TUI RIVER CRUISES INTRODUCING OUR NEW EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES - INCLUDED - PageSuite
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SO MUCH
INCLUDED
Flights, excursion
credit, meals
with drinks,
and more.
TUI RIVER CRUISES
MARCH EDITION MARCH 2020 – OCTOBER 2020
INTRODUCING OUR NEW
EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES
Sailing on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Dutch & Belgian
Waterways in 2020.
CRUISE CALENDAR March 2020 - October 2020
TUI ISLA TUI MAYA TUI SKYLA
DATE DAY NIGHTS DEPARTS ITINERARY PAGE DATE DAY NIGHTS DEPARTS ITINERARY PAGE DATE DAY NIGHTS DEPARTS ITINERARY PAGE
15 SUN 7 Amsterdam Rhine Explorer 24-25 – – – – – – – – – – – –
MAR 22 SUN 7 Basel Rhine Explorer * 24-25 22 SUN 7
Frankfurt Bavarian Discovery * 36-37 – – – – – –
7
29 SUN 7 Amsterdam Beautiful Benelux 18-19 29 SUN Munich Bavarian Discovery 36-37 30 MON 7 Budapest Romantic Danube 46-47
7
5 SUN 7 Amsterdam Dutch Delights 20-21 5 SUN Frankfurt Rhine Gems 28-29 6 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
7 The Moselle Valley: Vines
12 SUN 7 Amsterdam Beautiful Benelux 18-19 12 SUN Frankfurt 32-33 13 MON 7 Budapest Romantic Danube 46-47
APR & Views
7
19 SUN 14 Amsterdam European Icons 40-43 19 SUN Frankfurt Marvels of the Main 34-35 20 MON 7 Budapest Danube Waltz 44-45
7
– – – – – – 26 SUN Frankfurt Rhine Gems 28-29 27 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
7 The Moselle Valley: Vines
3 SUN 7 Budapest Danube Delights 38-39 3 SUN Frankfurt 32-33 4 MON 7 Budapest Romantic Danube 46-47
& Views
7
10 SUN 7 Munich Majestic Main & Rhine 30-31 10 SUN Frankfurt Rhine Gems 28-29 11 MON 7 Budapest Danube Waltz 44-45
MAY 17 SUN 7 Amsterdam Rhine Explorer 24-25 17 SUN 7
Frankfurt
The Moselle Valley: Vines
32-33 18 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
& Views
7
24 SUN 7 Basel Rhine Explorer * 24-25 24 SUN Frankfurt Rhine Gems 28-29 25 MON 7 Budapest Romantic Danube 46-47
31 SUN 7 Amsterdam Dutch & Deutsch Explorer 22-23 31 SUN 7 Frankfurt Bavarian Discovery * 36-37
7
7 SUN 7 Frankfurt Rhine: Chateaux & Gateaux 26-27 7 SUN Munich Bavarian Discovery 36-37 1 MON 7 Budapest Danube Waltz 44-45
7
14 SUN 7 Basel Rhine Explorer * 24-25 14 SUN Frankfurt Rhine Gems 28-29 8 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
The Moselle Valley: Vines
JUN 21 SUN 7 Amsterdam Dutch Delights 20-21 21 SUN 7
Frankfurt
& Views
32-33 15 MON 7 Budapest Romantic Danube 46-47
7
28 SUN 7 Amsterdam Dutch & Deutsch Explorer 22-23 28 SUN Frankfurt Rhine: Chateaux & Gateaux 26-27 22 MON 7 Budapest Danube Waltz 44-45
2020
– – – – – – – – – – – – 29 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
The Moselle Valley: Vines 7
5 SUN 7 Frankfurt 32-33 5 SUN Basel Rhine Explorer * 24-25 6 MON 7 Budapest Romantic Danube 46-47
& Views
JUL
7
12 SUN 7 Frankfurt Rhine Gems 28-29 12 SUN Amsterdam Rhine Explorer 24-25 13 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
7
19 SUN 7 Frankfurt Marvels of the Main 34-35 19 SUN Basel Rhine Explorer * 24-25 20 MON 7 Budapest Danube Waltz 44-45
7
26 SUN 7 Frankfurt Rhine Gems 28-29 26 SUN Amsterdam Beautiful Benelux 18-19 27 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
The Moselle Valley: Vines 7
2 SUN 7 Frankfurt 32-33 2 SUN Amsterdam Rhine Explorer 24-25 3 MON 7 Budapest Romantic Danube 46-47
& Views
7
9 SUN 7 Frankfurt Dutch & Deutsch Explorer * 22-23 9 SUN Basel Rhine: Chateaux & Gateaux * 26-27 10 MON 7 Budapest Danube Waltz 44-45
The Moselle Valley: Vines
AUG 16 SUN 7 Amsterdam Dutch Delights 20-21 16 SUN 7
Frankfurt
& Views
32-33 17 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
7
23 SUN 7 Amsterdam Dutch & Deutsch Explorer 22-23 23 SUN Frankfurt Rhine: Chateaux & Gateaux 26-27 24 MON 7 Budapest Romantic Danube 46-47
The Moselle Valley: Vines
30 SUN 7 Frankfurt 32-33 30 SUN 7 Basel Rhine Explorer * 24-25 31 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
& Views
6 SUN 7 Frankfurt Bavarian Discovery * 36-37 6 SUN 7 Amsterdam Dutch & Deutsch Explorer 22-23 7 MON 7 Budapest Danube Waltz 44-45
13 SUN 7 Munich Bavarian Discovery 36-37 13 SUN 7 Frankfurt Dutch & Deutsch Explorer * 22-23 14 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
SEP 20 SUN 7 Frankfurt Rhine Gems 28-29 20 SUN 7 Amsterdam Rhine Explorer 24-25 21 MON 7 Budapest Romantic Danube 46-47
The Moselle Valley: Vines
27 SUN 7 Frankfurt 32-33 27 SUN 7 Basel Rhine Explorer * 24-25 28 MON 7 Budapest Danube Waltz 44-45
& Views
4 SUN 7 Frankfurt Rhine Gems 28-29 4 SUN 14 Amsterdam European Icons 40-43 5 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
11 SUN 7 Frankfurt Marvels of the Main 34-35 18 SUN 7 Budapest Danube Delights 38-39 12 MON 7 Budapest Romantic Danube 46-47
OCT
18 SUN 7 Frankfurt Rhine Gems 28-29 25 SUN 7 Munich Majestic Main & Rhine 30-31 19 MON 7 Budapest Danube Waltz 44-45
25 SUN 7 Frankfurt Rhine: Chateaux & Gateaux 26-27 – – – – – – 26 MON 7 Budapest East Danube Explorer 48-49
*
Itirerary operates in reverse
CONTENTS
BUDAPEST
HUNGARY 4 Welcome to TUI River Cruises
6 Reasons to cruise with us
8 Food, glorious food
10 Explore Europe's waterways
12 River guides
17 Customise your cruise
50 Introducing our fleet
TUI RIVER CRUISES
BEAUTIFUL BENELUX .................................... 18
Dutch & Belgian Waterways
DUTCH DELIGHTS ........................................... 20
Dutch & Belgian Waterways
DUTCH & DEUTSCH EXPLORER .............. 22
AMSTERDAM Rhine
NETHERLANDS
RHINE EXPLORER ............................................ 24
Rhine
RHINE: CHATEAUX & GATEAUX ............... 26
Rhine
RHINE GEMS ....................................................... 28
Rhine
MAJESTIC MAIN & RHINE ............................ 30
Main & Rhine
8 FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
THE MOSELLE VALLEY:
VINES & VIEWS .................................................. 32
Moselle
MARVELS OF THE MAIN ............................... 34
IRON GATES Main
SERBIA
BAVARIAN DISCOVERY ................................. 36
Main
DANUBE DELIGHTS ........................................ 38
Danube
EUROPEAN ICONS ........................................... 40
Rhine, Main & Danube
DANUBE WALTZ ................................................ 44
Danube
ROMANTIC DANUBE ....................................... 46
Danube
