Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg River Cruise - MS George Eliot

Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg River Cruise - MS George Eliot

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8 Days From

$2649

Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg River Cruise - MS George Eliot

8 Days Starting and ending in Cologne, Germany

Visiting: Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Ship Name:

MS George Eliot

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Ship Capacity:

132

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2649

NB: Prices correct on 26-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey aboard the luxurious MS George Eliot with the Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg River Cruise. This enchanting voyage begins and ends in Cologne, Germany, offering a seamless blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the cobbled streets of Koblenz, the medieval charm of Boppard, and the vibrant wine town of Rudesheim. Cruise through the majestic Rhine Gorge to Mainz, home to the Gutenberg Museum, and discover the architectural beauty of Heidelberg. Experience the unique blend of French and German influences in Strasbourg and the picturesque wine route to Colmar. Enjoy guided tours, live music, and exquisite dining, all while relaxing in the comfort of your floating hotel. With full board, a superior drinks package, and expert guides, this river cruise promises an unforgettable exploration of the Rhine's most iconic destinations.

Highlights

  • Explore Koblenz with its cobbled streets and visit the wine town of Rudesheim.

  • Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to reach Mainz, home of Johannes Gutenberg.

  • Visit Heidelberg, a German jewel on the River Neckar, on a guided tour.

  • Discover charming Strasbourg, the capital of the French Alsace region, and take the wine route to Colmar.

  • Enjoy a fascinating tour of Cologne, featuring the magnificent twin-spired cathedral.

  • Experience the medieval atmosphere of Boppard, known as the 'Pearl of the Rhine'.

  • Explore the historic city of Mainz, renowned as Germany's wine capital.

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Cologne

Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot

Meals Included: Dinner

Embark in Cologne

Arrive in Cologne, where your five-star floating hotel is moored in the picturesque historic center. 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

Location: Koblenz

Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Koblenz

When you peek out from your cabin this morning, you’ll realise the ship has slipped quietly away from Cologne; the view that greets you is of vine-covered valleys sides aglow in the morning light, bidding you a warm welcome to the charms of the Rhine.

There’s nothing quite like that feeling of anticipation when gliding alongside the promenade of a river port, snatching tantalising glimpses of what lies ashore, 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, while the lower slopes are strewn with pretty, half-timbered buildings so typical of the Rhineland. After a satisfying breakfast, we disembark to enjoy an insightful guided tour through ‘Old Koblenz’, a patchwork of narrow streets and squares, many lined with exquisitely restored traditional houses and cosy cafés. There’s time to explore on your own, maybe taking in a little shopping, before ambling back to the cruise ship.

We continue upstream as we enjoy our first relaxing lunch on board and before long we arrive in Boppard, a gorgeous town on a dramatic, almost U-shaped river bend.

Boppard

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’, Boppard is renowned for its storybook medieval atmosphere of cobbled streets and ancient houses. Here we’ll enjoy a guided tour lead by one of our local experts, with highlights including the beautiful white stone St. Severus and Carmelite churches, the marketplace with the ruins of the fortress and the old town with its charming winding alleys and half-timbered houses.

The early evening is an ideal time to wander along the town’s attractive riverside Rheinallee promenade before thoughts turn to tonight’s menu. After dinner, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance on traditional instruments.

Included experiences:

Guided tours of Koblenz, Boppard & live folk music performance.

Day 3

Location: Mainz

Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rhine Gorge

Slipping our moorings in Boppard we cruise through the Rhine Gorge, where the waters narrow to one-fifth their normal width and flow more swiftly. Sheer valley walls soar and magnificent birds of prey glide on the thermals above.

Teutonic knights built the numerous redoubtable castles as symbols of their power and to extract tolls from ships, but the fortresses now stand as silent ruins on forested hillsides as reminders of how fortunes change with the passage of history. This really is the magical Rhine of our imagination, so find a comfortable spot on the Sun Deck or in the forward observation lounge and enjoy the experience of cruising this famous stretch of water.

Mainz

Your next port of call is historic Mainz for an unmissable guided tour. The city is renowned today as Germany’s wine capital but whose most famous son was Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the movable type printing press. You can visit the excellent museum housing a reconstruction of his workshop and, outstandingly, two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles. The museum is in a beautifully restored 17th-century building in the heart of Mainz’s Old Town, opposite the impressive Romanesque cathedral.

Included experiences:

Cruise through the Rhine Gorge & guided tour of Mainz.

