Castles along the Rhine 2015 Cruise

Itinerary and Ports    Show / Hide Port Details

DAY	DATE	PORT OF CALL	ARRIVAL	DEPARTURE
1	Wed 15 Nov 2017	Basel, Switzerland
Basel on the river Rhine is Switzerland's third most populous city, and located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Indeed, the river cruise ships berth within a stone’s throw of the triple intersection. It has suburbs in France and Germany, and interestingly the language spoken is called Basel German. Basel is a transport centre – air, rail and road – and accessible to Switzerland’s major cities Zurich and Geneva. River travellers arrive from Amsterdam and can take a coach south and re-join river ships at Lyon on the Rhône and continue on to the Mediterranean. more info
2	Thu 16 Nov 2017	Breisach, Germany
The German town of Breisach is situated along the Rhine River on the French and German border, about halfway between Freiburg and Colma. During WWII 85% of Breisach was destroyed and the early 13th century cathedral of St Stephansmünster was heavily damaged. Fortunately it is a great place to visit as it has since been restored with many of its remarkable features still intact. The Museum for Municipal History, which has an impressive collection of artefacts dating from the Stone Age to the present, has also been restored and makes for a fascinating visit. This border town offers a unique version of Germany. more info
3	Fri 17 Nov 2017	Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg, France’s great north-eastern metropolis and the intellectual and cultural capital of Alsace, is the ultimate European city. It has flavours of both France and Germany, and sits astride the border of the two countries. Today the residents have mixed feelings about their ‘Frenchness’ or ‘Germanness’, with many agreeing they are not either French or German, but a bit of both. It can be hard to discern which country you are truly in while visiting, especially as the signs are in both languages. As it is the home of the European Parliament, this surprisingly cosmopolitan destination hosts some of France's oldest cultural events. more info
4	Sat 18 Nov 2017	Speyer, Germany
Speyer (aka Spires), located on the river Rhine, is one of Germany’s oldest cities dating back to pre-Roman times. The city is dominated by the architecturally significant Speyer Cathedral, where beneath the high altar are the tombs of eight Holy Roman emperors and German kings. Today it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of further interest to visitors are a number of churches and the Old Town gate. In recent years the cathedral district and some parts of the medieval town were elaborately renovated with a new design, so that Speyer has developed into one of Germany’s important tourist centres. more info
5	Sun 19 Nov 2017	Rudesheim, Germany
Rudesheim lies in the heart of the Rhine River area at the southern entrance to the Lorelei valley. It is well known for the Drosselgasse, just 144m long, the pedestrian street at the heart of the city's old town. It is full of beautifully decorated restaurants, live band entertainment, and open air garden taverns that are always thoroughly enjoyed by visitors. Wine-growing has a long tradition in Rudesheim and has established the town's reputation as a producer of acclaimed Riesling and Pinot Noir wines. A stroll through the vineyards to the Germania monument or to Ehrenfels castle ruins offers fantastic views of the Rhine Valley. more info
5	Sun 19 Nov 2017	Boppard, Germany
Boppard is a town in the Rhein-Hunsrück district of Germany, situated on the west bank of the Rhine, 25 km south of Koblenz. It belongs to a part of the Rhineland that is famous for its more than 2000 years of cultural history. Hence it is home to numerous castles and stately homes, churches and monasteries, gardens and parks, as well as the genius of past composers and inventors. Not surprisingly it has become a major tourist destination and the Gorge, along which the town lies is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a holiday region that is spoiled by the sun and blessed with uniqueness. more info
6	Mon 20 Nov 2017	Koblenz, Germany
Koblenz (aka Coblenz, Coblence) is one of the largest cities on the Rhine River in Germany and is situated on both banks of the Rhine at its junction with the Moselle. In 55 BC Roman troops commanded by Julius Caesar reached the Rhine, and the remains of a large bridge built by them in 49 AD are still visible. That the historical pattern of French occupation over the centuries has now completely ended, is encapsulated in the imposing William1st Monument that is a nationalistic declaration of the German refusal of any French claims to the area, and to German unity. more info
7	Tue 21 Nov 2017	Cologne, Germany
Cologne, situated on the River Rhine and Germany’s fourth largest city, was recognised by the Romans as a major centre for their trade routes. Subsequently, considerable Roman remains can be found in contemporary Cologne, especially near the wharf area, where a notable discovery of a 1900 year old Roman boat was made in late 2007. Due to WWII air raids, today Cologne is notable for its simple and modest post-war buildings, but fortunately is still home to a few interspersed pre-war buildings that were reconstructed due to their historical importance. Most are fascinated by a visit to "The World's Oldest Fragrance Company" with its fascinating museum. more info
8	Wed 22 Nov 2017	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Originally a dam in the river Amstel, Amsterdam today is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, as engineered dams, sea gates, and the 19-mile dyke walling out the Zuider Zee prevent this low-lying country from being reclaimed by the North Sea. Interestingly, the 17th century canals of Amsterdam located in the heart of the city have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main tourist attractions are undoubtedly the famous Museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. However, there is much more to be seen and appreciated. more info

All aboard the River Empress over 7 relaxing nights aboard the Castles along the Rhine 2015 Cruise exploring Europe - Rivers. This cruise departs from Basel and visits 9 ports in 4 countries before returning to Amsterdam. This 4 star voyage from Uniworld River Cruises has 4 more forward departures. We have a limited number of cabins available from $500 per person/day, twin share. So call now and get expert, friendly advice.

River Empress Overview

Uniworld's River Empress sails between March and November each year. Take a 7-night cruise from Basel (Switzerland) to Amsterdam on the Rhine River, passing all the famed castles. For the other months Empress sails the Rhine-Main-Danube river system between Budapest and Amsterdam, passing through five countries. These 14- night cruises pass all the Rhine castles and Vienna. These cruises are for those who appreciate history and architecture from Roman times, Medieval towns and castles, connoisseurs of wine, beer and food, and lovers of music. The ship is part of the most luxurious fleet in Europe.

Accommodation

All cabins are outside, comfortable, and maintained by twice-a-day service. All have premium bedding, pillow options, controllable AC, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with infotainment, storage, built-in safe, vanity, hair dryer, bathrobes, and compact marble bathroom fitted out with L’Occitane products. Lower deck cabins have a wide head-height window, and middle deck staterooms have a large panoramic window. An elevator services all three interior decks.

Food and Dining

The Restaurant is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides and provides open seating. Dining is acclaimed as “best-of-the-best” by observers of the river cruise industry. Breakfasts and lunches are full buffet with an extensive array of hot and cold items, and individually prepared items are available. Menu items change daily, follow the region and season, and include Continental and American preparations. Local and regional specialities are featured. Dinner is open-seating with four courses. Accompanying dinner are fine wines and a selection of beers and soft drinks.

Entertainment

The cruise focus is on exploration and walking tours with local guides. Tour variations continue to expand to meet the requests of guests: you have a choice of five ways to explore, according to your wishes. Travel lectures expand your knowledge of the regions visited, and the Epicurean Adventurer Program enhances your appreciation of local cuisine ashore. Visiting entertainers come on board along the route. A Family-Friendly program is offered during school holiday times.

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