Through the Rhine Gorge to Rotterdam

Travel to Mainz and embark Spirit of the Rhine. Your all-inclusive cruise begins with dinner tonight.

Depart Mainz, 1700.
Arrive Rüdesheim, 1900.

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. Cruise to Rüdesheim this evening anf moor here overnight.

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 one of the city’s most famous former inhabitants, Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of movable type and book printing. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles to two miles over two hours, however a shorter included walking tour is also available.

Depart Rüdesheim, 1400.
Scenic Cruise, Middle Rhine Gorge.
Arrive Cologne, 0000.

The popular wine town of Rüdesheim is known for its traditional old town of half-timbered houses and terraced vineyards. Among its main attractions is the Drosselgasse, a long narrow street lined on both sides with traditional wine taverns, overlooked by the glockenspiel tower with its hourly chimes. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruising through the UNESCO-listed scenery of the Middle Rhine Gorge, passing the fabled Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Cologne tonight for an overnight mooring.

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. October 4, 2026 departures depart Rüdesheim at 1400 to arrive in Koblenz at 1900 for an overnight mooring.

Depart 1800.

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. Sail overnight.

Included excursion

Choose between an included walking tour into Cologne’s medieval Old Town, with its churches, guilds and merchants houses, or opt for an included tour of UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral to view the interior of this magnificent building. This walking tour covers approximately one-and-a-half miles over one-and-a-half hours.

Arrive 0600. Depart 2000.

Arnhem, located on the banks of the Nederrijn and St Jansbeek rivers, is best known for its connection to one of the famous battles of World War Two and the subject of the epic war film A Bridge Too Far. Sail overnight.

Included excursion

Join a walking tour into the centre of the city to see the traditional Dutch architecture lining the cobbled central square.

Optional excursion

Join a local historical expert in Operation Market Garden and the role of Arnhem in World War Two, and head to the Airborne Museum with commentary en route.

Arrive 0600. Depart 2100.

Today, Spirit of the Rhine will moor in Zaandam, giving you the opportunity to visit Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, which started life as a fishing village in the 13th century. See some of the city’s key sights such as the Royal Palace on Dam Square or the floating flower market. Sail overnight.

Included excursion

On this included tour in Amsterdam you will be accompanied by an expert local guide as you discover the city on board one of its glass-topped canal boats.

Arrive 0600.

The city of Rotterdam was restored following bombing during World War Two and is now home to an array of modern architecture. There are a number of sculptures in the city too including works by Picasso, De Koning and Gabo.your ship remains moored in Rotterdam overnight.

Included excursion

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 Markthal, a combined indoor food market and apartment block – all of which are explored on foot, with some steps to negotiate.

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