Classical Rhine Cruise
2020 2021
Basel →Amsterdam 8 Days
Program: Basel → Amsterdam & Amsterdam → Basel ( Return )
Discover the many beautiful facets of “Father Rhine” during this week long cruise along one of the most important and attractive rivers of Europe. Along the way you will pass the Dutch Ijsselmeer and take a detour along the winding Moselle river. Delight in the panorama of the myth enshrouded Middle Rhine Valley with its winelands, the prominent Lorelei rock, and the highest density of castles in the world. Further highlights of this trip include visits to the very historic river cities of Amsterdam, Cologne, Strasbourg and Basel.
Itinerary
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DAY 1 BASEL Your journey begins in Basel, the third-largest city in Switzerland. After embarking, you can explore your FairCruise ship and meet the cruise director on board at a Welcome Cocktail. Your floating hotel departs for Strasbourg shortly before the Welcome Dinner on board. Overnights on FairCruise Stay Basel Get Up and Breakfast on Strassbourg |
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Departure 5pm |
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DAY 2 STRASSBOURG
During the night, your
ship left Switzerland
and followed the Rhine
into the Alsace region
in the south of France.
During breakfast, arrive
in Strasbourg – a city
known not only for its
romantic old town, but
also for the numerous
important European
institutions housed
there. In the morning,
explore the city
independently, or as
part of an organised
tour. A detour to the
countryside is highly
recommended,
particularly along the
famous wine route, where
the quaint wine-growing
villages will delight
wine-lovers and the
general public alike.
Late tonight, your ship
departs for Germany.
City Tour of Strasbourg Enjoy a discovery tour through the beautiful city of Strasbourg. After a short coach trip through the city, the tour continues with a walk through the lovely, historic old part of the town and includes a visit to the famous Straßburger Münster (not possible on Sundays and public holidays, sometimes with security check).During a boat cruise on the river, you will discover the famous quarter, “Petite France”. This former mill and tanner district still maintains its medieval charm. Some of the beautiful, half-timbered houses on the banks of the river Ill are up to 500 years old. You will enjoy Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, the Council of Europe and all the other wonders that Strasbourg holds in store for you. Please note that the riverboat cruise is not available in the winter season.
Duration
approx. 4 hours
Walking grade
II: The
excursion by bus
is followed by a
moderate walking
tour. You may
need to climb
some stairs.
Alsace and wine excursion
On this tour you will drive through picturesque landscape, romantic wine villages and parts of the famous wine route. One stop will be at a local winery, where you can try some of the wines during a complimentary wine tasting. Also you will drive to the beautiful village Obernai. During a stroll through this idyllic Alsatian town, steeped in rich history you will get to know the charm of its traditional, half-timbered houses, its Belfry and its town center.
Duration
approx.
4
hours
Walking
grade
II:
The
excursion
by
bus
is
followed
by a
moderate
walking
tour.
You
may
need
to
climb
some
stairs.
Stay STRASSBOURG Overnights on FairCruise Get Up and Breakfast on SPEYER / MANNHEiM |
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9am - 11pm
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DAY 3 SPEYER / MANNHEiM Before breakfast, arrive in the Rhineland-Palatinate town of Speyer, which played an important role in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages. Your ship remains here until lunchtime, offering time to explore this historic destination. Your trip continues for roughly 25 kilometers towards Mannheim, our next stop along the picturesque Rhine for the remainder of the day. This young city is best explored with an extended walk, or alternatively you can take a trip to the nearby city of Heidelberg, which boasts a beautiful Baroque old town. Late at night, your ship continues in the direction of Rüdesheim.
Stay Speyer 7am
- 12pm
Stay Mannheim 2pm
- 1am/ Day 4
Excursions
Speyer
walking tour
Speyer, the venerable emperor’s city on the Rhine, has had a rich and turbulent past. Religious architecture steeped in history, impressive facades of various styles, winding alleys and romantic squares express the character of the city. The city tour includes a visit to the Romanesque Imperial Cathedral from the exterior, with its striking twin tower portal, and visits to the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Old Gate (Altpoertel) and the Jewish Ritual Bath
Duration
approx. 2 hours
Walking grade
IV: Moderate walking
tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursions
Excursion to Heidelberg
A comfortable coach will take you to Heidelberg, the world famous University City on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. Heidelberg was discovered quite early by romantics to use for diverse literature, songs and paintings. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone has been a ruin, maybe the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads also into the castle garden. From the Grand Terrace you will have a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late-gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall.