50 INTRODUCING OUR FLEET EAST DANUBE EXPLORER .......................... 48
Danube
PEFC Certified
INFORMATION
TRAVEL AWARE This product is from
sustainably managed forests A-Z guide ................................................................ 54
STAYING SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD and controlled sources
Our agreement ..................................................... 56
PEFC/16-33-141 www.pefc.org
THE FOREIGN & COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND NATIONAL
TRAVEL HEALTH NETWORK AND CENTRE HAVE UP-TO-DATE
ADVICE ON STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY ABROAD.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth When you have finished with this brochure please
Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa recycle it. Just bring it into a TUI Store and we will March Edition. This may be superseded and replaced
information check www.gov.uk/travelaware and follow recycle it for you. by a later edition. Always check with your travel agent
@FCOtravel and Facebook.com/FCOtravel. to ensure that you have the most up to date brochure
More information is available by checking edition. Also see section 2 of Our Agreement with You
www.tui.co.uk/destinations/info/travel-aware. and Yours with us for ‘The Price You Pay’. This brochure
This brochure was was published in March 2019 and prices are valid from
Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting February 2019.
produced using 100%
www.travelhealthpro.org.uk. carbon-balanced © TUI is a trading name of TUI UK Limited, a member
The advice can change so check regularly for updates. paper.
of the TUI AG group of companies.
CBP010616TUI
WELCOME TO
TUI RIVER CRUISES
At TUI, we want to open up as much of the globe as possible. And, when it comes to seeing Europe’s tucked-away
towns and bustling cities, river cruising’s the way to do it. You’ll be travelling with the world’s largest tour operator,
so you can relax knowing your holiday’s in the hands of the experts.
MOSELLE RIVER
Our small, adults-only ships will whisk you
past pinch-yourself landscapes, stopping
in the heart of a destination. And that’s
the beauty of river cruising. The landmarks
are usually a stroll away and you’ve got the
option of relaxing on board or venturing off
to explore.
We’ve cherry-picked the crème de la crème
of the continent, from big cities like Budapest
and Vienna, to hidden gems like Cochem and
Durnstein. Plus, we throw in £120 excursion
credit per person, per 7 days, which you can
use towards our range of sightseeing tours.
We know the journey’s just as important
as the destination, so we’ve splashed out
on upgrading our ships. Each one flaunts
chic, up-to-the-minute interiors, two
restaurants and two lounges for drinks and
entertainment. You won’t find any inside
cabins, so views are guaranteed. Plus, you can
expect the same great TUI service.
› PERSONALISED CRUISING
Tailor your onboard experience – from choosing
your cabin and board basis to picking a restaurant
for dinner or a cocktail in our lounge.
› A RANGE OF EXCURSIONS
Everything from active to educational – think
wine-tastings and bike tours. Plus, we include
excursion credit, so you can choose the ones
that suit.
› EASY-GOING ATMOSPHERE
Whether you want to watch the world go by,
socialise with friends over a casual dinner, or listen
to live music – it’s up to you.
› TUI’S TRUSTED SERVICE
We pride ourselves on our friendly team. And, as
we’re part of TUI, you can relax knowing we’re here
to help anytime.
Have a flick through this brochure to see where
our itineraries can take you. We look forward to
welcoming you on board a TUI River Cruise in 2020.
Katy Berzins
Head of TUI River Cruises
REASONS TO
CRUISE WITH US
We’re part of TUI, the world’s biggest travel company, so you’re in good hands. We’ve applied
our expertise to our river cruising recipe, combining standout service and culture-packed
excursions with nightly entertainment and a choice of restaurants and lounges.
SOPHISTICATED SHIPS
INTIMATE FEEL
Think of our ships as floating, boutique
There’ll be a maximum of 155 guests
hotels that’ll transport you from world-
on board at any time. As such, you can
famous cities to under-the-radar towns –
really get to know your fellow passengers
sometimes dropping in on more than one
throughout the week, while also having
destination a day. You won’t be short on
your own space. And, with one crew
home comforts, plus there’ll be multiple
member to every four guests, you’ll be on
restaurants and lounges for wining and
first-name terms in no time. Plus, all our
dining. The outdoor space is in good
ships are adults only, so you can expect a
supply, so you can take it all in from the
grown-up atmosphere.
top deck.
ONBOARD AND
ASHORE ACTION EASY EXPLORING
Our river cruises strike the perfect balance Uncovering Europe’s must-see
between onboard and ashore. Because destinations, without having to unpack
the ships are smaller than ocean liners, more than once – that’s the beauty of
you can look forward to a more relaxed river cruising. Lots of our cruises sail
pace, with plenty of time to take in a during the night, so you’ll get plenty of
new destination. On board, meanwhile, time in each place. Plus, if we’re packing
you can practise Pilates on deck, visit our two hotspots into one day, we’ll travel
health and wellbeing zone, tuck into an à while you eat lunch, so you don’t lose any
la carte meal, or sip cocktails to live music sightseeing time.
in Observatory.
HASSLE-FREE TRAVEL
IMMERSIVE EXCURSIONS
We take care of all your travel – from
Each of our itineraries has been tailor-made
flights to transfers – so you’ve got more
to offer a different experience. What’s
time to soak up the scenery. We’ll sort
more, they include £120 excursion credit
direct flights from the UK, with most
per person, which means you can choose
transfers limited to an hour or less, and a
the tours that suit you. You can also pay for
quick check-in process, freeing up more
extra excursions, or explore on your own.
time to discover a new destination. Plus,
Either way, you’ll be immersed in the local
culture, getting under the skin of Europe’s the ships will usually tie up in town. If we
cities and squirrelled-away villages. dock a little further out, we’ll often put on
a free transfer.
