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5 Different Rivers: The Rhine, Neckar, Main, Moselle, and Saar
Preferred
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- The cultural diversity of five authentic rivers
- EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
- Frankfurt, a dynamic and international city
- Luxemburg
- The Cochem Castle overlooking the Moselle
- Trier and its Roman ruins
Short Description
From Remich to Strasbourg, cruise along 5 rivers and discover the beauty of the romantic Rhine valley, the Neckar, the Main, the Moselle and the Saar which will unveil their cultural and historical treasures. Admire the landscapes this cruise has to offer and visit iconic cities such as Cochem, Frankfurt, Trier and Luxembourg. Tradition, art and viticulture, each of these cities will tell you its own story.
Itinerary
Day 1 STRASBOURG
You’ll board our ship at 5 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Our ship will cast off at 6:00 p.m. Join us for an evening of dinner and dancing as we cruise through the night.
Day 2 MANNHEIM - HEIDELBERG(4)
We’ll spend the morning cruising the Neckar River to Heidelberg. This afternoon, join us for an excursion to see Heidelberg and its castle. Known as the most romantic city in Germany, it has inspired many the painter and poet by its beauty. We’ll visit the partially ruined, red sandstone castle that sits majestically above the city, overlooking the Neckar River. Up to the Thirty Years’ War, Heidelberg boasted one of the most notable ensembles of buildings in the Holy Roman Empire. While time has taken its toll, this castle’s fame lives on to this day. The giant wine barrel is one of the most popular attractions. Built in a cellar in 1591, it held about 34,342 gallons of wine collected from the Palatinate in payment of taxes. The facade of the Friedrich Building, displaying the perfect gallery of portraits from the royal line, is also a must-see. After our visit, we’ll go to the historical center of the city to take in many of sites. Enjoy some free time before returning on board in Heidelberg. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.
Day 2 MANNHEIM - HEIDELBERG(4)
We’ll spend the morning cruising the Neckar River to Heidelberg. This afternoon, join us for an excursion to see Heidelberg and its castle. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.
Day 3 HEIDELBERG(4) - MAINZ - FRANKFURT
We’ll spend the morning cruising the Neckar and Rhine Rivers. We’ll arrive in Mainz in the early afternoon. Join us for a tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum(5). We’ll see some of the most remarkable buildings, including the 1000-year-old Mainz Cathedral, located near the city center, and its picturesque streets in the old city. We’ll also visit the Gutenberg Museum(5), the world-famous museum of book printing which houses two copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the first major book printed with movable type in the West. After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to Frankfurt. Join us for an evening of entertainment. We’ll arrive in Frankfurt during the night.
Day 3 HEIDELBERG(4) - MAINZ - FRANKFURT
We’ll spend the morning cruising the Neckar and Rhine Rivers. We’ll arrive in Mainz in the early afternoon. Join us for a tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum(5). After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to Frankfurt. Join us for an evening of entertainment. We’ll arrive in Frankfurt during the night.
Day 4 FRANKFURT - RÜDESHEIM(3)
This morning, we’ll set off for a guided tour of Frankfurt. A panoramic tour by coach will give you a great overview of the main buildings and monuments found in the city. After, we'll continue our tour on foot. Among the sites we'll see are the Emperor’s Cathedral, the center of the old quarter, and the Römerberg. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship.After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to Rüdesheim. On our way, we’ll pass the cities of Mainz, Wiesbaden, and Eltville am Rhein before arriving in Rüdesheim at the end of the afternoon.Join us for a tour of Rüdesheim. First, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the local vineyards on a tourist train. Then, we participate in a wine tasting in the historic rooms of the Bassenheimer Hof. We’ll then head to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, located in a lovely, 15th-century building. This museum holds a collection of fascinating musical instruments ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion.The famous Drosselgasse with its numerous cafés, bars, and music awaits you tonight!
Day 4 FRANKFURT - RÜDESHEIM(3)
This morning, we’ll set off for a guided tour of Frankfurt. Enjoy some free time before returning to the ship. After we return on board, we’ll begin to cruise to Rüdesheim, arriving at the end of the afternoon. Join us for a tour of Rüdesheim. The famous Drosselgasse with its numerous cafés, bars, and music awaits you tonight!
Day 5 RÜDESHEIM(3) - KOBLENZ - COCHEM
This morning, we’ll pass through the beautiful and romantic Rhine Valley. Majestic castles, mysterious ruins, and famous vineyards dot the countryside known for its legendary German royalty and fabled Lorelei Rock. We’ll arrive in Koblenz mid-morning. Once we arrive, explore the city with our host or hostess. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising the Moselle River, one of the most beautiful tributaries of the Rhine, towards Cochem. Enjoy the calm as we pass by charming villages, vineyards, and what seems like a castle on every peak. We’ll arrive in Cochem this evening.
Day 5 RÜDESHEIM(3) - KOBLENZ - COCHEM
This morning, we’ll pass through the beautiful and romantic Rhine Valley. We’ll arrive in Koblenz mid-morning. Once we arrive, explore the city with our host or hostess. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising the Moselle River. We’ll arrive in Cochem this evening.
