The Majestic Rhine: Utrecht to Basel

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 take you on a journey back in time as you combine a visit to the old town with a guided exploration through the local castle. As you set off through the winding alleys of the old town, you’ll get to know the many different faces of Heidelberg, from its shady squares to the oldest university in Germany and the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit).

Then, after a wander through the Jewish Quarter, you can head up to the castle itself. Upon arrival, look forward to a tour around the inner courtyard and the castle garden before discovering the residence ruins and the famous giant barrel.

Walking Grade 4

Please note:Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over flat ground during this excursion with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately three hours.

5 hours

Visit Strasbourg’s UNESCO-listed old quarter, famous for its wealth of history and graceful architecture. Take a short coach journey from your ship to embark the canal boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the waterways overlooked by 12 centuries of religious, civil and military architecture with commentary provided through headphones.

You disembark in the city centre just a short walk from the old town and pink sandstone cathedral. From here you will have approximately 90 minutes of free time to explore the city independently. Perhaps take a walk to the lively hub Petit-France, browse the shops for souvenirs or treat yourself to a sweet treat from one of the many tempting patisseries.

After your free time, rejoin your guide at the cathedral and walk to the Place de la Republique, one of Strasbourg’s main squares, where you will board your coach for the return journey to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: There are two versions of this tour available. The Standard Tour has approximately one hour of free time after the canal cruise before a return to your ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board. The Extended Tour has three-and-a-half hours of free time, enabling you to spend more time exploring at leisure and to enjoy lunch independently in the city before a return transfer mid-afternoon. Please ensure you book the version of the tour you wish to participate in, changes once you have arrived on board are not always possible.

Most of the walking on this tour is at your discretion however, as access to the city centre in Strasbourg is restricted for large vehicles, there will be essential walking of approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile from the centre to rejoin your coach. The terrain is cobbled in many parts of the city.

Due to large scale events taking place in both Germany and France, enhanced Border Control checks are likely. Please ensure you take your passport with you when you leave the ship to visit Strasbourg, either as part of your included tour or independently.

4 hours

Visit Strasbourg’s UNESCO-listed old quarter, famous for its wealth of history and graceful architecture. Make the short coach journey from your ship to embark the canal boat and enjoy a gentle cruise along the waterways overlooked by 12 centuries of religious, civil and military architecture with commentary provided through headphones. You disembark in the city centre just a short walk from the old town and pink sandstone cathedral.

From here you have approximately three-and-a-half hours of free time to explore independently. Take a walk to the lively hub Petit-France where you can find a selection of cafes and restaurants perfect for a relaxed lunch, visit the inside of the cathedral or browse the shops for souvenirs.

After your free time you will rejoin your guide at the cathedral and walk to the Place de la Republique, one of Strasbourg’s main squares, to board your coach for the return journey to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: There are two versions of this tour available. The Standard Tour has approximately one hour of free time after the canal cruise before a return to your ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board. The Extended Tour has three-and-a-half hours of free time, enabling you to spend more time exploring at leisure and to enjoy lunch independently in the city before a return transfer mid-afternoon. Please ensure you book the version of the tour you wish to participate in, changes once you have arrived on board are not always possible.

Most of the walking on this tour is at your discretion however, as access to the city centre in Strasbourg is restricted for large vehicles, there will be essential walking of approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile from the centre to rejoin your coach. The terrain is cobbled in many parts of the city.

Due to large scale events taking place in both Germany and France, enhanced Border Control checks are likely. Please ensure you take your passport with you when you leave the ship to visit Strasbourg, either as part of your included tour or independently.

4 hours

Depart the ship by coach for your journey to the fairytale Eltz Castle, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Germany, partly due to its hillside setting surrounded by woodland.

The 850-year-old castle is now in the possession of the 34th generation of the von Eltz family and is one of the only complexes in Germany that has never been conquered in conflict and was able to survive the wars of the 17th and 18th centuries and the social upheavals of the French Revolution unscathed.

The treasure chamber in the cellar vaults houses more than 500 masterpieces of art from the 12th-19th centuries. You will explore the castle and discover more about its unique history in the company of an expert guide.

Walking Grade 5

Please Note: As Eltz Castle has an elevated position there is a moderately steep downhill walk of approximately half a mile on arrival and half a mile uphill on your return via a tarmac path. Inside the castle there are frequent steps, no lifts are available, and you should expect to walk approximately 550 yards. The terrain can be uneven in places and during wet weather some of the stone paths can also be very slippery, so we recommend that sturdy footwear is worn. This tour has a total walking and/or standing time of approximately two hours. This tour is not suitable for those with limitedmobility.

4½ hours

On this tour you will be introduced to the Prussian Koblenz of 1870, when the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein was under siege due to the Franco-Prussian War and just 10 valiant night watchmen looked after the safety of all the citizens of the city. Immerse yourself in history and accompany a 'watchman' on the nightly patrol of his precinct around the Church of Our Lady as he shares the intriguing tales of the city during this turbulent time.

Walking Grade 4

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

1½ 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

Head to the imperial city of Speyer, once the centre of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. Its cathedral, founded by the Salian emperors in the 11th century, has a rich history and serves an importance for the Christian faith.

Once the largest church in the world after it was built, today it is a great example of Romanesque architecture. On this tour, marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site and see more of the city’s highlights on foot with your local guide.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately three quarters of a mile over mostly level but cobbled terrain, with the possibility of steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 90 minutes.

1½ hours

From the ship in Breisach, embark on a coach journey past Freiburg up into the narrow Höllental ("Hell's valley") with its photographic crags, deep valleys and soaring mountains. There, you will visit the "Hofgut Sternen", an old inn which has been transformed into a hotel and shop. Here, there’s time to try a slice of the famous Black Forest cake before continuing up the Höllental all the way to Titisee.

This little town lies at the shores of Lake Titisee, one of the deepest lakes in the Black Forest. After a short walk through the modern town, from the bus to the lake, it’s time to board a mini cruise. Floating across the lake, enjoy the views of the hills around before your walk back to the bus as a group. On the way back to Breisach, you will drive through the Glottertal, one of the most picturesque valleys of the Black Forest.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one and a quarter miles over level terrain with the possibility of cobblestones. The short walk from the coach to Hofgut Sternen is on a slight incline. There are a small number of steps on and off the boat in Titisee. There is a total compulsory walking and/or standing time of approximately an hour.

5 hours

Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, the city of Freiburg is a collection of historic gems with a colourful history. A true metropolis where the past, present, and future unite in a unique combination. On this tour you travel by coach from your ship to the south west of Germany's Black Forest region, a drive of approximately 45 minutes. 

On arrival, you join a local guide for a walking tour to discover some of the highlights of the city, including the cathedral, elegant facade of the Merchant's Hall, and the babbling clear waters of the Freiburg Bächle (narrow man-made waterway) which runs through the cobbled streets. Fed by the Dreisam River, the Bächle water flows through countless narrow streets in the Old Town and has done so since the 12th century, when the city was founded. Back then the flat paved gutters supplied Freiburg's people with water for drinking, fighting fires and more.

However, watch your step, as according to local legend, any single person who accidentally stumbles into a Bächle has to marry a Freiburger and remain in the city! After your guided walk, enjoy some free time before returning by coach to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over ground which will include cobblestones, with essential standing and/or walking of approximately 90 minutes.

3½ hours