Winter Highlights along the Rhine
Embark on a picturesque journey along the Main and Rhine rivers, taking you through some of the most beautiful towns and landscapes in Germany and France. Your adventure begins in Frankfurt, a vibrant metropolis where modern skyscrapers meet historic landmarks like the Römer square. Stroll through the charming old town, enjoy views over the Main River, and experience the city’s unique blend of tradition and innovation.
What’s Included:
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin with 10kg check-in bag per person
- All Airport taxes, charges, and transfers
- 4 nights onboard the 5* Viva Tiara based on two sharing
- Full board with breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner (multi-course gourmet menus, served at the table) and snacks with free choice of table and flexible meal times.
- Complimentary drinks All day high quality hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages and a selection of alcoholic beverages
- High Tea: once per trip a selection of sweet and savory treats such as scones, sandwiches, cupcakes, chocolates and macarons. A variety of teas are offered to match
- Daily freshly stocked minibar and reusable water bottle in the cabin
- A welcome champagne
- Selected beauty products from RITUALS in cabin
- Complimentary onboard WIFI
- Gratuities
The journey continues through idyllic wine regions, with rolling hills and well-tended vineyards, until you reach the historic city of Speyer. The majestic Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to over 1,000 years of European history and invites you to explore its sacred halls.
In Strasbourg, the cultural heart of Alsace, be enchanted by romantic half-timbered houses, the ornate Gothic cathedral, and the narrow canals of Petite France, which create a fairy-tale atmosphere. Here, German and French cultures intertwine in a truly special way.
On your return, stop in Mainz, a city rich in Roman heritage, home to the renowned Gutenberg Museum, and famous for its vibrant wine culture. Enjoy a glass of Riesling in the evening before returning to Frankfurt, where your memorable journey comes to a graceful close.
A journey that touches the soul, celebrating the timeless beauty of two of Europe’s greatest rivers, filled with history, indulgence, and scenic wonder.
Holiday Highlights
Agent
Booking Remarks
Optional insurance (conditions apply)A non-refundable, non-transferable booking deposit of 15% is required. Full payment if departure within 16 weeks.
Single supplement applies
Holidays & offers are subject to availability at the time of booking
These prices are guidelines only and are subject to change and availability. Pricing will be confirmed at time of booking.
Ref VIVA
Itinerary
Frankfurt, Germany
On arrival in Frankfurt airport transfer to the port for boarding your river cruise ship.
Speyer, Germany
Compact, picturesque and beautifully well-preserved, stunning Speyer always makes for a rewarding stop while cruising along the beautiful River Rhine. Easily explored on foot, the city is perfect for a few hours of relaxing sightseeing in the sunshine. Having survived the Second World War largely unscathed and unspoilt – something which can’t be said about many settlements strategically situated on the banks of Germany’s waterways – Speyer is a ‘living museum’ of magnificent monuments and landmarks exhibiting several centuries of incredible history.
The main attractions include the soaring neo-gothic Memorial Church – the tallest structure in the entire Rhineland-Palatinate – which was built between 1893 and 1904 to commemorate the city’s imperial protests in the 16th century; the Old City Gate and the ‘normal foot’, remnants of Speyer’s fortifications from the Middle Ages; and reminders of the city’s remarkable Jewish heritage, such as the ruins of the medieval synagogue and the 12th century Jewish ritual bath. The late Baroque architecture of the stately City Hall is worth a look too.
Off all the city’s impressive sights, the UNESCO-listed cathedral is without doubt the crowning glory. This mighty architectural wonder has loomed large over Speyer for nearly 1000 years, having been founded by Konrad II in the 1020s, extended by Henry IV in the 1080s and extensively rebuilt in the 18th century after the Palatine War. Today it stands proud as the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe.
Strasbourg, France
Part beautifully preserved medieval gem, part unofficial capital of Europe and one of the most important modern cities on the continent; Strasbourg – the glorious capital of France’s beautiful Alsace region – is as cosmopolitan and captivating as they come. The city’s cultural centre is particularly appealing, with its eye-catching old and glittering European quarters boasting an array of diverse architectural treasures.
At the very heart of Strasbourg’s cultural centre is Grande Île. This section of the city is the most popular tourist spot here and for good reason too; it was the first city centre to be listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in recognition of its magnificent medieval architecture and displays of Franco-German culture. No time spent in Strasbourg is complete without exploring Grande Île to the full. Here you can marvel at the mesmerising 15th century gothic cathedral, the world’s fourth largest church; visit the ancient churches of St Thomas, St Pierre-le-Vieux, St Pierre-le-Jeune, and St Étienne; take in the rows of charming half-timbered houses and medieval fortifications within ‘Petite France’; and stop-by Palais Rohan, the former residence of the prince-bishops.
The contrasting sights of the thriving European quarter are well worth a look too. This energetic district, situated in the north section of the city centre, is home to many of the continent’s most important and iconic buildings including the impressive European Court of Human Rights and the European Parliament building.
Elsewhere in the city you’ll discover fine examples of art nouveau architecture, such as Palais des Fêtes; and contemporary architectural delights such as the Musée d’Art moderne et contemporain and Hôtel du Département. Don’t miss the eclecticist designs of the Neustadt (German Quarter) too. Strasbourg is also home to a collection of fantastic museums and galleries, as well as several beautiful parks such as Parc de l’Orangerie, Parc de la Citadelle – built around the remains of a 17th century fortress near the Rhine – and the Jardin botanique de l’Université de Strasbourg.
Mainz, Germany
Frankfurt, Germany
Today you disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.