A Taste of the Rhine

Düsseldorf's Old Town is packed with more than 260 bars, restaurants, cafes, and breweries, adding to the atmosphere of this historic city. Tour the city firstly by coach with short stops at the Königsallee, a popular area of the city with a landscaped canal that runs through its centre, which is unusual for Germany, and the busy Media Harbour area.

Then travel to the Old Town where your guides will be on hand with tips on what to see as you enjoy some time at leisure. Perhaps discover the Burgplatz (castle square) with the Schlossturm (palace tower) which holds great charm or choose from one of the numerous cafes to sit back, relax and watch the world go by in this bustling city.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: This is a combined coach and walking tour. There is approximately 40 minutes of essential walking. During the free time in Düsseldorf Old Town walking will be at your discretion, but to make the most of your visit we recommend that you should expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which may be cobbled. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours. If your visit to Dusseldorf falls on a weekend, please be aware that the city centre can be very busy.

3 hours

This tour will reveal some of the highlights of Bonn, visiting places such as the Beethoven monument, the Romanesque Minster Cathedral and the University of Bonn, which was formerly the Elector’s Palace – with its elegant Hofgarten and the grand baroque City Hall. You will also travel to the banks of the Rhine, near the Bonn Opera House, to see the imposing view of Germany’s oldest nature park, Siebengebirge (Seven Hills). After your coach tour you will join your guide to explore more of the city on foot.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over flat terrain with some cobblestones. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

3 hours

Koblenz is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities on the Rhine. The city has a rich history spanning over 2000 years and incorporating both French and German influences.

With a local guide you will discover the city on foot, taking in highlights such as the Deutsches Eck, or German Corner on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the quaint Old Town and the Schängel fountain, which stands in the courtyard of the Town Hall and is one of the city's main landmarks.

The fountain dates to a time when Koblenz was under French control and features a little boy who periodically spits water a surprising distance, catching passers by unaware.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be cobbled and some steps may also be required. There is a standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes.

1½ hours

Disembarking the ship, you’ll start the day by boarding the Land Train for a relaxing journey through the streets of Rüdesheim. After enjoying the passing vistas of this small wine town, get ready for a musical tour through Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to the world's largest collection of immersive self-playing instruments.

Accompanied by a guide, you’ll be shown some of the most beautiful musical pieces spanning three centuries, from music boxes to concert piano orchestrions, all presented to you in a humorous and curious way. Finally, you will experience the ""Admiral 2"", dating back to 1910 and fully restored, it is now the largest instrument in the collection. Next, you’ll have the chance to sample three regional wines with a guided tasting before your return to the ship via the Land Train.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 250 yards in total over flat ground with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 45 minutes. This excursion includes travel by land train, which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

2½ hours

Look forward to a trip aboard the Drachenfelsbahn – Germany’s oldest rack and pinion railway, dating back to 1883. After a coach journey of approximately 30 minutes from Bonn to Königswinter, in the company of a local guide, you will alight the coach and board the train.

This scenic journey takes eight minutes to climb a mile and travels at an angle of 20 degrees. Reaching a peak of nearly 1000 feet at the summit of Drachenfels Mountain, on arrival at the top you can enjoy some free time to explore the ruins of 12th-century Drachenfels Castle and admire the panoramic view or perhaps treat yourself to slice of pie and a drink at the hill-top cafe.

Then, reboard the train for a brief trip halfway down the hill where you will alight at Drachenburg Castle for a guided walking tour revealing its architecture, history and strategic position above the River Rhine.

After your tour, reboard the Drachenfelsbahn for the short journey to the foot of the hill, where you rejoin your coach for the return journey to Bonn.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be uneven in places and include numerous steps inside the castle however a lift is available if required. There is a total compulsory walking and/or standing time of approximately one-and-half hours. Your time at the Drachenfels Castle ruins is during independent exploration, therefore walking is at your discretion.

4 hours