6 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday Store
WHAT’S
INCLUDED?
You can relax knowing everything below comes as
standard on your cruise.
Direct flights from UK airports
20kg luggage allowance
Airport transfers – to and from your ship
Full Board Plus – breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tea, coffee and juices with breakfast
Wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner
Barbecues on deck, weather permitting
1GB of Wi-Fi per cabin, per week
£120 excursion credit per person, per 7 days
Live entertainment every night
All tips and port charges
COCHEM CASTLE, COCHEM
REASONS TO CRUISE WITH US 7
PLANNED APPEARANCE, CLUB LOUNGE
PLANNED APPEARANCE, ATRIUM
FOOD,
GLORIOUS
FOOD
It’s all about choice with TUI River Cruises. Our ships double up
on restaurants and bars, so laidback lunches, romantic dinners
and nights spent watching live music are all on the cards. And
that’s just for starters…
PLANNED APPEARANCE, TOP DECK
8 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday Store
WINE
› OBSERVATORY
This lounge takes pride of place at the heart of our ships. As
with all our venues, you can expect widescreen windows for
admiring the panoramic views. You can get an even better
look from the outdoor terrace, though – it’s a sheltered
spot, kitted out with comfy sofas and heaters. After dark,
Observatory hosts the nightly entertainment, which ranges
from talented musicians to special guest acts, like comedians.
› CLUB LOUNGE
Coffee and cocktails are the cornerstones of this bar.
PLANNED APPEARANCE, VERDASTRO
Plush navy chairs, brass fittings and mirrored tables set
a sophisticated scene. By day, you can sip a coffee* while
taking in the views. At night, you can clink pre-dinner
cocktails* in front of a roaring digital fireplace, before
heading to one of the restaurants.
DINE
› VERDASTRO
There’s an elegant green-and-gold colour scheme in our
main restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The menu changes daily, with fresh, seasonal food sourced
from local suppliers. A buffet station puts on a pile-your-
plate-high spread for breakfast, as well. Meanwhile, lunch
and dinner are an à la carte affair with waiter service.
Seating-wise, you can pick from tables for two, or pull up a
chair with friends on a table for four or six.
› BISTRO
Things are a little more casual in Bistro, our second
FULL BOARD PLUS restaurant. It’s attached at the hip with Verdastro, giving you
Our cruises are on a Full Board an extra dining option. Like Verdastro, it’s open for breakfast,
Plus basis. This means dining at our lunch and dinner. Plus, you can choose from the à la carte
two restaurants and a range of drinks menu, or sample a bit of everything at the buffet.
are included. You’ll get tea, coffee and
juices with breakfast, as well as soft drinks,
› AL FRESCO DINING
As well as sunbeds, the top deck’s laid out with tables and
beer and wine with lunch and dinner. chairs for al fresco dining. When the weather permits, we’ll
For even more options, you can upgrade put on outdoor events, like barbecues. You can get drinks up
to our premium drinks package – here, too.
find out more on pages 16-17.
RECLINE
› TOP DECK
The views from the top deck are worth swooning over, but
that’s not all it’s good for. It’s split into zones, with different
areas for relaxation and activities. You’ll find a space for
barbecues, sofas for lounging on, a sunbathing space with
daybeds and sunbeds, and a herb garden. When you want
to switch up the pace, there’s an area for activities, like yoga,
pilates and stretching. Alternatively, you can unwind in the
health and wellbeing zone on Deck 2, which comes with a
sauna.
› ATRIUM
The Atrium is the main hub of our ships. It’s where you’ll find
the Reception desk, as well as the Cruise Manager, who can
help with any questions and excursion bookings. You can
PLANNED APPEARANCE, TERRACE
also retreat to the library, play board games, or stock up on
souvenirs from the onboard shop.
*Premium coffee and cocktails aren’t included as part of the standard
dining package. You’ll need to upgrade to our premium drinks package,
or pay a little extra. All images are planned appearance.
PLANNED APPEARANCE, OBSERVATORY
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD 9
EXPLORE
EUROPE’S
WATERWAYS
From the Rhine to the Danube, our cruises take you
along some of Europe’s longest and most beautiful rivers,
ticking off time-warp villages and wide-awake cities along
the way. Here’s a look at the places you can go…
RHINE GORGE, GERMANY
MAIN-DANUBE CANAL, GERMANY
10 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday StoreIRON GATES, SERBIA
AIRPORT
POINT OF INTEREST
WACHAU VALLEY, AUSTRIA
EXPLORE EUROPE’S WATERWAYS 11RIVER GUIDES
Between these European waterways, you’ll be crossing off crumbling castles, cosmopolitan cities,
tiny villages and sprawling vineyards. Not sure which one takes your fancy?
We’ve picked out some of their best bits…
TOP TIP
If you want to see Holland’s multi-
coloured tulips in full bloom, plan
your cruise to Amsterdam around
April. The city features on lots
KOLNER DOM, COLOGNE, GERMANY
of our Rhine itineraries.
RHINE
The Romantics waxed lyrical about the Rhine’s natural beauty. And it’s no
wonder. A huge 65-kilometre stretch of it has even given the nod from UNESCO.
BIG-HITTING SIGHTS FOODIE FIND
› KOLNER DOM, COLOGNE › THE CHOCOLATE LINE, ANTWERP
Once the tallest building in Europe, this The master chocolatier here is often dubbed
jaw-dropping cathedral is Germany’s largest. a shock-o-latier. He’ll give your taste buds the
Its huge spires pierce Cologne’s skyline at run around, with chocs filled with chilli, bacon,
515 feet tall. saffron, gin, and everything in between.
› BEETHOVEN HOUSE, BONN PERFECT PICTURE
This was the birthplace of famous composer
Ludwig van Beethoven. These days, the
› NIEDERWALD MONUMENT, BOPPARD, GERMANY
RUDESHEIM
house is packed-full of artefacts and rare
Take the cable car or chair lift up to this
recordings. Next door, a chamber music hall
hilltop monument, which marks the founding
puts on concerts.
of the German Empire in 1871. At the top,
you’ll get sweeping panoramas over the
HIDDEN GEM Rhine Valley.
› BOPPARD, GERMANY
As well as textbook-German half-timbered
houses, this little town has a spectacular
setting on one of the Rhine’s horseshoe
bends. You can hike up one of the hillsides
for a better look. NIEDERWALD CABLE CAR, RUDESHEIM
12 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday StoreEvery booking
includes £120pp
excursion credit, so
you can personalise your
cruise. Find out more
on pages 16-17.
TOP TIP
ZUM RIESEN, MILTENBERG
Order a locally brewed Faust beer
MAIN RIVER, GERMANY at this historic hotel. It’s one of
Germany’s oldest, and everyone
from Napoleon to Elvis Presley
MAIN has signed in over the
years.
The Main introduces you to Bavaria at its best. This German tributary of the
Rhine slices through vine-clad valleys and past chocolate-box towns with
fairytale castles.
