13/05/2022 UK to Königswinter

Travel by coach from Folkestone, via Eurotunnel or ferry, to Königswinter (a journey of approximately five hours from Calais) and embark Rex Rheni.

Cruise through the night to Bernkastel.

14/05/2022 Bernkastel 🎧

Arrive in the picture-perfect town of Bernkastel-Kues in the afternoon, arguably one of the prettiest small towns in Germany.

Bernkastel-Kues features colourful Renaissance houses which line the sloping market square with its 17th-century fountain. There will be free time to go ashore and enjoy an optional trip on the Bernkastel panoramic train.

Your ship sails after dinner overnight to Cochem.

15/05/2022 Cochem to Koblenz 🎧

Arrive in Cochem during breakfast.

With the romantic backdrop of neo-Gothic Reichsburg Castle, Cochem is understandably one of the most visited places on the Moselle River. An optional excursion is available to the castle, which sits atop a hill cloaked entirely in vines. Although most of the castle was rebuilt in the 19th century the original 11th-century keep still survives. During the excursion you can also visit a local vineyard for a wine tasting.

Sail for Koblenz this evening.

16/05/2022 Koblenz 🎧

Koblenz has a rich history spanning two millennia, and its past is reflected in a wealth of monuments and historic buildings. The city is situated at the exact point where the Rhine and Moselle meet, and the city's name means 'merging of the rivers'. Explore the city this morning, or perhaps visit the Festung Ehrenbreitstein, a citadel built by the Prussians between 1816 and 1832, on an optional excursion.

Moor here overnight.

17/05/2022 Koblenz to Rüdesheim 🎧

This morning, cruise the most stunning stretch of the Rhine, passing Lorelei Rock and numerous castles. The rock is a symbol of the Rhine and inspired a famous poem by Heinrich Heine, which was set to music by Frederich Silcher.

Continue to Rüdesheim, where you can perhaps sample the famous wines of the region in the tavern-lined Drosselgasse, or visit Siegfried’s Museum of Mechanical Music.

18/05/2022 Rüdesheim to Königswinter

Leave Rüdesheim in the morning and sail back to Königswinter arriving in the afternoon.

At the pretty village of Königswinter you may wish to travel by rack railway up the hillside to the ruined 12th-century castle of Drachenfels on an optional excursion. Dating from the 12th century, this castle was immortalised by Wagner, as it was here that Siegfried slew the dragon. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Bonn, the birthplace of Beethoven.

This afternoon you sail to Koblenz, passing dramatic scenery, the small island of Nonnenwerth and the ruined castle of Rolandsbogen. Your ship will pause on route in Remagen where you'll be able to see the remains of the old Ludendorff railway bridge, captured by the Americans on March 7, 1945. You will have the chance to disembark here for an optional excursion through the Ahr Valley. Or stay aboard and sail on to Königswinter.

19/05/2022 Königswinter to Cologne

Cruise back and spend the morning on an included tour of the city, famous for its imposing cathedral and for giving its name to 'Eau de Cologne'! The city was founded by the Romans and has long been an important trading centre. The vast Gothic cathedral that towers over the surroundings was started in 1248 as a pilgrimage church to house the relics of the three Magi. The two spires are 157 metres high, and were not completed until 1880.

20/05/2022 Cologne to UK

Disembark after breakfast and begin your return journey to the UK.