. 

Bonn was capital of West Germany from 1949 until 1999, when Berlin was restored as capital of the reunified country. The sights of the city, birthplace of famous composer Beethoven, include the Beethoven monument, Romanesque Minster Cathedral and the University of Bonn.

The city will also be hosting a Christmas market.

Depart 1300.
Scenic Cruise, Middle Rhine Gorge.

Andernach is an attractive town with medieval fortifications. Spend a relaxing afternoon on board as your ship glides through the scenic Middle Rhine Gorge, past a forested landscapes dotted with ancient castle ruins.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1400.

Mainz is known for its medieval market square, half-timbered houses, Romanesque sandstone cathedral and St Stephen’s church, which features stained glass windows by 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 Miltenberg, 0800. Depart 1800.
Arrive Wertheim, 2300.

Miltenberg is set in the attractive Main valley, between the Odenwald and the Spessart Mountains. The oldest part of the city lies on the left bank of the Main below a steep wooded hill, crowned by a 13th-century castle. The old town, enclosed within ancient walls and gates, is home to picturesque streets of half-timbered houses and old wine taverns.

Depart 1400.

This charming town, once famous for glass production, has a medieval market square lined with colourful half-timbered buildings. Other sights include the intricately carved Angel’s Fountain, 13th-century Pointed Tower, Kittstein Gate and Wertheim Castle overlooking the town.

On Christmas Eve the shops and cafes will close early.

Spend Christmas day relaxing on board and soaking up the festive atmosphere as you enjoy Christmas Dinner.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1800.

Bamberg was, like Rome, built on seven hills and because of its mixture of imposing architectural styles and baroque town houses is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Imperial Cathedral is set on Cathedral Hill and Altenburg Castle is located at the town's highest point.

This morning you can see some of the sights during an included excursion and this afternoon, our complimentary shuttle service can take you into the town to explore further independently.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1900.

An important city in the Middle Ages, Würzburg features numerous baroque buildings erected by the prince-bishops of the Schönborn family in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Residence Palace, one of Europe’s most renowned baroque castles, was built here between 1720 and 1724 for the prince-bishop Johann Philipp Franz, who commissioned master builder Balthasar Neumann to create the 'palace of all palaces'.

Explore Würzburg during an included tour and visit to the Residence Palace.

Arrive 1400. Depart 1900.

The vibrant 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. Look forward to an included tour of the city.

Arrive 0900. Depart 2000.

This morning an included excursion visits the home of Germany's oldest university, the city of Heidelberg. Highlights include the Old Bridge across the River Neckar and the ruined castle high above the city.

Its unusual appearance is due to it having been added to through different periods of German architectural styles. Virtually destroyed by lightning in 1764 it was ransacked by locals who used stones from it in their own houses!

Arrive 0800. Depart 2200.

Strasbourg, the elegant capital of Alsace, 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. You may choose to spend further time exploring Strasbourg independently after your tour before taking our complimentary shuttle service back to Kehl later in the afternoon.

Arrive 1700.

Spend a relaxing day on board Spirit of the Rhine, enjoying the passing scenery and on-board facilities en route to Koblenz.

Depart 1400. 

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. The town’s shops and cafes will be closed today.

Disembark Spirit of the Rhine and begin your return journey.