SAIL AND STRUM
RHINE RIVER CRUISE WITH ANDY WEBSTER
(10 night cruise & coach holiday)
3 - 13 SEPTEMBER 2025
Discover the many beautiful facets of “Father Rhine“ during this small group trip along 500 miles of rivers from Amsterdam in the Netherlands through Germany and France to Basel, Switzerland. Pass through the Dutch Ijsselmeer on the way to the cathedral city of Cologne, all while enjoying group ukulele workshops and strumming session with your touring group.
Joining you on board is the talented Andy Webster, wearing 'two hats'. In his role as Harmony Voyages Tour Manager, he will be your main point of contact for any questions that you might have. In addition, he will also have his ukes with him, providing ukulele workshops during the day, impromptu group strums and an evening concert.
Take advantage of our included coach-to-cruise package, providing you with ultimate travel convenience. Leave behind the stress of planning and packing as we coordinate your journey through the scenic landscape of Belgium transitioning seamlessly to luxurious cruising, and back through picturesque France and Switzerland.
With no more than 30 cabins for the group, this luxury sail and strum cruise is an experience you will treasure long after you've struck your last chord!
If you're not ready to book but have further questions then please feel free to email us at info@harmonyvoyages.co.uk and we'll be happy to help
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 7 night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Queen
- 1 night pre-cruise and 2 nights post-cruise overland coach
- Ukulele workshops
- 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 and Welcome Dinner
- Services of an experienced English-speaking onboard Cruise Director
- 24 hour coffee station
- 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 include
ITINERARY
Wednesday 3 September 2025 - Dover - Bruges
Depart Manchester Airport 05:00 /Birmingham Airport *07:15 /London Heathrow *10:00 with motorway service pick-ups on request. The coach will arrive in Dover for a late lunchtime crossing to Dunkirk, we will then make our way to our hotel in Bruges for our first overnight stop of the trip.
Thursday 4 September 2025 - Bruges - Amsterdam
We depart Bruges at 09:00 and head to Amsterdam, with a possible stop at Belgian Beer brewery en-route. We arrive in time for afternoon embarkation in Amsterdam, settle in and join Andy Webster and your fellow ukulele group in the Amadeus club for a welcome meeting, drink and maybe even a strum, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner.
Enjoy a rousing Shanty Choir performance to end the evening. The vessel remains in Amsterdam overnight.
Friday 5 September 2025 - Amsterdam - Utrecht - Cologne
You may choose to spend this morning exploring Amsterdam as we spend the morning docked here. The ship will depart Amsterdam and arrive in Utrecht for a short 30 minute stay, then depart Utrecht at 13:00 at set off upstream to Cologne. Meet in the Amadeus club at 15:00 for your first uke workshop of the cruise with Andy Webster just in time for arrival in Cologne.
Saturday 6 September 2025 - Cologne
After breakfast, view our arrival at the beautiful cathedral city of Cologne. Explore the historic Old Town with its High Gothic architecture, the famous twin-spired Cologne Cathedral. We end the excursion with a strum in a local bar whilst sampling the famous Kölsch beer brewed in Cologne.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon on board and meet the ukulele group back in the Amadeus bar for the ukulele workshop, before enjoying dinner on board as the vessel continues cruising the Rhine River.
Sunday 7 September 2025 - Cochem
This morning enjoy an informal strum on deck as the AMADEUS vessel takes a special trip down the romantic Moselle River, the largest tributary of the Rhine. This area is the 5th largest German wine region with some of the steepest, terraced vineyards along the river.
After lunch, your vessel will arrive in Cochem. Explore the town which is filled with narrow streets, twisting alleys, medieval town gates, churches and walls. After dinner onboard, join Andy for an informal strum and a Q&A in the Amadeus club where all your musical querries can be answered! Before midnight, the vessel continues toward Koblenz.
Monday 8 September 2025 - Koblenz - Rudesheim
Early this morning, arrive in Koblenz, ideally situated at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle Rivers. Join this morning's tour exploring the town of Koblenz on foot.
