PAST CRUISES 2018 Rhine in Flames River Cruise Spectacular

Dusseldorf is an engaging mix of ancient and modern, with medieval history and urban trendiness. As you take in the sites of this one-time small fishing village, you will understand why it is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s top vacation destinations. Begin your exploration on the waterfront street Rheinuferpromenade (“Rhine promenade”), which connects the historic Old Town with the MedianHafen (i.e. the modern harbor). Visit landmarks like the Rathaus (City Hall), Burgplatz, St. Lambertus Basilica and Rheinpark. Stroll the luxurious shops along the renowned Konigsallee, Germany’s most elegant avenue. With its beautifully restored houses, bridges, and fountains; the promenade is more than just a shoppers’ paradise but also an attraction itself. At the end of Konigsallee, you will find yourself in the tranquil Hofgarten, Dusseldorf’s version of New York’s Central Park. The park is home to the spectacular Schloss Jagerhof palace, a stunning reproduction of 18th century Rococo architecture. Complete the day in Old Town, locally nicknamed “the longest bar in the world”, with a glass of the local specialty Altbier. After settling in your cabin, which will be your floating hotel room for the duration of the cruise, please join us to raise a glass to toast our voyage at the Captain’s Welcome Reception.

Meals: 5-Course Welcome Aboard Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Koblenz truly is a feast for the eyes with its backdrop of vineyards, forests, and mountains. Snap a photo as you lean on the giant bronze thumb sculpture at Koblenz’s famous German Corner (Deutsches Eck), where the Rhine meets the Moselle River.  After leaning on the “thumb”, lean into history as you wind your way through the Old Town. Explore the French influence and ancient remnants of Roman walls. Stroll along the river promenade and roam the town’s romantic narrow streets, where you might encounter flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes or possibly a weinstube (wine tavern). Sample a Moselle Riesling while drinking in the amazing atmosphere of the oldest wine region in Germany.

“Rhine in Flames” between Spay and Koblenz

‘At this event, Europe’s biggest parade of ships makes the trip from Spay to Koblenz. Some 75 ships glide down the river past romantic Rhine villages, fortresses and castles. Both sides of the river are lit up by Bengal torches, as are the fortresses and many villages. The river pageant is accompanied by fireworks before the unique huge fireworks display is set off, bathing the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz in magical light.

What’s more, the major international “Rhein in Flammen®” events begin each year in May with the “Rhein in Flammen®” event at Siebengebirge(Bonn). In the World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, “Rhein in Flammen®” starts in July in Bingen and Rüdesheim. This is followed in August by “Rhine in Flames” between Spay and Koblenz, the oldest of all the “Rhein in Flammen®” events, and in September there are two such events, first in Oberwesel and then at the Loreley in the sister towns of St. Goar/St. Goarshausen. You can find more details about all “Rhine in Flames” events here.

Each event has a unique character of its own with illuminated fleets of ships, picturesque ‘burning’ fortresses and amazing fireworks displays which light up the night sky and are reflected in the waters of the Rhine, accompanied by the thunder of firecrackers, whose echoes rebound off the hillsides. The fireworks displays attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, many of whom return year after year to enjoy the magic.’

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between two hiking paradises – Eifel and Hunsrück – lies the old town of Cochem. Even the Romans sang the praises of this remarkable landscape. It is true, a few things have changed since then, but the attraction has remained because the past centuries, above all the Middle Ages, have left their marks here. The magnificent Reichsburg, the big castle, situated on a precipitous rock high above the town, dominates the landscape. as it is one of the few castles in Germany, which was rebuilt in its original style after its complete destruction. The town of Cochem itself is a sight worth seeing, not only because of its narrow streets and twisty alleys, the restored half-timbered houses with the typical slate roofs, the historical market-place but also because of its medieval town gates, churches and walls.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Konigswinter is a popular resort in the Seven Hills mountain range topped by the ruins of Drachenfels castle, a national park. The Drachenfels(“Dragon’s Rock”), a hill 1,053 feet (321 meters) high, is crowned by the ruined castle built in the 12th century by the archbishop of Cologne and destroyed by the French in the 17th century. According to the Nibelungen legends, the Drachenloch (“Dragon’s Cave”) in the hill sheltered the dragon slain by the hero Siegfried.  Travelers can either hike up the mountain to savor the views across the Rhine Valley or travel the railway to the top with a stop at the fairy tale Drachenburg castle in the clouds which has been likened to a medieval castle, Gothic Cathedral, and Big Ben. All in all, visitors are enchanted with the folklore and fabulous views of this sleepy little town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River is the region’s cultural hub and epitomizes a 3D textbook on history and architecture. A landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid reconstructed old town, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral dominates the skyline and is known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views. The city’s museum landscape is especially strong when it comes to art, showcasing many masterpieces by Picasso. Drifting about town, you’ll stumble upon an ancient Roman wall, medieval churches galore, nondescript postwar buildings, avant-garde structures and even a new postmodern quarter right on the Rhine. Get your blood pumping by climbing the 533 steps of the south tower of the cathedral, tantalize your taste buds at the Cologne’s Imhoff Chocolate Museum, and follow your nose to the quirky Farina Fragrance Museum smelling the scent that put Cologne on the map. Stop by the cafes and taverns in Old Town and try a Kolsch pale lager, locally brewed for over 100 years.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Admire Arnhem’s famous bridge over the Rhine, immortalized in the film A Bridge Too Far, where British paratroopers held fast for four days against overwhelming odds. In honor of the commander of the paratroopers, the bridge was renamed the John Frost Bridge. Arnhem features numerous museums and cultural attractions. Top of the list would be the incredible Netherlands Open Air Museum – the Netherlands’ first and best open-air folk museum spread across 82 wonderful wooded acres. You’ll relish this huge park of windmills, old farmhouses and other traditional buildings (gathered from throughout the Netherlands then reassembled here), time-honored craft demonstrations, and a pleasant education-by-immersion in Dutch culture. Alternatively, you might opt to step back in time by traveling to nearby (less than 15 minutes by train) Nijmegen, widely regarded as the oldest city in the Netherlands with a settlement as early as the first century B.C.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 5-Course Farewell Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Today you will have a full day to explore the history-rich city of Arnhem. Admire Arnhem’s famous bridge over the Rhine, immortalized in the film A Bridge Too Far, where British paratroopers held fast for four days against overwhelming odds. In honor of the commander of the paratroopers, the bridge was renamed the John Frost Bridge. Arnhem features numerous museums and cultural attractions. Top of the list would be the incredible Netherlands Open Air Museum – the Netherlands’ first and best open-air folk museum spread across 82 wonderful wooded acres. You’ll relish this huge park of windmills, old farmhouses and other traditional buildings (gathered from throughout the Netherlands then reassembled here), time-honored craft demonstrations, and a pleasant education-by-immersion in Dutch culture. Alternatively, you might opt to step back in time by traveling to nearby (less than 15 minutes by train) Nijmegen, widely regarded as the oldest city in the Netherlands with a settlement as early as the first century B.C. As our Scenic Rhinelands to Lowlands  Tour winds down, join the crew for good-byes and a final farewell toast at the Captain’s Farewell Reception, then dine like royalty at the Farewell Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 5-Course Farewell Dinner
Lodging: Aboard Royal Crown

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Your cruise comes to an end in the historic city of Amsterdam. Our hope is your journey on the waters of the Rhine and Moselle has likewise proven refreshing, therapeutic and even healing.

Depart after breakfast, with the freedom to explore this world-class city on your own.

While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Scenic Rhinelands to Lowlands Tour. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.

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