Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets River Cruise - MS Charles Dickens

4 nights from £419pp departing Wednesday 16th Dec 2020

Discover the magical ambience of Germany's traditional Christmas markets with their host of unique, inspired gift ideas, plus the stunning Rhineland in its wintry splendour. Cruise through the world famous and dramatic Rhine Gorge before arriving in the renowned wine town of Rüdesheim. Spend the afternoon wandering the Christmas markets of this charming spot. Explore Koblenz, dramatically situated at the confluence of the Rhine & Moselle Rivers, on a guided tour with free time to browse its lovely Christmas market. Discover Bonn on a guided tour of Germany’s historic former capital...

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	16th16	DecDec	202020	Cologne, Germany, embark on the MS Charles Dickens
Cologne is a city in western Germany located across the Rhine river. It is the oldest in Germany, dating back 2000 years and is considered the region’s cultural hub. The city is known for its iconic landmark of the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral set against the reconstructed Old Town buildings. When in Old Town, visit the historic Old Town Hall and the Roman Church Great St Martin, or take time out and sit at one of the traditional breweries and enjoy the scenery around you. Historical sites such as the Roman Dionysus mosaic and the medieval Overstolzenhaus are worth a visit too. Another iconic sight in Cologne is at Hohenzollern Bridge. Here, local and tourist couples affix padlocks to the railings of the bridge and swear their loyalty to each other, they then throw the key into the Rhein to ensure everlasting love. Cologne is home to over 30 stages providing cabaret, free ensembles, theatre and dance and also celebrates its openly gay culture. Arrive at the airport for your flight to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar to Brussels from London St Pancras International. On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship moored in historic Cologne, whose skyline is dominated by the spires of its magnificent cathedral. The dedicated English-speaking crew welcomes you on board and helps you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this splendid ship.
	17th17	DecDec	202020	Rüdesheim, Germany
To really get in the Christmas mood, nothing beats waking up on board to find you’re already cruising through an entrancing winter wonderland. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and relax on board while a kaleidoscope of riverside views drifts by in all their seasonal glory. Wrap up warm and take to the deck for an invigorating breath of frosty air as we pass through the outstandingly beautiful Rhine Gorge, where the river flows a little faster, the vineyard-covered valley sides are steeper and ruined castles sit atop rocky crags. Tales of mysterious happenings here have been passed down over the generations, most famously of all the legend of the Lorelei – the maiden said to have enticed sailors onto the rocks with her irresistible songs. The festive period is a magical time to visit this picturesque part of Germany, and no country does it better. The historic Yuletide markets here are the ideal places to soak up the spellbinding atmosphere while seeking out unusual presents for friends and family back home. After lunch on board we arrive in Rüdesheim for a guided tour. The quirky, crooked houses and tiny streets provide the perfrect chocolate-box setting for its Christmas market. As you wander the myriad stalls, glistening in the glow of hundreds of fairy lights, stop perhaps for a slice of gingerbread or a warming Rüdesheim coffee with its fortifying shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas shop: open year-round, it’s a treasure trove of all things seasonal, from tree decorations and music boxes to wooden nutcrackers and handcrafted figurines. As the evening light fades, amble back on board to enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the ship’s excellent restaurant.
	18th18	DecDec	202020	Koblenz, Germany
Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago. During breakfast the ship effortlessly glides out of port as we commence a spectacular morning’s cruising. One of the cruise highlights will be our return passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge so have your camera at the ready to capture some of the most stunning river views, as the captain skilfully navigates our passage between the narrow valley sides that tower above. As we arrive in the historic city of Koblenz, dramatically located at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Moselle, take in the views over another delicious lunch in the ship’s restaurant. Koblenz is a romantic’s dream; forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, whilst the lower slopes are strewn with the pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland. Enjoy a guided tour, seeing the principal monuments, discovering ancient squares, admiring beautifully restored historic house frontages and quaint hidden passageways. Located in the atmospheric old town, Koblenz’s Christmas market is one of the largest in the Rhineland. As you browse its enticing stalls, the aroma of hot chestnuts and mouth-watering sausages fills the air; don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas bakery, making the famous Stollen – the delicious bread made with candied and dried fruit, nuts and marzipan, traditionally eaten at this time of year. As the fairy lights glow brighter in the cool evening air, it’s time to head back to the inviting warmth of the ship’s lounge for an aperitif before the Captain’s Dinner is served, as we sail on to historic Bonn, arriving later this evening.
	19th19	DecDec	202020	Bonn, Germany
Rising refreshed, after breakfast there’s the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating city, which served as the capital of the West German state from 1949-1990, until the reunification of Germany which restored Berlin as the country’s capital. Whilst it lost the battle to retain the parliament, Bonn still holds the status of a secondary governmental seat, so many government ministries and public bodies still have their headquarters here. But behind its official facade lies a historic and fascinating city and this morning you will enjoy a guided tour of the main sights around the old town, centred around its two spacious squares. See the city’s most prominent landmark, the soaring spire of the huge Romanesque minster, one of the oldest churches in the country and the attractive pastel pink Rococo old town hall, with its gleaming silver and gold trim, from where an endless list of politicians throughout the decades have appeared on its sweeping staircase. Bonn is also famous for being the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, and the house where he was born is one of the few old buildings in the city not to have been damaged during the war. Together with the house next door, it now houses a museum dedicated to one of the greatest composers of all time. You’ll have some free time to wander the seasonal market, centred around the old town; the old town hall’s windows are transformed into a giant Advent calendar and an imposing Christmas tree takes centre stage. Classical music floats on the air, along with the delicious smells of gingerbread and baked apples – simply magical. No visit would be complete without sampling a glass of warming Glühwein, or mulled wine. This delicious concoction is usually made with red wine heated with citrus zest and spices such as cloves and cinnamon. Sometimes it’s drunk mit Schuss, meaning a shot of rum or brandy has been added for extra punch! Back on board for lunch, we make our return to Cologne as the ever-changing river scenery drifts silently by. As the towering spires of Cologne’s cathedral come into view on the wintry skyline, we moor in the shadow of this ancient monument once again. Christmas creates a special atmosphere here and you have free time to immerse yourself in the city’s seven Yuletide markets, each with its own unique theme. Every year a huge number of visitors are drawn to the more than 160 tastefully decorated festive stalls of the Cathedral Christmas market, impressively set against the spectacular backdrop of the imposing cathedral, where the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland, illuminated with 50,000 LED lights, is a magnificent glittering sight to behold. There’s also plenty of live entertainment to enjoy. After browsing the market and its Aladdin’s cave of festive gifts and foods, return to the ship to enjoy a final delicious dinner this evening.
	20th20	DecDec	202020	Bonn, Germany, disembark the MS Charles Dickens
Transfer to the airport for your return flight or to Brussels to connect with the Eurostar service to London St Pancras International.