BIG-HITTING SIGHTS FOODIE FIND
› ROMERBERG, FRANKFURT › SCHAUFELE, WURZBURG
This square – fringed with half-timbered Wurzburg’s in the Franconian region, which
houses – looks like it belongs to an off-the- is famous for its wines and beers. Even the
grid village, not a big, bustling city. Its gabled signature schäufele – baked pork shoulders –
buildings have been painstakingly restored is usually smothered in local lager.
after World War Two.
PERFECT PICTURE
› WURZBURG RESIDENCE, › WERTHEIM CASTLE, WERTHEIM
WURZBURG
This red-stone castle might have been partly
This UNESCO-listed palace is the city’s pride WERTHEIM CASTLE, WERTHEIM
destroyed by a 17th-century explosion, but
and joy. As well as its grand Baroque exterior,
its ruins still make the perfect lookout point.
there’s a jaw-dropping staircase inside, which
You can see around the river bend and over
zigzags underneath the world’s largest fresco.
houses and hillsides.
HIDDEN GEM
› BAMBERG, GERMANY
The whole of Bamberg’s terracotta-topped
old town’s protected by UNESCO. This
covers Medieval churches, the timber-
framed town hall, a showy palace and a cute
fisherman’s quarter. FRANKFURT, GERMANY
RIVER GUIDES 13TOP TIP
PIESPORT, GERMANY Look out for Weinprobe or
Weinverkauf signs when wandering
Traben-Trarbach. This place has
MOSELLE been crushing grapes since Roman
times, and was once the world’s
It’s all valleys and vineyards along the Moselle, so you can pay a toast to its second-largest wine-
pinch-yourself scenery with a glass of Riesling in hand. trading town.
BIG-HITTING SIGHTS FOODIE FIND
› PORTA NIGRA, TRIER › PIESPORT, GERMANY
You’ll understand why Germany’s oldest city’s For such a pint-sized town, Piesport has
often called the Rome of the North when you its fair share of wineries. You can sample
clap eyes on this mighty city gate. It’s been everything from Riesling to the light-bodied
standing since 180AD. local white. Food-wise, there’s also two
Michelin-starred Schanz.
› DEUTSCHES ECK, KOBLENZ
See the point where the Rhine and Moselle PERFECT PICTURE
rivers kiss at Deutsches Eck, AKA the German
Corner. Once you’re done admiring the views,
› COCHEM CASTLE, COCHEM
Time-frozen Cochem is watched over by a COCHEM CASTLE, COCHEM
there’s also a tall monument to the first
hilltop castle. From here, you can look down
German Emperor.
over the multi-coloured town – considered
HIDDEN GEM one of the valley’s prettiest – and the
vineyard-filled slopes.
› BERNKASTEL-KUES, GERMANY
This town of two halves has a modern and
mature side. Most stick to Bernkastel, on
the eastern bank, with its beam-covered
buildings, cute churches and snug wine
cellars.
DEUTSCHES ECK, KOBLENZ
14 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday StoreEvery booking
includes £120pp
excursion credit, so
you can personalise your
cruise. Find out more
on pages 16-17.
TOP TIP
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Nuremberg’s sights aren’t just
above ground. You can tour the city’s
14th-century dungeons, too. Even
DANUBE its castle has an underground
bunker-turned-museum,
No two days are the same on the Danube. That’s because Europe’s second- crammed with items from
longest river cuts through Europe’s heart, flowing through dramatic gorges, a bygone era.
grand capitals and 10 countries.
BIG-HITTING SIGHTS FOODIE FIND
› SCHONBRUNN PALACE, VIENNA › CAFÉ JINDRAK, LINZ
In a city praised for its architecture, this The Austrian city of Linz has a dessert named
summer palace still stands out. You can see after it, the Linzer Torte. And this family-run
the apartments of the former Emperor of café set a world record for the largest ever
Austria, Franz Joseph, as well as wander Linzer Torte, which is a sort of jam-filled
perfectly preened gardens. pastry.
› SZECHENYI THERMAL BATHS, PERFECT PICTURE
BUDAPEST
You can’t stop in the so-called City of Spas
› THE IRON GATES
Scenery-wise, this dramatic gorge is the SCHONBRUNN PALACE, VIENNA
and not sink into a thermal bath. This
Danube’s piece de resistance. The towering
bright-yellow bathhouse is one of Budapest’s
cliffs are embellished with caves, Roman
best, thanks to its open-air pools and
plaques and a huge rock carving of a
neo-Renaissance architecture.
Dacian king.
HIDDEN GEM
› DURNSTEIN, AUSTRIA
This little-known town is a serious contender
for the Wachau Valley’s most adorable village.
Despite its small size, it’s home to some big
sights, like an ornate abbey and a
Medieval castle. THE IRON GATES
RIVER GUIDES 15FLEXIBLE
EXCURSIONS
We know that not all excursions are for everyone,
which is why we give you £120 per person, per 7
days to spend on the ones that take your fancy.
Here's how it works...
Whether you’re a culture vulture who loves ticking off all the
sights on a bus tour, or you want to head further afield to
a UNESCO-listed fort or basilica, you can choose from
our full range of excursions.
How you choose to use your credit is completely
up to you. On our Danube Waltz itinerary, you Every booking
can mix a train tour of Bratislava and a trip to includes £120pp
Esztergom Basilica with a folklore dinner show excursion credit, so
in Budapest and a visit to Vienna’s wine town. you can personalise
Or, on the Rhine Explorer, you can combine your cruise.
walking tours of Cochem, Traben-Trarbach and
Luxembourg, with a bus tour of the Moselle
Valley’s vineyards and a wine-tasting.
Once you’ve booked your cruise, give our team a call on
0800 975 4477 to find out more about how to spend your
included credit. VIENNA, AUSTRIA
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
16 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday StoreCUSTOMISE
YOUR CRUISE
With TUI River Cruises, you’ll find so much
already included in the price. But there’s also the
option of taking your holiday to the next level
with these nice-to-have extras…
› GO PREMIUM
You get soft drinks, tea, coffee, beer and wine at
mealtimes as part of your standard package. But, if you
want that little bit extra, you can upgrade to our premium
drinks package for £100 per person. This means you’ll be
able to enjoy an even bigger selection of drinks, including
draught beers, branded spirits, cocktails and our premium
coffee. If you don’t upgrade, you can still buy these drinks
on a pay-as-you-go basis.
› CHOOSE YOUR CABIN
We know that having the right cabin is important. So, book
with us and you can reserve yours before your holiday.
Once you’ve booked, just give us a call and tell us which
cabin you’d like. Reservations cost £48 per cabin.
› ADD-ON ADVENTURES
As well as our included excursion credit, you can always
pack more culture into your cruise with an extra trip. We’ve
got a great selection of tours to choose from – whether
you want to cruise down canals, ride along historic railways
or sample local wine at a vineyard.
