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Strasbourg & the Romantic Rhine

 

Beethoven statue, Bonn
  • Overview

    highlights

    • Admire the Ahr Valley’s enchanting landscape
    • Visit Strasbourg, famous for its beautiful cathedral
    • Discover Bonn, Beethoven’s hometown
    • Enjoy time at leisure in historical Rudesheim

    Sailing along the splendid Rhine, our river cruise will take in this mighty river’s finest sights, as we cruise through Germany, France and Switzerland. Admire beautiful riverscapes and captivating towns and cities, including Bonn, Rudesheim, Strasbourg and Basel.

    Great for:

    • Great for - City
    • Great for - Culture
    • Great for - History
    • Great for - Nature
    • Great for - Scenery


    Strasbourg

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  • Itinerary

    ITINERARY

    LOCATIONS


  • The Ship

    YOUR SHIP



    MPS Da Vinci

    • MPS Da Vinci
    Join us on-board the MPS Da Vinci, where you can enjoy luxurious and scenic River Cruises without the price tag. Our ethos has been to provide our customers with a fantastic river cruise vessel which exudes elegance and luxury, with stylish decor and comfortable surroundings that make you feel at home. The MPS Da Vinci has been styled after a grand yacht, adding one more stylish feature to this vessel’s repertoire, and ensuring you enjoy wonderful Danube River Cruises.

    The MPS Da Vinci is a firm favourite with Shearings customers, and it’s easy to see why! This excellent ship provides an interesting mixture of old and new, with both antique and contemporary design and style to suit all tastes. More importantly, this vessel sails along some of the most beautiful waterways and rivers in Europe - with the MPS Da Vinci, you can explore the waterways of Holland, as well as taking Danube, Main, and Rhine River Cruises.

    There will always be plenty of things to do when travelling on-board the MPS Da Vinci on our exciting Europe River Cruises as well, thanks to the superb public areas, restaurant and bar to be found on the ship. There’s also an extraordinary sun deck that you absolutely have to check out when the weather is good, where you’ll find a covered seating and dining area, as well as loungers for the sun seekers out there!

    Or, why not head to the MPS Da Vinci’s lounge area? You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a floating private members’ club here, with its large, comfortable sofas and armchairs, and the roaring fire. If you’re musically-inclined, why not tickle the ivories on the MPS Da Vinci’s fantastic baby grand piano, or you could always curl up with a good book from the ship’s library!

    In our restaurant, you’ll be able to enjoy sumptuous buffet breakfasts, three-course lunches and four-course evening meals, and you’ll even be treated to a gala dinner during your River Cruise! Enjoy a post-dinner drink at the bar, or dance the night away to the musical entertainment. While we’re travelling, why not make your way to the ship’s sauna for some rest and relaxation? There’s also a gym on-board!

    We’re looking forward to welcoming you on-board the MPS Da Vinci - which River Cruise will you choose?
    • Length: 104.50 metres
    • Width: 11.40 metres
    • Accommodation areas refurbished: 2007
    • Passenger Capacity: 110
    • Passenger decks: 3

    Cabins

    • MPS Da Vinci Grade A Single Cabin - View Cabin Details

      MPS Da Vinci Grade A Single Cabin

      MPS Da Vinci
      • Private bathroom facilities including shower cubicle and toilet
      • A higher deck for fantastic views
      • Safe
      • Hairdryer
      • Flat screen TV
      • Air conditioning and heating
      • Telephone
      • Complimentary toiletries
      • Wardrobe with mirror
      • Dressing table with mirror
      • Large windows
      • Folding twin beds for single occupancy
      • Two easy chairs
      Experience a luxurious stay on the MPS Da Vinci with our excellent selection of Europe River Cruises, and enjoy relaxing and comfortable accommodation in our Grade A Single Cabins. Perfect for those travelling alone, these wonderful cabins provide the perfect place to sit back and relax while travelling, with all of the facilities you could possibly require during your River Cruise.

      With a private bathroom, folding twin beds for sole occupancy, large windows, a flat screen TV and two easy chairs, you’re sure to enjoy your journey on-board the MPS Da Vinci!
    • MPS Da Vinci Grade A Twin Cabin - View Cabin Details

      MPS Da Vinci Grade A Twin Cabin

      MPS Da Vinci
      • Private bathroom facilities including shower cubicle and toilet
      • A higher deck for fantastic views
      • Safe
      • Hairdryer
      • Flat screen TV
      • Air conditioning and heating
      • Telephone
      • Complimentary toiletries
      • Wardrobe with mirror
      • Dressing table with mirror
      • Large windows
      • Folding twin beds
      • Two easy chairs
      Make the most of our fantastic scenic River Cruises on-board the MPS Da Vinci by staying in one of our wonderful Grade A Twin Cabins. With their modern decor and fantastic views, these cabins are perfect for admiring the beautiful scenery as we travel. You’ll find all the facilities you could possibly require in these cabins as well, with their private bathrooms and folding twin beds.

