Relax on the Romantic Rhine

River cruising is becoming  increasingly popular, especially European Rivers and the Meekong. I have done many Nile River Cruises, during my time in Egypt, but never a European River – apart form an overnight in Amsterdam at the River Cruise Convention. Part of the attraction is that the ships are small, and excellent quality, meaning that they can moor right in the centre of the towns and cities along the route, and sailing along a river also means there is always something to look at.

If you are considering river cruising then somewhere like the Rhine would be a good place to start as the flight to Amsterdam to join the cruise is short and a 7 night cruise will take you from Amsterdam to Basel.

There is a really lovely itinerary fro April 2015 called Romantic Rhine, its a seven night/eight day itinerary starting in Amsterdam, where you spend the first night on board the boat and next day sail to Cologne. Travelling down the river the next stop is Rudesheim, stopping at Koblenz and then sailing  through the Rhine Gorge en route. Next day is Heidleburg and then onto Strasbourg before  arriving at Breisach, an excursion to the Black Forest is included here – always make me think of chocolate cake! , and finally  Basel where you disembark and fly home from Zurich.

Excursions are included all along the river with excellent guides to help you make the most of your trip. One of the most interesting towns must be Cologne, famous for 4711 eau de cologne amongst other things! The city spans both side of the Rhine and is the 4th largest city in Germany with more than 1.000.000 inhabitants, one of Germany`s main  media, tourism and business districts, Cologne is also known as one of the most liberal cities in Germany with a  wonderful Gothic Cathedral. In summer the locals like to relax and take in the famous Rhine panorama whilst sipping cockails. Shopping is a must too. The Fraina House, opposite the Town Hall, is the worlds oldest perfume factory and the birth place not only of Eau de Cologne, but more modern fragrances too .

This sounds to me like a perfect introduction to river cruising and it doesn`t sound cheap either – but you may be surprised.

The Avalon Felicity is one of the newest of Avalon Waterways river cruise vessels. She holds around 140 passengers in 4 suites and 65 staterooms  which are large and beautifully appointed, and among the largest of any European River cruise ship. The sun deck has Jacuzzi and loads of room to sit and watch the world float by.  

Rhine Gorge

Included in the price are:

The Cruise

Flights and Transfers – regional flights are also available.

All Taxes

Door to door transfers in the UK

Wine with dinner

Fully Escorted Guided Tours

Gratuities.

Strasbourg

Sounds good ? Well we have a special offer on this cruise departing 5th April 2015 with prices starting at £  1329pp for a deluxe window stateroom – but you need to be quick as this will be snapped up in a flash !