| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 6th06 | SepSep | 202626 | Koblenz, Germany, embark on the MS Riviera Resplendence | | |
| 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. Lucerne & Stanserhorn - Our first stop today is Stanserhorn - one of the mountains near Lucerne - where we’ll take the cabrio cable car high up to the peak. This naturally beautiful area is almost 1,900m above sea level, so you’ll be able to enjoy fresh mountain air while you take in the amazing views of the Swiss Alps. Not content with treating just your sight, you’ll also be indulging your tastebuds with a visit to the revolving restaurant that sits atop the mountain. Specialising in Swiss food, you’ll get the chance to sample a local favourite - Älplermagronen, the Swiss Alpine version of macaroni and cheese. This delicious mix of pasta, potatoes, cream, cheese and onions is a true comfort food! After a mountain-top feast, you’ll make your way back down the mountain and make the short journey by coach to Lucerne. Spectacularly nestled in the mountains, providing epic landscapes, it is by far Switzerland’s most beautiful city and has been attracting well-heeled visitors for two centuries, one of the most famous of which being our own Queen Victoria. We’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the city – including where to get the best local pastries – and, after that, you’re free to explore at leisure. We recommend taking an invigorating stroll along the Chapel Bridge: this symbol of the city is a unique covered wooden walkway crossing the lake, supported by stilts, lined with colourful flower-filled window boxes. It’s a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s rather regal atmosphere. Arriving back to our ship, you’ll have time to refresh before another splendid dinner in the excellent restaurant. |
| 7th07 | SepSep | 202626 | Cruising | | |
| 8th08 | SepSep | 202626 | Speyer, Germany | | |
| Speyer is a town located in southwest Germany situated beside the river Rhine. Originally founded by the Romans, it is one of the oldest settlements in Germany and is situated in the popular wine growing region of the Palatinate. A key attraction of Speyer is the Historical Museum of the Palatinate, which is one of the most celebrated culture-history museums in Germany. It features five permanent collections including Prehistory, Roman Times, Cathedral Treasury, Modern Era and Wine Museum. Not far from the museum, visitors will find the Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is considered the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe. Originally constructed by Konrad II, this magnificent and looming building was intended to demonstrate the Lord’s religio-political claim to power against the papacy. Speyer has been producing wine since its Roman beginnings and wine tasting, festivals and events are popular all year round. The town is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling as well as guided walking tours of the town. Strasbourg - This morning, we have crossed over into France to arrive in Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. After breakfast we’ll take a walking tour of this picturesque 16th-century old town – a maze of narrow streets and canals lined with timber-framed houses and sculptured portals. Unforgettable sights include the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, multi-towered Ponts Couverts – covered bridges – and the pretty Petite France quarter of pastel-coloured former artisans’ houses which line the canals. As we wander Strasbourg, we will also have a chance to enjoy a traditional Alsace treat or two – local delicacies include tarte flambee, Munster cheese and kugelhopf (sweet bun). Enjoy a bite as you explore, and maybe even pick up a treat to enjoy in your cabin this afternoon as we cruise! During lunch, our elegant vessel glides away from our mooring as we commence an afternoon’s scenic cruising. Head up to the sun deck and take in the views from a sun lounger or retire to the shady comfort of the lounge to chat over a coffee with newly made friends. As evening falls, thoughts turn to what might be on the menu tonight, so head to the relaxed ambience of the ship’s restaurant as the chef presents another delicious meal inspired by traditional Alsace cuisine to round out the day perfectly. We’ll arrive at Speyer this evening, where we’ll be moored overnight. |
| 9th09 | SepSep | 202626 | Strasbourg, France | | |
| Speyer - We remain moored in Speyer this morning but will be venturing out to a nearby vinegar manufacturer. Here, we’ll be able to enjoy a tour of the cellars, learning about the history of vinegar – in particular its use as Posca, an ‘energy drink’ drunk by Roman legionaries. Wandering the herbal chamber and candle-lit cellar rooms, you’ll be reminded of the winemaking processes as you view the centuries-old barrels where the vinegar is fermented. The tour finishes, of course, with a vinegar tasting. See if you can spot the differences! If learning about artisanal vinegar doesn’t tickle your fancy, you have the choice instead to spend the morning exploring Speyer, where you’ll find many historic sites including the imposing Imperial Cathedral and the neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche. Returning on board for lunch, we commence our cruise once again, so sit back and watch the idyllic scenery slipping past through the panoramic windows: rolling hills and fertile vineyards - home to the Liebfraumilch wines of the region - and oxbow lakes, which are long deserted by the river flow and now havens for bird and wildlife. Back on board this evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the Captain’s Dinner, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. During dinner our vessel arrives in the classic Rhine wine village of Rüdesheim, so you might fancy wandering ashore to enjoy a digestif – perhaps a glass of Asbach, the famous brandy distilled locally. Returning on board for lunch, we commence our cruise once again, so sit back and watch the idyllic scenery slipping past through the panoramic windows: rolling hills and fertile vineyards - home to the Liebfraumilch wines of the region - and oxbow lakes, which are long deserted by the river flow and now havens for bird and wildlife. This evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. During dinner our vessel arrives in the classic Rhine wine village of Rüdesheim, so you might fancy wandering ashore to enjoy a digestif – perhaps a glass of Asbach, the famous brandy distilled locally. |
| 10th10 | SepSep | 202626 | Cruising | | |
| 11th11 | SepSep | 202626 | Cruising | | |