Duration
approx. 4.5 hours
Walking grade
III: The excursion by bus is
followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb
several stairs.
Overnights on FairCruise Stay Heidelberg Get Up and Breakfast on Koblenz |
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DAY 4 RüDESHEiM / KOBLENZ Two charming stops await you today. In the morning, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town well known for its winemakng, especially Reisling wines. Nearby, Siegried's Mechanical Music Cabinet with its historic automated musical instruments is a delight. Your FairCruise ship will depart punctually at lunchtime, to cruise the most beautiful section of the river – the legendary Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The view from the sun deck, of the myth-enshrouded Lorelei, is sure to be a highlight of your cruise. Shortly thereafter, we arrive in Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful towns, where you can end the day with a leisurely stroll through the city .excursion Rüdesheim walking tour incl. music cabinet museumThe unique Winzerexpress train takes you from the dock of the ship to the “Siegfried Mechanical Music Cabinet” for a musical adventure with historical self-playing instruments. Thereafter, a guided tour leads you through the picturesque town. Explore the heart of the old town of Rüdesheim – the Drosselgasse – where wine houses and garden taverns invite you to linger. Immerse yourself in the history of the city and visit the Eagle Tower, a part of the city wall, and the fortifications from the 15th centuryKoblenz walking tour Discover Koblenz, one of the most beautiful and oldest towns in Germany, with over 2,000 years of history. On our guided walk through the romantic streets between the St. Castor Basilica and the Liebfrauenkirche (the Church of our Beloved Lady) you will discover the most important sights of Koblenz. Obviously this tour would not be complete without a visit to the Emperor Wilhelm Memorial at the famous German Corner and the town’s landmark, the Schängel Fountain at the town hall. At the end of the walk you will reach the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine and the ropeway of Koblenz – well known since the German Federal Garden Show .approx. 2 hours IV: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs. Overnights on FairCruise Stay RüDESHEiM Get Up and Breakfast on COCHEM |
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7am - 12pm 3.30pm - 6am / Day 5
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DAY 5 COCHEM The vessel departs Koblenz in the early hours, and makes a detour along the Mosel River to the most romantic part of the valley and the little town of Cochem. The magnificent Reichsburg castle is situated high above the town, dominating the landscape. Down below, the village with its narrow streets, half timbered houses, and numerous restaurants are an ideal setting to taste the wines of the region. Back on board dinner is served as the journey continues to Cologne Excursion Cochem walking tour with wine tasting The harmonious trio of the unique Mosel landscape, thousands of years of wine growing and rich culture makes Cochem especially popular. During the walk you will discover the city with its narrow, winding streets. In the course of this tour you will also visit the Reichsburg Castle. Thanks to its size and location on a precipitous rock high above the city, this magnificent castle dominates the cityscape. Equally impressive is the view you can enjoy from the castle. You will see the Moselle Valley with its dreamy, mixed forests, meadows and vineyards and the old town. At the end of the tour, enjoy a taste of local Mosel wines. approx. 3,5 hours IV: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs. Overnights on FairCruise Stay COCHEM Get Up and Breakfast on COLOGNE |
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1.30pm - 6pm
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DAY 6 COLOGNE / KöLN The morning is dedicated to the fascinating city of Cologne, which has over a million inhabitants. You can expect a young, vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural history and many world-famous sights, in particular the famous Cologne Cathedral. A city tour here is a must for everyone with a cultural bent. After lunch, your floating hotel departs Cologne. The afternoon is spent on board and in the evening, the captain invites you to a festive Gala Dinner, full of wonderful regional dishes. excursion to COLOGNE .During the city walk, explore the surroundings of the famous cathedral and the old town. Many attractions are concentrated in just one square kilometre around the cathedral, the town hall and the old town with large Romanesque Church of St. Martin. You can take a look at the Roman Dionysus mosaic. In the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town and in the busy squares, such as the old market or the hay market, you will get a feeling for life in this city, both past and present. Take a tour of the inside of the Cologne Cathedral, either accompanied by your guide or on your own (depending on the opening hours of the cathedral and/or if a mass is celebrated, etc.). Since its completion in 1880, the Cologne Cathedral is, due to its two tall towers with a height of 157 m each, not only the landmark of the town and best known architecture monument but also the most often visited sight in Germany. approx. 2.5 hours IV: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs. Overnights on FairCruise Stay COLOGNE Get Up and Breakfast on AMTERDAM / HOORN |
