Arena RCL RC19 100pp A4_low res pages

Christmas Market
Day 1: UK – Cologne
We travel to Cologne, one of the main cities along
the Rhine, which is set around its beautiful gothic
cathedral. Here we join our ship and enjoy a relaxing
evening.
Day 2: Cologne – Bonn – Koblenz
We cruise down the Rhine to discover the many
faces on Bonn and the architectural heritage of
more than 2,000 years. We have free time to
explore the Christmas markets. We continue
cruising down river to Koblenz, at the confluence of
the Rhine and Moselle rivers, this evening we visit
the Koblenz Christmas Market, with over 130
festively decorated wooden stalls offering a range
of handmade gifts, Christmas decorations and gifts.
Enjoy a glass of red or white glüwein whilst listening
to festive music playing.
Day 3: Koblenz – Rüdesheim
This morning we cruise along spectacular Rhine
Gorge and past the famous Lorelei rock, to the
quaint town of Rüdesheim. We have free time to
explore the Christmas markets, a delightful event
held in the town’s chocolate-box old quarter. You
can also join our optional excursion; Rüdesheim
Delights, to visit the wonderful Mechanical Music
Museum of Siegfried and topping off our excursion
we enjoy a mug of glühwein. Join our evening
optional excursion visiting a traditional wine cellar
to sample some of the region’s delicious wine and
after we have a famous Rüdesheim coffee in a
traditional bar with live music and dancing.
Christmas Market
Day 4: Rüdesheim – Mainz
We continue cruising down the Rhine to Mainz,
where the Rhine meets with the Main river. You can
enjoy the rest of the day exploring the Christmas
markets, where the historic market square turns into
a beautiful spectacular of lights. The streets are
filled with aromas of gingerbread, chestnuts and
mulled wine. The backdrop of the thousand year old
cathedral is where the showmen and craftsmen
offer Christmas specialities.
Day 5: Mainz
Today either spend the day in Mainz or join our
coach excursion to Heidelberg for more Christmas
markets. Extending over five historic market squares
and featuring around 140 stalls, you are guaranteed
to find that special gift! We return to the ship and
enjoy a relaxing evening onboard our ship.
Day 6: Mannheim
We reach Mannheim in the early morning and have
plenty of free time to enjoy the Christmas market.
The city is located at the union of the Rhine and the
Neckar rivers, and offers lots of sightseeing
opportunities; the Mannheim Palace, a stunning
baroque structure which now houses the university;
the Luisenpark, noted as one of the most beautiful
parks in Europe; and the Fernmeldeturm Mannheim,
an impressive telecommunication tower complete
with observation deck. However, the main
attraction during winter months is undoubtedly the
Christmas market – one of the largest in southwest
Germany! We set sail in the early evening, heading
towards Strasbourg.
Day 7: Strasbourg
Enjoy a full day in the remarkable city of Strasbourg.
See the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, a gothic
masterpiece; the stunning Kammerzell House which
dates back to the 15th century; the Petite France
district with its beautiful riverside setting; and the
Church of Saint-Thomas, an excellent example of
Alsatian gothic art. The Strasbourg Christmas
Market is said to be the oldest and largest in Europe,
dating back to the 1570s. Voted the Best European
Christmas Market, it is spread over 11 areas of the
city and features a huge Christmas tree standing at
almost 100 feet. Add to this the themed events,
several hundred miles of Christmas lights and giant
ice rink, and this market will undoubtedly be the
highlight of your cruise!
Day 8: Mainz – UK
We bid farewell to the captain and his crew and set
off on the return journey to the UK.
8 DAYS FROM
£895
YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES
• Seven nights’ cruise on a full board basis
• Seven visits included to Cologne, Bonn,
Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mainz, Mannheim and
Strasbourg
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Excursion: Heidelberg Christmas Markets
• Services of a Cruise Manager
YOUR TRAVEL OPTIONS
BY COACH
• Coach travel to the port from your local area
• Ferry crossing from Dover
BY RAIL
• Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras
• Connecting rail journeys
• Coach transfers between station and ship
BY AIR
• Return flights from Heathrow
• Coach transfers between airport and ship
For more travel arrangement details see pages 92 & 93
For other included items see page 7
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
• Rüdesheim delights ........................................ £15
• Rüdesheim by night....................................... £27
Pre-book package price £36
Saving per person £6
Ferry crossing/
2019 No. of Coach train station/
dates days routes airport
1 December 8 D1 D2 D3 D4 Dover
1 December 8 – St Pancras
1 December 8 – Heathrow
8 December* 8 D5 D6 D7 Dover
8 December* 8 – St Pancras
8 December* 8 – Heathrow
*Please note: These cruises operate in reverse,
disembarking in Cologne
HOLIDAY PRICES
Tour code: XMRHI
COACH INCLUSIVE – from £895 per person
Deck
Coach via Dover
8 days
Join at ship
8 days
Main £895 £795
Middle £995 £895
Panorama £1095 £995
AIR & RAIL INCLUSIVE – from £995 per person
Deck
Air
8 days
Rail
8 days
Main £995 £995
Middle £1095 £1095
Panorama £1195 £1195
All cabins have 2 berths, single occupancy 50% supplement
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INSURANCE & DEPOSITS – see page 94 for details
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For more information see page 14
MS SERENITY
To book call us on 01858 438492 or visit www.rivercruiseline.co.uk
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