PLANNED APPEARANCE, FRENCH BALCONY SUITE
RIVER GUIDES 17DUTCH &
BELGIAN
WATERWAYS
BEAUTIFUL
BENELUX
You’ll be whisked from capitals to cosy towns on this cruise of neighbours the Netherlands
and Belgium. Expect plenty of historic architecture, world-class museums and quality beer.
TOP TIP
Belgium and beer go together
like rhubarb and custard. Visit
Ghent’s Gruut Brewery,
where the beers are made
with herbs, not
hops.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS GHENT, BELGIUM
DAY 1: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS DAY 3: DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS to take a look around this quiet city, which has more
After touching down in the Venice of the North, it’s The museums are in good supply at your next stop, of a village vibe. Some say it’s one of the prettiest
time to discover how this capital got its nickname. too, where you’ll spend a full day. You can inspect in the Netherlands – picture elegant, riverfront
Canals slice through the city centre, making for a paintings by Rembrandt’s pupils and the work of townhouses with stepped gables.
pretty picture, or two. You’ll be spending the night other Dutch Masters at Dordrecht Museum. Follow
here, which is when Amsterdam really comes to the signposted Dordrecht Round walk, which leads DAY 5: GHENT, BELGIUM
life. Canalside bars, cosmopolitan restaurants and you past some of the city centre’s 950 monuments. After waving goodbye to the Netherlands yesterday,
coffeehouses all fill out the streets. Plus, the A’DAM Think 18th-century merchant buildings, quay areas you’ll wake up in Belgium today. We’ll dock early and
Tower stays open late, offering a 360-degree viewing and the old city gates. leave late, so you’ve got maximum time to sightsee.
deck and Europe’s highest swing. Picture Bruges’ Medieval buildings, without the
crowds – and you’ve got Ghent. It’s got a turreted
DAY 2: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS HIGHLIGHTS castle, an 11th-century cathedral and a 91-metre-
You can use today to get under the skin of tall Belfry – the tallest in Belgium.
Q The Belfry of Ghent
Amsterdam. Its jam-packed museum quarter’s a
great place to start. The mammoth Rijksmuseum
Q Canalside strolls in Amsterdam DAY 6: ANTWERP, BELGIUM
takes centre stage here, but there’s also the Van Belgium’s second city is on this morning’s itinerary.
Q Old-meets-new Antwerp
Gogh Museum and a couple of places dedicated to Medieval meets modern in Antwerp, thanks to
modern art. A 20-minute walk in opposite directions, a Gothic cathedral, a riverside fort and a load of
you’ve got Rembrandt House Museum and Anne DAY 4: VEERE, NETHERLANDS arty museums and designer shops. The ‘t Eilandje
Frank House – the former home of the teenage You’ll be surrounded by water everywhere you look neighbourhood is where you’ll find the striking MAS
wartime diarist. You’ll set off for your next stop late in Veere. It’s hemmed in by some of the country’s and MoMu museums – covering history and fashion.
evening. best beaches to the north and fronted by a big, There’s also Rubenshuis – a museum housed in the
watersports-ready lagoon. You’ll have the morning 17th-century home of painter Peter Paul Rubens.
18 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday StoreSailing on TUI Isla or TUI Maya
UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS
Prices Standard Superior French French
from cabin* cabin Balcony Cabin Balcony Suite
March £1199pp £1299pp £1360pp £1725pp
April £1349pp £1449pp £1510pp £1875pp
July £1599pp £1739pp £1809pp £2265pp
DAY 7: UTRECHT TO AMSTERDAM,
NETHERLANDS
You’ll spend today in Utrecht, which could be
described as Amsterdam’s laidback cousin. Take
its museums, for instance – they’re as quirky as
they come. Speelklok’s stuffed with old musical
instruments, while another’s dedicated to Miffy – the
famous children’s book character. The huge cathedral
tower, which is actually detached from the cathedral
itself, is worth the climb, too, for a better view of the
city. After, you can nurse a coffee or beer at one of
the pavement cafés.
DAY 8: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
After arriving in Amsterdam last night, you can
rise and shine early for a chance to explore the
city before your flight home. If it’s a nice day,
head to Pllek – you can catch the free ferry from
Centraal Station. It’s got a beach-in-a-city feel with
a restaurant made out of shipping containers and
wraparound waterfront views.
*
Limited availability BEAUTIFUL BENELUX - INCLUDES £120PP EXCURSION CREDIT 19DUTCH &
BELGIAN
WATERWAYS
DUTCH
DELIGHTS
Cube-shaped houses, coffee shops and colossal cathedrals are the headline acts on this
eight-day roundtrip river cruise from Amsterdam.
DAY 1: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS DAY 4: UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS DAY 6: ANTWERP, BELGIUM
Your river cruise starts with two days in Make this full day all about food – because Today, you’ll draw the curtains back on Antwerp,
Amsterdam. If you’re a first time visitor, you’ll Utrecht’s got all sorts of tasty treats up its having dipped over the border into Belgium
probably want to see some of the more famous sleeve. This city’s got a huge foodie scene, with overnight. You’ll have the whole day to suss out
tourist attractions, like Anne Frank House or the everything from top-notch, luxury restaurants the city’s best bits. You might know Antwerp
Van Gogh Museum. Returning visitors seeking to cheap-as-chips pizzerias stashed along its for being the home of Flemish artist Peter Paul
something different can tick off a few of its streets. Finger food’s a big thing here, too. Pull Rubens in the 16th and 17th centuries. Art
lesser-known attractions instead – like the up a seat in a bar and order meatballs, plates enthusiasts can visit his old house, and see his
colourful Tulip Museum. Or you could cycle to of cheese and Utrecht vockingworst – a type famous hatted self-portrait. Antwerp scores
the Het Twiske beaches for pretty picnic spots of sausage. Then wash it all down with a locally extra points with history buffs for its giant
and open-water swimming areas. brewed beer. cathedral and looming riverside fortress.
DAY 2: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS HIGHLIGHTS DAY 7: ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Make the most of your second day in Wake up to Rotterdam – your second-
Amsterdam by heading to a different part of QCycle from Amsterdam to Het to-last stop. You’ve got all day to visit the
the city. Jump on the free ferry from Central Twiske’s beaches Euromast Tower for panoramic city views, the
Station and get dropped off in Amsterdam Q Eat marzipan in Medemblik’s Markthal market for Dutch cheeses and thin
Noord – it takes less than 15 minutes to get Baking Museum stroopwafels, and Witte de Withstraat – a
to this hub of urban cool. Here, you can take street that’s lined with chic pubs and bars –
a seat on Europe’s highest swing on top of the
Q Learn about cube houses for a pint. Many people will already recognise
A’dam Tower, or simply enjoy the 360° views in Rotterdam Rotterdam for its brightly painted cube houses.
from the sky deck. Then grab a coffee in Café You can actually go inside one at the Kijk-Kubus
de Ceuvel. Built in a former shipyard, this DAY 5: ARNHEM, NETHERLANDS Museum House, to see what it’s like to live
bohemian hangout’s all about sustainable living. You’ve got the morning here to do what you inside such angular architecture.
like, and there’s heaps of stuff to choose from.
