RHINE RIVER CRUISE
FEATURING RICHARD THOMPSON,
SHOW OF HANDS & BROOM BEZZUMS
9 - 16 JUNE 2023
Enjoy an unforgettable music filled seven night cruise from Basel to Amsterdam with two of the most phenomenal acts in folk music - Richard Thompson and Show Of Hands.
Richard Thompson is a world-renowned singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known for his work in the folk rockgroup Fairport Convention. Rolling Stone named him as one of the ‘Top 100 Guitarists of All Time’ and he has received lifetime achievement awards for songwriting on both sides of the Atlantic.
Show of Hands have unequivocally become one of the leading forces in British folk. Steve Knightley and Phil Beer are respectively recognised as one of the UK’s best singer songwriters and one of its finest multi instrumentalists.
Multi award-winning folk duo Broom Bezzums will also be joining us onboard and as always will deliver performances you won’t forget. In their songs and anecdotes, the pair draw on their unconventional biographies and match the quality of their songwriting with skilful musicianship and spine-tingling vocals.
But its not just about the music; a Rhine River Cruise on board The MS Amadeus Queen, one of the award-winning silver ships of the Amadeus Fleet, offers so much more.
Marvel at romantic castles perched upon mountains and impressive cliffs that rise to meet the sky, combined with cosmopolitan cities and quaint winegrowing villages, all in one journey. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the Rhine, as you allow yourself to relax and drift through the centuries of history.
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On this magical Rhine river cruise, you will explore the one of the most attractive rivers in Europe aboard your luxurious floating boutique hotel. With only 150 guests on board, this is a very unique and exclusive opportunity for fans to enjoy the songs and music of Show of Hands and Richard Thompson.
We are delighted to welcome Paul Clark and Margot Lofts onto this Rhine cruise to take Watercolour Art Classes.
Paul Clark is a published author, professional artist, and a world renowned YouTuber with a following of 140,000+ subscribers, who has been teaching watercolour painting and drawing techniques to adult learners of all levels for over 40 years.
Margot Lofts, a watercolourist in her own right, works alongside Paul to take extra classes to provide a varied programme.
What's Included
- Large, outside river-view staterooms, most with French balconies or walk-out balconies
- Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s famous wine regions, beer & soft drinks
with every lunch and dinner onboard - Gourmet dining onboard
- Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner
- Services of your onboard Harmony Voyages Tour Manager and an experienced English-speaking Cruise Director
- 24 hour coffee station
- Concerts in the lounge after dinner. Both Richard Thompson and Show of Hands will perform two evening concerts and Broom Bezzums one evening concert
- Bottled water in every stateroom
- In-stateroom infotainment center
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
- Complimentary use of onboard bicycles
- Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for optional excursions
- All local taxes & port charges
- Limited spaces for the art classes with an additional cost of £160pp. Please see Art Class Programme below
Itinerary
09 June Day 1 BASEL
Our journey begins in Basel, the third-largest city in Switzerland. After embarking explore the ship, meet your fellow sailors and enjoy a drink in the Panorama bar after a delicious dinner.
Depart Basel – 17:00
Please ensure your flight is scheduled to arrive by 14:00 at the latest to allow for any prearranged transfer time.
10 June Day 2 STRASBOURG
Leaving Switzerland behind we follow the Rhine into the Alsace region in the south of France. During breakfast, arriving in Strasbourg – a city known not only for its romantic old town, but also for the numerous important European institutions housed there. Here you have the option to explore the city independently, or as part of an organised tour. A detour to the countryside is highly recommended, particularly along the famous wine route, where the quaint wine-growing villages will delight wine-lovers.
Arrive Strasbourg – 09:00 Depart 23:00
Today's Optional Excursions
Strasbourg with Canal Boat Tour
Enjoy a tour of discovery through the beautiful city of Strasbourg. After a short coach trip through the city, the tour continues with a walk through the lovely, historic old part of the town and includes a visit to the famous cathedral Straßburger Münster (not possible on Sundays and public holidays). During a boat cruise on the river, discover the famous quarter, “Petite France”. This former mill and tanner district still preserves its medieval charm. Some of the beautiful, half-timbered houses on the banks of the river Ill are up to 500 years old. You will enjoy Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, the Council of Europe.
11 June Day 3 SPEYER - MANNHEIM
Before breakfast, arrive in the Rhineland-Palatinate town of Speyer, which played an important role in the Holy Roman Empire during the Middle Ages. We remain here until lunchtime, offering time to explore this historic destination. Continuing for roughly 25 kilometres towards Mannheim, which is our next stop along the picturesque Rhine for the remainder of the day. This young city is best explored with an extended walk, or alternatively you can take a trip to the nearby city of Heidelberg, which boasts a beautiful Baroque old town.