MS Charles Dickens

Launch Year

2015

Capacity

142

Cabins

Accessible

Upper Deck

Middle Deck

Lower Deck

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Deluxe Suite

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
DL	Oliver Twist Deck (upper) Deluxe Balcony Suite	£1,119	£1,199

Why not treat yourself to an upgrade? On the Upper Deck there are four unique deluxe suites, featuring sliding glass doors leading to an outside balcony with table and chairs. With almost all the extra space being devoted to the living area, these suites represent exceptional comfort and luxury - taking your cruise to another level.

Standard Cabin (Lower Deck)

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
LW	Nickleby Deck (lower)	£419	£499

Furnished and appointed to the same high standards as the cabins on higher decks, these cabins are slightly smaller at 14 square metres (151 square feet), have one armchair and table and smaller fixed windows, hotel-style beds twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly, wardrobe, desk, safe, telephone, hairdryer, tea and coffee-making facilities, individually controlled air-conditioning and flat screen TV plus beautifully appointed bathroom with complimentary bathrobes and slippers. Cabins for sole occupancy are available on this deck at no supplement (subject to availability).

Standard Cabin (Upper & Middle Deck)

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
MD	Copperfield Deck (middle)	£619	£699

The cabins are very tastefully appointed, featuring a wealth of mahogany, leather, marble and Italian soft furnishings, which blend together to create an ambience of true quality and elegance. In keeping with this theme, spacious marble bathrooms have a washbasin with plenty of space for cosmetics, a WC and a glazed shower with fittings by ‘Grohe’. Cabins on the upper and middle decks have “French Balconies” with full floor to ceiling glazed doors. These have another unique innovative feature – a first on any river cruise ship.

