Castles along the Rhine

Itinerary:

Day 1: Basel, Switzerland

Arrive in Basel and board your Uniworld ship, ready to begin your journey along the Rhine. Settle into your stateroom and take some time to relax as your river cruise gets underway. If you have arranged an arrival transfer, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the ship.

Day 2: Basel & Breisach

Enjoy a leisurely morning sailing along the Upper Rhine before arriving in Breisach, your gateway to the beautiful Alsace wine region. Head into the countryside to explore picturesque villages such as Eguisheim and Kaysersberg, surrounded by vineyards and colourful half-timbered houses. Back onboard, the evening brings the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 3: Strasbourg, France

Discover Strasbourg on foot with a local expert, wandering through cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses and historic buildings. See the city’s impressive cathedral and explore the characterful Old Town before enjoying the afternoon at your own pace. You can also take advantage of Uniworld’s bicycles or Nordic walking sticks to explore further.

Day 4: Mannheim, Germany

Experience a different side of Germany’s Rhineland-Palatinate region with a choice of locally led excursions. Visit the atmospheric Doktorenhof estate for an unusual tasting of speciality vinegar aperitifs, or discover a former flour mill transformed into a fascinating private collection and beautiful garden. Both experiences offer a more personal look at life in this vineyard-filled region.

Day 5: Rüdesheim & the Rhine Valley

Spend time in Rüdesheim, surrounded by the rolling vineyards of the Rheingau, with the choice of a wine tasting at historic Castle Vollrads or a refreshing vineyard hike. Later, sail through the romantic Upper Middle Rhine Valley, where castles rise above the river and vineyards cover the hillsides. The day also includes a special visit to the remarkable Marksburg Castle.

Day 6: Braubach, Koblenz & Cologne

Continue along the Rhine to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet at the famous German Corner. Choose to discover the city’s Old Town on a guided walk or take a more active approach with a cycle along the Rhine. Afterwards, continue your journey towards Cologne.

Day 7: Cologne, Germany

Spend the day discovering Cologne, one of the Rhine’s most historic cities. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, passing colourful houses, traditional pubs and historic landmarks before reaching the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. Enjoy some free time to explore before returning onboard for the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Day 8: Arnhem, Netherlands

Wake up in Arnhem as your journey along the Rhine comes to an end. After breakfast, disembark the ship and continue with your onward journey. Leave with memories of medieval castles, vineyard-covered landscapes and some of Europe’s most beautiful riverside towns.

Terms and Conditions

INCLUDES: accommodation in a Riverview stateroom, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners, Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions, Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners, unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water, 6 days of excursions (all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts), state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions, Brompton G-Line Bicycles and Nordic Walking sticks available for independent exploration, excursions in 4 countries (France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland), gratuities for onboard personnel, 24-hour room service, laundry, Wi-Fi.

SAVE R12,000 – 8 Days From R46,000 per person sharing