Explore Germany, France and Switzerland, using the comfort of the 4-star MS Arena as your base. Discover ancient old towns, Gothic cathedrals and captivating museums as you go. You’ll get to see some of the Rhineland’s most spectacular sights, from the Rhine Valley to the sheer cliff faces of the mythical Rhine Gorge.
Day 1: Coach from your local area to our hotel in Kent not far from Eurotunnel. (Check website or call for details of pick-up points)
Alternatively, you can self-drive to the hotel (check-in from 2pm onwards) and enjoy complimentary parking for the duration of your holiday. Dinner included this evening.
Day 2: UK – Cologne
We cross the Channel and head to Germany and Cologne, where we get on board the MS Arena. This evening we enjoy a relaxing dinner onboard as we sail overnight towards Rüdesheim.
Day 3: Rüdesheim
Relax on board as we cruise along the Rhine through the Rhine Gorge and past the legendary Lorelai. This afternoon we arrive at the quaint wine town of Rüdesheim, where you can explore at your own pace – stroll along the pleasant Droselgasse at the heart of the old town, visit the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments or simply sit down at one of the pleasant cafes or bars and watch the world go by. This evening we set sail for Speyer.
Day 4: Speyer – Strasbourg
This morning we arrive in the charming town of Speyer. Easily explored on foot, Speyer has a magnificent Romanesque Cathedral, as well as an abundance of museums and the remains of a medieval synagogue. Lunch is served onboard before we sail overnight to Strasbourg.
Day 5: Strasbourg – Basel
This morning sees us visit the magnificent French city of Strasbourg, well known for its world heritage status. Enjoy some free time to explore the main sights or take a walk around the old city – we include an excursion cruising along Strasbourg’s waterways. We return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing to Basel in Switzerland.
Day 6: Basel – Lucerne – Breisach
We arrive this morning into the old university city of Basel. Here you can join an included full day excursion by coach (with packed lunch) to the Swiss resort of Lucerne. This scenic journey follows a route that tunnels through the Jura Mountains, before arriving at Lucerne - the historic and scenic heart of Switzerland. Here you can visit the beautiful Chapel Bridge with its prominent water tower, one of the most photographed landmarks in Switzerland. Tonight we sail overnight to Breisach.
Day 7: Breisach – Mannheim
This morning we call at the pretty German town of Breisach, where the Black Forest meets the Alsace. From the cobbled streets lined with pastel-painted houses you’d never guess that 85% of the town was flattened in the Second World War, so successful has been the reconstruction. This afternoon we set sail for Mannheim.
Day 8: Mannheim – Heidelberg – Mainz
We cruise to the river port of Mannheim, where you can join an included excursion to the majestic city of Heidelberg, home of Germany’s oldest university. We return to our ship for lunch onboard as we cruise to Mainz, arriving later this afternoon. Mainz is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Main rivers, and has been the capital of the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate since 1946. Explore by yourself, taking in the university, the pretty pedestrian precincts and the Romanesque cathedral. This evening, enjoy your final night onboard as we set sail for Cologne.
Day 9: Cologne – UK
This morning we bid farewell to our captain and crew and set off on the return journey to the UK.
Price pp includes: 1 night half board basis in the UK, 7 nights full board river cruise, coach transfers, Channel crossings and included excursions.
MS Arena
The stylish 4-star MS Arena has all the ingredients of an unforgettable river cruise: comfort, style and unfaltering attention to detail.
Step aboard and feel right at home from the minute you settle into your cabin and set sail. Let the captain and crew take care of your every need while you relax and unwind in comfort as you glide along the river.
On board
Take advantage of the wellness and fitness suite, treat yourself to a drink or two with new friends in the Ambassador’s Lounge or soak up the ambience and spectacular sights from the comfort of the elevated sun deck. Wherever you choose to spend your time on board, you’ll be in great hands with the attentive crew and cruise managers who are on hand to give you the perfect river cruise experience.
Port visits are the highlights of anybody’s cruise, but the crew onboard MS Arena want to make sure your time on the ship is just as special. It has everything you could possibly need to enjoy an unforgettable cruising experience, with panoramic windows throughout the ship’s Main and Upper Decks to make sure you don’t miss any of the stunning river scenery.
When you’re not at port, the fitness suite, library or sun deck are just a few of the places where you can spend time indulging in the things you love. There’s also an onboard shop for stocking up on souvenirs and essentials, and for your convenience there is complimentary WiFi onboard.
Cabins
There are three cabin categories to choose from – Main Deck, Main Deck Superior and Upper Deck Superior. Main Deck cabins have twin beds – one is fixed, while the other is a fold-down bed. Main Deck Superior and Upper Deck Superior cabins feature fixed hotel-style twin beds.
All of the cabins feature outward-facing floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows with French balconies, allowing you to take in wonderful views of the river and surroundings from the comfort of your own cabin. All cabins also have en-suite bathrooms with a shower and toilet. There’s plenty of space and storage for your belongings, while air conditioning, TV, telephone, hairdryer and a safe all come as standard.
Dining
Dine on delicious freshly-made dishes in the Panorama Restaurant, then head up for a drink at the Ambassador’s Lounge Bar. Breakfast is buffet-style, with plenty of choice, while lunches and dinners are either a set menu with waiter service, or a buffet with a fine selection of hot dishes. There’s plenty of tea and coffee included, too.
Entertainment
There is a daily programme of entertainment during your cruise, and there is something to suit all tastes. The MS Arena has an onboard musical entertainer, and the ship’s crew also host quizzes, bingo and sing-alongs of an evening. For those feeling more energetic, there’s a dance floor too.
Dress code
We want you to be comfortable throughout your river cruise, so are happy for you to dress informally for the duration of the trip. The only dress code guests are asked to follow is for no denim or shorts to be worn in the ship’s restaurant in the evenings. And on one night of the cruise there will be a captain’s party night, for which some people do like to dress smartly.
Points to note:
1) All passengers are required to have travel insurance cover for this holiday. Ours has no upper age limit. Full details of the cover we offer can be seen on our website, or feel free to arrange cover independently.
2) Some European destinations impose a modest tourist tax to be paid directly to the hotel by the guest.
3) Overnight hotels on the outward and return journeys are often motel-style (they might be a lower star rating than the main holiday hotel) and may not have a lift.
4) We reserve the right to use the ferry in place of the Eurotunnel for Channel crossings due to circumstances beyond our control.
5) Running order of days out may change due to the availability of attractions.
6) Please be aware holidays that include walking & guided tours may often involve uneven ground (cobbled streets, etc) and steps, and therefore are not suitable for persons with mobility issues.
7) Terms and Conditions apply – available on request or see website.