Day 1 UK to Cologne to Bonn

Travel by coach and Eurotunnel or ferry to Cologne. Embark Spirit of the Rhine and then enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner on board this evening. Your ship sets sail for Bonn, arriving late this evening.

Day 2 Bonn 🎧

This morning you’ll set off on an included tour of one of Germany's oldest cities and its provisional capital city between 1949 and 1990.

Bonn remained the seat of the German federal government until as recently as 1999. An included tour will reveal some of the highlights, which include magnificent baroque palaces and historic buildings from the 16th century when the powerful elite of Cologne chose to reside here. The city is also known as one of the country's finest centres for art, thanks to the impressive Museum of Art and the Federal Art Gallery. It is also the birthplace of famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven, whose childhood home is now part of a fascinating museum.

Spirit of the Rhine departs early this evening for an overnight cruise to Cochem.

Day 3 Cochem to Traben-Trarbach

Arrive in Cochem early this morning and spend the day exploring this charming town that sits on the banks of the Moselle. Cochem is dominated by the fairy-tale Reichsburg Castle, which sits high on a vine-clad hilltop – perhaps pay a visit on an optional excursion this afternoon.

Depart Cochem late this afternoon and arrive in Traben-Trarbach late this evening.

Day 4 Traben-Trarbach to Alken

The ‘twin towns’ of Traben-Trarbach which straddle the river are linked by a bridge. Moor here in what was once the second-largest wine-trading centre in Europe, after the French city of Bordeaux. You will be struck by Traben-Trarbach’s contrast with the half-timbered architecture of other Moselle wine villages. Many of its buildings are in a smart art nouveau style, known in Germany as Jugendstil. These include a number of grand villas built for wealthy wine merchants by the Berlin architect Bruno Möhring.

This afternoon Spirit of the Rhine continues along the Moselle to Alken, arriving in the late evening and mooring overnight.

Day 5 Alken to Boppard 🎧

Early risers may have time for a quick stroll in the historic village of Alken, which is set beneath the twin-towered, late-12th century castle – Burg Thurant, one of the oldest in the region. Your cruise continues to Boppard, located in the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge. Arriving in the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to join an optional wine tasting excursion.

Tonight bid farewell to 2021 with mulled wine and a New Year’s Eve party on board, and enjoy the spectacular fireworks that light up the river at the stroke of midnight.

Day 6 Boppard to Koblenz 🎧

Depart Boppard this morning and cruise the short distance to Koblenz, where your ship will moor for the rest of the day and overnight, giving you plenty of time to explore.

The city sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers – a huge equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I marks the spot where they meet. Your included morning excursion explores Koblenz and visits Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a Prussian citadel that overlooks the river. Work started on it in the 11th century and it was at the forefront of a succession of conflicts right through to the end of the First World War.

Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Day 7 Koblenz to Cologne to Düsseldorf 🎧

Sail from Koblenz early this morning, arriving in Cologne late this morning.

Spend the afternoon discovering the city’s historic attractions during an included excursion which begins with a scenic coach trip in the company of a knowledgeable guide who will point out the highlights. See the pretty Altstadt, or old town, which has been sensitively restored to it's pre-World War II glory, the awe-inspiring towers of Gross St Martin, the elaborate town hall and mighty Gothic cathedral. Then set off on foot to get a closer look as you stroll along the cobbled lanes and lively squares, such as the Alter Markt.

Spirit of the Rhine will sail towards Düsseldorf during dinner and will moor there overnight.

Day 8 Düsseldorf to UK

Disembark Spirit of the Rhine and return by coach to the UK.