After breakfast, grab your ukes and follow Andy via cable car over to the stunning Ehrenbrietstien fortress for a stroll and strum, seeing some of the most picuresque views of the city on the way.
Back on board, your AMADEUS crew awaits with a delicious dinner followed by an informal concert by Andy in the Amadeus club.
Tuesday 9 September 2025 - Mannheim - Speyer
Before breakfast, your vessel docks in the bustling town of Mannheim at 06:00, your chance to explore nearby Heidelberg, another old university city with its beautiful Heidelberg Castle. We stay in Mannheim until 13:00, then the ship departs for your next destination.
This afternoon's call is at Speyer, a city known for its cathedral where eight Roman emperors and German kings are interred. At night, your floating luxury hotel sets sail to Strasbourg at 19:30.
Wednesday 10 September 2025 - Strasbourg
This morning we arrive in the dynamic capital of Alsace. This beautiful city's sights include the famous cathedral Straßburger Münster and the Petite France quarter, a former mill and tanner district that still maintains its medieval charm. Half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, and the Council of Europe are among the wonders that Strasbourg holds in store for you. The Grand Island, the city center, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is connected to the rest of the city by 22 stone bridges.
After lunch on board, take in the views of the romantic Rhine during your final ukulele workshop with Andy at 15:00 as we move toward Switzerland, our final destination.
Thursday 11 September 2025 - Basel - Lausanne
After breakfast, the entire AMADEUS crew bids you farewell and wishes you a safe journey home, but your trip doesn't end there!
As we disembark Basel, we take a trip over to Switzerland, with short visits to Lucerne, the cultural hotspot in the heart of Switzerland, and Interlaken, a well-known tourist destination in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The coach then stops near Lausanne, our first night of the inbound journey home.
Friday 12 September 2025 - Lausanne - Paris
After breakfast, the coach departs for the journey over to Paris, with comfort stops along the way. On arrival in Paris, you have time to settle into the hotel before exploring the city on an evening excursion. As the group makes their way over to the Latin quarter, we make a dinner stop before venturing back to the hotel for the night.
Saturday 13 September 2025 - Paris - Dover
After breakfast we leave Paris for an early afternoon ferry back to Dover. We return to the original stops for late evening drop-offs.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Amsterdam with canal trip and flower market
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
Activity level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Date: Friday 5 September
Cologne – historic capital of the Rhineland with Kölsch tasting
Cologne walking tour and 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
Activity level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Date: Saturday 6 September
Siebengebirge and Drachenfels castle ruins
Siebengebirge and Drachenfels castle ruins
From Cologne travel by coach southward to the picturesque wine town Königswinter. From there, we head towards Germany’s first nature reserve, called Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains). On the summit you will find the Hotel “Petersberg” where many historical political discussions, such as the Afghanistan conference in 2001, took place. You can reach the summit with Germany’s oldest rack railway or on foot, where you can explore the remains of Castle “Drachenfels” (Dragon Rock) and enjoy the wonderful views into the valley “Rheintal”. In the 19th century a bizarre museum was built about halfway up the Drachenfels, where, besides other expeditions, the history of the Nibelungen is presented.Duration:approx. 4 hours
Duration: approx .4 hours
Activity level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Date: Saturday 6 September
Cochem walking tour with visit to the Reichsburg
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
Activity level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Date: Sunday 7 September
Wine tasting of typical Moselle wines in a local winery
Wine tasting of typical Moselle wines in a local winery
Visit one of the wineries located directly in the town of Cochem and learn more about viticulture and wine cellar management. The Moselle region is famous for its top wines with the most traditional grape variety being the Riesling, which is also called "the queen of white wines" and is grown directly on the sunny slopes of Cochem. During the excursion you can taste different Moselle wines and learn more about the wine making process.Duration: approx . 1.5 hours
Activity level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Date: Sunday 7 September
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
Activity level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Date: Monday 8 September
Rüdesheim walking tour incl. music cabinet museum
Rüdesheim walking tour including music cabinet museum
he 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 hours
Activity level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Date: Monday 8 September
Visit to a vineyard with tasting & Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim
Visit to a vineyard with tasting & Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim
Enjoy an unforgettable train ride on the "Winzerexpress" through the vineyards of Rüdesheim and discover the beauty of the Rhine Valley. Visit a typical winery and taste the different wines of the region. Afterwards, stroll along the famous 'Drosselgasse', which is a narrow cobblestone street, first mentioned in the 15th century as an alley used by the Rhine boatmen to reach their homes. Here you can still find numerous half-timbered wine houses, restaurants and shops. Immerse yourself in the history of the village before returning to the ship on the "Winzerexpress".Duration: approx . 2 hours
Activity level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Date: Monday 8 September
Heidelberg with visit to the castle
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
Activity level 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.