      In the daytime, relax in the cabin’s two easy chairs and watch TV, and you’ll also find air conditioning, heating and a telephone in your cabin.
    • MPS Da Vinci Grade B Single Cabin - View Cabin Details

      MPS Da Vinci Grade B Single Cabin

      Da Vinci Main Deck Cabin
      • Private bathroom facilities including shower cubicle and toilet
      • Safe
      • Hairdryer
      • Flat screen TV
      • Air conditioning and heating
      • Telephone
      • Complimentary toiletries
      • Wardrobe with mirror
      • Dressing table with mirror
      • Large windows
      • Folding twin beds for single occupancy
      • Two easy chairs
      Whether you want to enjoy River Cruises along the waterways of Holland or Danube River Cruises, the MPS Da Vinci provides a comfortable place from which to admire the beautiful changing landscapes. With their large windows, our Grade B Single Cabins are ideal for taking in the picturesque scenery, and they’re also perfect for those travelling alone.

      With twin folding beds for sole occupancy, as well as a private bathroom including a shower cubicle and toilet, you’ll have everything you require while enjoying a relaxing cruise.
    • MPS Da Vinci Grade B Twin Cabin - View Cabin Details

      MPS Da Vinci Grade B Twin Cabin

      Da Vinci Main Deck Cabin
      • Private bathroom facilities including shower cubicle and toilet
      • Safe
      • Hairdryer
      • Flat screen TV
      • Air conditioning and heating
      • Telephone
      • Complimentary toiletries
      • Wardrobe with mirror
      • Dressing table with mirror
      • Large windows
      • Folding twin beds
      • Two easy chairs
      Relax on-board the MPS Da Vinci while enjoying cruises on the waterways of Holland, as well as Danube, Main, and Rhine River Cruises with Shearings. You’ll find all of the facilities you’re sure to require during your cruise in our Grade B Twin Cabins, including a private bathroom with a shower cubicle and toilet.

      These cabins come with twin beds, which fold away in the daytime to reveal two comfortable easy chairs. Why not sit and admire the changing landscape, or watch TV in your cabin? You’ll also find a safe, hairdryer and telephone, and a complimentary basket of toiletries!
     
  • Gallery

    • Strasbourg

      Strasbourg

    • Rudesheim

      Rudesheim

    • Koblenz

      Koblenz

    • Drachenberg Castle

      Drachenberg Castle

    • Beethoven statue, Bonn

      Beethoven statue, Bonn

    • Speyer

      Speyer
  • Excursions & Extras

    INCLUDED EXCURSIONS


    Strasbourg
    Discover Strasbourg

    From the ship, we’ll make the short journey by coach to the city of Strasbourg. This is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with settlements here dating back to pre-history. The city combines French inspired Gothic and medieval architecture with Germanic half-timbered houses in a fantastic mixture of styles that give the city a unique charm. The city’s main cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in the city and the tallest structure in the world built during the Middle Ages; it houses a 300 year old astronomical clock, which still chimes hourly to this day. Another highlight in the city is Petite France, a small area close to the rivers and housing many alpine inspired half-timbered houses that crowd narrow cobbled streets. 

    Vulkan Express
    The Vulkan Express and Maria Laach

    We enjoy a journey on the wonderful Vulkan Express, a narrow-gauge railway that will take us on a scenic trip through the Brohl Valley, passing interesting slate and volcanic rock formations. This steam and diesel train will give us the experience of riding on a historical railway line, and we’ll get to take in the exquisite views while on-board.

    The Benedictine abbey Maria Laach was founded in 1093 and is widely considered a masterpiece of German Romanesque architecture. Though relatively short in length, the abbey boasts a multitude of towers and turrets, giving it the appearance of a fairy-tale fortress, which is further accentuated by its scenic lakeside setting.

    OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS


    Basel
    A Taste of Basel

    The town of Basel lies in the north-western corner of Switzerland. The town shares borders with France and Germany and is the heart of this tri-national region - the Dreiländereck (three countries' corner). The river Rhine curves right through the city and divides it into two parts. Situated on the south and west bank is Grossbasel (Great Basel) with the medieval old town at its centre and on the north bank is the Kleinbasel (Little Basel), featuring much of the cities night-life. The city has a beautiful medieval old town centre with the famous Basel Münster (cathedral), built 1019-1500 in Romanesque and Gothic style, and the medieval buildings lining the square, Marktplatz (Market square) were fresh fruits and vegetables, breads/pastries and flowers are available each working day, Rathaus (Town hall) situated on the Marktplatz, this beautifully renovated Renaissance palace is still in official use today, The Gates to the Walled City, a ring of fortifications built around the old city that were constructed after the great earthquake of 1356. The city also has many parks and recreational areas, a wide range of restaurants/bars and unlimited shopping. The city can also boast a carnival that ranks with those of Venice and Rio de Janeiro, plus several world class art museums. 