Day 4

Location: Heidelberg

Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Heidelberg

Overnight we cruise further downstream, and, after breakfast, we take a short drive to Heidelberg, undoubtedly one of Germany’s most perfect architectural treasures and all the more remarkable because it escaped bombing during the Second World War.

Set in an almost idealised German landscape, this jewel sits on the banks of the River Neckar, surrounded by forests and with an imposing castle dominating the church spires and terracotta gabled roofs of the compact Aldstadt – the romantic Old Town. Its 14th-century university, one of the most prestigious in Europe, lends Heidelberg a genteel atmosphere rather similar to its ‘twin’ town – Cambridge. During the 19th century it was the centre of Germany’s Romantic Movement, on the route of the ‘Grand Tour’ and visited by many artists including JMW Turner, who captured its splendours for eternity.

There are few more delightful places to explore, as you’ll discover on our guided walking tour, which reveals its principal attractions – including the magical stone bridge with its twin white towers – and local secrets. Afterwards, you’ll have time to explore on your own before returning to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to relax on board or explore the local area.

Included experience:

Guided tour of Heidelberg.

Day 5

Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Strasbourg

By breakfast we’ve arrived in France and the charming city of Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. The city is a complete delight – its centre a mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with quirkily crooked, half-timbered houses largely unchanged since the 14th century. During its history Strasbourg has been both German and French, and you see influences of both in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating a truly individual ambience.

This morning, we explore this delightful city on a walking tour with a local guide leading us to its enchanting centre – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – taking in the Petite France quarter of pretty canals lined with classic pastel-coloured houses crisscrossed with timbers and with flower-filled window boxes, the famous multi-towered Ponts Couverts, or covered bridges, and, of course, the stunning Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which Victor Hugo memorably described as a ‘veritable tiara of stone’.

We return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon the choice is yours - explore Strasbourg further, or join our tour to Colmar along the legendary Alsace wine route, passing through a string of picturesque villages, wine-producing towns and exceptional landscapes.

Colmar

We enjoy all this on a splendidly scenic drive, soon arriving in the medieval town of Colmar, the best-preserved in Alsace. Little known outside the area, it’s a magical concoction of canals, former merchants’ houses, ancient religious buildings and antique shops.

The cathedral quarter is surrounded by pastel-coloured half-timbered houses displaying the intricate wrought-iron hanging signs so typical of this area of Europe. We’ve plenty of time here to sit, enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by or just wander.

We return to the ship in Strasbourg for dinner. We return to the ship in Strasbourg for dinner, and afterwards unwind to a medley of live music and songs performed on board by a professional duo.

Included experiences:

Guided tours of Strasbourg, Colmar & live music performance. 

Day 6

Location: Rüdesheim

Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise towards Rüdesheim

As we started our journey back downstream, after a leisurely brekfast head up to the sun deck and take in the views from the comfort of a sun lounger or retire to the lounge to chat over a coffee with newly made friends. Watch the idyllic scenery slipping past through the panoramic windows: rolling hills and fertile vineyards, home to the Liebfraumilch wines of the region, oxbow lakes, long deserted by the river flow and now havens for bird and wildlife.

Rüdesheim

After a relaxing morning cruise, we arrive in Rüdesheim by late afternoon for a wonderful walking tour – if you imagine a typical Rhine town, then this would be it Narrow crooked streets lead down to the sweeping river with a backdrop of wooded and vine-covered slopes. Riesling is the speciality grape here and Rüdesheim has many atmospheric Weinstuben where you can sample local wines produced from the surrounding vineyards.

On board tonight, we enjoy a culinary spectacular – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant - a truly memorable experience.

Included experience:

Guided tour of Rüdesheim.

Day 7

Location: Cologne

Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cruise towards Cologne

This morning, early risers can enjoy phenomenal views as once again we pass through the Rhine Gorge where, in Wagner’s Ring Cycle, the Rhine Maidens guard lost treasure, the ‘Rheingold’. What better way to spend the morning than relaxing on the Sun Deck beneath dramatic rocky, vineyard-topped valley sides dotted with romantic ruined castles. The valley sides dissolve and hills give way to plains as we progress majestically to Cologne.

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, which of course takes 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 took six centuries to complete, and among its many treasures are the magnificent stained-glass windows and gilded sarcophagus 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 excellent shopping and cosy bars, some of which still brew their own beer. 

As night falls, a sumptuous dinner provides the perfect finale to this memorable cruise through the romantic River Rhine.

