The Spectacular Rhine in Flames

Day 1 – Departing early we travel to the coast for our short ferry crossing to France during which lunch can be purchased on board. On arrival we continue our journey on to Germany and our hotel which will be your base for the next 4 nights. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day 2 – This morning we travel to Koblenz where we begin with a guided walking tour which will take in some of the main sights of the city. Koblenz is not only one of the oldest cities in Germany, but also one of the most versatile: churches, castles and historic houses tell of times past whilst winding streets and squares invite you to stroll and linger. Many museums ranging from French art of the 20th century archaeological finds from different eras to an interactive journey into the world of the Romantic Rhine. This will be followed by some free time to explore further the historic centre which is the meeting point of the Moselle and Rhine rivers, and purchase lunch before we travel along the Moselle River to the charming wine town of Cochem which is both historic and picturesque and has its own fairy tale castle on top of the hill. Positioned on the left bank of the Moselle River, the town has natural beauty in all directions and is the centre of the regional Mosel wine trade, wines made mostly from the Riesling grape. There are photo opportunities at every turn, including many stylish buildings, cottages, black & tan guild houses and narrow winding streets. The charming town square, ringed by half-timbered houses, is particularly stunning. We include a visit the cellars of Anton Hammes in Alken, one of the famous vintners of the area. The Hammes family have been vintners here for over 300 years, and you will enjoy a wine tasting, before having the chance to purchase your favourites to bring home with you! Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Day 3 – Today is dedicated to the City of Bonn where you will have free time to enjoy a walk in the Botanical Gardens at Poppelsdorf Palace (Poppelsdorfer Schloss) or go for a stroll in the extensive pedestrian precinct of downtown Bonn. Visit one of the 30 museums from A (Arithmeum) to Z (Zoological Research Museum).

The world-famous composer, Ludwig van Beethoven saw the light of day in the garret of the garden house of No.20 Bonngasse in 1770. The Beethoven-Haus has been one of Bonn’s landmarks for a long time and can today be visited (local cost). Not far away is the St. Remigius Church and the baptism font where Ludwig was christened on December 17th, 1770. Up to the age of 22 Beethoven lived, and worked as a musician, in his hometown until he travelled to Vienna. It was in Bonn that he received his musical education, and it was here that he played the organ in the palace church as a salaried court organist at the early age of 14.

For those who have pre-booked, you will board the Rhine in Flames Cruise mid-afternoon in Bonn, which departs at 4pm. A 3-course set dinner is included on board – drinks not included. Vegetarians can be catered for when pre-advised. (Those people who have not pre-booked the Rhine in Flames Special Dinner Cruise will be transferred back to the hotel where dinner is included).

The Rhine in Flames cruise departs at 4:00 p.m. starting in Bonn and making its way to Linz am Rhein before returning to Bonn. There is a seating area below deck. A 3-course meal and live music are included on board. The 5 large firework displays can be seen from the upper deck as the vessel returns to Bonn during the evening. The return time to Bonn will be approx. 12am and you will be transferred by coach back to the hotel at around 1am. Times today may vary depending on the cruise which is confirmed for each group.

Day 4 – Today is a leisurely day as we begin with a visit to St Goar, home to the largest free-hanging cuckoo clock in the world. At 3½m in height and over 2m wide it is certainly very impressive. There are spinning figures and of course a cuckoo…… and the reason this clock is exceptional is that it has 2 faces! This small town on the Rhine River in the area is known as the Rhine Gorge due to the mountains which rise on either side. The most famous landmark is the Loreley Rock opposite the town, which is known for its hazard to river shipping, and the legend of its siren, Loreley. The area is pretty in its own right and in 2002, UNESCO made the valley a World Heritage Site. We then continue on to Boppard where you will be taken on a 30-minute tour of the town by ‘little train’. This visit of picturesque Boppard begins at the Romanesque-Gothic St. Severus Church. The first stop on the trip is at the Roman excavations dating from the 4th and 5th centuries. The train then takes you through the south gate of Boppard’s mediaeval town wall, the Binger Gate, at the end of the old town and passes the charming district of “Balz”. The tour continues passing the Electoral Castle, along the Rhine front to the Carmelite Church. The last port of call is the Chairlift before returning to the market square. You will have some free time afterwards before we return to the hotel where dinner is included this evening.

Day 5 – Checking out of the hotel this morning we retrace our steps homewards, making a brief lunch stop in the historic Belgian city of Leuven where you will find one of the most beautiful medieval buildings in the world including the magnificent 15th Century Town Hall. Although the city centre looks very well preserved with buildings from the 17th and 18th Centuries, this is not the case. Unfortunately, the town had to be almost completely rebuilt as the old centre was almost completely destroyed during WWI. Belgians always associate the city with one of the most famous and popular beer brands in Belgium: STELLA ARTOIS. Continuing on to Calais we will take a late afternoon crossing back to the UK, returning you to your original departure point(s) tonight.