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 subject to traffic.
Please call us on 01895 83 33 33 to discuss your flight requirements.
Rhine Wine Festival, Lightning Night & Moselle River Cruise
8 days by Rail or Air, September 23rd 2024, from £1899 per person
Itinerary
Day 1: UK to Cologne
Depart London St Pancras in the morning on Eurostar to Brussels, arriving in just over 2 hours. Continue by coach to Cologne and the MS Otello. Alternatively travel to and from Cologne 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 in Cologne.
Day 2: Cologne to Andernach
Early morning we begin our cruise to Andernach, a quiet riverside town with winding streets and historic architecture. Explore on your own or join our optional guided walking tour. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight in Andernach.
Day 3: Andernach to Cochem
Early morning we continue along the Rhine to Koblenz where we enter the tranquil Moselle river with rolling vineyards and lush greenery. Arriving in Cochem early to mid-afternoon there is time to explore on your own or joinour optional walking tour with wine tasting – try 5 wines of this unique region. Wine tasting only also available. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight in Cochem.
Day 4: Cochem to Koblenz
Early morning we cruise back to Koblenz arriving early afternoon. You will be free to explore on your own, we recommend taking the cable car over the Rhine to the imposing Ehrenbreitstein fortress, or join our optional walking tour of the town. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight in Koblenz.
Day 5: Koblenz to Rüdesheim
This morning we sail through the Middle Rhine passing countless castles, fortresses and sleepy hamlets in the narrowest and deepest part of the river, marked by the legendary Lorelei Rock, arriving in Rüdesheim mid-afternoon. Our optional 2-hour guided town walk includes the cable car to the Niederwald Monument. Alternatively, our optional tour by land train takes us from the ship through the vineyards and town to the famous Drosselgasse – a unique cobbled lane just 144 metres long, packed with bars, restaurants and live music – to enjoy a delicious Rüdesheimer Kaffee made with local Asbach brandy. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight in Rüdesheim.
Day 6: Rüdesheim to Boppard
Early morning we sail back through the middle Rhine to Boppard arriving early afternoon. The town’s treasures include romantic squares, small lanes and the Rhine Allee (Riverside Promenade), filled with trees and flowers. Enjoy one of the highlights of the year in Boppard, the Wine Festival in the market square, with various wine stands for wine-tasting, music and entertainment. Tonight is the highlight of the cruise as we enjoy the Lightning Night on the Middle Rhine when the night sky erupts into a million stars with a spectacular fireworks display. Free drinks, dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight in Boppard.
Day 7: Boppard to Cologne
We sail from Boppard in the early morning enjoying a relaxing day on board, before arriving in Cologne early afternoon. Time perhaps to visit the magnificent gothic Cathedral before a farewell dinner, free drinks and entertainment on board. Overnight in Cologne.
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 airport for your flight back to the UK.
Optional Excursions
• Andernach guided walk 1.5hrs £19pp
• Cochem Walking tour & 5 Wine tasting 2.5hrs £40pp
OR Cochem 5 wine tasting 1hr £29pp
• Koblenz guided walk 2hrs £19pp
• Rüdesheim Highlights – land train tour to Drosselgasse & Rüdesheimer Kaffee 1.5hrs £40pp
OR Rüdesheim guided walk & cable car to Niederwald Monument – 2hrs £39pp
Excursions must be booked prior to departure. 20% excursion discount when you pre-book 1 in every town above. All operate subject to minimum numbers.
Note: Order and times of events and excursions may be subject to change.
Entertainment
Bruce Parker – The California Soul Man, Inviting you on a musical journey through the hits of Soul, Motown, and a few surprises along the way. From Los Angeles, Bruce has touched the hearts of audiences the world over. Having worked with legendary Music Icons like Debbie Harry, Chaka Khan, and Michael Jackson, Parker presents himself comfortably to any audience and is a natural at engaging venue goers of all ages.
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 2024. 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 126 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
Just to say how much we all enjoyed the Danube Fortunes Cruise. Our first holiday with you and our first river cruise, won't be the last. We've recommended your company to friends. Read more “‘Fortunes’ River Cruise”
Swiss Pearl is the best GN cruise we've been on - would certainly book a holiday on her again. Excellent crew, amazing food quality. Drinks inclusive was great - helps towards planning a more relaxed holiday. Read more “Swiss Pearl”
We have had a wonderful 4 day stay onboard the "Swiss Pearl". Everything has been great, with Sheena and Gareth looking after us. the ship's crew and GN Voyages staff have been marvellous in providing all we need for a very enjoyable holiday. Read more “Swiss Pearl”
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