DAY 3: MEDEMBLIK, NETHERLANDS Arnhem’s home to a wine museum, a national DAY 8: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Today you’ve got the morning to explore the city park where you can ride bikes for free, and a You’ll finish your cruise where you started, in
of Medemblik, where history and the modern zoo that’s over 100 years old. Or there’s the Amsterdam. Depending on when you fly home,
age hold hands. There’s a swanky harbour Netherlands Open Air Museum, where 80 this is a great opportunity to head to some of
that’s home to sleek yachts and creaking old- historic houses, farms and windmills show the best shopping spots to pick up last minute
age ships. Then there’s the Baking Museum, how the country’s architecture has changed gifts and souvenirs. Tick off vintage stores and
where all sorts of treats – like marzipan, over time. And if you want a further peek into boutiques selling one-off items in the area
chocolate cake and bread – are freshly baked the past, head to St Eusebius’ Church, AKA known as Nine Streets. Then go upmarket
and available for you to try. If you’ve got time, the big church. It’s got eye-widening Gothic in the museum district – it’s considered
squeeze in a visit to Radboud Castle. It’s right architecture. Amsterdam’s most exclusive area for shopping,
by the harbour, and has interesting links to and is dominated by big-name brands like
pirates and the artist Rembrandt. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and DKNY.
20 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday StoreSailing on TUI Isla
TOP TIP
Head to Antwerp’s MAS
Museum and ride the lift to
the roof – the panoramas
from up here are
unbeatable.
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Prices Standard Superior French French
from cabin* cabin Balcony cabin Balcony Suite
April £1299pp £1399pp £1460pp £1825pp
June £1699pp £1839pp £1909pp £2365pp
August £1599pp £1739pp £1809pp £2265pp
*
Limited availability DUTCH DELIGHTS - INCLUDES £120PP EXCURSION CREDIT 21RHINE
DUTCH & DEUTSCH
EXPLORER
This itinerary lets you switch between two European heavyweights, Germany and the
Netherlands – alternating between wide-awake cities and picturesque towns.
TOP TIP
Wander Rotterdam’s Delfshaven
district. It’s the city’s equivalent
to Copenhagen’s Nyhavn,
with 17th-century
houses, shops and
gin bars.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS OBERWESEL, GERMANY
DAY 1: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS futuristic, sky-high buildings and bridges are a case You can walk off the beer on the pretty riverfront
The Netherlands’ canal-laced capital is the first stop in point. Even its market hall is a work of art – it’s a promenade, or along the tree-lined Konigsallee
of this itinerary. This big city has a small town feel, bright, tunnel-shaped building, covered with a fruit- shopping street.
thanks to its network of canals, cobbled streets and and-veg-inspired mural. For history, head to the old
gabled townhouses. You’ll spend the night here, giving harbour or the Maritime Museum. DAY 5: BONN, GERMANY
you time to get to know the city’s craft breweries and You’ll find it hard to peel yourself away from the
museums at your next stop. Bonn was the capital of
trailblazing restaurant scene.
HIGHLIGHTS Germany between 1949 and 1991, but that’s not its
DAY 2: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS QAmsterdam’s art museums biggest claim to fame. It’s got a handful of museums
You can cross Amsterdam’s top sights off your list to its name – one of which is housed inside the
Q The pubs of Dusseldorf’s Altstadt birthplace of composer Beethoven. Come afternoon,
today. Start your exploring at the Rijksmuseum, which
is stocked with works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. QEhrenbreitstein fortress – Europe’s it’s worth checking out the main square, where the
In the street behind, there’s a bevy of museums second-biggest gilded town hall watches over market stalls and
and art galleries, including the Van Gogh Museum. modern shops.
Alternatively, you can learn about Heineken’s heritage
at a former brewery, or cross over the canal to visit DAY 4: DUSSELDORF, GERMANY DAY 6: KOBLENZ, GERMANY
Anne Frank House. You’ll arrive in Dusseldorf just after midday, so you’ll Koblenz straddles the Moselle and Rhine rivers, so it’s
have the afternoon to get your bearings. Use the city’s easy to see why it’s always been an important city. As
DAY 3: ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS piercing Rhine Tower as a beacon – you can see it such, it’s got an imposing fort, which watches over the
Next, you’ll swap the Netherlands’ capital for its from just about everywhere. Or rewind a few decades place. Today, you can reach Ehrenbreitstein fortress via
second city. This place was destroyed by bombing in the old town, known locally as the ‘longest bar in Germany’s longest cable car. This place has a couple
in the Second World War, but, unlike some German the world’, thanks to its 300 bars and pubs. of museums tucked within its walls, covering topics
cities, it’s taken a different approach to rebuilding. Its like photography and archaeology. In the evening,
you’ll set off on your journey towards Boppard.
22 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday StoreSailing on TUI Isla or TUI Maya
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Prices Standard Superior French French
from cabin* cabin Balcony cabin Balcony Suite
May £1649pp £1789pp £1859pp £2315pp
June £1699pp £1839pp £1909pp £2365pp
August £1599pp £1739pp £1809pp £2265pp
September £1849pp £1989pp £2059pp £2515pp
This itinerary operates in reverse on selected dates
DAY 7: BOPPARD TO OBERWESEL,
GERMANY
After arriving in Boppard last night, you’ll get the
morning to take in the town in daylight. It’s one of the
Rhine’s best-looking spots, with a restaurant-packed
riverfront and streets seamed with half-timbered
buildings. In the afternoon, you’ll move on to
Oberwesel, just down the river. You’ll have a few hours
in this so-called Town of Towers. It got its nickname
from the 16 towers still standing from the town’s
original Medieval walls.
DAY 8: FRANKFURT, GERMANY
You’ll pull into Frankfurt nice and early, so you can
pack in some sightseeing before your trip home.
If you’re short on time, the Ebbelwei-Express is a
great, whirlwind introduction to the city, stopping
at 29 landmarks in an hour. Plus, you can combine
sightseeing with a tasting of Frankfurt’s famous apple
wine, which is included in the ticket price. It doesn’t
get much more German than that.
*
Limited availability DUTCH & DEUTSCH EXPLORER - INCLUDES £120PP EXCURSION CREDIT 23RHINE
RHINE
EXPLORER
Find out why the Rhine is one of Europe’s best-loved waterways on this eight-day
river cruise that sails you from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, through Germany,
to Medieval Basel in Switzerland.
TOP TIP
Save a few pennies in
Koblenz by buying a joint
Ehrenbreitstein fortress and
cable car ticket.