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7am - 2.30pm
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DAY 7 AMSTERDAM / HOORN By lunchtime you will have crossed yet another country border to arrive in the Dutch town of Hoorn. This picturesque village is a jumping off point for the optional overland trip to the north of Holland and Amsterdam. For those remaining onboard, discover the beauty of the Dutch Watwerays as the ship glides toward the capital city of the Netherlands, where it will remain docked for the evening. excursion City Tour Excursion North Holland and city tour of Amsterdam with canal trip Take a drive through the Dutch Polder landscape to the old fishing village of Volendam, built on the shore of the former Zuiderzee. The Volendam houses are built very close together, forming the typical neighborhoods of Volendam. Take a stroll through the old village and see people still dressed in traditional costumes. Board your coach and drive out of Volendam into the countryside to visit a local cheese farm. Here, you will learn how Dutch cheese is made and to sample the local product. Afterwards, you will continue to Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. Founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age as a result of its innovative developments in trade. Today, the city has one of the largest historic centers inEurope,with about 7,500 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century. The center consists of 90 islands, linked by 400 bridges. On the city tour through the Dutch metropolis, you will see the Royal Palace, numerous canals and the Museum Quarter. As there is no better way to see the city than cruising on the water, the tour will end by a canal cruise boat trip approx. 5 hours III: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may Overnights on FairCruise Stay AMSTERDAM / HOORN Get Up and Breakfast on AMSTERDAM |
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1pm - 1.30pm
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DAY 8 AMSTERDAM Farewell After breakfast we bid you farewell. We hope to welcome you again soon!
Get Up and Breakfast on AMSTERDAM |
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Dates & Prices :Every Monday Start Upper Deck Drop Window Panoramic Room
February 2300 euro per person March 2400 euro per person April 2500 euro per person May 2600 euro per person June 2700 euro per person Jully 2800 euro per person August 2900 euro per person September 2800 euro per person October 2700 euro per person November 2600 euro per person December 2500 euro per person
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Drop - Down Window |
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| Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-bar,
walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or
twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate
control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer,
direct dial telephone and in-room safe.
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Dates & Prices :Every Monday Start Down Deck Small Panoramic Room February 1600 euro per person March 1700 euro per person April 1800 euro per person May 2000 euro per person June 2100 euro per person Jully 2200 euro per person August 2300 euro per person September 2000 euro per person October 1800 euro per person November 1600 euro per person December 1400 euro per person
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-min.jpg) Small Panoramic Window |
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| Spacious bathroom, small panoramic window (cannot be opened), spacious wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe. | ||
Inclusions
- Fascinating river cruise in on outside river-view stateroom of your choice, most with French balcony or drop-down panoramic windows; Walk-out balconies in Suites on FairCruise
- Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for all excursions
- Services of an experienced, multilingual Cruise Director
- Gourmet dining with all meals included (buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snack) in the elegant Panorama-Restaurant, which accommodates all guests in one seating
- Free-flowing quality red & white wines from Europe’s famous wine regions with every dinner on board
- Coffee and tea after lunch and dinner
- 24-hour complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water
- Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner
- Special onboard entertainment including lectures, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances
- and nightly music by the FairCruise Duo in the Panorama Bar
- Complimentary use of onboard bicycles
- Non-smoking environment (smoking permitted on the Sun Deck)
- All port taxes and local taxes
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All Exxcursion's
AND !!! Excursion Packages including to price !!!
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTSCity tour of Amsterdam with canal trip and North Holland excursion
Cologne walking tourCochem walking tour with wine tasting
Koblenz walking tourRüdesheim walking tour incl. music cabinet museum
Excursion to HeidelbergSpeyer walking tour
City Tour of StrasbourgArrival & Transfer
Arrival & Transfer
You're in good hands with us from the start: Let us book you a transfer from the airport or train station to the ship port and back. The following prices apply per person per transfer.
Extras Transfers !!!
Tips to Crew
AMSTERDAM (NL) Airport – Port € 47,- Train station – Port € 39,-
BASEL (CH) Airport – Port € 50,- Train station – Port € 50,-