Rhine Gorge & Cologne Discovery River Cruise

from
£999 pp
  • 4 Sailing Dates
  • 3 Nights
  • Cologne
  • MS Riviera Resplendence
  • Ref: RIVIERA110839

Overview

The brand-new MS Riviera Resplendence provides the perfect balance of contemporary and cosy, with some of our biggest-ever suites.

The brand-new MS Riviera Resplendence provides the perfect balance of contemporary and cosy, with some of our biggest-ever suites.

Life on board the 135-metre MS Riviera Resplendence feels airy and light with split-level lounge and dining in the main restaurant and the floor-to-ceiling French balconies available in over 80% of cabins and suites. On the Diamond deck, the Grand Suites are an impressive 32 square metres and feature separate living and sleeping space as well as a full balcony. They're some of our largest suites yet! And, at 24 square metres, our Superior Suites feel luxuriously spacious too.

Our brand-new ship features all the facilities you'd expect to find in a boutique hotel. The main restaurant takes fine dining to another level, complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. On board are two additional, speciality restaurants, which offer a more intimate dining experience and showcase a delicious array of local flavours. You'll never go hungry on board!

Designed with the very latest technology and our strong environmental values in mind, MS Riviera Resplendence is on track to qualify for the Gold Standard as part of the Green Award programme. So, you can lay back, relax and enjoy that cocktail on the Sun Deck guilt-free knowing your holiday will have a minimised impact on the peaceful natural landscapes we cruise through, protecting the world we love exploring for future generations to enjoy.

A small number of bicycles are available on board for our guests. Please enquire at the reception desk for information.

Route

Cologne Rüdesheim Cologne (Rhine)

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1
Cologne

Arrive in Cologne - Arrive in Cologne, Dusseldorf or Brussels and transfer to our ship moored in the heart of Cologne, one of Germany's oldest cities. The friendly, English-speaking crew will welcome you and help you to your cabin. After time settling into your spacious accommodation, it's time to familiarise yourself with the many first-class aspects of this floating boutique hotel.   After your first delicious dinner onboard, we set sail on our journey upstream.

Arrive 2027-11-11 00:00:00
Day 2
Rüdesheim

Cruising the Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim - Today, you'll get your first real taste of sailing - and it's truly a highlight of the trip. After a leisurely breakfast on board, we highly recommend heading to our panoramic lounge or the sun deck to enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each dramatic turn of the river unveils new castle ruins precariously clinging to towering valley slopes - the home of long-gone princes to display power and extort tolls from passing river traffic. The gorge is home to medieval legends, tales of mysterious happenings and dark deeds, and by mid-morning, we will pass one of the most famous. Lorelei - or 'murmuring rock' - is said to have lured passing boats onto the rocks with its irresistible song. What better way to mark the occasion than a glass of Rüdesheimer coffee, a local delicacy around these parts? After a delicious lunch on board, we'll dock in the charming town of Rüdesheim where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet or enjoy our guided walking tour. A delightful marketplace lined with pastel facades and cosy taverns lies at Rüdesheim's heart, overlooked by Brömserburg Castle. As you wander the maze of streets, don't miss the impressive Klunkhardshof, one of the town's finest 15th-century homes with its traditional timber frame and gabled roof. Alternatively, you can simply experience the town at your own pace, wandering through a tangle of crooked houses, winding cobbled alleys and perusing curious little shops. Set amongst vineyard-clad slopes, this pretty town is famous for its winemaking. Riesling is the region's speciality grape, and you'll find a wealth of Weinstuben (a wine bar) where you can sample locally produced wines and perhaps pick up a bottle to take back home. Tonight, we'll enjoy our special Chef's Dinner – a celebration of the chef's signature dishes.  As we dine, our ship will set sail for Koblenz, where we will dock for the night.

Arrive 2027-11-12 00:00:00
Day 3
Cologne

Koblenz & Cologne - If you're up early this morning, why not take a guided short walk through Koblenz - it's a great excuse to see some of the fascinating statues and sculptures. Following breakfast, we will set sail once more, making our way to our final destination, Cologne. Arriving mid-afternoon, we disembark for a guided walking tour of this majestic city. The cathedral's famous spires tower above the old town's maze of cobbled streets, where our expert guide will bring the city's fascinating history to life. We'll pass the cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, a miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took six centuries to complete this iconic masterpiece, 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. Then, you’ll have time to explore the vibrant old town, beautifully restored and boasting an abundance of excellent shopping and cosy bars, some of which still brew their own beer. Back on board, we'll enjoy another four course, a la carte dinner, and why not make full use of our included drinks package and raise a toast to a fabulous short break with your fellow travellers? Following dinner, we will enjoy a live music performance.

Arrive 2027-11-13 00:00:00
Day 4
Cologne

Return home - After a memorable few days cruising along the Rhine, it's time to wave goodbye to the crew aboard our five-star vessel and transfer to the airport or train station for your journey home.