Day 6 COCHEM - TRIER
This morning, take part in our guided tour of Cochem Castle. You’ll be transferred to Cochem Castle on a mini-bus. The Imperial Castle sits on a mighty crag over the Moselle River. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent building that dates back to 1000. After being destroyed by the French in the 17th century, it was rebuilt from scratch in a Neo-Gothic style by a local German businessman. After a visit of the castle, enjoy some free time in the city. Take a stroll through the narrow, winding streets and enjoy the ambiance full of lovely half-timbered homes with slate roofs, the historic square near the town hall, and the ancient walls, gates, and churches. We’ll return on board on foot. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Trier.
Day 6 COCHEM - TRIER
This morning, take part in our guided tour of Cochem Castle. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Trier.
Day 7 TRIER - SAARBURG
This morning, join us for a guided tour of Trier. Discover the Roman vestiges and heritage in Trier, the splendid view the city offers of the Moselle, and its magnificent landscape. Trier is known for its well-preserved Roman and medieval buildings, but it is also home to some impressive churches as well. We’ll have a look at the amphitheater, the imperial baths, the Roman basilica, and the Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman city gates. We’ll then return on board. Relax during the first part of the afternoon as we cruise on the Moselle and the Saar. We’ll arrive in Saarburg mid-afternoon. Enjoy some time on your own to discover this charming city at your own pace. Join us for an evening of entertainment.
Day 7 TRIER - SAARBURG
This morning, join us for a guided tour of Trier. We’ll then return on board. Relax during the first part of the afternoon as we cruise on the Moselle and the Saar. We’ll arrive in Saarburg mid-afternoon. Enjoy some time on your own to discover this charming city at your own pace. Join us for an evening of entertainment.
Day 8 SAARBURG - LUXEMBOURG(2)
We’ll spend the morning cruising on the Saar and the Moselle towards Remich. After arriving, join us for a guided tour of Luxembourg city. We’ll leave from Remich for Luxembourg by coach. Luxembourg is a real mix of styles and cultures. We’ll set out on a guided tour on foot to get a closer look at some of the sites, including the Place des Armes, Place de la Constitution, capital buildings, Corniche, old city, Grand Ducal Palace (exterior), and Place Guillaume II. After our tour, we'll visit a winery(1) and enjoy a tasting. You’ll discover the secrets to wine making while strolling through underground passages that seem to go on for miles. After our excursion, we'll return on board our ship. Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Day 8 SAARBURG - LUXEMBOURG(2)
We’ll spend the morning cruising on the Saar and the Moselle towards Remich. After arriving, join us for a guided tour of Luxembourg city. We'll then return to Remich for a visit to a winery(1) and a tasting. Tonight is our festive gala evening.
Day 9 LUXEMBOURG(2) - Strasbourg
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 and returning to Strasbourg by coach. End of our services.
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128 CroisiEurope Travel Reviews & Ratings
5 Different Rivers: The Rhine, Neckar, Main, Moselle, and Saar
Company Reviews
Great tours and food! Exceptional customer service
I am non-EU national, and very much enjoyed the international clientele .
My flight arrived later than the prescribed boarding time, the crew had my cabin ready, and held dinner. Both land side New York office and the onboard crew were very welcoming, and most attention to detail. Special recognition to Charina, my reservation agent, and Daniel the ship's purser.
The vessel's decor is very discreet, comfortable, and relaxing -- no neon, casino, etc. The elegance one would expect from a French company.
The land tours were very comprehensive, in comfortable coaches, with sufficient rest stops. Lunches ashore were included, as appropriate. As advertised, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were included. In-town shopping was available, but not forced.
In all, a delightful experience. I look forward to another voyage with CroisiEurope. The company offers so many unique intineraries, it may be difficult to select.
A memorable four nights on the Seine - Le Havre to Paris
The Seine scenery was gorgeous and the boat was extremely comfortable—we loved that we could stay in our cabin, relax on various decks, or attend onboard activities, including a lively dance performance by a Normandy folk troupe. Even though we were the only English speakers on the cruise, the bilingual staff were always on hand to help us, and the other passengers (mostly French with a few Belgians/Swiss) were friendly and tolerant of our basic French. After our final night sleeping aboard the boat on Quai de Grenelle in Paris, we were rather sad to depart the beautiful Renoir.
The food, tours and service on the Miguel Torga exceeded our expectations, and we felt very safe with the Covid precautions being taken on board.
We had such a wonderful time on our cruise and absolutely intend to travel with CroisiEurope again. I was especially pleased with the attention to detail regarding food preferences and requests. I have a shellfish allergy, and our kids didn’t always like what was on the menu. The chef and staff always made every effort to accommodate and please us.
Our guide Deborah on the excursions was so informative and made great suggestions for sightseeing and shopping. I liked the way the excursions were managed by touring in the morning with lunch and sailing in the afternoon. We were the only Americans on board with mostly French speakers, but everyone was friendly, and we had no communication issues with the crew. Entertainment was simple but fun with games or local talent coming aboard for flamenco or folk singing and dancing. There were only 62 passengers and no young children. Our kids were 12 & 17, and they were happy with the pool on board, which was small, but ideal for cooling off after a morning in port. They surprised our 17-year-old with a special dessert on her birthday.