Included experience:

Guided tour of Cologne.

Day 8

Location: Cologne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Disembark in Cologne

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

Ship Details

MS George Eliot

Image Of Ship

The five-star MS George Eliot – named after one of the leading English novelists of the 19th century – is 110 metres of fine Swiss engineering and craftsmanship. As with all Riviera Travel cruise ships, MS George Eliot was built to the highest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most modern cruisers in Europe.

Guests are welcomed in the elegant lobby with its gleaming marble floor, well-lit by sophisticated lighting. Thoughtful design is on tasteful display throughout the ship – sustainable hardwood furniture, intricate wrought-iron work, and polished copper and brass are beautifully complemented by soft leather and sumptuous Italian fabrics.

MS George Eliot offers the convivial ambience and personal service of a luxury boutique hotel. With 36 staff serving just 132 guests, the experience is far more intimate and enjoyable.

There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.

Ship Name:

MS George Eliot

Adults Only Areas:

kids allowed

Ship Children Facilities:

none

Ship Nursery:

none

Smoking Areas:

some

Ship Size:

boutique

Ship Style:

luxury

Ship Type:

river

Ship Currency:

EUR

Ship Language:

en-GB

Ship Capacity:

132

Ship Crew Count:

36

Number of Decks:

4

Number of Cabins:

70

Ship Launch Year:

2018

Ship Length (Meters):

110 M

Ship Width (Meters):

12 M

Ship Speed (Knots):

13 Kn

Diamond Deck

BistroTravel DeskReceptionShopPanorama LoungeBarLibraryDiamond Deck CabinDeluxe Balcony SuiteSuperior Suite

Emerald Deck

Wellness CentreEmerald Deck CabinSuperior Suite

Ruby Deck

RestaurantRuby Deck CabinSuperior Suite

Sun Deck

Sun Loungers & ChairsSplash PoolPutting Green

There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.

Deluxe Balcony Cabin (Grade DBS )

For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, the spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite offers a generous living area with chairs and table, plus soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open out on to a small balcony with a table for two.There are four Deluxe Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).Size: 23.5 sq.m / 253 sq.ft.Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.

Superior Suite (Grade RDS EDS DDS )

Superior Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks benefit from a generous living area, plus floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to create a French balcony for guests to enjoy panoramic river views.There are two Superior Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are two Superior Suites the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Superior Suites on the Emerald Deck benefit from a generous living area and smaller fixed windows.There are two Superior Suites the Emerald Deck (lower deck).Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.

Standard Cabin (Diamond and Ruby) (Grade DD RD )

Standard Cabins on the Diamond and Ruby Deck feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide away to create a French balcony to enjoy panoramic river views.There are 22 Standard Cabins on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are 28 Standard Cabins on the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Indulge in the luxury of ?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special. 

Standard Cabin (Emerald) (Grade SED )

Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).

Superior Suite (Grade RDS EDS DDS SEDS )

Superior Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Deck benefit from a generous living area, plus floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to create a French balcony for guests to enjoy panoramic river views.Superior Suites on the Emerald Deck benefit from a generous living area and smaller fixed windows.There are two Superior Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are two Superior Suites the Ruby Deck (middle deck).There are two Superior Suites the Emerald Deck (lower deck).Indulge in the luxury of? Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special. 

Standard Cabin (Emerald) (Grade SED ED )

Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).

Deluxe Balcony Suite (Grade DBS )

For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, the spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite offers a generous living area with chairs and table, plus soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open out on to a small balcony with a table for two.There are four Deluxe Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).Indulge in the luxury of?Riviera Plus?when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special. 

Standard Cabin (Grade DD ED RD )

Standard Cabins on the Diamond and Ruby Decks feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide away to create a French balcony to enjoy panoramic river views.There are 22 Standard Cabins on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).There are 28 Standard Cabins on the Ruby Deck (middle deck).Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows – some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a smart handset* with maps, translator and currency converter, unlimited internet use, L’Occitane en Provence toiletries, a bottle of chilled Prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and an aperitif each evening, with our compliments. *Smart handsets will be available on 2022 holiday departures.

The main restaurant is on the Ruby Deck, with tables laid for up to six guests, serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner

Bistro

The Bistro is on the Diamond Deck, with panoramic windows and al fresco seating, serving early-bird breakfast, light lunch and dinner (complimentary)

Main Restaurant

The spacious main restaurant offers an intimate yet relaxed fine dining experience with informal free seating. Guests are spoilt for choice with a hearty range of buffets at breakfast and lunch, and sumptuous four-course dinners executed with silver service. (complimentary)

Observation lounge and bar on the Diamond Deck with panoramic windows for breathtaking views.

