MV Serenade I
Spacious cabinsThe cabins are amongst the largest of any river cruiser, at 16m². We want you to feel at home so we’ve included plenty of storage space and individually controlled air-conditioning to keep the temperature just how you like it. The twin beds are hotel standard and there is a pretty seating area for relaxation. All cabins have flat-screen satellite TV, phone, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, safe and a hairdrier. The en suite bathrooms have a separate shower, bath and WC. Cabins are non-smoking but you can smoke on deck. There is a gym and sauna on board for you to enjoy at your leisure.
On the upper two decks all cabins have floor-to-ceiling sliding French windows for a great view or cooling breeze. On the lower deck there’s a smaller fixed window.
Especially reservedSome cabins are especially reserved for sole occupancy, while others have been adapted for wheelchair access. To make life easy, all but the bottom deck are accessible by lift or stair-lift and just a few steps lead you to the large partially covered sun deck.
DAY 1 UK - Amsterdam
By air: Fly from a choice of airports to Amsterdam and transfer to the serenade I, moored near the city centre.
By rail: Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels. On arrival, transfer to the ship by coach.
DAY 2 Amsterdam
Wake up in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and enjoy the morning exploring the art treasures and museums at your leisure. Works by artists such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt can be found at the Rijksmuseum – or perhaps visit the fascinating Anne Frank’s House. Alternatively, join the optional sightseeing trip along the canals to view the best of the city from the water. The serenade I departs at lunchtime, cruising gently towards Cologne.
DAY 3 Cologne
Sailing down the Rhine we arrive at the delightful city of Cologne around midday. Don’t miss the magnificent gothic cathedral, which took over 600 years to complete with its two soaring towers, beautiful stained-glass windows and works of art. In the afternoon there is an optional city tour.
DAY 4 Rudesheim
We leave Cologne and enjoy a leisurely morning, travelling through the stunning Rhine Gorge, amongst vineyards and woodlands. Romantic ruined castles crown the picturesque villages lining the water’s edge. After arriving in Rudesheim by mid-afternoon there is plenty of time to explore this quintessential Rhine town, with narrow alleys and half-timbered houses. The cobbled streets, especially the Drosselgasse, contain vibrant bars and taverns offering a great opportunity to sample the famous local wines.
DAY 5 Speyer
By the afternoon we reach historic Speyer, founded over 2,000 years ago as a Roman Infantry Camp. Today the city boasts the magnificent romanesque cathedral containing tombs of the holy emperors, and colourful baroque and Rococo buildings along the Maximilianstrasse. We moor here overnight.
DAY 6 Strasbourg
Leaving Speyer early we arrive in the mediaeval city of Strasbourg after lunch. The day is then free to explore this beautiful French city of canals, rivers and elegant buildings. Enjoy the cafe bars or perhaps visit the amazing Cathedral of Notre Dame, one of the finest examples of Gothic Architecture in Europe, and famous for its magnificent rose window and delicate spire.
DAY 7 Basel
By the early afternoon the cruise reaches Basel. Once a frontier post of the Roman Empire and now one of Switzerland’s wealthiest cities, it is renowned for its links to the great philosophers such as Erasmus and Nietzsche. There’s a fascinating optional trip to the cosmopolitan capital of the black Forest, Freiburg, a historic university town with mediaeval architecture, merchants’ houses and an impressive sandstone church.
DAY 8 Basel
Today there is an opportunity to join a spectacular full-day excursion to the stunning Bernese Oberland. Travelling through spectacular Alpine regions, the area is best known for the three peaks – The Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Take in views of sparkling waterfalls, small traditional villages and lush valleys before rejoining the ship in Basel.
DAY 9 Mannheim
We depart Basel and cruise deep into Southern Germany arriving in Mannheim this evening where we moor overnight. The town has attracted many famous writers and painters and the pedestrianised historic centre and university quarter are a delight to stroll around.
DAY 10 Mannheim & Koblenz
The morning is free to explore the city of Mannheim or join our optional tour to Heidelberg, set majestically on the banks of the Neckar and surrounded by hills. The ruins of the beautiful mediaeval Heidelburg Castle stand high on the steep bank of the river and overlook the city. At lunchtime we sail towards Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge. We arrive in the evening to this fascinating city, once a strategic stronghold for the roman military. Towering above the city is the Ehrenbreitstein Castle, originally built between AD 900 and 1100, and since reconstructed.
DAY 11 Cologne
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as we sail back to Cologne. In the afternoon there is free time to wander round the city which has been sympathetically rebuilt since World War II.
DAY 12 Cologne - UK
By air: Disembark in Cologne after breakfast for the transfer to Dusseldorf airport and the homeward flight.
By rail: Transfer by coach back to Brussels for the return Eurostar to London St Pancras.