Flights
Flights are currently possible from Heathrow, Stansted, Manchester & Edinburgh airports subject to availability at time of booking the flights, and a supplement may apply. Alternative UK departure airports may become available, we will look at all options when you book.
• Flights include 1 checked in bag (usually no more than 20kgs) and 1 carry on bag per person – weight/size subject to airline rules.
• Flight duration around 2 hours.
• Transfer time Cologne Airport to ship around 30 mins each way or from Dusseldorf Airport 50 mins each way subject to traffic.
Please call us on 01895 83 33 33 to discuss your flight requirements.
Rhine & Three Countries Cruise to Switzerland
8 days by Rail or Air, 26th September to 3rd October 2027 from £2499 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: UK to Cologne
Morning departure from London St Pancras by Eurostar to Brussels, arriving in just over 2 hours. Continue by coach to Cologne and the MS Otello. Alternatively travel to and from Cologne or Dusseldorf by air from regional UK airports – see flight information and options. Time to settle into your cabin before dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight cruise to Rudesheim.
Day 2: Lorelei Rock and Rüdesheim, Germany
This morning we sail through the Middle Rhine passing countless castles and sleepy hamlets in the narrowest and deepest part of the river, marked by the legendary Lorelei Rock. We arrive in Rüdesheim after lunch. This popular riverside town is renowned for: The Drosselgasse – a unique cobbled lane just 144 metres long, packed with bars, restaurants and live music; Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum and Rüdesheimer Kaffee, a delicious ‘flaming’ coffee made with local Asbach brandy. Join our included land train tour from the ship through vineyards and the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum and a Rüdesheimer Kaffee in the Drosselgasse. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight sailing to Speyer.
Day 3: Speyer, Germany
We arrive mid-morning in the historic Speyer, one of the oldest towns in Germany and known for its UNESCO listed cathedral. Today is free in the town, with an included walking tour. The ship departs Speyer early evening. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight sailing to Strasbourg in France.
Day 4: Strasbourg, France
Early morning arrival in Strasbourg. The ship will be docked in the modern part of the town and a transfer is included to the medieval centre. Here we have an included guided walking tour followed by time at leisure. Return transfer to the ship for lunch as we set sail for Basel. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Afternoon and overnight sailing to Basel in Switzerland.
Day 5: Basel & Lucerne, Switzerland
Early morning arrival in Basel. This vibrant city has a stunning historic old town centre set on the banks of the Rhine. Join the morning walking tour of the old town followed by time at lesiure or alternatively join the full day excursion to Lucerne, at the top of Lake Lucerne and renowned as the most picturesque city in Switzerland, enticing famous travellers including Queen Victoria – depart by coach after breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour and some time at leisure before returning to the ship mid afternoon (a packed lunch will be provided on this excursion). Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Ship departs during dinner for overnight sailing to Breisach in Germany.
Day 6: Breisach, Germany & Colmar, France
We wake up in the riverside town of Breisach and enjoy a morning at leisure or join our included excursion to Colmar, the capital of the Alsace wine region in north eastern France and birthplace of sculptor Auguste Bartholdi who crafted the Statue of Liberty in New York – travel the short distance by coach to Colmar and enjoy a guided walk through the medieval old town with its canals and blend of German and French architectural styles. We return to the ship by coach for lunch and set sail for Koblenz. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Afternoon and overnight sailing to Koblenz.
Day 7: Koblenz
Morning arrival in Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. This morning we have an included walking tour of Koblenz. After lunch on board enjoy an afternoon in Koblenz OR join the afternoon coach excursion to Boppard Wine Festival. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Depart late afternoon and cruise overnight to Cologne, breaking our journey with a stop in Andernach.
Day 8: Cologne to UK
After Breakfast we disembark and transfer by coach to Brussels where we take the Eurostar to London St Pancras arriving during the afternoon. Or, transfer to Cologne or Dusseldorf airport for your flight back to the UK.
Note: Order and times of events and excursions may be subject to change.
Entertainment
Born in Florida, USA, Cheyne ‘Queenie’ Moore came over to the UK a few years ago where she is paying tribute to the Soul & Motown Legends such as Diana Ross, The Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and many more. She recorded a dance single and was invited to a meeting with A&R of Island records who produced her single “Call Me Mr Telephone” which reached No 1 on the Billboard Dance charts 1985 MCA.
Multi-talented Keith Slater has been a professional musician since 1981 and sings hits from the 60s to present day. He has performed with well known artistes Malcolm Stent, Don Maclean and in award winning bands Inheritance and Vivo.
Accommodation
MS Otello
GN Holidays & Voyages is chartering the four-star MS Carmen & MS Otello for four exclusive cruises in 2026. The Carmen and her sister ship Otello, were built in 1995, completely renovated in 2017 by former owners Uniworld and further updated by present owners in 2023. They are identical in size and space and can accommodate up to 102 guests in a variety of well-equipped, en-suite cabins with hotel style beds.
The impressive Reception on the Upper deck gives access to the welcoming lounge and bar, with bar stools, easy chairs, booth style seating, a dance floor and state of the art entertainment equipment. The Sun deck has sun loungers, chairs and a panoramic, conservatory style bar so you can enjoy 360 degree views no matter the weather.
The restaurant features large picture windows and is light and airy with modern decor, furnishings and a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Diners can enjoy generous buffet breakfasts, three course lunches and four course dinners.
Facilities – Wifi is available throughout the ship, there is a coffee station available to guests 24/7 and a shop on board.
Ship’s stats – Length: 110 metres • Breadth: 11.40 metres • Max passenger Capacity: 126 • Passengers decks: 3
Note: MS Carmen shares its name with, but is not the MS Carmen we chartered before 2022.
Decks & Cabins
On the Upper deck you’ll find the reception, lounge and bar, plus *French Balcony suites, doubles and single (with double bed) cabins.
On the main deck is the restaurant and coffee station, plus standard double and single (with double bed) cabins – all with picture window.
There is a stair lift between the upper deck reception and the main deck.
Cabins all have a double hotel style bed, TV, Wifi, safe, hair dryer, individually controlled heating and cooling system, shower and WC.
*’French Balcony’ is a sliding patio door with a railing at waist height placed directly behind the glass – there isn’t a separate space/balcony you can walk out onto.
Please note: When docking ships can be moored side by side so views from the cabin may be obscured.
What Our Customers Say
Loved the Carmen, I received hugs and greetings from many of the ship’s crew who remembered me from when we were in Budapest (once seen never forgotten !!!). The Cruise was fabulous, so looking forward to Amsterdam in April. Melanie and Keith, as always, did a great job. Judith Weir Read more “Dutch Bulbfields 2025 Judith”
I was on the MS Verdi Bulbfields cruise, it was fantastic. Anyone considering one for the future don't hold back, life's too short. Terry & Chris Croft Read more “Dutch Bulbfields MS Verdi 2024”
This was our very first river cruise and WOW what a treat. We did a big cruise once and it wasn't for us, but the MS Verdi is the perfect size and travelling down the river so tranquil. GN Holidays is an amazing firm and totally recommend their party weekends and river cruises. Linda & Rowley Bletsoe Read more “Dutch Bulbfields April 2025”
