Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide Markets River Cruise - MS Oscar Wilde
Holiday Highlights
- Enjoy visits to Christmas markets, including Rüdesheim, Bonn and Cologne.
- Explore Rüdesheim, the quintessential Rhine village with crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides.
- Discover the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven, Bonn, on a guided tour.
- See Cologne’s old town on a guided walk before free time to explore more than 160 festive stalls at the Cathedral Christmas market or one of the many other markets dotted across the city.
- Sample a glass of warming Glühwein sailing through the stunning Rhine Gorge, and enjoy a Rhenish folklore show on board.
What's Included
- Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
- Free drinks package
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- All visits and excursions as mentioned
- Return flights (or Eurostar from London St Pancras)
- Transfers from the airport or station to and from the port of embarkation
- English-speaking expert guides
- The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Host
- Please note, the order of visits may vary.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Cologne - On arrival, see your five-star cruise ship moored in historic Cologne, whose skyline is dominated by the 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
Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim - To really get in the Christmas mood, nothing beats waking up on board to find you’re already cruising through an entrancing winter wonderland. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and relax on board while a kaleidoscope of riverside views drifts by in all their seasonal glory. Wrap up warm and take to the deck for an invigorating breath of frosty air as we pass through the outstandingly beautiful Rhine Gorge, where the river flows a little faster, the vineyard-covered valley sides are steeper and ruined castles sit atop rocky crags. Tales of mysterious happenings here have been passed down over the generations, most famously of all the legend of the Lorelei – the maiden said to have enticed sailors onto the rocks with her irresistible songs. As the dramatic cliffs and ancient castles of the Rhine Gorge unfold around us, steaming mugs of spiced Glühwein are served on deck - a delicious concoction. It's usually made with red wine heated with citrus zest and spices such as cloves and cinnamon. Sometimes it’s drunk mit Schuss, meaning a shot of rum or brandy has been added for extra punch! Its comforting warmth and festive aroma are the perfect companion to the crisp winter air and enchanting views. The festive period is a magical time to visit this picturesque part of Germany, and no country does it better. The historic Yuletide markets here are the ideal places to soak up the spellbinding atmosphere while seeking out unusual presents for friends and family back home. After lunch on board, we arrive in Rüdesheim. The quirky, crooked houses and tiny streets provide the perfect chocolate-box setting for its Christmas market. But first you have a choice of included experiences: You could visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a fantastical adventure into the world of automatic musical instruments. See the impressive collection of fascinating musical instruments that function like computers, ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion. Or you might choose to travel up the hillside, above Rüdesheim's famous vineyards, in a two-seater cable car enjoying lovely views of the Rhine River and surrounding countryside. At the top the views get even better, and a stroll around the Niederwald monument – which celebrates the unification of Germany by Prussians in the 1870s - allows for a peaceful moment looking out over the town. Then wander the myriad stalls, glistening in the glow of hundreds of fairy lights, stop perhaps for a slice of gingerbread or a warming Rüdesheim coffee with its fortifying shot of locally distilled Asbach brandy and a dollop of whipped cream. And don’t forget to pay a visit to the Christmas shop: open year-round, it’s a treasure trove of all things seasonal, from tree decorations and music boxes to wooden nutcrackers and handcrafted figurines. As the evening light fades, amble back on board to enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the ship’s excellent restaurant before delighting in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music and dancing with a live performance on traditional instruments.
Rather than following minimalist trends, the ship has a more familiar, characterful feel – a space that feels well cared for and easy to settle into. From the moment you step into the light-filled atrium, with its open, airy lobby, there’s a clear sense of space and calm.
Across the ship, public areas have been designed with guest comfort in mind, from the lounge and bar to the restaurant, reception and fitness area. Materials such as warm woods, polished metals and glass are used with care, creating a timeless, balanced look that has been refreshed over time.
Up on the sun deck, there’s space to sit back and enjoy the ever-changing views, while cabins include thoughtful details that make relaxing on board simple and comfortable.
A small number of bicycles are also available – just ask at reception for more information.
View a 360 tour of the MS Oscar Wilde