From the Rhine to the Dutch Waterways: Amsterdam to Mainz

Travel to Amsterdam and embark Spirit of the Rhine.

Depart 2200.

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. This morning you can join an included cruise along Amsterdam’s canals to the city centre with its historic bridges and gabled houses. See the famous Skinny Bridge, the Montelbaanstoren tower and the Jewish Quarter.

This afternoon you can return to Amsterdam to explore the city further independently.

Sail overnight.

Arrive 0800. Depart 2000.

The city of Rotterdam was restored following bombing during World War Two and is now home to an array of modern architecture. This morning an included excursion explores the city by coach, stopping at the historic Delfshaven district with its traditional gabled buildings, the Cube Houses, which are built at an angle across a bridge, and at the vibrant Markthal, a combined indoor food market and apartment block – all of which are explored on foot, with some steps. There are a number of sculptures in the city too including works by Picasso, De Koning and Gabo.

Sail overnight.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1300.

Located on the Waal River, historic Nijmegen can trace its roots back to Roman times. One of the city’s museums, the Valkhof Museum, is situated on the site of an old Roman encampment. Other attractions include the De Waagh, the original market weigh house, located in the city centre, where the cobbled streets are also home to a number of street cafes and the distinctive tower of St Stephen’s church.

Sail overnight.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1900.

Founded by the Romans, Cologne has long been an important trading centre and was once home to the composers Schumann and Mendelssohn. The city’s main attraction is the twin-spired Gothic cathedral which dominates the skyline. There are also baroque palaces, medieval churches and a 16th-century City Hall. The cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town are home to characteristic churches and guilds.

Continue sailing this evening and overnight.

There will be a complimentary shuttle service into the city dependant on the distance of the ship’s berth.

Arrive Boppard, 0800. Depart 1400.
Scenic Cruise, Middle Rhine Gorge.
Arrive Rüdesheim, 2000.

The waterfront of this classic Rhineland wine town is overlooked by St Severus Church and vineyards. There are extensive Roman remains, medieval fortifications and half-timbered buildings, some which can be seen during an included guided walking tour.

This afternoon, cruise through the UNESCO-listed scenery of the Middle Rhine Gorge, passing the fabled Lorelei Rock en route to Rüdesheim where Spirit of the Rhine will moor overnight.

Depart Rüdesheim, 1400.
Arrive Mainz, 1800.

The popular wine town of Rüdesheim 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 and overlooked by the glockenspiel tower with its hourly chimes.

This afternoon you can relax on board as Spirit of the Rhine cruises to Mainz and moors overnight.

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.

Disembark Spirit of the Rhine after breakfast and begin your return journey.