LORELEI VALLEY, GERMANY COLOGNE CATHEDRAL, GERMANY
DAY 1: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS old city, so start by treating yourself to a meal that’s
a favourite with locals – a halve hahn. This open rye
Today, you’ve got all day to find out why Amsterdam's
one of the most popular cities in Europe. There are
HIGHLIGHTS bread sandwich is spread with butter and topped
almost 9,000 buildings that date back to the 16th, Q Climb to the top of Cologne Cathedral with thick slices of Gouda cheese and onion. Order it
17th and 18th centuries, so you certainly won’t be with Kolsch, the official beer of Cologne. Once you’re
Visit Switzerland’s oldest zoo
Q
refreshed, make a beeline for the Gothic spires of
short of sightseeing. Hire a bike and cycle your way
down narrow lanes, or jump onto a canal cruise for a Q Ride the Koblenz cable car the cathedral. For a few euros you can climb to the
guided tour with commentary. top of one of the towers for unbeatable views of the
chimney-speckled city.
DAY 2: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
You’ve got this morning to tick off anything you didn’t DAY 4: KOBLENZ TO RUDESHEIM,
do yesterday. Amsterdam’s art galleries and museums GERMANY
are recognised worldwide – if you’re going to visit one, This morning, you’ll have a few hours to explore
make it the Hermitage. This place is a branch of the Koblenz. No visit would be complete without taking
Hermitage in St Petersburg in Russia and is packed the cable car up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
to the rafters with paintings, figurines and valuable This place overlooks the UNESCO-protected Upper
artefacts. There’s a constantly changing programme Middle Rhine Valley and has eye-widening views of
of exhibitions, so you could see anything from Dutch the point where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet.
Master canvases to Ancient Greek sculptures. At lunchtime, you’ll set sail through the castle-freckled
Lorelei Valley, arriving in the town of Rudesheim in
DAY 3: COLOGNE, GERMANY the evening. The area’s famous for its wine production
Today, you’ll sail into Cologne, just in time for lunch. – try a glass of Riesling at one of its many bars for a
You’ve got all afternoon to explore this 2,000-year- NIEDERWALD CABLE CAR, RUDESHEIM crisp flavour of the region.
24 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday StoreSailing on TUI Isla or TUI Maya
DAY 5: SPEYER, GERMANY
The cathedral looms like a fairy tale giant over this town.
Don’t miss its eerie crypt, full of fascinating graves of German
emperors, kings, queens and bishops. Then wander past City
Hall – the council chambers in here are an A-star example of
Rococo architecture. Finish by exploring one of Speyer’s most
important sets of stone ruins, which were once part of a busy
Jewish community in the Middle Ages.
DAY 6: KEHL (FOR STRASBOURG), GERMANY
Draw back the curtains on Strasbourg this morning. You’ll dock
in the port of Kehl and make your way to the city on the other
side of the river, entering the north-east of France. Originally a
Celtic village, Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament
and is peppered with French and German influences. You’ve
got until early evening to tick off its major landmarks, like
the restored Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the 18th-century
Chateau des Rohan.
DAY 7: BREISACH, GERMANY
This town’s slotted between the rolling vineyards of the Rhine
Valley and the spinach-green treetops of the Black Forest.
Its main landmark, St Stephen’s Cathedral, is at the centre of
a web of pastel-coloured houses and cobbled streets. Head
into one of Breisach’s cafés for a thick slab of goose liver pate
paired with a bottle of merlot.
DAY 8: BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Your cruise ends today in Basel, Switzerland. The old town’s
a must-do for first-time visitors – it’s full of well-preserved
historic buildings that sit snugly next to each other. Gardening
enthusiasts will love the Basel Botanical Gardens. In here, you
can spy giant waterlilies, prickly cacti and orchids.
French French
Prices from Standard cabin* Superior cabin
Balcony cabin Balcony Suite
March £999pp £1099pp £1160pp £1525pp
May £1649pp £1789pp £1859pp £2315pp
June £1699pp £1839pp £1909pp £2365pp
July £1599pp £1739pp £1809pp £2265pp
August £1599pp £1739pp £1809pp £2265pp
September £1749pp £1889pp £1959pp £2415pp
This itinerary operates in reverse on selected dates, with Mannheim replacing Speyer.
*
Limited availability RHINE EXPLORER - INCLUDES £120PP EXCURSION CREDIT 25RHINE
RHINE:
CHATEAUX & GATEAUX
The name says it all for this one. You’ll journey from Germany’s wine country and idyllic
Black Forest to the super-pretty French city of Strasbourg and Basel, in Switzerland.
DAY 1: FRANKFURT, GERMANY Niederwald Monument. There’s the option of DAY 6: KEHL (FOR STRASBOURG),
You’ll start your trip with a day in a true walking up the vineyard-blanketed slopes or GERMANY
metropolis. Architecture-wise, Frankfurt is a taking the cable car to the top. You can swap Germany for France today, when
contradiction. You’ll need to crane your neck you reach Kehl. This place lies just across the
to clock the glistening, glass skyscrapers in DAY 4: SPEYER, GERMANY river from Strasbourg and a footbridge connects
the financial district. But the city’s crown jewel One of Germany’s oldest cities is on the cards the two. Here, the huge Gothic cathedral and
is its pretty-as-a-picture square, known as today. Founded by the Romans in 12 BC, the Petite France area are the main must-sees.
Römerberg. Here, half-timbered houses huddle Speyer is littered with landmarks. Unlike lots of The latter’s laced with canals and crooked, half-
around a Medieval church. On the nearby German towns, this place survived the Second timbered houses that look like they belong in a
riverfront, things fast-forward into the 21st World War relatively unscathed, which means its Disney film. There’s 21st-century architecture,
century again. The Sachsenhausen area’s home huge 11th-century cathedral is still gasp-worthy. too – like the cube-shaped Museum of Modern
to art museums, restaurants and apple wine It’s planted itself right at the end of Speyer’s and Contemporary Art.
pubs. main street, where it fights for attention with
the pretty pastel-painted buildings, bustling DAY 7: BREISACH, GERMANY
DAY 2: KOBLENZ TO BOPPARD, cafés and boutiques. Today, you’ll follow the Rhine along the French
GERMANY border. You’ll get most of the day in Breisach,
Today’s split in two – you’ll spend the morning HIGHLIGHTS which is sandwiched between the river and the
in Koblenz and the afternoon and night in Black Forest. Just like its French neighbours,
Boppard. Koblenz is where the Moselle and
Q Strasbourg’s quaint old town this place has a passion for wine. You can dip
Rhine rivers meet – a viewpoint and statue of Q Wine-tasting in the Moselle Valley into vaulted cellars for a tasting, or admire
Germany’s first Emperor mark the spot. There Q The Black Forest the vineyards from its hilltop cathedral. The
are forts and castles to explore, too, which are town was flattened in World War Two, but
perched above the city. Late afternoon, you’ll you’d never guess it, thanks to its meticulously
cruise into Boppard, via the famous S-shaped DAY 5: RASTATT, GERMANY reconstructed pastel houses.
bend. You’ve now officially entered wine You’ll start edging towards the French border, as
country, so you can spend the evening dipping you reach Rastatt. This place is a launchpad for DAY 8: BASEL, SWITZERLAND
into local taverns. hikes around Germany’s Black Forest. Despite We’ll arrive in Basel early doors, giving you
its name, this region’s a picture of deep-green more time to see the Swiss city’s top sights.