We’ve been on several other riverboat cruises (Viking, Peter Dielmann, Vodohod), and they did not match the value and service provided by CroisiEurope.
This barge hotel cruise on and along the Marne river was absolutely fantastic!
The crew were very attentive and hospitable. One of the biggest, if not THE biggest, highlight of the trip was the food. Breakfast was a typical French style buffet with all the trimmings. Lunch and dinner were menus, in the French style, prepared by our Chef and paired with a variety of wines and cheeses from around France. Each meal was unique and full of variety culminating at the end of the week with our Gala Dinner.
One of the excursion highlights, and a major reason why we chose this particular cruise, was the falconry demonstration at Chateau Thierry. It was very well done and quite a moving presentation, which included an American Bald Eagle and, even more surprisingly, Storks.
If you are looking for a more intimate way to cruise, Passenger to Crew ratio was 17 - 6, consider barge hotel cruises. We are most definitely looking forward to our next barge hotel cruise experience.
It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting.
As seasoned cruisers, knowing well all aspects of cruising on seas and rivers, we had no experience about traveling on a barge in a canal. It was also time to overcome this lack.
A number of companies offer this kind of cruising on barge with 8 to 16 passengers, however very often at exorbitant prices. Luckily, we discovered that the company CroisiEurope offers one week cruise on various canals in Europe, at very decent price, especially considering that all is inclusive (full board, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and all excursions) on modern barges with a maximum of 22 passengers.
We opted for the barge Ms Deborah, which cruises on the canal de la Loire, with the Briare to Nevers’ route. We were looking forward to this itinerary because the proposed excursions particularly suited us. Unfortunately, only a few days before departure, we were informed that due of a lack of water in the Loire canal the Ms Deborah was switched over to the Haute Seine and Yonne for a new itinerary from Paris to Sens. Despites the fact that this new itinerary didn’t really meet our desires, especially the excursions, we decided to accept the change.
Our group of 6 persons from Switzerland was very warmly greeted by all members of the crew when arriving on the quai de Grenelle in Paris where we see the MS DEBORAH for the first time, our floating home for the week. With its two dominating colours blue and white, it is difficult not to fall in love with this beautiful small ship.
We were invited immediately for the welcome cocktail during which we met officially the crew and the other six individual passengers originating from New Zealand, England and the USA. With less time than it needs to tell, the relation between us was created, so that everyone felt part of a bunch of friends knowing each other for long time.
There is no need to present here the MS Deborah itself, as this is already thoroughly done on the Cruise Critic page.
The crew of 6 persons is composed of a captain, a sailor, a cruise director, a chef, a waitress and a cabin hostess who put all their efforts to satisfy the passengers and offer them the best possible service. The captain as well as the sailor are always trying to make passengers at ease, answer questions or even bring a drink. The lady cruise director is omnipresent, taking care of the passengers better than a mother hen would do. The talented young French chef aims to produce dishes which please everybody. His outstanding sauces and excellent desserts should be particularly praised. However, referring to comments we made during a cruise on the Seine Princess two years ago, we cannot understand that why today it is not possible to offer the choice of a light buffet at lunch instead a three or even four course menu! The always smiling and friendly Hungarian waitress was very caring and attentive, without forgetting the cabin hostess doing a great job in the cabins, the public spaces and even the kitchen. It wouldn’t be fair to name a single person as all members of the crew, without any exception, do all they can to make the cruise unforgettable.
Our one-week cruise on the barge Ms Deborah enables us today to make the following comments:
~ a cruise on a barge cannot be compared to any other kind of cruise
~ despite all the comfort offered on modern barge, one must be very aware that life on board happens at a restraint space, requiring therefore much flexibility and understanding in all aspects from all passengers
~ in our case, being only 12 passengers, we had the opportunity to take our meals on the terrace. We also never had the feeling that the boat was overcrowded. This can be different when the ship is full, especially by bad weather
~ the state of mind between the passengers who are mostly of foreign nationalities, who don’t know each other and don’t speak French, must function well right from the beginning
~ if the interrelation works, it is difficult to find a more relaxing and enjoyable way of travelling
~ the success on a barge is mainly due on the quality of its crew. Ms Deborah’s crew members have quickly created a family spirit on board, showing also that they genuinely like what they do
~ excursions can play a major role in choosing an itinerary. Not speaking French or English can be a handicap
Do we recommend to do a cruise on a barge? Yes, definitively! It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting. In our case, this second try with CroisiEurope gives them a better note.
We are still waiting for a refund
Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal transport included (including local flights)
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Additional Information
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
- All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
- Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
- Free Wi-Fi onboard
- Headsets are included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Onboard activities
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included
Rules & Other Requirements
Valid national identity card or passport required. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate.
Trip ID#:
croisieurope-SRF_AIPP
What's excluded
Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers - cancellation and baggage insurance - personal expenses.
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