    Beethoven statue, Bonn
    Bonn and Beethoven House

    We take a guided walking tour around this beautiful city. There are a huge number of beautiful buildings in Bonn, the huge former palace that now houses the university and Bonn Minster, with its magnificent basilica are the main highlights of the city. However, the Kreuzbergkirsche, a fantastic Baroque church and the Poppeldorf Schloss with its beautiful Roccoco botanical gardens are outstanding architectural features as well. We then head to the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, Germany’s greatest composer. Beethoven was born in December 1770 and at the age of 12 he was already creating sonatas and symphonies. The museum here tracks the young composer’s life in Bonn as well as his later life in Vienna.

    Rudesheim
    Evening Wine Tasting and Siegfried’s

    Join us this evening as we board the Little Tourist Train to our first port of call, the world-famous Siegfried's Musik Kabinett just off the famous Drosselgasse.

    This Museum is home to one of the world’s biggest collections of self-playing musical instruments, where visitors can admire over 350 exhibits. Our tour concludes with a visit to Adolf's wine cellar to taste his famous local wines.

    Here, we learn about the different wines of this region, the history of winegrowing in the region, the way the wines are produced and their particularities. Following this we get to taste the local wines, which are served with a pretzel to neutralize the taste of the different wines. A great way to spend an evening in Rudesheim!

    Speyer Cathedral
    Historical Speyer and Cathedral

    Dominated by its Romanesque Cathedral, Speyer is one of Germany’s oldest cities, and is the resting place of eight medieval emperors and kings of the Salian, Staufer & Hapsburg dynasties.

    During our guided walking tour we visit the stunning cathedral (entrance included) - a UNESCO Heritage Site and the largest of Germany's three Imperial Romanesque Cathedrals. Building began in 1030 under Emperor Konrad II; Speyer Dom survived destruction by the French armies in 1689 and is today considered one of the finest examples of High Romanic architecture in Germany.

    We head through the beautiful historical old town, seeing the Alportal (Old Gate) built between 1230 and 1250. The gate is one of the 68 towers and gates within the city walls; we also see the impressive Town Hall with its red baroque facade and rococo interior.

    We continue to Trinity Church, constructed in memory of the protest that took place at the Diet of Speyer by the protestant states of the Holy Roman Empire in 1529, before exploring the famous Jewish quarter to learn about the history of Jews in Speyer.  

     

    Rudesheim
    Romantic Rudesheim and Asbach Distillery
    Rudesheim is a famous winemaking town in the Rhine Gorge and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Germany’s most visited towns. Join us on our guided walking tour of this wonderful town and discover its cosy traditional wine taverns, historic half-timbered houses and the world-famous Drosselgasse. We see the Eagle Tower which was originally part of the city walls and fortifications and dates back to the 15th century, the Market Square with St. Jakobus Catholic Parish Church which also dates back to the 15th century and was reconstructed in 1953 after being almost completely destroyed in the 2nd World War, the Klunkardshof - a very impressive half timbered building, the famous Drosselgasse – with its many restaurants, shops and wine bars, Brömserburg Castle in which the wine museum is now located, Bosenburg Castle and the Brömserhof which is now home to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musikkabinett. We then board our noddy Train and venture to Asbach Distillery,with  production starting in the late 1800’s Asbach is known to be one of Germanys most popular Brandys. Meet the experts and learn about the history of distilling the perfect German Brandy before sampling it for yourself. 
    Strasbourg
    Waterways of Strasbourg

    We take a guided tour of Strasbourg by boat cruise and to admire this beautiful city from the water.

    The city of Strasbourg is chiefly known for its sandstone Gothic Cathedral, with its famous astronomical clock, and for its medieval cityscape of Rhineland black and white timber-framed buildings. These are particularly known for the Petite-France district, and also in the streets and squares surrounding the cathedral, where the renowned Maison Kammerzsell stands out.

    On our boat cruise we gently glide past the must-see attractions of the Alsatian capital, such as the famous Petite France and tanners’ quarter, the Covered Bridges and the Vauban dam, the Neustadt imperial quarter, and the European institutions. A truly beautiful city!

What's included

  • Return travel from the UK by Rail from London St Pancras via Brussels returning from Basel via Paris
  • Seven nights full-board cruise
  • Service of a Shearings Cruise Manager
  • Two included excursions
MPS Da Vinci

MPS Da Vinci

Join us on-board the MPS Da Vinci, where you can enjoy luxurious and scenic River Cruises without the price tag.

Learn more about the ship
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