DAY 3: RUDESHEIM, GERMANY forests, mountains and lakes. In fact, it’s Unlike modern Zurich, this place has just two
You’ll pull into Rudesheim around lunchtime. believed to have inspired the Brothers Grimm skyscrapers to its name. Here, the emphasis
This place has a prime spot in the UNESCO- fairytales. Rastatt itself has a historic heart, too, is on culture and history, with Switzerland’s
checked Rhine Gorge. Most visitors find with two extravagant palaces to its name – one oldest university and more than 30 museums.
themselves along Drosselgasse – a narrow of which is said to be modelled on the Palace Plus, head up to Cathedral Mount to check out
cobbled street packed-out with wine taverns, of Versailles. Basel Minster and the tomb of Dutch scholar
restaurants and shops. It’s a full-of-life place, so Erasmus. You’ll get sweeping views of the old
you can expect oom-pah bands and dancing. town from up here, too.
Alternatively, you can head up to the hilltop
26 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday StoreSailing on TUI Isla or TUI Maya
TOP TIP
Make sure to order a glass
of Riesling or Pinot Noir in
Boppard – they’ve been
growing the grapes
around here for
centuries.
CATHEDRAL, SPEYER, GERMANY
BLACK FOREST, GERMANY BOPPARD, GERMANY
Prices Standard Superior French French
from cabin* cabin Balcony cabin Balcony Suite
June £1649pp £1789pp £1859pp £2315pp
August £1599pp £1739pp £1809pp £2265pp
October £1199pp £1299pp £1360pp £1725pp
This itinerary operates in reverse on selected dates, with Mannheim
replacing Speyer.
*
Limited availability RHINE: CHATEAUX & GATEAUX - INCLUDES £120PP EXCURSION CREDIT 27RHINE
RHINE
GEMS
On this itinerary, you’ll travel along the UNESCO-ticked stretch of the
Rhine that’s inspired artists, authors and composers for centuries.
TOP TIP
Visit Strasbourg’s Notre Dame
Cathedral at noon to watch the
astronomical clock show. It
starts at half 12, but the
queues form before
that.
STRASBOURG, FRANCE FRANKFURT, GERMANY
DAY 1: FRANKFURT, GERMANY DAY 3: MAINZ, GERMANY – and a sculpture marks his inaugural ride. A huge
This itinerary starts in Germany’s financial hub, It’s all about history today, as you pull into Mainz. TV tower moves things into the 21st century. You can
Frankfurt. The cosmopolitan city’s nicknames – Dating back to the 1st century AD, this place is one head up for the views or the revolving restaurant.
Mainhattan and Chicago on the Main – might lead of Europe’s oldest cities. On a wander around, you’ll
you to think it’s modern through and through. want to stop and stare at the Romanesque cathedral, DAY 5: KEHL (FOR STRASBOURG),
But you couldn’t be more wrong. Its centrepiece the central Marktplatz and the Gutenberg Museum, GERMANY
is a carefully reconstructed old town, known as which is dedicated to all things printing. You’re here You get two stops in one today. You’ll arrive in Kehl,
Romerberg, which is fit-to-bursting with timbered all day, which means there’s also time to do the Three Germany, which is just across the river from the
buildings. Plus, there’s the 54-acre Palm Garden, Bridges Walk – a two-hour riverside circuit. French city of Strasbourg. This place has been passed
which opened in 1871, and a whole district of between Germany and France for centuries, and
HIGHLIGHTS
museums. you’ll notice stamps everywhere you turn. There’s the
ever-so-pretty Palais Rohan and the Petite France
DAY 2: KOBLENZ, GERMANY QStrasbourg’s pretty Petite France district – all half-timbered houses, canals and pretty
You’ll reach the start of the romantic Middle Rhine bridges. Its cathedral’s a must-see, too. Climb to the
QGrand palaces in Rastatt
Valley this morning. Koblenz also happens to be the top of its tower and you can gaze across the Black
place where the Rhine and Moselle meet. You can
Q The wine taverns of Rudesheim Forest.
visit the exact spot at Deutsches Eck, AKA German
Corner. Then, follow the pretty riverside promenade DAY 4: MANNHEIM, GERMANY DAY 6: RASTATT, GERMANY
all the way along to the neo-Classical Electoral Palace. Your next port of call is Medieval meets modern. You After docking in Rastatt last night, you can rise as
Depending on how you’re doing for time, you can can wander its Marktplatz, tour its lavish Baroque early as you like to explore Rastatt – a city of palaces.
also take a cable car up to the hilltop fort. palace and visit countless museums. This is a city that There are two opulent mansions to choose from –
Forbes called one of the world’s most inventive. It was both are perfectly preserved, as they weren’t hit by
here that Karl Drais introduced the first bike in 1817 any World War Two raids. Schloss Rastatt’s striking
28 CALL 0800 975 4477 EXPLORE tui.co.uk/river-cruise VISIT your local TUI Holiday StoreSailing on TUI Isla or TUI Maya
MAINZ, GERMANY
Prices Standard Superior French French
from cabin* cabin Balcony cabin Balcony Suite
April £1299pp £1399pp £1460pp £1825pp
May £1549pp £1689pp £1759pp £2215pp
June £1699pp £1839pp £1909pp £2365pp
July £1599pp £1739pp £1809pp £2265pp
September £1899pp £2039pp £2109pp £2565pp
October £1299pp £1399pp £1460pp £1825pp
coral exterior is matched by an equally extravagant
interior of frescoes, chandeliers and tapestries. And
it’s the same story at Schloss Favorite, which features
a room covered in mirrors.
DAY 7: RUDESHEIM, GERMANY
Wine’s at the heart of today’s town. You’ll glide into
Rudesheim nice and early, giving you plenty of time
to tour its taverns and timber-dominated old town.
Make a beeline down Drosselgasse to sample the
local Riesling. Or make for the hills and the hard-to-
miss Niederwald Monument – a walk or cable car ride
away. From the top, you can take in the Rhine Valley’s
striped vineyards, castles and winding river bends.
DAY 8: FRANKFURT, GERMANY
You’ve come full circle today, as you arrive back in
Frankfurt. If you’ve got time, you can wrap things
up with a spot of sightseeing – whether it’s ogling
the old opera house, sampling local cuisine at
Kleinmarkthalle, or rattling through the city on a
tram tour.
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