Cruise the resplendent Rhine and magnificent Moselle
Laura Millar on the delights of a stunning Saga river cruise
Imagine yourself cruising serenely down one of Europe’s most iconic waterways, stopping to explore charming Unesco-listed towns, tasting some of the region’s most delicious wine, or marvelling at fields of flowers in full bloom. All this and more unfolds in front of you on a journey along the Rhine and her tributary, the Moselle, as you sail through countries including Germany and the Netherlands. River-cruising experts Saga have curated a range of captivating itineraries, with a variety of excursions along the way, so hop on board and discover what this beautiful part of the world has to offer.
PART ONE
Castles culture and fields of tulips
Set sail on board Spirit of the Rhine, a spacious, airy, light-filled ship. Stylish design, comfortable facilities and top-class dining make your journey along Europe’s finest waterways feel like the ultimate boutique experience. Take in the view of the wonderful scenery from the panoramic lounge bar or sun deck, or relax on your cabin’s French balcony or in the library as you contemplate your next cultural excursion. Several are included on every cruise to give you plenty of opportunities to explore – all at no extra cost. You could be exploring fairy-tale castles, marvelling at the tulips of Keukenhof Gardens, or admiring medieval architecture, on itineraries such as those listed here.
The Majestic Rhine
This all-inclusive, seven-night river cruise from Utrecht to Basel showcases the very best the Rhine has to offer. You’ll sail through Unesco-listed landscapes and visit Koblenz, set at the point where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet.
Franco-German Strasbourg will enchant with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, and you’ll cruise through the scenic Middle Rhine – home to around 40 hilltop castles and fortresses – before exploring stately Heidelberg – home to Germany’s oldest university – and its castle, on an included excursion from Speyer. There’s also a day spent in Breisach, overlooked by the 12th-century cathedral, St Stephansmünster.
The Rhine Tower is 172.5 metres high, offering panoramic views of Düsseldorf | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Floral Delights of Holland
Zaanse Schans windmills park in Zaandam near Amsterdam is an idyllic location | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Discover the iconic sights of the Netherlands on this all-inclusive river cruise which leaves from Amsterdam. Destinations include Enkhuizen, once known as Herring Town, and one of the Dutch East India Company’s main 17th-century ports, where you can visit a quirky museum which is home to the world’s largest collection of ships in bottles.
Hotel Inntel Zaandam is uniquely comprised of stacked traditional houses | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Floralia Flower Show takes place in the grounds of the Groot-Bijgaarden castle | CREDIT: Shutterstock
A real highlight is Keukenhof, a set of sprawling gardens and horticultural displays which include colourful tulips and hyacinths, but you’ll also be captivated by Kinderdijk. Home to 19 Unesco-listed windmills built between 1722 and 1761, they form the largest park of windmills still in use in the Netherlands. The trip also takes in Rotterdam, almost completely rebuilt after being bombed during the Second World War, and now featuring some extraordinary modern architecture, including the topsy-turvy Cube Houses.
Windmills and Tulips of Holland
Treat yourself to a beautiful, seven-night river cruise, timed to coincide with the most spectacular floral displays in Holland and Belgium. You’ll get the chance to visit the 21st annual Floralia flower show in Brussels, which takes place in the grounds and greenhouses of the castle of Groot-Bijgaardenand, and the world-famous gardens of Keukenhof, where 32 hectares are carpeted with colourful tulips, daffodils and more. There’s also a visit to Zaandam, a city with distinctly Dutch architecture in a Toytown-like setting, before an excursion to admire the Bollenstreek Flower Parade. You’ll conclude your all-inclusive cruise in Düsseldorf.
A dazzling display of colourful tulips greets visitors of Keukenhof Gardens | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Wine-making regions and spectacular scenery
Able to reach places and ports that larger ships cannot, the stylish Amadeus Elegant may be streamlined in size, but she certainly doesn’t lack in either service or facilities. As you wind your way along the Rhine, Moselle and Saar rivers, you’ll enjoy four-course dinners, buffet breakfasts and waiter-served lunches at the Panorama Restaurant, or simply relax in the all-inclusive bar and lounge, with its outdoor terrace affording scenic views along the waterways. From Roman relics and Baroque architecture to vineyards and medieval market squares, the included excursions give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in history and culture at no extra cost.
