New Year on the Rhine - MS Oscar Wilde

New Year on the Rhine - MS Oscar Wilde

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New Year on the Rhine - MS Oscar Wilde

6 Days Starting and ending in Cologne, Germany

Visiting: Cologne, Rüdesheim, Frankfurt, Koblenz

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

RCJO-RCJ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury, River Cruise

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on a luxurious New Year river cruise aboard the MS Oscar Wilde, exploring the enchanting landscapes and historic cities along the Rhine. Begin your journey in Cologne, where the majestic cathedral dominates the skyline. Cruise through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge to the charming wine village of Rudesheim, and enjoy a folklore show on board. Discover Frankfurt's blend of medieval and modern architecture with a guided tour, and celebrate New Year's Eve with a gala dinner and live classical music. Continue to the picturesque city of Koblenz, nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, before concluding your adventure in Cologne. With full board, a superior drinks package, and expert guides, this festive cruise promises an unforgettable cultural and sightseeing experience.

Highlights

  • Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim, a classic Rhine wine village.

  • Discover Frankfurt on a guided tour, visiting sites such as the Kaiserdam.

  • Visit the historic city of Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

  • Explore Cologne's old town and magnificent cathedral with a local guide.

  • Welcome the New Year on board with a gala dinner, live classical music recital, and midnight drinks.

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Cologne

Accommodation Name: cruise ship

Meals Included: Dinner

Fly to Düsseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels. On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship moored in historic Cologne, whose skyline is dominated by the twin spires of its magnificent cathedral. The dedicated English-speaking crew welcomes you on board and helps you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation, there’s time to familiarise yourself with this splendid ship.

Day 2

Location: Rüdesheim

Accommodation Name: cruise ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As you wake to a sumptuous breakfast, the delights of the Rhine begin to emerge as we proceed upstream past the first rolling hills of the Rhine Valley. Journeying further you explore the most famous of all the rivers’ reaches and a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge: steep vineyards give way to almost vertical outcrops towering above the sweeping valley sides of this wintry landscape.

Sailing past many ruined castles, there’s a real sense of the myths surrounding this historic river coming alive around you. The river twists and turns towards the famous Loreley Rock, where legend has it, unsuspecting sailors were lured to their deaths by enchanting maidens.  After lunch we moor in Rüdesheim, a classic Rhine wine village with crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides. If you imagine a typical Rhine town, then this would be it. During this afternoon’s delightful walking tour, witness the bustling marketplace, the half-timbered Klunkhardshof and Bromersburg Castle, which dates from 1275.

Enjoy some free time to make your own discoveries perhaps stopping for a warming Rüdesheim coffee with its fortifying shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. After welcome cocktails and another superb dinner, prepared by your chef, enjoy an entertaining folklore show in the welcoming surroundings of the ship’s lounge.

Day 3

Location: Frankfurt

Accommodation Name: cruise ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise towards Frankfurt

During breakfast the ship effortlessly glides out of port as we commence another spectacular morning of cruising as our passage takes us up the Main River towards Frankfurt. Take in the glorious river views of this spectacular landscape at such a magical time of year as another delicious lunch is served in the ship’s restaurant.

Frankfurt

Set against a striking juxtaposition of medieval buildings and towering skyscrapers, Frankfurt is a dynamic international city. At its centre is the Römerberg, a charming, cobbled square lined with historic buildings including Frankfurt’s impressive town hall and the 13th century St Nicholas Church.

This afternoon take in the sights on a guided tour. You’ll take a stroll through the atmospheric old town and admire the giant façade of Frankfurt’s towering cathedral, the Kaiserdom. In the 14th century the church gained cathedral status when it became the election site for emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. Between the 16th and 18th centuries Kaisers were also crowned here.

There will also be free time for you to explore Frankfurt as you wish. Why not meander through the charming cobbled lanes of Sachsenhausen or cross the Eisener Steb and visit Germany’s oldest museum, the Städel where an extraordinary collection of art spans 700 years. You can’t leave Frankfurt without sampling its famous Apfelwein cider or if you prefer try Ebbelwoi, a wine made from apples.

