New Year on the Rhine

Cologne - Days 1 & 5

From the splendour of Cologne through the legendary Rhine Gorge to magical Rüdesheim and historic Koblenz, immerse yourself in the majesty of one of Europe’s most romantic rivers and celebrate the New Year in style on this unforgettable Rhine cruise.

Your cruise at a glance

DAY 1 – Embark in Cologne

Arrive in Cologne and embark your fivestar cruise ship. Overnight sailing.

DAY 2 – Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim

Cruise through the Rhine Gorge. Included afternoon guided tour of Rüdesheim. Folklore show on board this evening.

DAY 3 – Frankfurt

Morning sailing. Included afternoon guided tour of Frankfurt. Overnight sailing to Koblenz.

DAY 4 – Koblenz on New Year’s Eve

Morning sailing. Included afternoon guided tour of Koblenz. Midnight celebration drinks and canapés.

DAY 5 – Cologne on New Year’s Day

Morning sailing. New Year’s Day brunch. Included afternoon guided tour of Cologne. Classical music concert on board this evening.

DAY 6 – Disembark in Cologne

This morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark.

6 DAYS FROM $3,049

28 December 2021

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Embark in Cologne

Arrive in Cologne and embark your five-star cruise ship. 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. (D)

DAY 2 – Rüdesheim

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 more than 600 feet 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. 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 – 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

Your cruise price includes

• 4 visits and tours including guided tours of Rüdesheim,

Frankfurt, Koblenz and Cologne. • 5 nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, with river views • All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure including welcome cocktails, New Years

Eve gala dinner, midnight drinks and canapés, a New

Year’s Day brunch and the

Captain’s dinner • Folklore show on board • Live classical music concert on board • Complimentary on-board tea and coffee • Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)

Plus, of course...

• Five-star service from an

English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides • Services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and concierge • All port charges, airport taxes and overseas transfers • No surcharges guaranteed

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner

Prices are per person. Departure dates, prices and ship information – see page 131 or visit our website

5 6

Cologne KEY

Excursion/Transfer

River Cruise

Rhine

Koblenz 4 2

Rüdesheim

Main Frankfurt 3

GERMANY

FRANCE

of year as another delicious lunch is served in the ship’s restaurant. 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. Another delicious dinner is served on board as we rejoin the Rhine and sail downstream towards Koblenz.(B,L,D)

DAY 4 – Koblenz on New Year’s Eve

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. 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 and dress to impress for this evening’s special appointment. Head to the inviting warmth of the ship’s lounge for an aperitif before a superb New Year’s Eve dinner. Gather with fellow passengers in the lounge and as the clock strikes midnight, welcome in the New Year with celebration drinks and canapés. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 – Cologne on New Year’s Day

Seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and linger over a coffee as you take in the last views of the vine-covered valleys or, if you are feeling energetic, why not visit the ship’s fitness centre. An inviting New Year’s Day brunch is served in the ship’s restaurant as we sail towards 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 music concert in the lounge – surely the perfect ending to this magical New Year cruise. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 – Disembark in Cologne

After breakfast this morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark. (B)

Pricing & departures 2021

The prices are per person, based on two people sharing.

MS Oscar Wilde Five-star

Deck Lower Middle Cabin Type Suite Suite Superior Suite Suite Superior Suite

Upper Stern Superior Suite

28/12/2021 $3,049 $3,649 $4,179 $3,909 $4,409 $4,179 Deluxe Balcony Suite

$4,839

SINGLE OCCUPANCY - On the lower deck there are a limited number of standard cabins available at No Single Supplement, subject to availability. Additional lower, middle or upper deck standard suites are available on request at a supplement of 50% of the per person suite price – subject to availability. All other suite types carry a 100% supplement when requested for sole occupancy. DEPOSIT - The deposit for this river cruise is $500 per person.

Cologne - Days 1 & 5 Choose your cabin or suite

Select one of our middle or upper deck cabins or suites, with floor-toceiling windows that open up to a French balcony. Or for the ultimate luxury, upgrade to one of our superior or deluxe suites, with either a French or private outside balcony. All upper deck cabins and all superior and deluxe suites benefit from the added extras of Riviera Plus (see page 19).

Purchase a drinks package

Our package offers a selection of drinks served during lunch and dinner. When it’s time to dine in the restaurant take your pick from a range of draught beer, non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks, juices and red, white and rosé house wines by the glass. Drinks packages must be purchased by all guests in the same cabin or suite and do not include drinks from the bar. Priced at $139 per person.

On-board credit

Plan ahead by purchasing on-board credit before you sail. Available in denominations of €50, add an amount to suit you, to spend as you wish. Enjoy drinks in the bar and restaurant at any time, indulge in a spa or salon treatment or choose something from the on-board boutique. Please note gratuities cannot be paid using onboard credit. My view

Insider knowledge

Germans traditionally ring in the New Year with a piece of Neujahrsbrot. A midnight bite on this giant pretzel is believed to bring good luck.

Buy

The bembel is the symbol of Frankfurt’s apfelwein tradition. These striking grey and blue patterned jugs are perfect for any beverage and can also be used as a vase.

Taste

Apples are the “heaven” and potatoes are the “earth” in the Rhineland dish, Himmel und Erde. Black pudding is another traditional ingredient of this hearty favourite.

Hugo

Cruise Director

Introducing our fleet of five-star ships