Historic Gems of the Rhine

Travel to Breisach and embark Spirit of the Rhine.

Depart 1800. 

Breisach was an important medieval town of the Holy Roman Empire during the 16th century. It is overlooked by a 12th-century cathedral, St Stephan’s Minster, set high on a hilltop above.

Included excursion

Explore the city of Breisach on foot with a local guide, who will point out the key attractions. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles, however a shorter included walking tour is also available.

Arrive 0100. Depart 1400. 

Basel is located at the meeting point of Switzerland, Germany and France. The oldest part of the city is situated near the banks of the Rhine, and is where you will find the cathedral. Other places of interest are the 16th-century Market Square and the late medieval Town Hall. 

Included excursion 

Travel from the ship by coach into Basel where you can explore the city on a guided walking tour. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles, however a shorter included walking tour is also available.

Arrive 0100. Depart 1900. 

Strasbourg, the elegant capital of Alsace, features cobbled streets, medieval architecture and a Gothic cathedral with an astronomical clock. 

Sail overnight. 

Included excursion 

Enjoy an included canal cruise in Strasbourg, followed by time at leisure in the city. You can choose to return to Spirit of the Rhine for lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board, or remain in Strasbourg to explore independently for the afternoon (coach access is restricted in Strasbourg, so there will be a walk of around a mile from the cathedral back to the coach).

Arrive Heidelberg, 0800. Depart 1400.
Arrive Rüdesheim, 2200. 

Heidelberg is the home of Germany’s oldest university. Its 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. Your ship will be moored approximately an hour’s drive away from Heidelberg. 

Included excursion 

Travel by coach for approximately 45 minutes to the medieval city of Heidelberg. Visit Heidelberg Castle, perched above the city, and join an expert local guide to tour the inner courtyard and castle garden, as well as the residence ruins and the famous giant barrel. Enjoy a guided walk through the old town, where you can see the historic university and the Church of the Holy Spirit. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles on foot, however a shorter tour with limited walking is also available.

Depart Rüdesheim, 1400. Arrive Mainz, 1700.

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. 

Included excursion 

Step aboard the Land Train and journey through Rüdesheim to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of self-playing instruments. Accompanied by a guide, see musical pieces spanning three centuries, from music boxes to concert piano orchestrions.

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 Gutenberg square is a statue of the father of modern printing Johannes Gutenberg, who was born in Mainz in the 14th century. 

Included excursion 

Join a walking tour into the Old Town of Mainz, which is home to one of the city’s most famous landmarks Mainz Cathedral. Continue past medieval houses to view the exterior of the Gutenberg Museum, a building dedicated to the work of Johannes Gutenberg. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles to two miles over two hours, however a shorter included walking tour is also available.

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