Sun Deck with shaded sitting area plus comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers.

Bistro

Perhaps escape to the bistro at the rear of the ship and enjoy a quiet read on the terrace. Should you have any queries, stop by the reception desk in the lobby, or let a crew member at the travel desk help you with your travel arrangements.

Panoramic Observation Lounge & Bar

The lobby, observation lounge and bar, bistro and boutique are located on the Diamond Deck.At the heart of the ship is the elegant panoramic observation lounge, where guests can enjoy marvellous views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Take a seat on a leather armchair or modern settee, while the charming bar staff prepares your drink. During the evenings, the ship pianist entertains with a relaxing repertoire.

Sun Deck

Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.

The Sun Deck

Crowning MS George Eliot is the sun deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as deck games such as giant chess. Cool off in the splash pool and enjoy a full bar service.

Excursions

On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains. You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.

Please Note: There are no children's facilities on board.

There is a Wellness Centre on board MS George Eliot, located on the Emerald Deck.

Hairdressers

Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.

Sun Deck & Splash Pool

Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.

Wellness Centre

The wellness centre and hair salon are located on the Emerald Deck. The wellness centre features a spa, which guests can reserve for private use to take a sauna or unwind in the steam room. Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.

Tips are not charged at a set percentage and are not included in the holiday cost, as we understand that giving a gratuity should be entirely at your discretion.

As a guideline we would recommend giving €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate. Usually, an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening, for you to drop off at reception, if you choose to, the following morning. The tips are divided equally between the crew.

Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.

Age Restrictions

The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a ‘Parental Consent Guardianship Form’ must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.

Air Conditioning

Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.

Dietary Requirements

If you have made a special request, they will do their utmost to see that your wishes are carried out. However, they cannot guarantee that your requests will be met. 

Disabled Facilities

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us or call us on 01283 688 518 to discuss these concerns.MooringDue to the popularity of river cruising at some mooring places, or where our ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck and require the navigation of steps so passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.On boardOur ships are not adapted for wheelchair access; if you are intending to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter with you, it is essential that you please contact us to let us know. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions however cannot be used on board the ships due to safety reasons and must not be left in corridors, the lounge or restaurant or any other public areas, but must be stored at reception.River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility; therefore, a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.River cruising on European rivers offers the opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. If you are unable to do some of the shore excursions, your river cruise can still be enjoyable and worthwhile, so please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.Shore ExcursionsFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.AccommodationFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.Overseas Transport ArrangementsAll of our tours involve coach travel. The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.Air TravelWe are able to arrange airport assistance, from the check-in desk to the plane, for anyone with reduced mobility. This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel. If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.EurostarIf you have reduced mobility and are travelling by Eurostar to your cruise, please contact us. Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked. If you would like assistance at St. Pancras, we can provide you with information and contact details for Eurostar Assist, although we cannot reserve this service for you directly.

Dress Code

There is no requirement to bring formal dress; smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced. However men are requested not to wear shorts for dinner or vest tops at any time in the dining room. Men may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.

Drinks Packages

We offer a selection of drinks packages available to purchase and the price is dependent on the length of the cruise, so please check each tour page for more details. This includes the following with lunch and dinner: draught beer; non-alcoholic beer; soft drinks; juices; red, white and rose house wines; and wine recommendations from the menu. The drinks package must be added to your booking for all passengers in a cabin prior to departure and you can do this by calling the reservations team.If you choose not to purchase a drinks package, there is a vast selection of drinks on board each ship available for individual purchase. 

Laundry Service

A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation. A dry cleaning service is not available.

Medical Facilities

If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour, please see your Cruise Director or Concierge. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc. In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary. There are no on-board medical personnel, although specific crew members will have basic first aid training. However, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.

Onboard Lifts

On the MS Emily Brontë, MS Oscar Wilde, MS Thomas Hardy, MS Robert Burns, MS William Wordsworth, MS George Eliot, MS Douro Elegance and MS Douro Splendour there is a lift between all three internal decks but not the sun deck. All other ships have lifts, but these do not operate to the lower deck or the sun deck; with the exception of the MS Swiss Ruby which has no lift.