If day 3 of your cruise falls on New Year's Eve

Enjoy tonight's celebrations on board, which include an excellent New Year's Eve dinner, followed by a classical recital in the festively decorated lounge.

As the clock strikes midnight our wonderful crew will serve celebration drinks and canapés as you welcome in the New Year.

Day 4

Location: Koblenz

Accommodation Name: cruise ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rhine Gorge

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you anticipate a morning of cruising. Wrap up warm and take to the deck for an invigorating breath of frosty air while a kaleidoscope of riverside views drifts by in all their winter glory. One of the cruise highlights will be our return passage through the magnificent Rhine Gorge so have your camera at the ready to capture some of the most stunning river views, as the captain skilfully navigates our passage between the narrow valley sides that tower above.

Koblenz

There’s nothing quite like that feeling of anticipation when gliding alongside the promenade of a river port, and Koblenz – beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers – doesn’t disappoint.

The city is immersed in two millennia of history: founded by the Romans, it was successively occupied by the Franks, chosen as a residence of the German prince electors, conquered by the French and fortified by the Prussians. All have left their marks in the city’s rich array of castles, churches and historic buildings.

Koblenz is a romantic’s dream; forest-covered hillsides dominate the skyline, whilst the lower slopes are strewn with the pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland.

After lunch in the ship’s restaurant enjoy a guided tour through ‘Old Koblenz’, a patchwork of narrow streets and squares. You’ll stop to see the principal monuments and admire beautifully restored historic house frontages and quaint hidden passageways.

After free time to explore the historic old town further, it’s time to head back to the inviting warmth of the ship’s lounge for an apéritif before tonight's dinner.

If day 4 of your cruise falls on New Year's Eve

Enjoy tonight's celebrations on board, which include an excellent New Year's Eve dinner, followed by a classical recital in the festively decorated lounge.

As the clock strikes midnight our wonderful crew will serve celebration drinks and canapés as you welcome in the New Year.

Day 5

Location: Cologne

Accommodation Name: cruise ship

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cruise towards Cologne

This morning, seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and linger over a coffee as you take in more views of the vine-covered valleys dotted with romantic ruined castles. Passing the last vineyards and half-timbered houses around the pretty town of Linz, it’s not long before we reach the railway bridge at Remagen, captured intact towards the end of the Second World War, thereby arguably shortening the war in Germany. If you are feeling energetic, why not visit the ship’s fitness centre, or make an appointment at the on-board Hair and Nail salon, as our ship gently sails towards Cologne. 

Cologne

This afternoon you can discover this fascinating city on our tour led by a local guide who’ll help you get the most out of your visit.

We take in the twin-spired cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a truly monumental building, taking over 600 years to build and featuring myriad religious and art treasures and perhaps the most intricate stained glass windows in Europe. The gilded sarcophagus is said to contain the remains of the three kings from the Nativity story.

We also see the vibrant old town, beautifully restored and boasting an abundance of cosy bars. You’ll have more free time to explore Cologne before returning to the ship this evening for the excellent Captain’s Dinner.

Gather with new-found friends for an on-board classical musical concert in the lounge – surely the perfect ending to this magical New Year cruise. After your final sumptuous dinner, gather with new-found friends in the lounge to reflect on the fascinating places you have discovered and poignant stories you have heard – surely the perfect ending to this magical New Year cruise.

Day 6

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s time to say goodbye to your crew and transfer to the train station in Brussels or the airport for your return journey home.

What's Included

  • Full Board

    Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day.

  • Superior Drinks Package

    Free Superior drinks package.

  • New Year's Eve Gala Dinner

    New Year's Eve Gala dinner.

  • Complimentary On-board Tea and Coffee

    Complimentary on-board tea and coffee.

  • Complimentary On-board Wi-Fi

    Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary).

  • Visits and Excursions

    All visits and excursions as mentioned.

  • Live Classical Quartet Recital

    Live classical quartet recital on board.

  • Rhenish Folklore Show

    Rhenish folklore show on board.