The doors slide completely away against the ships side, effectively disappearing from view (excepting the safety barrier of course!), thus creating a true panoramic extension to your already large cabin area. From here you can enjoy the delights of fresh air and magnificent views whilst retaining your own privacy. At 15 square metres, the cabins are spacious (amongst the largest on European rivers) and well appointed with hotel standard beds (not bunks or berths), safe, telephone, hair dryer, tea and coffee making facilities plus individually controlled air-conditioning.

They have flat screen TV with satellite channels and also receive images from a bow-mounted camera, so you can see exactly where you are cruising from the comfort of your own bed! Two chairs and a small table are provided for your convenience plus an umbrella for those hopefully rare, showery days. Tasteful lighting, subtly changing in harmony with the time of day is again a unique feature, whilst high quality bathrobes and slippers add the final elegant touch.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Main Restaurant

Here the ships’ outstanding chefs will amaze you with superb fine dining of the highest order, using freshly prepared seasonal produce to create very best of European cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast buffet, with omelettes and fresh eggs prepared to order, guarantees a great start to the day and a lunchtime buffet ensures you can eat a full meal or something as simple as a fresh crunchy salad – just as you desire. Each evening’s dinner features excellently executed dishes with silver service, plus a relaxed atmosphere and our ‘open seating’ policy that ensures your dining experience is one you will always look forward to.

Wonderfully illustrating the extraordinary attention to detail focussed on the ships’ design is the use of special ‘sound absorbent’ paint on the restaurant ceiling to reduce noise levels whilst dining– remarkable! Another outstanding restaurant feature are the large tinted panoramic windows, so as you enjoy your epicurean adventure you will also be able to enjoy the scenery as it glides past – you miss nothing

Stern Bar

The Stern Bar is fitted with large tinted windows and outside seating arrangements. This provides an intimate dining experience for only 22 diners with a fixed menu from the chef's favourite signature dishes- guests will have booked in advance at no extra charge.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

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Holiday Summary

	Return flights including luggage allowance
	Overseas Transfers
	4 nights cruising on the Rhine
	Fascinating daily tours & excursions with expert guides
	Exceptional dining from breakfast to midnight snacks
	Complimentary Wi-Fi
	Complimentary tea, coffee on-board
	Return overseas airport transfers
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

Oceanview staterooms from		£499pp
LW	Nickleby Deck (lower)	£499pp
MD	Copperfield Deck (middle)	£699pp
UP	Oliver Twist Deck (upper)	£799pp

Suite staterooms from		£1,199pp
DL	Oliver Twist Deck (upper) Deluxe Balcony Suite	£1,199pp

Oceanview staterooms from		£499pp
LW	Nickleby Deck (lower)	£499pp
MD	Copperfield Deck (middle)	£699pp
UP	Oliver Twist Deck (upper)	£799pp

Suite staterooms from		£1,199pp
DL	Oliver Twist Deck (upper) Deluxe Balcony Suite	£1,199pp

Oceanview staterooms from		£489pp
LW	Nickleby Deck (lower)	£489pp
MD	Copperfield Deck (middle)	£689pp
UP	Oliver Twist Deck (upper)	£789pp

Suite staterooms from		£1,189pp
DL	Oliver Twist Deck (upper) Deluxe Balcony Suite	£1,189pp

Oceanview staterooms from		£489pp
LW	Nickleby Deck (lower)	£489pp
MD	Copperfield Deck (middle)	£689pp
UP	Oliver Twist Deck (upper)	£789pp

Suite staterooms from		£1,189pp
DL	Oliver Twist Deck (upper) Deluxe Balcony Suite	£1,189pp

Oceanview staterooms from		£489pp
LW	Nickleby Deck (lower)	£489pp
MD	Copperfield Deck (middle)	£689pp
UP	Oliver Twist Deck (upper)	£789pp

Suite staterooms from		£1,189pp
DL	Oliver Twist Deck (upper) Deluxe Balcony Suite	£1,189pp