Arrive 2027-11-14 00:00:00

Prices & Dates

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Ruby Deck (Middle) - Single

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Emerald Deck (Lower) - Single

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Diamond Deck (Upper) - Single

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Ruby Deck (Middle)

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Ruby Deck (Middle) - Superior Suite

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Emerald Deck (Lower)

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Diamond Deck (Upper)

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Diamond Deck (Upper) - Superior Suite

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Diamond Deck (Upper) - Grand Balcony Suite

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Prices shown for: Flight Price (Edinburgh Airport). Subject to availability.

Ship & Accommodation

Grand Balcony Suite (Diamond Deck)

Designed for the ultimate in space and comfort, the Grand Balcony Suites are our biggest-ever cabins at an impressive 32 square metres. Whether you're relaxing in your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table - or enjoying an afternoon siesta on your king-sized bed, you'll feel spoilt by all this space. The Grand Suites are finished to an exceptionally high standard with superior quality fittings in the most refined taste featuring individually controlled air conditioning, a desk, double wardrobe, hairdryer, safe, TV and telephone, and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room.

In addition to the indoor space, you'll also enjoy a private exterior balcony, complete with outdoor seating - the perfect place to enjoy breakfast 'al fresco', a pre-dinner 'sundown' cocktail or simply sit and watch the riverbanks glide by as we sail.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows with outside balcony and seating
  • Twin beds which can be configured as king
  • Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
Superior Suite (Diamond Deck)

Our spacious Superior Suites are 24 square metres with a floor-to-ceiling French balcony that slide open, bringing you that much closer to the beautiful waterway beyond. Between onshore adventures, you can watch the world go by through the window from the comfort of your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table.

Throughout the suite are the thoughtfully appointed, high-quality furnishings and fittings that Riviera Travel are known for. The cabin includes air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, a desk, double wardrobe, a lounge chair and small table and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room. The hotel-style beds can be configured as a double or twin, and the room features an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels and hairdryer
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
Superior Suite (Ruby Deck)

Our spacious Superior Suites are 24 square metres with a floor-to-ceiling French balcony that slide open, bringing you that much closer to the beautiful waterway beyond. Between onshore adventures, you can watch the world go by through the window from the comfort of your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table.

Throughout the suite are the thoughtfully appointed, high-quality furnishings and fittings that Riviera Travel are known for. The cabin includes air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, a desk, double wardrobe, a lounge chair and small table and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room. The hotel-style beds can be configured as a double or twin, and the room features an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower.

Features

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels and hairdryer
  • Desk & chair
  • Telephone and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service

Double Cabin (Diamond Deck)

Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen. Double Cabins on the Diamond Deck have a French Balcony – panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that bring riverside life just that little closer!

Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience.

Facilities

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service
Double Cabin (Ruby Deck)

Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen. Double Cabins on the Diamond Deck have a French Balcony – panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that bring riverside life just that little closer!

Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience.

Facilities

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service

Double Cabin (Emerald Deck)

Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen. Double Cabins on the Diamond Deck have a French Balcony – panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that bring riverside life just that little closer!

Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience.

Facilities

  • Individual climate control
  • Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
  • Twin beds which can be configured as double
  • Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
  • Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
  • Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
  • Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
  • UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
  • Table and chairs
  • Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
  • Safe & mini fridge
  • Turn down service

Get ready for the day's adventure with a buffet breakfast in the main dining room with hot and cold options. Onboard MS Riviera Resplendence you have three dining options for lunch and dinner. The main restaurant offers a buffet lunch and a four-course à la carte dinner. The Riverview Kitchen - available at no extra charge - takes its inspiration from a traditional grill restaurant and the Mosaic Restaurant where each course features a number of elements inspired by the rivers of Europe, paired with the perfect wine and selected by our sommelier.

Please note images shown are currently of sister ship, Riviera Radiance.

Main Restaurant

Our ship's main restaurant is located on the Ruby Deck, offering an exceptional service pairing seasonal menus with a glass of wine from our carefully curated wine list, including a selection of regional favourites. Our friendly and attentive staff are only too happy to help from recommendations to alternative dietary options, nothing is too much trouble. So, you can just sit back and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables of just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.

Please note images shown are currently of sister ship, Riviera Radiance.

Cuisine: buffet · Experience: complimentary

Mosaic

Mosaic Restaurant offers a unique regional culinary journey and wine pairing menu. Each course features a number of elements inspired by the rivers of Europe. Showcasing the finest local ingredients from each region, you can savour the essence of the continent – one delectable bite at a time.

Please note images shown are currently of sister ship, Riviera Radiance.

Cuisine: tapas · Experience: complimentary

Riverview Kitchen

The Riverview Kitchen, located at the stern, is available at no extra charge for lunch and dinner. It offers a more intimate dining experience with an open kitchen, large panoramic windows and al fresco seating so you can admire the fantastic views. Here in the evenings,You can enjoy a more informal experience that takes its inspiration from a traditional Grill restaurant.

Please note images shown are currently of sister ship, Riviera Radiance.

Cuisine: casual · Experience: complimentary

We are a well-travelled collective - made up of our guests as well as our team. We'll admit it - we're obsessed with travel.

But that's not our only interest. We also love architecture, history, the arts, and gastronomy - everything that makes a culture unique. And we plan our itineraries to ensure we're catering to those interests. Perfecting every excursion to ensure you get the most out of your onshore adventures.