  • Return Flights or Eurostar

    Return flights or return Eurostar.

  • Coach Travel

    Coach travel as mentioned.

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What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional drinks, and optional activities are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for the crew and guides are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with return flights or Eurostar, and seamless transfers from the airport or station to the port. Enjoy coach travel for excursions, and cruise along the Rhine on a luxurious ship, exploring Germany's scenic landscapes and historic cities.

Accommodation

Experience luxury on the MS Oscar Wilde, a five-star cruise ship offering spacious and tastefully furnished cabins. Enjoy full board from arrival dinner to final breakfast, with complimentary tea, coffee, and Wi-Fi. Relax in the ship's lounge or fitness center during your stay.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of entertainment is provided on board during the cruise?

    The cruise offers a variety of entertainment including a live classical quartet recital, a Rhenish folklore show, and a classical music concert in the lounge. Additionally, there are New Year's Eve celebrations with a gala dinner, classical recital, and midnight drinks with canapés.

  • Are there any guided tours included in the cruise?

    Yes, the cruise includes guided tours in several locations. You will have guided tours in Frankfurt, exploring the old town and the Kaiserdom, and in Koblenz, where you will see the principal monuments and historic house frontages. There is also a tour in Cologne, including the cathedral and the old town.

  • What is the dining arrangement on the cruise?

    The cruise is on a full board basis, which includes meals from dinner on the day of arrival until breakfast on the final day. There is also a New Year's Eve gala dinner and complimentary on-board tea and coffee.

  • What is the highlight of the cruise through the Rhine Gorge?

    The highlight of the cruise through the Rhine Gorge is the dramatic scenery, including steep vineyards, vertical outcrops, and the famous Loreley Rock. The passage through the gorge offers stunning river views and a sense of the myths surrounding the historic river.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided on the cruise ship?

    The cruise ship offers spacious and tastefully furnished accommodation. Upon arrival, the English-speaking crew will welcome you on board and assist you to your cabin.

  • Is there any free time to explore the cities visited during the cruise?

    Yes, there is free time allocated for personal exploration in several cities. In Rüdesheim, you can explore the marketplace and enjoy local specialties. In Frankfurt, you have time to explore the old town and visit museums. In Koblenz and Cologne, there is also free time to explore the historic areas and local attractions.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Dawn Curzons (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from my first...

18-Oct-2024

Just returned from my first Riviera tour ,Valencia and the orange grove coast for solo travellers an̈d despite challenges due to two public holidays and things closing, it was managed excellently by the tour manager. Would not hesitate to use Riviera again. Pleased to find a replacement after very bad service from Titan in the past.

Julie Berry (Google Reviewer)  

What a fantastic holiday to...

29-May-2024

What a fantastic holiday to Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise. If you are thinking of booking this do it right now. From start to finish everything was great. The hotels, the transport and the cruise. The rep was absolutely fabulous. If you have ‘B’ as your rep you will make a friend. She is so full of knowledge. We went on this trip with strangers and left it as friends.

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

Jean Libaert (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic small boat cruise from...

29-Sep-2024

Fantastic small boat cruise from Split to Porec and then by catamaran to Venice. Well done Riviera for another wonderful holiday. Would recommend this company and all their small boat cruises (just completed our 3rd!).

Paul Carpenter (Google Reviewer)  

First River Cruise and the...

25-Aug-2024

First River Cruise and the first time with Riviera but it won't be the last. The holiday exceeded our expectations. From the reps we spoke to when booking, to the staff and crew on board, they were all very friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything was well organised and made for a very enjoyable holiday. The boat was very clean, plenty of space in the cabin and on deck and the food was some of the best I have ever tasted. Plenty to see along the Rhine, with castles, towns passing by at a nice sedate pace and watching the other craft using the Rhine. Highly recommend.

Jeff Aliño-Abbott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a wonderful time...

17-Sep-2024

We had a wonderful time in a beautiful area. The tour was so well organised and supported by charming and knowledgable Riviera guides. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Really excellent and will definitely book again.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

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  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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