New Years Eve River Cruise on the Rhine Germany France Switzerland

Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Cathedral City on the Rhine.

The morning is at leisure. We suggest visiting the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral. In the afternoon, board your ship (check-in starts at 4 pm) and enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner (included). (B,D)

Arrive in Ruedesheim in the morning and take a tour (optional) of this charming old wine town. This walking tour includes a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum. Return to the ship for lunch and continue towards Mainz. You will reach Mainz in the afternoon. Discover the town's traditions, history, and lifestyle on a city walk. This optional tour naturally includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, which commemorates 400 years of history of printing. The ship casts off from Mainz in the early evening. (B,L,D)

At noon, your ship will reach Strasbourg, the ancient capital of Alsace and one of Europe's most attractive cities. During a city tour (optional) you will see the outside of the European Parliament building, have a guided tour of the inside of the city's vast and famous cathedral, and visit the city's Christmas Market. (B,L,D)

In the morning, the ship arrives in Basel, which can then be explored on a guided city tour (optional). Basel's old quarter is one of the best-preserved and most beautiful in Europe. Few other cities have buildings dating back to the 15th century that contrast so well with, yet complement fine modern buildings by internationally renowned architects. The Rhine separates the old quarter into Grossbasel and Kleinbasel, both of which have their individual charms. The highlight of this evening is the New Year's Eve Party "Dance into the New Year" aboard the vessel (included). (B,L,D)

This morning's breakfast offers some anti-hangover remedies for anyone who may have seen the New Year in with a little too much enthusiasm. Enjoy a relaxing day on board. The ship departs Basel in the morning towards Speyer. (B,L,D)

This morning, wake up in Speyer, one of the German Roman Empire's most important settlements, where you can take a guided walk (optional) which includes, among other sights, Speyer's famous cathedral. In the afternoon, arrive in Mannheim. You may consider taking an optional excursion to Heidelberg, home to Germany's oldest university, which was founded in 1386. In the evening, the vessel heads downstream towards Oberwesel. (B,L,D)

Early in the morning, the ship docks in Oberwesel, a charming and historic town through which you can take a walking tour (optional). Then, sail through the romantic Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing the legendary Lorelei Rock. You will arrive in Koblenz, located at the famous Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers converge, in the afternoon. Vineyards, forests, and four mountain ranges form the backdrop to the city, whose 2,000-year history has given rise to beautiful churches and castles, palatial residences, and grand town houses. Much of this charming city can be seen in the course of the afternoon city walk (optional). Enjoy the Captain‘s Gala Dinner in the evening. (B,L,D)

Disembark after breakfast. The remainder of the day is free. We suggest visiting the Museum Ludwig, housing one of the most important collections of modern art in Europe, or the Cologne City Hall, the oldest city hall in Germany still in use. (B)

Make your own way to the Cologne airport for your return flight home. (B)