Most days are filled with full or half-day excursions. Whether that's a city tour, an introduction to a brand-new town or a more in-depth visit to a specific landmark or attraction. You'll see the very best of every destination. Not just the legendary locations, we'll uncover the top-secret local spots too.  

Bikes

A small number of bicycles are available on board for our guests. Please enquire at the reception desk for information.

Please note images shown are currently of sister ship, Riviera Radiance.

Onshore Experiences

World-famous landmarks

You'll get to experience some world-famous destinations in the company of our passionate local guides. Sites like the Benedictine Melk Abbey on the Danube, spectacular Pont du Gard on the Rhône, Keukenhof Gardens - the world's largest flower gardens - on the Dutch Waterways and Cologne with its cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.

A taste of your destination

Food has the uncanny ability to reveal the softer parts of the destination most tourists overlook. Recipes passed down through the generations slowly become ingrained within a culture, featuring fresh local produce and traditional cooking techniques. Our excursions often include delicious local produce perfected over centuries - sample cheese in Switzerland and chocolate in Germany (it's not a cruise for those watching their weight), wine tasting in the world-famous wine region of Burgundy and port in the port wine cellars of Porto.

For even more, why not choose one of our Gastronomy themed departures?

Authentic cultural experiences

Our river cruise itineraries deliver authentic and engaging moments to fully immerse you in the culture. You'll remember being seduced by the fiery passion of flamenco dancing after a cruise along the Douro. Hold on to that feeling of wonder you felt as you watch the glassblower creating the most beautiful vase out of a glowing mass. And tell the stories you heard during a Hungarian folklore show to your grandchildren at bedtime. The memory of these authentic cultural experiences will last a lifetime. 

The Diamond Deck is home to the social hub of the ship, the Panorama Lounge and Bar. From here, you can watch the waters of one of Europe's most beautiful waterways rush by and spot the small settlements that reside on the riverbank. And, after the day's adventure, you and your sun-kissed fellow travellers will congregate here to swap stories and discuss the highlights of the day, returning after dinner to enjoy a digestif and the evening's entertainment.

Please note images shown are currently of sister ship, Riviera Radiance.

Panorama Lounge

The Diamond Deck is home to the social hub of the ship, the Panorama Lounge and Bar. From here, you can watch the waters of one of Europe's most beautiful waterways rush by and spot the small settlements that reside on the riverbank. And, after the day's adventure, you and your sun-kissed fellow travellers will congregate here to swap stories and discuss the highlights of the day, returning after dinner to enjoy a digestif and the evening's entertainment.

Please note images shown are currently of sister ship, Riviera Radiance.

Cruise Director and Reception

You'll usually find your Riviera Travel Cruise Director in the lobby area on the Ruby Deck as well as the reception desk where the helpful staff are on hand to assist you 24 hours a day. Close by, you'll also find our boutique shop. 

Please note images shown are currently of sister ship, Riviera Radiance.

Sun Deck

Here, you can catch the scenery change from the comfort of a sun lounger, sip cocktails on the deck and, when the sun starts to heat up, cool down with a dip in the plunge pool. Whether we're in port or sailing to our next destination, the Sun Deck is the place to relax.

Please note images shown are currently of sister ship, Riviera Radiance.

Wellness Area

On the Emerald Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or, for something less strenuous, you could treat yourself to a relaxing massage.

Please note images shown are currently of sister ship, Riviera Radiance.

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. You may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Chef's Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.

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.
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.
Disabled Facilities

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us.

Our 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 contact us to let us know.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions but they 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. They must be stored in your cabin.

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.

The itinerary we include with our river cruises involves shore excursions visiting places with cobbled streets which can be on an incline making navigation of these streets difficult for anyone with reduced mobility.

If you can’t do many shore excursions, river cruising in Europe can still be very enjoyable and worthwhile. Cruising down the Rhine, Danube or any of the European rivers we offer gives you the opportunity to take in the spectacular scenery and there is a lot to enjoy from the comfort of the ship. Please contact us with any concerns you may have.

Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.

We include mobility information regarding lifts between decks on each ship under the deck plan section of the page. You may wish to view all of our ships before booking.

Smoking 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.

Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi available for your convenience
Air Conditioning
Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.
Dietary Requirements
We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.

Other Info

Gratuities

Giving a gratuity is entirely at your discretion, so we have not included these in your holiday cost, and we don't add it as a set percentage.

If you would like to tip the staff, a good guideline is to give €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate.

If you do choose to give a gratuity, there will usually be an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening. This is for you to be able include any tips, and you can then drop it off at reception 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.

Important Information
  • All prices are per person, based on two sharing, and subject to availability.
  • A valid passport is required for all passengers. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings.
  • Prices may vary depending on cabin type, departure date, and availability.
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Call us on 0208 183 0505

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MS Riviera Resplendence
Rhine Gorge & Cologne Discovery River Cruise
  • 11 Nov 2027
  • 3 Nights
  • MS Riviera Resplendence
  • Cologne
  • 4 Sailing Dates
Destination
  • Rhine

Product Code
RIVIERA110839

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