Date: Tuesday 9 September
Speyer walking tour with visit to the Imperial Dome
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
Activity level 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Date: Tuesday 9 September
Strasbourg with Canal Boat Tour
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.Duration: approx . 4 hours
Activity level 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.
Date: Wednesday 10 September
Excursions can be booked onboard. Subject to availability.
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
GETTING THERE
Say goodbye to the stress of flying. Travel in comfort from the UK to Amsterdam, sit back, relax and allow your driver and hostess to take care of the rest with our included coach-to-cruise itinerary.
Our carefully curated 3-night adventure offers not just a means of transportation, but an experience that prioritises your comfort and enjoyment every step of the way.
Coach to Cruise with Harmony Voyages
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Hostess service on board
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Regular, off-motorway comfort breaks
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Comfortable 4* hotels
- Outbound journey - visit to Bruges
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Inbound journey - visit to Lausanne and Paris
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1 overnight B&B stay pre-cruise in Bruges
- 2 overnight B&B stays post-cruise in Lausanne and Paris
Wednesday 3 September 2025 - Dover - Bruges
Depart Manchester Airport 05:00 /Birmingham Airport *07:15 /London Heathrow *10:00 with motorway service pick-ups on request. The coach will arrive in Dover for a late lunchtime crossing to Dunkerque, we will then make our way to our hotel in Bruges for our first overnight stop of the trip.
Thursday 4 September 2025 - Bruges - Amsterdam
We depart Bruges at 09:00 and head to Amsterdam, with a possible stop at Belgian Beer brewery en-route. We arrive in time for afternoon embarkation in Amsterdam, settle in and join Andy Webster and your fellow ukulele group in the Amadeus club for a welcome meeting, drink and maybe even a strum, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner.
Thursday 11 September 2025 - Basel - Lausanne
As we disembark Basel, we take a trip over to Switzerland, with short visits to Lucerne, the cultural hotspot in the heart of Switzerland, and Interlaken, a well-known tourist destination in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps. The coach then stops near Lausanne, our first night of the inbound journey home.
Friday 12 September 2025 - Lausanne - Paris
After breakfast, the coach departs for the journey over to Paris, with comfort stops along the way. On arrival in Paris, you have time to settle into the hotel before exploring the city on an evening excursion. As the group makes their way over to the Latin quarter, we make a dinner stop before venturing back to the hotel for the night.
Saturday 13 September 2025 - Paris - Dover
After breakfast we leave Paris for an early afternoon ferry back to Dover. We return to the original stops for late evening drop-offs.
PRICES
*Should you wish to travel to the ship independently contact us for a cruise only price.
Please note: a deposit of £200pp is required to secure your booking.
| Cabin grade | Deck | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Suite | Mozart Deck | £3840 |
| A1 | Mozart Deck | £3390 |
| B1 | Strauss Deck | £3123 |
| B1 (solo occ) | Strauss Deck | £3999 |
| B4 | Strauss Deck | £2931 |
| C1 | Haydn Deck | £2606 |
| C1 (solo occ) | Haydn Deck | £2999 |
| C4 | Haydn Deck | £2340 |
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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- Kieron
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- Niki
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- Alice
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- Emma
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- Lioux
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- Andy
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- Angie
Call the team now and we'll be happy to help
FAQ
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.