- France River Cruises
- Premium Captivating Rhine, Moselle, and Main Rivers
Cruise the legendary Rhine, Moselle, and Main rivers on an all-inclusive journey through some of Germany’s most captivating landscapes and cultural treasures. From the modern skyline of Frankfurt to the charming riverside streets of Koblenz, this itinerary blends vibrant city life with timeless heritage. Along the way, soak in rolling vineyards, hilltop castles, and picturesque villages that define this iconic region, before experiencing the celebrated wine culture of Rüdesheim.
Dinner
Depart on a scheduled flight to Basel, transfer to the scenic city of Strasbourg. You can board your ship at 6 pm, if you arrive earlier than this, you will be free to explore the surrounding areas. On embarkation greet your crew and enjoy a welcome cocktail before winding through the charming canals of Strasbourg, flanked by vibrant half-timbered houses.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Admire the beauty of the Rhine as you cruise towards the bustling metropolis of Frankfurt, at the heat of the city you'll find sites full of history and an array of cozy pubs. Your tour of Frankfurt will begin with a panoramic tour of the city where you can explore on foot. Wander in front of the dominant Frankfurt Cathedral, discover the old city and the Römerberg, the seat of the city's government since the 15th century. Formerly called the Samstagsberg, it has been the site of markets and fairs, tournaments and festivals, executions, imperial elections, and coronations. Here you'll also find a plaque commemorating the book burning by the National Socialists in 1933. After today’s tour, enjoy some free time before returning to the ship on foot. As the evening unfolds, return to the ship for exclusive onboard entertainment.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sail into the heart of Germany’s most romantic river valley, Cochem, a jewel of the Moselle. Perched high above, Reichsburg Castle dominates the landscape. Join a guided tour of this 12th-century masterpiece, where you’ll uncover tales of knights and nobles while enjoying panoramic views of the river below. Afterward, wander the town’s charming streets, lined with pastel-coloured houses and welcoming wine taverns, before returning to the ship for a relaxing evening onboard.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy a morning of cruising before arriving at the historic city of Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the Rhine at the famous Deutsches Eck (German Corner). Step ashore for an afternoon walking tour, uncovering the city's 2,000-year-old history as you explore its winding alleyways, grand castles, and bustling plazas. Return to your ship for a relaxing evening filled with fine dining and entertainment.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Welcome to Rüdesheim, the beating heart of Germany’s Riesling wine country. Disembark and journey through lush vineyards by mini train for a wine-tasting experience, savouring world-class regional wines. Then, step into the whimsical world of Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, where self-playing instruments from centuries past fill the air with melodies. The German museum dedicated to self-playing musical instruments is the first of its kind. Holding an impressive collection of no less than 350 mechanical musical instruments dating back to the 18th century to the 20th, all spread out on more than 4000 ft². This vast collection, dates back three centuries, includes fascinating musical instruments that function like computers, ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion. After visiting the Museum, you will have some free time to stroll through the streets of Rüdesheim ambling down the famous Drosselgasse, before making your own way back to the boat.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sail towards Mannheim, your gateway to the enchanting city of Heidelberg. Join an excursion to Heidelberg Castle, a Renaissance masterpiece perched dramatically above the Neckar River. Walk through the historic old town, admiring its baroque architecture and the world’s largest wine barrel. Back on board, enjoy an evening of celebration with a special gala dinner, marking the perfect finale to your magical cruise.
Breakfast
Bid farewell to your floating home as you disembark in Strasbourg at 9am. Transfer to Basel Airport for your return flight to the UK.
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The Captain and CroisiEurope reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to tides. Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
A visa is not required for British nationals travelling to France or Germany. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity. It is your responsibility to check your passport validity. To enter France or Germany, your passport must: have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Sources of information include; https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This river cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on cobble streets and getting on and off the cruise ship. This cruise is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in France and Germany is the Euro. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country.
Credit cards are accepted on board ship and throughout all major cities.
This cruise is All-Inclusive, so you will only need to take a little extra money with you to cover any premium drinks on board and souvenirs, drinks and snacks purchased when off the ship, as well as any optional excursions you wish to book.
Tipping is at your discretion. There is an envelope in your cabin for this purpose that can be handed to reception at the end of your cruise.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 1. If we are not able to operate your departure date, then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
Please note that your cruise is shared with international clients from other companies.
An English-speaking Cruise Director will be on board your cruise to help with any queries that you may have. While on excursions included in your itinerary, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking local tour guide. When exploring locally during your leisure time you will not be accompanied by a tour guide.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily are taken onboard the ship. Tables seat 6 people, so you’ll be able to converse and socialise with new friends, whilst never feeling crowded together. Tea and coffee are available on-board the cruise vessel as well as unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, including a variety of wines and beer, both during meals and at the bar. (Premium brands are available at an extra cost).
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way.
It is advisable to dress up a little when dinners, cocktail parties and galas take place. This is without the need for gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie.
When visiting any places of worship, your knees and shoulders should be covered otherwise entry may be prohibited.
Please note there are no ironing facilities on board this vessel.
On your arrival in Strasbourg you will be met by a representative from our local agent, CroisiEurope, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays/CroisiEurope”. The Mercury Holidays/ CroisiEurope representative will show you to your transfer vehicle.
Embarkation Time: 6pm
If your arrival is before this time, you will be transferred to the docking area where you will be able to leave your luggage. You are then free to explore the city at your own pace until it is time to board your ship. Please note that details of the boarding quay will be confirmed when you receive your final holiday confirmation.
Disembarkation Time: 9am
If your return flight is after 9am you will be able to leave your luggage onboard the ship (until 14:00pm) and spend your time exploring the city until your return airport transfer. Please note that from 9:00 am on day of disembarkation drinks will not be available in the lounge bar and there will be no other cruise services on board.
If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:
Emergency contact information: Please find below the CroisiEurope emergency contact details: La Boheme: 06 33 74 64 81 Monet: 07 85 93 96 54