Smoking and E-Cigarette Policy

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on board except for designated areas on the sun deck.More and more countries in Europe are adopting a stricter legislation on smoking in public places. Smoking is not allowed on any public transport and there may be other restrictions in hotels, bars and restaurants.

Special Dietary Requirements

In the morning a full breakfast is served which includes healthy options and your choice of eggs made to order. For lunch enjoy salads from the buffet, soup and a choice of main courses, including local dishes, plus dessert. The four course a la carte dinners include a selection of international and regional specialities. We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.

What's Included

  • Full board during your cruise

    Enjoy full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day.

  • Free Superior drinks package

    A complimentary Superior drinks package is included in your cruise.

  • Complimentary on-board tea and coffee

    Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board throughout your cruise.

  • Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with complimentary on-board Wi-Fi, although connection speeds may vary.

  • All visits and excursions

    All visits and excursions as mentioned in the itinerary are included.

  • Coach travel

    Coach travel for off-ship explorations is included as mentioned in the itinerary.

  • English-speaking expert guides

    Be accompanied by English-speaking expert guides throughout your journey.

  • Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge

    The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge are included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style aboard the MS George Eliot, cruising through the scenic Rhine Gorge and visiting charming towns along the way. Enjoy guided tours and excursions, with coach travel included for off-ship explorations, all while being accompanied by English-speaking expert guides.

Accommodation

Enjoy a luxurious stay on the five-star MS George Eliot, a floating hotel with spacious and tastefully furnished cabins, offering full board from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure, along with complimentary Wi-Fi, tea, coffee, and a superior drinks package.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided on the cruise?

    The cruise offers a luxurious stay on the five-star MS George Eliot, which is a floating hotel with spacious and tastefully furnished cabins. The accommodation includes full board from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure, along with complimentary Wi-Fi, tea, coffee, and a superior drinks package.

  • Are there any guided tours included in the cruise?

    Yes, the cruise includes guided tours of several locations such as Koblenz, Boppard, Mainz, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Colmar, Rüdesheim, and Cologne. These tours are led by English-speaking expert guides.

  • What kind of dining experience can I expect on the cruise?

    The cruise provides full board dining, including a special 'Chef's Dinner' where the chef prepares signature dishes for guests to enjoy in the ship's restaurant. Meals are served from dinner on the day of arrival until breakfast on the final day.

  • Is there any entertainment provided on the cruise?

    Yes, the cruise offers entertainment such as live folk music performances and a medley of live music and songs performed by a professional duo on board.

  • What is the Rhine Gorge experience like on the cruise?

    The cruise through the Rhine Gorge offers breathtaking views where the river narrows and flows swiftly, with sheer valley walls and historic castles. Guests can enjoy this experience from the Sun Deck or the forward observation lounge.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Dawn Curzons (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from my first...

18-Oct-2024

Just returned from my first Riviera tour ,Valencia and the orange grove coast for solo travellers an̈d despite challenges due to two public holidays and things closing, it was managed excellently by the tour manager. Would not hesitate to use Riviera again. Pleased to find a replacement after very bad service from Titan in the past.

Julie Berry (Google Reviewer)  

What a fantastic holiday to...

29-May-2024

What a fantastic holiday to Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise. If you are thinking of booking this do it right now. From start to finish everything was great. The hotels, the transport and the cruise. The rep was absolutely fabulous. If you have ‘B’ as your rep you will make a friend. She is so full of knowledge. We went on this trip with strangers and left it as friends.

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

Jean Libaert (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic small boat cruise from...

29-Sep-2024

Fantastic small boat cruise from Split to Porec and then by catamaran to Venice. Well done Riviera for another wonderful holiday. Would recommend this company and all their small boat cruises (just completed our 3rd!).

Paul Carpenter (Google Reviewer)  

First River Cruise and the...

25-Aug-2024

First River Cruise and the first time with Riviera but it won't be the last. The holiday exceeded our expectations. From the reps we spoke to when booking, to the staff and crew on board, they were all very friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. Everything was well organised and made for a very enjoyable holiday. The boat was very clean, plenty of space in the cabin and on deck and the food was some of the best I have ever tasted. Plenty to see along the Rhine, with castles, towns passing by at a nice sedate pace and watching the other craft using the Rhine. Highly recommend.

Jeff Aliño-Abbott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a wonderful time...

17-Sep-2024

We had a wonderful time in a beautiful area. The tour was so well organised and supported by charming and knowledgable Riviera guides. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Really excellent and will definitely book again.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 101 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 101 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 100 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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