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Amsterdam to the romantic road river cruise itinerary

Day 1 Amsterdam Selected early morning coach pick-ups and a journey to Dover for the 8.15am ferry/Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. Alternatively, join at port or at the Holiday Inn Ashford North. From Calais we continue to Amsterdam where the MS Arlene will be berthed. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival followed by dinner on board. The evening is at leisure, perhaps explore the city of Amsterdam or join our wonderful optional sparkling city cruise.

Day 2 Amsterdam - Arnhem After breakfast this morning, you can join our optional Amsterdam city tour to explore more of the wonderful destination. Amsterdam has much to offer. The bustling Damrak and Dam Square are popular haunts for shoppers, and with 1,500 cafes and bars, there is no shortage of places to relax and soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere. The elegant gabled houses, historic churches, cobbled streets and tree-lined canals, spanned by beautiful bridges, reflect its wealth from ages past. During lunch, the vessel will be gently cruising to Arnhem. Later this afternoon, you can enjoy a captain’s welcome cocktail and dinner.

Day 3 Arnhem - Duisburg Following breakfast, you can take advantage of our optional excursion organised for today; head to Het Loo Palace and the fascinating Airborne Museum. Alternatively, you have free time to explore Arnhem. This historic Dutch town lies near the border with Germany and played a pivotal role during the final days of World War II. The dramatic events of the battle of Arnhem in September 1944 were portrayed in the epic film A Bridge Too Far. The town’s main square is surrounded by inviting cafes and there are several attractive parks and gardens. Later this afternoon, cruise to Duisburg.

Day 4 Duisburg - Cologne After enjoying breakfast and lunch, we will be cruising to Cologne. Cologne sits on the banks of the Rhine and is famous for its magnificent 13th century Gothic cathedral. The narrow streets of the old town are alive with bars serving the excellent local beer, Kölsch. Chocolate lovers should head for the chocolate museum.

Day 5 Cologne - Koblenz During breakfast this morning, we will be cruising to Koblenz. Famous for being the town at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, historic Koblenz has many attractive shops, restaurants and cosy wine taverns, as well as an abundance of age-old monuments such as the 9th century Romanesque Basilica of St Kastor and the medieval churches of Our Lady and St Florin. We offer a fantastic Cochem and magical Moselle optional excursion today, returning to the vessel in time for dinner with live entertainment.

Day 6 Koblenz - Rüdesheim - Mainz Today, cruise to Rüdesheim. Rüdesheim has built its excellent reputation on its delicious white wines and welcoming atmosphere, best illustrated along the Drosselgasse: a famous narrow lane, lined with wine taverns and restaurants. Take advantage of our optional Siegfried’s Mechanical Musik Kabinett and wine tasting excursion. Cruise to Mainz during dinner.

Day 7 Mainz - Frankfurt - Aschaffenburg Following breakfast this morning, cruise to Frankfurt. We offer an included visit here while the vessel continues to Aschaffenburg, where we rejoin the vessel later. Germany's fifth biggest city, Frankfurt is situated on the River Main and is one of Europe's most important financial centres. The restored 14th and 15th century houses in the Romerburg district and the impressive cathedral provide a reminder of days gone by.

Day 8 Aschaffenburg - Miltenberg - Wertheim After breakfast, you will cruise to Miltenberg. We also offer an optional excursion to Heidelberg. Located on the river Main, Miltenberg is famous for being a regular stop of Frederick I, a famous Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Sights include the ‘Gasthaus zum Riesen’, claimed to be the oldest hotel and restaurant in Germany. The local area is also renowned for its delicious wines produced in the neighbouring vineyards. Later, the vessel will cruise to Wertheim, a wonderful town located on the confluence of the rivers Tauber and Main. Landmarks here include the Burg Wertheim castle, the medieval town centre, a beautiful Gothic-style church and fascinating museums.

Day 9 Wertheim - Würzburg Today we offer a wonderful included Rothenburg and the Romantic Road excursion, which includes a packed lunch. You’ll enjoy a wonderful journey past old castles, unspoilt villages and lovely natural countryside, stopping at the tiny town of Creglingen and the towns of Rothenburg and Schillingsfurst. The Romantic Road (German: Romantische Straße) is the name given by travel agents in the 1950s to the picture-postcard stretch of quintessential Germany between Würzburg and Füssen. Later, rejoin the vessel in Würzburg. Located in the region of Franconia, this city is home to a variety of sights. Explore the Würzburg Residence and the Fortress Marienberg before relaxing in a cosy cafe and treating yourself to something tasty.

Day 10 Würzburg Today we will continue our return journey to the UK, arriving in Calais in time for the 6.25pm crossing to Dover. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your original pick-up point.

Reverse itinerary
The holiday itinerary will operate in reverse on 12 November 2008, as follows:
Day 1: Join your vessel in Würzburg
Day 2: Würzburg – Wertheim
Day 3: Wertheim – Miltenberg – Aschaffenburg
Day 4: Aschaffenburg – Frankfurt – Mainz
Day 5: Mainz – Rüdesheim
Day 6: Rüdesheim – Cologne
Day 7: Cologne – Duisburg
Day 8: Duisburg – Arnhem
Day 9: Arnhem – Amsterdam
Day 10: Depart vessel and return to UK

Timings are correct at time of publish but may be subject to change. Final timings will be confirmed with your joining instructions.

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