German & Swiss Rhine

German & Swiss Rhine

This majestic cruise along the mighty River Rhine takes in three countries – Germany, France and Switzerland, and starts and ends in two historic and lively cities. With a wealth of fascinating visits along the way, from charming towns to vibrant cities, there’s an endless list of sights to see and things to do, whilst in between you can relax as your ship sails through some of this majestic river’s most stunning scenery.

8 & 10 days from only £999

Holiday highlights
• Castle and palace at Rastatt
• Strasbourg, capital of France’s beautiful Alsace region
• Basle’s charming old town
• Wine country at Rüdesheim

Optional excursions
• Charming town of Heidelberg
• Beautiful Black Forest
• Alsace tour
• Swiss Capital, Berne

Why not pre-book your excursion package? Price includes excursions noted above for just £79 per person.

Holiday Itinerary by Coach
Day 1 UK to Northern France - We travel to Dover for the ferry crossing to Calais and then onwards to our overnight hotel in Northern France.
Day 2 Northern France to Cologne - Here we join the MPS Rotterdam in Cologne, have time to relax on board and explore the sights of the city. With its old town, gothic cathedral, shops, cafes and bars, it’s easy to see why Cologne is so popular. This evening we set sail on our majestic journey.
Day 3 Koblenz - Rüdesheim - In the morning we arrive at our first port of call Koblenz, where the Rhine meets the Moselle. In the afternoon we continue our cruise docking in Rüdesheim, a popular resort in the heart of German wine producing country, full of taverns and bars.
Day 4 Rüdesheim – Mannheim - Speyer - First port of call today is Mannheim, with its beautiful park alongside the river, followed by Speyer, with its bijou centre. An optional excursion is offered to the romantic town of Heidelberg, home to an imposing sandstone castle and the setting for the 1920s movie The Student Prince.
Day 5 Speyer to Strasbourg - Continuing south we dock at Strasbourg. Located close to the German border, Strasbourg is the capital and principal city of the Alsace region of France. A must for all visitors is the historic centre – the Grande Ile – classified as a World Heritage Site in 1988, the first time such a title had been given to an entire city centre.
Day 6 Strasbourg to Breisach - Today we continue our sailing along the Rhine reaching the lovely town of Breisach, which literally means breakwater. Take time to explore the town, relax and soak up the atmosphere of this German town.
Day 7 Breisach - Today we remain in this quaint town allowing you further opportunity to explore the region. An optional excursion is offered to take you on one of the highlights of this wonderous cruise, to the stunningly beautiful Black Forest. With its rich mythologies the Black Forest remains one of Germany’s most popular attractions.
Day 8 Breisach to Basle - Sailing the 60km from Breisach, we cross the Swiss border to Basle, with its numerous buildings by well-known architects to admire and various heritage sites of national significance, including the entire old town. An optional Swiss tour takes you to the heart of Switzerland, home to lush vine-clad valleys and picture postcard towns and villages.
Day 9 Basle to Northern France - Our journey ends and we say a fond farewell to Switzerland and the MPS Rotterdam and travel by coach to our overnight hotel in Northern France.
Day 10 Northern France to UK - The final leg of our journey to Calais, onwards to Dover, and homeward bound.

On certain dates the itinerary operates in reverse see price grids for details. Port sequence, tours and times may vary to those shown above.

Holiday Itinerary by Air
Day 1 UK to Cologne/Dusseldorf - Flight to Cologne or Dusseldorf where you will be met by a representative and transferred to the MPS Rotterdam. You can relax on board or explore Cologne
Days 2 to 7 Cruising - As per Holiday itinerary by Coach days 3 to 8
Day 8 Basle to UK - Transfer to Zurich airport for the flight back to the UK.

Flight departures. Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester

By coach - whats included
• 2 nights hotel, dinner, bed & breakfast on/post route
• 7 nights full board cruise
• Grand Tourer coach travel
• Shearings cruise representative

NB: On the dates marked with a * the itinerary operates in reverse

By air - whats included
• 7 nights full board cruise
• Return flights & resort transfers
• Shearings cruise representative

NB: On the dates marked with a * the itinerary operates in reverse (flights to Zurich and return from Cologne or Dusseldorf)