Overview
As if European river cruising isn’t enchanting enough with its cobblestone villages, ancient cathedrals, fairytale castles, and lush green vineyards; this spectacular cruise includes the Rhine in Flames Festival, a dazzling firework spectacular and Europe’s biggest parade of ships. Imagine drinking in the wonder of this captivating display on the sundeck of your own luxurious ship in Koblenz… the romantic Rhine Valley ablaze in an ever-changing cascade of color, the surrounding hillsides twinkling with thousands of red Bengal lights, and some 75 illuminated ships gliding down the river. Koblenz is just one of the amazing ports in this cruise of a lifetime. You will be equally enthralled as you explore Dusseldorf, Cologne, Konigswinter, Cochem, Arnhem, and Amsterdam.
Afterwards, we sail upstream on the Mosel river past some of the steepest vineyards in Europe to the enchanting wine town of Cochem. We sail back to the Rhine to visit Cologne with its magnificent cathedral before visiting the WWII city of Arnhem then disembark in the cultural capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam.
Mike Yager, 2018 Corvette Hall of Fame Inductee will be joining us for the cruise.
Itinerary
Dusseldorf is an engaging mix of ancient and modern, with medieval history and urban trendiness. As you take in the sites of this one-time small fishing village, you will understand why it is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s top vacation destinations. Begin your exploration on the waterfront street Rheinuferpromenade (“Rhine promenade”), which connects the historic Old Town with the MedianHafen (i.e. the modern harbor). Visit landmarks like the Rathaus (City Hall), Burgplatz, St. Lambertus Basilica and Rheinpark. Stroll the luxurious shops along the renowned Konigsallee, Germany’s most elegant avenue. With its beautifully restored houses, bridges, and fountains; the promenade is more than just a shoppers’ paradise but also an attraction itself. At the end of Konigsallee, you will find yourself in the tranquil Hofgarten, Dusseldorf’s version of New York’s Central Park. The park is home to the spectacular Schloss Jagerhof palace, a stunning reproduction of 18th century Rococo architecture. Complete the day in Old Town, locally nicknamed “the longest bar in the world”, with a glass of the local specialty Altbier. After settling in your cabin, which will be your floating hotel room for the duration of the cruise, please join us to raise a glass to toast our voyage at the Captain’s Welcome Reception.
Meals: 5-Course Welcome Aboard Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
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Koblenz truly is a feast for the eyes with its backdrop of vineyards, forests, and mountains. Snap a photo as you lean on the giant bronze thumb sculpture at Koblenz’s famous German Corner (Deutsches Eck), where the Rhine meets the Moselle River. After leaning on the “thumb”, lean into history as you wind your way through the Old Town. Explore the French influence and ancient remnants of Roman walls. Stroll along the river promenade and roam the town’s romantic narrow streets, where you might encounter flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes or possibly a weinstube (wine tavern). Sample a Moselle Riesling while drinking in the amazing atmosphere of the oldest wine region in Germany.
“Rhine in Flames” between Spay and Koblenz
‘At this event, Europe’s biggest parade of ships makes the trip from Spay to Koblenz. Some 75 ships glide down the river past romantic Rhine villages, fortresses and castles. Both sides of the river are lit up by Bengal torches, as are the fortresses and many villages. The river pageant is accompanied by fireworks before the unique huge fireworks display is set off, bathing the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz in magical light.
What’s more, the major international “Rhein in Flammen®” events begin each year in May with the “Rhein in Flammen®” event at Siebengebirge(Bonn). In the World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, “Rhein in Flammen®” starts in July in Bingen and Rüdesheim. This is followed in August by “Rhine in Flames” between Spay and Koblenz, the oldest of all the “Rhein in Flammen®” events, and in September there are two such events, first in Oberwesel and then at the Loreley in the sister towns of St. Goar/St. Goarshausen. You can find more details about all “Rhine in Flames” events here.
Each event has a unique character of its own with illuminated fleets of ships, picturesque ‘burning’ fortresses and amazing fireworks displays which light up the night sky and are reflected in the waters of the Rhine, accompanied by the thunder of firecrackers, whose echoes rebound off the hillsides. The fireworks displays attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, many of whom return year after year to enjoy the magic.’
