Cultural Cities of the Rhine

Depart 1900.

Travel to Mainz and embark Spirit of the Rhine to begin the overnight sailing towards Breisach.

Spend a relaxing day on board Spirit of the Rhine, sailing through natural landscapes and areas of urbanisation. Settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship’s facilities. Continue sailing overnight.

Arrive 0800. Depart 2200.

Take our complimentary shuttle service into Breisach, an important medieval town of the Holy Roman Empire during the 16th century. It's overlooked by a 12th-century cathedral – St Stephansmünster – set high on a hilltop above. Breisach also offers a 'gateway to the Black Forest' and the Alsace.

Sail overnight.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1900.

This morning an included excursion combines a coach and walking tour to reveal the highlights of Basel, which sits at the meeting point of Switzerland, Germany and France. Walk through the oldest part of the city, located near the banks of the Rhine river, and see the cathedral and picturesque shuttered houses. Other places of interest are the 16th-century Market Square and the late medieval Town Hall.

Following your included tour, you may choose to stay in the city centre to explore further independently and return to the ship using our complimentary transfer service later in the afternoon.

Sail overnight.

Arrive 0800.

Set off early to explore the elegant capital of Alsace, Strasbourg, and enjoy an included canal cruise followed by time at leisure. Cruise along the scenic canals lined with traditional timber-framed buildings.

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, returning to the ship using our complimentary transfer service (coach access is restricted in Strasbourg, so there will be a walk of around a mile from the cathedral back to the coach).

Sail overnight.

Depart Strasbourg, 0200.
Arrive Mannheim (for Heidelberg), 1300.

This afternoon an included excursion from Mannheim visits Heidelberg. Walk through the winding alleys of the old town, with its shady squares and historic university.

Continue through the Jewish Quarter and up to the castle, where you can enjoy a tour around the inner courtyard and the castle garden before exploring the residence ruins and the famous giant barrel.

Depart Mannheim, 0800.
Arrive Mainz, 1300.

Sail through the morning to arrive in Mainz this afternoon.

Mainz is known for its medieval market square, half-timbered houses, Romanesque sandstone cathedral and St Stephen’s church, which features stained glass windows by 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.

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