Arrive Speyer - 07:00 Depart midday
Arrive Mannheim – 14:00 Depart Mannheim midnight
Today's Optional Excursions
Heidelberg with visit to the castle
A comfortable coach will take you to Heidelberg, the world-famous University City on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. Heidelberg was discovered quite early by romantics to use for diverse literature, songs and paintings. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone is now a ruin, maybe the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads also into the castle garden. From the Grand Terrace enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late-gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours
Walking grade: LEVEL 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Speyer walking tour with visit to the Imperial Dome
Speyer, the time-honoured imperial city on the Rhine, looks back on a rich and eventful past. Historic testimonies of ecclesiastical architecture, impressive facades of different building epochs, winding alleys and romantic squares characterize the face of the city today. During the city tour, enjoy a short guided visit to the Romanesque Imperial cathedral with its striking twin-towered portal and visit the beautiful baroque Church of the Holy Spirit. Pass by the Old Gate of Speyer and visit the medieval Judenhof, one of the most important Jewish medieval sites in Germany. View the remains of the Jewish courtyard, which was the central area of the Jewish quarter and consisted of the synagogues, and a ritual bath (Mikveh).
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
Walking grade: LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
12 June Day 4 MANNHEIM - RUDESHEIM - KOBLENZ
Two charming stops await you today. In the morning, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town well known for its winemaking, especially Riesling wines. Nearby, Siegried's Mechanical Music Cabinet with its historic automated musical instruments is a delight. Departing at lunchtime, we cruise to the most beautiful section of the river – the legendary Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The view from the sun deck, of the myth-enshrouded Lorelei, is sure to be a highlight of your cruise. Arriving in Koblenz, one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful towns late afternoon, where you can end the day with a leisurely stroll through the city.
Arrive Rudesheim – 07:00 Depart - 14:00
Arrive Koblenz – 17:30 Stay overnight in Koblenz
Today's Optional Excursions
Rüdesheim walking tour including music cabinet museum
The unique Winzerexpress train takes you from the dock of the ship to the “Siegfried Mechanical Music Cabinet” for a musical adventure with historical self-playing instruments. Thereafter, a guided tour leads you through the picturesque town. Explore the heart of the old town of Rüdesheim – the Drosselgasse – where wine houses and garden taverns invite you to linger. Immerse yourself in the history of the city and visit the Eagle Tower, a part of the city wall, and the fortifications from the 15th century.
Duration: approx. 2 hrs / Walking Grade: 4
Excursion Pricing:
Koblenz walking tour £21
Rüdesheim with Music Cabinet Museum £29
Heidelberg Castle and Christmas market £56
Speyer walking tour with Christmas market £25
Wintry Alsace and Obernai £68
Strasbourg with visit to Christmas market £66
Total Price £265
Package booking discount 15% £225
13 June Day 5 KOBLENZ - COLOGNE
Enjoy a full day in Koblenz. Join one of the optional excursions or explore one of Germany's oldest and most beautiful city's at your own pace.Vineyards, forests and four mountain ranges form the unique backdrop to this 2,000-year-old city. After dinner on board our journey continues to Cologne.
Depart Koblenz – 21:00
Today's Optional Excursions
Koblenz walking tour
Discover one of the most pedestrian-friendly and oldest towns in Germany, with over 2,000 years of history. On our guided walk through the romantic streets between the St. Castor Basilica and the Liebfrauenkirche (the Church of our Beloved Lady) you will discover the most important sights of Koblenz and the town’s landmark, the Schängel Fountain at the town hall. This tour would not be complete without a visit to the Memorial of Emperor Wilhelm at the famous German Corner where the rivers Rhine and Moselle meet. See the cable car that hovers over the Rhine, built as an attraction and ecologically friendly traffic facility for the Federal Horticultural Show in 2011. This is Germany’s first 3-rope cable car with a transport capacity of 7600 people per hour. Duration:approx. 2 hours
Walking grade
Level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Excursion Pricing:
Koblenz walking tour £21
Rüdesheim with Music Cabinet Museum £29
Heidelberg Castle and Christmas market £56
Speyer walking tour with Christmas market £25
Wintry Alsace and Obernai £68
Strasbourg with visit to Christmas market £66
Total Price £265
Package booking discount 15% £225
Cochem walking tour with visit to the Reichsburg
Located along the beautiful Moselle wine valley, the harmonious triad of unique Moselle landscape, millennia-old wine culture and history makes Cochem a popular destination. Discover the town with its narrow, winding streets during a city tour. Next visit the Reichsburg castle with its imposing complex which dominates the area landscape due to its size and its location on a rugged rock high above the town. Enjoy the impressive view from the castle of the Moselle valley with its dreamy mixed forests and vineyards, as well as the old town. Inside the castle you will find a collection of Renaissance and Baroque furniture, as well as other treasures, carefully collected by the Ravené family who owned the castle until 1978, when it was turned over to the town of Cochem, for all to enjoy.
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Walking grade: LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
14 June Day 6 COLOGNE
The morning is dedicated to the fascinating city of Cologne, where you can expect to find a young, vibrant metropolis with a rich cultural history and many world-famous sights, in particular the famous Cologne Cathedral. A city tour here is a must for everyone with a cultural bent. Alternatively, join to visit to the Chocolate Museum nearby. The afternoon is spent on board the ship as we depart Cologne onwards to Amsterdam.