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
Port Location Not Assigned
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
Port Location Not Assigned
In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between two hiking paradises – Eifel and Hunsrück – lies the old town of Cochem. Even the Romans sang the praises of this remarkable landscape. It is true, a few things have changed since then, but the attraction has remained because the past centuries, above all the Middle Ages, have left their marks here. The magnificent Reichsburg, the big castle, situated on a precipitous rock high above the town, dominates the landscape. as it is one of the few castles in Germany, which was rebuilt in its original style after its complete destruction. The town of Cochem itself is a sight worth seeing, not only because of its narrow streets and twisty alleys, the restored half-timbered houses with the typical slate roofs, the historical market-place but also because of its medieval town gates, churches and walls.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
Port Location Not Assigned
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
Port Location Not Assigned
Konigswinter is a popular resort in the Seven Hills mountain range topped by the ruins of Drachenfels castle, a national park. The Drachenfels(“Dragon’s Rock”), a hill 1,053 feet (321 meters) high, is crowned by the ruined castle built in the 12th century by the archbishop of Cologne and destroyed by the French in the 17th century. According to the Nibelungen legends, the Drachenloch (“Dragon’s Cave”) in the hill sheltered the dragon slain by the hero Siegfried. Travelers can either hike up the mountain to savor the views across the Rhine Valley or travel the railway to the top with a stop at the fairy tale Drachenburg castle in the clouds which has been likened to a medieval castle, Gothic Cathedral, and Big Ben. All in all, visitors are enchanted with the folklore and fabulous views of this sleepy little town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
Port Location Not Assigned
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
Port Location Not Assigned
Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River is the region’s cultural hub and epitomizes a 3D textbook on history and architecture. A landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid reconstructed old town, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral dominates the skyline and is known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views. The city’s museum landscape is especially strong when it comes to art, showcasing many masterpieces by Picasso. Drifting about town, you’ll stumble upon an ancient Roman wall, medieval churches galore, nondescript postwar buildings, avant-garde structures and even a new postmodern quarter right on the Rhine. Get your blood pumping by climbing the 533 steps of the south tower of the cathedral, tantalize your taste buds at the Cologne’s Imhoff Chocolate Museum, and follow your nose to the quirky Farina Fragrance Museum smelling the scent that put Cologne on the map. Stop by the cafes and taverns in Old Town and try a Kolsch pale lager, locally brewed for over 100 years.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
Port Location Not Assigned
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
Port Location Not Assigned
Admire Arnhem’s famous bridge over the Rhine, immortalized in the film A Bridge Too Far, where British paratroopers held fast for four days against overwhelming odds. In honor of the commander of the paratroopers, the bridge was renamed the John Frost Bridge. Arnhem features numerous museums and cultural attractions. Top of the list would be the incredible Netherlands Open Air Museum – the Netherlands’ first and best open-air folk museum spread across 82 wonderful wooded acres. You’ll relish this huge park of windmills, old farmhouses and other traditional buildings (gathered from throughout the Netherlands then reassembled here), time-honored craft demonstrations, and a pleasant education-by-immersion in Dutch culture. Alternatively, you might opt to step back in time by traveling to nearby (less than 15 minutes by train) Nijmegen, widely regarded as the oldest city in the Netherlands with a settlement as early as the first century B.C.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 5-Course Farewell Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
Port Location Not Assigned
Today you will have a full day to explore the history-rich city of Arnhem. Admire Arnhem’s famous bridge over the Rhine, immortalized in the film A Bridge Too Far, where British paratroopers held fast for four days against overwhelming odds. In honor of the commander of the paratroopers, the bridge was renamed the John Frost Bridge. Arnhem features numerous museums and cultural attractions. Top of the list would be the incredible Netherlands Open Air Museum – the Netherlands’ first and best open-air folk museum spread across 82 wonderful wooded acres. You’ll relish this huge park of windmills, old farmhouses and other traditional buildings (gathered from throughout the Netherlands then reassembled here), time-honored craft demonstrations, and a pleasant education-by-immersion in Dutch culture. Alternatively, you might opt to step back in time by traveling to nearby (less than 15 minutes by train) Nijmegen, widely regarded as the oldest city in the Netherlands with a settlement as early as the first century B.C. As our Scenic Rhinelands to Lowlands Tour winds down, join the crew for good-byes and a final farewell toast at the Captain’s Farewell Reception, then dine like royalty at the Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 5-Course Farewell Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown
Port Location Not Assigned
Your cruise comes to an end in the historic city of Amsterdam. Our hope is your journey on the waters of the Rhine and Moselle has likewise proven refreshing, therapeutic and even healing.
Depart after breakfast, with the freedom to explore this world-class city on your own.
While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Scenic Rhinelands to Lowlands Tour. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.
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Deck Plans
Cabin Options
Availability & Pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
Reserve Your Cabin
What's Included in the Cruise
Highlights and Notes
Highlights of What’s Included:
- 8-Day Cruise visiting 7 Cities & 2 Countries
- Guest Speaker Mike Yager, Founder of Mid America Motorworks
- Captain’s Welcome & Farewell Receptions with Sparkling wine & hors-d’oeuvres
- Welcome Aboard Dinner & Farewell Dinner
- All Meals Included Daily (onboard your ship)
- Locally inspired cuisine
- Early Riser Breakfast in addition to Buffet Breakfast
- Daily Afternoon Tea
- Daily Midnight Snack
- Complimentary Coffee & Tea
- Drink packages available for house wine, beer, and sodas in the Restaurant.
- Soda, Beer and House Wines with Lunch and Dinner is $99 per person for the cruise.
- All other drinks and cocktails are available at an additional cost.
- The Drink Package does not include drinks in the ship’s lounge.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi will not support large photos, videos, streaming movies, etc. It is only good enough for texting and emails of minimal size)
- Teeming/PopGuide App City Walking Tour in most ports
- Tech Talks
- Using Your Smartphone As Your Personal Tour Guide
- How to Navigate with your Smartphone without cell service or data
- Photography With Your Smartphone- Leave Your Big Camera Behind
- How to edit your photos with your Smartphone as well
- Using Your Smartphone As Your Personal Tour Guide
- Nightly Port Talks- We Give You the Tools to “Explore More for Less”!
- Museums/Sites/History/Architecture
- Opening Times
- Information on Entry Fees
- Location
- Explore On Your Own Information
- Museums/Sites/History/Architecture
- Musician for Live Music Onboard
- Room Steward and Daily Housekeeping Service
- Evening Turndown Service
- Onboard Fitness Center
- Non-Smoking Ship Interior
- Port Taxes & Fees
Trip Notes:
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change.
- Disruptions in cruising and itinerary may occur.
- Prices are for cruises only. Flights are not included.
- Transfers to and from the airport are not included in the cruise fare.
- Shore Excursions are not included in the cruise fare. These may be purchased for an additional cost.
- Due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased.
- Prices exclude gratuities.