Rhine Strasbourg and Heidelberg Cruise (Plus Hotel Stay)

Buy One, Get One Half Price - quote code: RCBHP. Life on board Olympia

A delightful journey through Germany

Join Olympia on her sailing through the beautiful Middle Rhine, then spend two nights in the magnificent German city of Cologne. See ancient Koblenz and the wine-town of Rudesheim, explore the 'Student Prince' city of Heidelberg and the beautiful Alsace capital of Strasbourg, and enjoy a tour of Roman Speyer before calling in pretty Boppard on your way back to Cologne. There's far more to life on board Olympia than we could possibly fit on one page. Click here to find out more about her facilities and welcoming atmosphere.

Inclusions

Return flights from your local airport to Germany
Return airport-to-Olympia transfers
Seven nights' accommodation in a standard lower cabin (upgrade cabins available)
Two nights' accommodation in Cologne
Full-board arrangements whilst on board, including afternoon tea and evening snacks
On-board English commentary
Luggage porterage
The services of a friendly, professional crew
The services of a Newmarket Cruise Manager
All prices are per person and based on two sharing. Single cabins are available for a supplement.

1

Fly to your chosen airport in Germany, and transfer to Cologne to join Olympia. Settle in and enjoy a first evening on board, as the ship begins her journey upstream.

2

A morning call in the ancient city of Koblenz offers the chance to explore this historic city, set at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. This afternoon, Olympia cruises into the magnificent Middle Rhine, passing the mythical Lorelei en route to Rudesheim. Spend an evening visiting the bars and weinstuben (taverns) along the famous Drosselgasse, the town's bustling main street.

3

See the quirky wonders of Siegfried's Musikkabinett and enjoy a wine tasting on our optional excursion this morning, before rejoining the ship for her onward journey to historic Mainz, hometown of Johannes Gutenberg - the father of the printing press. An optional walking tour here introduces the impressive six-towered cathedral and pretty old town.

4

Early this morning Olympia moors in Mannheim, sitting at the confluence of the Rhine and River Neckar. Join the included excursion to beautiful Heidelberg, the 'Student Prince' city, and explore the twisting streets and lanes of one of Europe's most romantic settings, before re-joining Olympia as she continues her journey upstream.

4

Olympia moors a short distance from Strasbourg today. Head into the heart of this Alsace capital, home of the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, where the narrow streets and medieval buildings of the Petite France quarter create a beguiling maze criss-crossed with canals - best explored on our optional canal cruise.

5

This morning we reach Speyer, once one of the most important cities in the Holy Roman Empire. Join our Tour Manager on an included walking tour, before rejoining the ship for a scenic afternoon's cruise to beautiful Boppard. Occupying a stunning position on the curve of a bend in the river, this 'Pearl of the Danube' is the perfect place for an evening stroll.

6

Enjoy delightful scenery on a leisurely morning cruise, sailing back past Koblenz and Konigswinter, sitting at the foot of the rolling Siebengebirge hills. By early afternoon Olympia will arrive in Cologne, her final destination. Join our optional walking tour this afternoon to see the magnificent Gothic cathedral, then return to the ship for a Farewell Dinner in the company of the Captain and your fellow passengers.

7

Bid farewell to Olympia, and transfer to your hotel in Cologne for a two-night stay.

8

You're free today to enjoy the sights of Cologne. See the soaring twin towers of the Gothic cathedral and stroll the attractive altstadt - its streets crammed with shops, cake-selling 'Konditorei' and bars where you can sample the city's famous 'Koelsch' beer.

10

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Further Information

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Optional shore excursions

Optional excursions are available on all cruises, and we recommend that you book now to secure your place. If the number of bookings needed to operate any excursion is not reached, the excursion may be cancelled. In this case your payment will be refunded in full.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory, but from experience we know that many passengers like to leave gratuities for the crew. An envelope will be left in your cabin for this purpose.

Dress code

The dress code on board and ashore is casual. After 7pm, in the lounge and restaurant, shorts are not permitted, and footwear and a shirt or T-shirt must be worn.

Luggage

Where possible, non-rigid suitcases are easier to store within your cabin.

Pre-paid drinks package

Spend just GBP19.50 per person per night, and enjoy unlimited draught beer, house wine and soft drinks (including water, tea and coffee) between 10am and midnight while on board Olympia. All other drinks are not included. The drinks package must be purchased by every person occupying a particular cabin.

Drinking water

The tap water on board is safe to drink, but may not be to your taste due to the purification system.

Itinerary changes

On rare occasions, the Captain may need to alter the Cruise Itinerary. If this happens, the Cruise Manager will keep passengers informed.

Cabin sizes

The majority of cabins on board are 10.5m square. Single cabins are approximately 7.7m square. (These measurements include the bathroom.) Standard Promenade cabins are 15m square and most have double beds (which do not convert to sofas), but they do not have a table or stool and will by subject to engine noise during overnight and early morning sailing.

Foreign Office travel advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

**This offer applies to new bookings made from 28th June 2018 on selected cruises on board Olympia only. Offer excludes November and December departures Prices shown when booking do not include the discount. The discount amount will be added to your booking once the promo code (RCBHP) has been entered and will be confirmed before purchase. The offer may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.