Arrive Colgne – 07:00 Depart 13:00
Today's Optional Excursions
Cologne – historic capital of the Rhineland with Kölsch tasting
The cathedral city’s full history dates back over 2,000 years, traces of which can be seen everywhere in the Rhine region. During the walking tour, explore the area around the cathedral all the way to the old town. As you travel through the narrow, cobbled streets, and the lively squares such as the Alter Markt or the Heumarkt, you really get a feel for life in Cologne from yesterday and today. Since its completion in 1880, the Cologne Cathedral with its two 515ft high towers has been the city's landmark, as well as the most famous architectural monument and most frequently visited sight in Germany. As your excursion concludes, we invite you to enjoy a glass of typical Kölsch (beer), which is the number one beer in Cologne and large parts of the Rhineland.
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
15 June Day 7 AMSTERDAM
By breakfast time we arrive in the capital city of the Netherlands. Explore this vibrant city with a guided tour or spend time leisurely enjoying the elaborate canal system and narrow houses. A few of Amsterdams notable residents throughout history include, painters Rembrandt and Van Gogh and the diarist Anne Frank.
Arrive Amsterdam – 08:00 Overnight Amsterdam
Today's Optional Excursions
Amsterdam with canal trip and flower market
Founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age as a result of its innovative developments in trade. Today, the city has one of the largest historic centres in Europe, with about 7,500 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century and the centre consists of 90 islands, linked by 400 bridges. On the city tour through the Dutch metropolis, you will see the Royal Palace, numerous canals and the Museum Quarter. The tour is by coach, with a stop to stroll along the flower market. As there is no better way to see the city than cruising on the water, the tour will end by a canal cruise boat trip.
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Walking grade:LEVEL 3
The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
16 June Day 8 AMSTERDAM
After breakfast we bid you farewell and a safe onward journey Transfers to the airport will commence after breakfast. For those, leaving later in the day you will be permitted to leave your luggage onboard whilst you explore the city. Or if you are planning a day or two in Amsterdam, taxis can be arranged by the crew for you to your chosen hotel.
Accommodation
Suite (26.4m²) with walk-out exterior balcony
Comfortable corner sofa, luxurious bathroom, walk-out exterior balcony, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, bathrobe, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.Mozart Deck
Cabin A-1 (17.5m²) with drop-down panoramic window
Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.Mozart Deck
Cabin B-1 (17.5m²) with drop-down panoramic window
Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.Strauss Deck
Cabin B-4 (17.5m²) with drop-down panoramic window
Spacious bathroom, drop-down panoramic window, mini-bar, walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.Strauss Deck
Cabin C-1 (16m²) with panoramic window
Spacious bathroom, small panoramic window (cannot be opened), spacious wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe. Cabins with connecting doors are available on request.Haydn Deck
Cabin C-4 (16m²) with panoramic window
Spacious bathroom, small panoramic window (cannot be opened), spacious wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, individual climate control, en-suite bathroom with shower/WC, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe. Cabins with connecting doors are available on request.Haydn Deck
Amadeus Queen Deck Plan
Prices
Prices are per person and do not include flights. Please contact us if you require assistance with your travel arrangements.
Please note: a deposit of £200pp is required to secure your booking.
[table “22” not found /]Watercolour Art Classes
We are delighted to welcome Paul Clark and Margot Lofts onto this Rhine cruise to take Watercolour Art Classes.
Paul Clark is a published author, professional artist, and a world renowned YouTuber with a following of 140,000+ subscribers, who has been teaching watercolour painting and drawing techniques to adult learners of all levels for over 40 years.
Margot Lofts, a watercolourist in her own right, works alongside Paul to take extra classes to provide a varied programme.
£30 for an individual class. £160 for the package of classes. Cash payment in euros or pounds sterling on board.
Holiday Insurance / Airport Hotels & Parking
We look after you every step of the way
We are a small experienced team who look after you from first enquiry, right through to the end of your holiday. The same people who help you with your booking, will be in the resort or on the cruise to look after you. We are extremely proud of the personal service that we provide and when you need to get in touch, there are no call centres, just the same people you've always being dealing with. Need help with flights, care hire or extra nights? ...we are just a phone call away.
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FAQ
Alternately you may wish to tip onboard in cash or add a gratuity to your onboard account.
Gratuities for drivers and guides for optional excursions are not included in the excursion price. A suggested amount is 1-2 EUR per person for half day excursion & 2-3 EUR per person for the full day excursion given directly to the guide and driver.
Clothing: Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate both onshore and onboard and we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered. Shorts are appropriate for most tours; however long pants may be required for inside visits on some excursions. Your cruise manager will advise when and if this is required. You may find a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight wind-breaker for cooler temperatures. Also, keep in mind that the ship, coaches and other venues visited on our itinerary are air conditioned and may be quite cool. We recommend you that you pack a lightweight sweater or long sleeve shirts and carry them with you on excursions.