9 nights
onboard
German City Explorer
Set off on an all-inclusive 9-night river cruise aboard Spirit of the Moselle visiting a succession of cultural cities along the banks of the Rhine and Main in Germany.
Spend an afternoon in the city of Bonn, where an included coach tour will reveal sights such as the Romanesque Minster Cathedral and the University of Bonn, before you alight to explore further on foot with a local guide.
Next, cruise to Cologne to spend a full day exploring the city independently. Cologne’s main attraction is the twin-spired Gothic cathedral which dominates the skyline. Sail overnight to Koblenz, a historic city overlooked by the vast Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, then sail overnight to Frankfurt. Enjoy an included coach tour of the city before getting up close on foot. In the central square, Römerberg, you can see the medieval Römer complex with their distinctive stepped gables.
After a full day in Frankfurt, you spend a day cruising the Main towards Würzburg. Here, join an included guided walking tour of the Residence Palace, followed by a walking tour through the historic city centre of Würzburg.
Continuing along the Main River, Spirit of the Moselle will negotiate a number of locks, which enable vessels to navigate the differences in height along the river. Enjoy an afternoon in Miltenberg, where the old town, enclosed within ancient walls and gates, is home to picturesque cobblestone streets of half-timbered houses and old wine taverns.
Finally, sail overnight to Mainz, with its medieval market squares and Romanesque sandstone cathedral.
Leaving from:
Mainz
Cruise ship:
Spirit of the Moselle
Visiting:
Mainz •
Mainz •
Bonn •
Cologne •
From
Price shown provided by:
Saga Cruises
Saga’s ships have redefined British boutique cruising with their contemporary and stylish aesthetic, and impressive feat of engineering.
More akin to boutique hotels than cruise ships, vessels offer an intimate, relaxed and luxurious style of cruising that will no doubt appeal to its mature clientele - who value sumptuous public spaces, exquisitely appointed cabins and excellent cuisine over cutting-edge, high-tech facilities.
Cruise Itinerary
Days 1 - 2
Mainz, Germany
Day 2
Bonn, Germany
Days 2 - 3
Cologne, Germany
Day 4
Koblenz, Germany
Day 5
Frankfurt, Germany
Day 7
Würzburg, Germany
Day 8
Miltenberg, Germany
Days 9 - 10
Mainz, Germany
Days 1 - 2
Mainz, Germany
Day 2
Bonn, Germany
Days 2 - 3
Cologne, Germany
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.
Day 4
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.
Day 5
Frankfurt, Germany
Day 7
Würzburg, Germany
Würzburg is a city in Bavaria in southern Germany. It is located on the River Main and is famous for its lavish baroque architecture and Franconian wine. The Residence Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is highly recommended. It is a well known example of Baroque architecture with its acclaimed staircase, impressive frescos and imperial hall. Other impressive sites in Würzburg include the towering fortress of Festung Marienberg, the Alt Mainbrücke old bridge, which offers ideal views of the Marienberg, Dom St. Kilian cathedral and the many churches of Würzburg including the Romanesque Neumünster. Many of these sites have their own museums for visitors to learn of the history or view unique collections. Other museums of interest are the Mineralogical Museum, exhibiting the world of minerals and stones, and the Botanical Gardens, with various greenhouses and outdoor areas to enjoy. Wine lovers will find an abundance of wineries in Würzburg, offering cellar tours and wine tasting as well as traditional Bavarian cuisines and hospitality. Enjoy wine soup, Gerupfter (cheese spread) and Sauerbraten (braised beef in wine) in a friendly traditional wine tavern.
Day 8
Miltenberg, Germany
Miltenberg is a city located in Bavaria and Southern part of Germany. Located on the banks of the river Maine the city grew from its medieval roots through Viniculture, wine trade, fishery, and general river traffic, into the established and preserved town of today. Visit the Museum Stadt Miltenberg, housed in the half timbered house called the Alte Amtskellerei (The Provost’s Office) and discover the town’s history through collections depicting culture back to the Romans. A visit to castle Miltenberg is also recommended. The castle dates back to the 11th century and is now owned by the city administration. With the castle in need of rehabilitation, the Museum Burg Miltenberg was opened to exhibit classic icons and contemporary art in a historical and significant setting. The keep of the castle, which reaches twenty seven metres high, offers picturesque views of the Main Valley below and is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy some refreshments.
Days 9 - 10
Mainz, Germany
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