- Netherlands River Cruises
- Cruising the Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam
Journey through the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland as you follow the winding course of the mighty Rhine. Travel between vastly different riverside settlements, exploring the tulip-growing town of Haarlem, Cologne's atmospheric old town and the roaring cascade of the Rhine Falls.
Dinner
Today, you'll depart the UK and fly to Basel. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your ship and, if you arrive before 6 pm, you'll have some free time to explore this Swiss city, nestled along the banks of the Rhine River, Art lovers will delight in its renowned museums and galleries, including the Kunstmuseum, home to an extensive collection of masterpieces or visit the Basel Minster, a stunning red sandstone cathedral dating back to the 12th century. Once onboard, you'll be welcomed with a cocktail and introduced to the crew before enjoying dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, explore the town of Breisach at your own pace. Admire the medieval St. Stephansmünster Cathedral, which offers panoramic views of the Black Forest, the Vosges Mountains and overlooks the town.
In the afternoon, travel to Colmar, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in France. Admire the pastel-coloured houses and flower-lined canals of Little Venice, a quarter reminiscent of a storybook scene. Enter the Unterlinden Museum, home to the world-famous Isenheim Altarpiece, an astonishing 16th-century painting by Matthias Grünewald. Return to the ship for your evening onboard.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a relaxing morning cruising, you will arrive in Strasbourg. A combined riverboat and walking tour of its historic quarters will commence. Tour the breathtaking Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, Its astronomical clock and intricate stained-glass windows are a highlight. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Petite France district, a picturesque area of timber-framed houses, quaint canals, and medieval bridges. You will learn about the city’s past as a key trading hub and its shifting rule between France and Germany. Later this evening, enjoy an evening of entertainment on board.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, journey through the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine, where the river winds through breathtaking landscapes. Take in the stunning natural beauty sculpted by the water over centuries, as charming villages, historic castles, and lush vineyards line the riverbanks, creating a scene straight out of a storybook. Upon arrival in Mainz, embark on a guided tour of this historic city, whose Roman roots are reflected in its stunning Romanesque Cathedral. Stroll through the Altstadt and visit the Gutenberg Museum, home to the world’s oldest printed book and an extensive collection of early printing presses.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Explore Cologne on a guided walking tour, marvel at the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral the tallest twin-spire church in the world and the most visited landmark in Germany. Although its construction began in 1247, this iconic building took five centuries to complete, and the area also boasts 12 additional Romanesque-style churches that circle the cathedral. Continue through the old town, stroll the streets and pass in front of the famous Farina Fragrance Museum. Return to Dusseldorf by coach, later this evening, enjoy a gala dinner on board
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Embark on a fascinating journey into Dutch history and rural traditions with a visit to the Arnhem Open-Air Museum. Travel by road to this immersive museum, where 80 authentic historic buildings, including farmhouses, windmills, workshops, a school, barns, and a church, recreate life in the Netherlands as it once was. Step inside these carefully preserved structures to see period furnishings and live craft demonstrations, offering insight into traditional Dutch trades and daily life. Admire the picturesque timber-framed buildings of Limburg, the charming farms of Gelderland, and the iconic, green-painted wooden houses of the Zaan region, adorned with beautifully decorated gables. Enjoy onboard entertainment this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This Morning, depart on a panoramic tour of Amsterdam’s key sites, including the tallest windmill in the Netherlands, the De Gooyer. Later explore Haarlem, the 'City of Flowers' which is renowned as the country's vibrant tulip-growing centre. Discover the city's artistic heritage and its unique character and colourful landscape which have inspired generations of painters. Explore the captivating charm of Amsterdam, architectural delights of the city gate of Amsterdamse Poort, the main square of Gote Markt and the immense Gothic structure of the Cathedral of St Bavo. Take in the rest of the sights at leisure before returning to the ship for your final evening onboard.
Breakfast
Today, after breakfast you will disembark by 9am and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. If you have a later flight, you may leave your luggage onboard the ship until 2pm* and spend your time exploring the city at your own pace. Stroll along the picturesque canals, visit the iconic Dam Square, or explore the Anne Frank House, where the famous diarist hid during World War II. Your transfer will take you back to the airport in time for your return flight to the UK.
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Our ship, the Symphonie, was always clean and all the staff were excellent. The food was very good and the service was excellent. The Cruise Director, Jose was very helpful, as was our onboard guide, Sarah. Both these people were really attentive and never stopped working and helping. All excursions were very well organised and punctual.
Alan Jones
20 AugustThe 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. This also means that included excursions will alter/modify to match the cruise itinerary.
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.
It is your responsibility to check your passport validity. To enter Switzerland, France, Germany or Holland 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
A visa is not required for British nationals travelling to Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland.
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 getting on and off the cruise vessel managed by gangways and climbing stairs on all decks on board the vessel. On moderate days the level terrain on walking excursions are cobbled streets. This cruise is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). The currency in France, Germany and Holland 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 the reception at the end of your cruise. Credit cards are accepted on board and throughout Holland.
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).
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.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information
On your arrival in Basel, Please take the French exit gate at the airport. 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.
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 - 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.
