CroisiEurope - Rhine in Flames

Without doubt one of the most beautiful regions in West Germany. Delightful villages perched at the waters edge, graced by half timbered houses, small quaint narrow streets, lively taverns and friendly beer kellars. Above the villages sit mighty legendary castles each with their only fairy tale of bygone years, amidst row upon row of lush green sloping vineyard.

Every year, villages and towns along the Rhine Valley are illuminated by a series of spectacular ‘Rhine in Flames’ festivals. Throughout the summer, the Rhine lights up as Europe’s biggest parade of illuminated ships sail along its waters. The river valley basks in the glow of thousands of red Bengal lights and a kaleidoscope of colours fill the night’s sky as the spectacular hilltop firework displays welcome the flotilla.

Your Holiday Includes:

Channel Crossing

1 Night Outbound - France

4 Nights - CroisiEurope Gerard Schmitter

1 Night Inbound - France

Full Breakfast - 6 Mornings

Lunch - 3 Days

Dinner - 6 Evenings

Premium All Inclusive - Drinks Package

Included Highlights:

Strasbourg - Canal Cruise
Rudesheim
Land Train - Tour of the Vineyards
Wine Tasting - Rudesheim
Heidelberg
Koblenz

Notification of Boarding Times:

Departure Times/Itinerary/Luggage Labels will be forwarded approximately 10 days prior to departure.

Day 1

We depart early morning to head south for our crossing to France. We arrive early evening at our hotel situated within the champagne region of France.

Day 2

After breakfast, we make our way towards Strasbourg. Situated in the Alsace region, walking a fine tightrope between France and Germany and between a medieval past and a progressive future, it pulls off its act in inimitable Alsatian style. Enjoy free time and our included canal cruise to discover the must-sees of the Alsatian capital, such as the Petite France district, the Neustadt (the Imperial Quarter), as well as the European institutions.

Late afternoon, we board the MS Gérard Schmitter in Strasbourg, our home for the next 4 nights. After settling into your cabin, enjoy a welcome cocktail with the on-board crew and dinner in the restaurant. We cruise through the night towards Rudesheim.

B, D

Day 3

We continue cruising this morning and enjoy lunch before our arrival into Rudesheim. A tour of the vineyards is included aboard the Winzerexpress followed by a wine tasting at a local vintners. At the heart of the old town in Rüdesheim is the Drosselgasse,a cobbled street lined with timber-framed buildings. It might be olde worlde in architecture, but, here, you’ll find some of the best entertainment venues in the city, from live music in taverns to restaurants serving regional dishes. Full of life day and night, world renowned as the prettiest street in Europe. A visit would not be complete without a Rüdesheim coffee, which was invented here. We remain overnight in Rudesheim.

B, L, D

Day 4

Today we cruise the most beautiful part of the romantic Rhine, between Rudesheim and Koblenz. Villages, graced by half timbered houses, small quaint narrow streets, lively taverns and friendly beer kellars. Above sit mighty legendary castles each with their only fairy tale of bygone years, amidst row upon row of lush green sloping vineyard. We arrive into Koblenz early afternoon. Visit the old town before re-boarding to sail towards St. Goarshausen.

In the evening take part in the unique fairytale spectacle of the Romantic Rhine as it lights up on a summer's night, creating an unreal and majestic atmosphere for an unforgettable evening. The Rhine lights up as Europe’s biggest parade of illuminated ships sail along its waters. The river valley basks in the glow of thousands of red Bengal lights and a kaleidoscope of colours fill the night’s sky as the spectacular hilltop firework displays welcome the flotilla. Our ship sails through the night towards Mainz.

B, L, D

Day 5

We arrive this morning into Mannheim, setting off after breakfast to visit the charming University city of Heidelberg. Often thought of as Germany's most beautiful city, explore its quaint old town with its romantic alleyways,traditional pubs, and historic buildings before returning to the ship to set sail mid aftenoon back towards Strasbourg.

We rejoin the Gerard Schmitter for lunch, before cruising this afternoon towards Strasbourg. Tonight is our Gala Dinner.

B, L, D

Day 6

Enjoy our last breakfast on board before we disembark and commence our journey to the Champagne region and our final night hotel.

B, D

Day 7

This morning after breakfast we make our way towards the French Coast to join our channel crossing back to the Kent shores and home.

B=Breakfast Included, L=Lunch Included, D=Dinner Included

Your Accommodation

MS Gérard Schmitter

Named after the founder of CroisiEurope, the MS Gérard Schmitter sails on the Rhine and the Danube, to meet the many wonders offered by these two romantic rivers.

The MS Gérard Schmitter is an intimate-sized Premium ship, measuring 110m long and 11.40m wide. It can accommodate 174 passengers, in 87 cabins spread over three decks. The size of each cabin is 13.50m2, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. Decorated in subtle chocolate brown shades, combined with glimpses of rosy-lilac, gives the ship a welcoming atmosphere. The decoration, created by Maria Rosa Rosello, pays tribute to the founder of CroisiEurope, who liked to paint delicate and flowery designs. Located on the middle deck, the restaurant, where all meals are served during the cruise, offers delicate cuisine in a refined setting, where large windows allow guests to fully enjoy the panorama. On this same deck is also the lounge / bar with a dance floor, while on the sun deck, an ideal place to relax and admire the landscapes, passengers can enjoy comfortable sunloungers, as well as a large shaded area.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Contact Details	Distance
Burntwood	The Wych Elm Pub Bridge Cross Road Burntwood
Cannock	The Bus Station Cannock
Hednesford	The Bus Stop Outside Tesco Victoria Street Hednesford
Lichfield	The Bus Station Lichfield
Rugeley	The Bus Station Rugeley
Stafford	Outside the Police Station Eastgate Street Stafford
Sutton Coldfield	McDonalds Lower Parade Sutton Coldfield
Tamworth	Assembly Rooms Corporation Street Tamworth