PART TWO
This eight-night, all-inclusive cruise lets you compare the panoramas of the Saar and Moselle rivers. You’ll journey along the famous Saar Loop, an unusual geological feature, and stop in Saarlouis – named after its founder, Louis XIV of France – for a walking tour of historic Saarbrücken. From Grevenmacher, join an included tour of Luxembourg’s capital city, home to the Grand Ducal Palace and 18th-century Bock Casemates network of tunnels.
When you’re not exploring, admire the picture-perfect scenery of the Moselle, complete with vineyards, hilltop castles, clusters of quaint towns and villages which cling to the riverbank, and the beautiful Saar, on which larger ships cannot sail. From Schweich you can head to Germany’s oldest city, Trier, with its ancient Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman city gates in the world.
Hidden Gems of the Saar
The Saar Loop at Mettlach is a natural hairpin bend of the Saar River, Germany | CREDIT: Getty
Saarbrücken’s Ludwig’s church is one of Germany’s most famous Baroque churches | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Walk alongside the Moselle for pretty views of the east-facing bridge, boats and houseboats Saarbrücken | CREDIT: Shutterstock
Contrasts of the Rhine, Main and Moselle
There’s history galore to be found along these epic waterways. Starting from Schweich, an included excursion heads to ancient Trier, founded by the Emperor Augustus in 16BC. Here you can admire many relics from its past, including Porta Nigra, a well-preserved Roman city gate. The town of Bernkastel-Kues will charm you with its historic market square and medieval houses, and you’ll enjoy an included trip aboard the panoramic Bernkastel Land Train.
The picturesque twin-town of Traben-Trarbach straddles the Moselle and is known as the capital of the wine region. After exploring its beautiful art nouveau buildings, underground cellar vaults and elaborate bridge gate, you’ll be able to taste some delicious local wines back on board. You’ll cruise through the scenic Middle Rhine Gorge to Boppard, a classic Rhineland wine town overlooked by wooded gorges and vineyards and admire the half-timbered houses of traditional Rüdesheim. The cruise concludes in vibrant Frankfurt, where an included tour will reveal some of the city’s attractions, such as the medieval Römer complex, with its distinctive stepped gables, and Old St Nicholas church.
This unique, 10-night cruise culminates with the exclusive opportunity to experience a live performance by world-class violin virtuoso, André Rieu, in his hometown of Maastricht, with the Johann Strauss orchestra. Prior to that, you’ll visit the towns of Enkhuizen and Hoorn, both made wealthy by their ties to the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. Don’t miss Hoorn’s State Council building, which houses the Westfries Museum and its collection of ceramic tiles, silver, china and model ships.
An included cruise along the historic canals of Amsterdam lets you see its historic bridges and gabled houses, and you can explore architecturally-innovative Rotterdam on an included tour. Visit the fortress town of Willemstad, with its distinctive, star-shaped ramparts, and Arnhem, subject of the epic war film A Bridge Too Far. After following the Meuse river to historic Venlo and Roermond, you’ll continue to Maastricht where the medieval architecture will be revealed on an included walking tour, before the musical highlight of the trip awaits.
André Rieu Hometown Experience
Dinant’s traditional houses are dwarfed by the impressive Collegiate Church of Our Lady on the banks of the Meuse River | CREDIT: Getty
Maastricht is the hometown of Dutch Violinist and conductor Andre Riéu
St. Servatius Bridge stretches across the Meuse in Maastricht and dates back to Roman times | CREDIT: Getty
For more information and to book, call 0800 092 7557 or visit saga.co.uk/rivers-telegraph
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Lead Designer: Victoria Griffiths, Project Manager: Rachel Eggleton, Commissioning Editor: Jim Bruce-Ball, Writer: Laura Millar, Sub-editor: Tim Cumming, Video and Photography Manager: Alex Kelly, Web Editor: Ross Thomas
Cultural hot-spot Basel is located near the borders of both France and Germany | CREDIT: Shutterstock