Rhine Gorge & Cologne Discovery River Cruise - MS Emily Brontë

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.

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 Rüdesheim and enjoy a guided walk with a local expert as we get to know the town better. 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.After our guided tour, there'll be time to enjoy 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.Included experiences -Cruise through the Rhine Gorge and guided tour of Rüdesheim.

Cologne - If you're up early this morning, why not take a stroll through Koblenz - it's a great excuse to see some of the fascinating statues and sculptures. After breakfast, we set sail again, heading 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, we will 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?Included experience -Guided tour of 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.

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The restaurant rivals the finest on shore establishments taking fine dining to another level complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel.

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At the Bistro with its open kitchen, large panoramic windows and al fresco seating, enjoy a more intimate dining experience whilst taking in the fantastic views. Here in the evenings the chef presents his personal signature dishes to a small number of diners with menus varying according to the seasons; this intimate dining experience can be reserved on board at no extra charge. When the weather allows the panoramic windows may be fully opened on to the terrace to allow a delightful al fresco dining experience.

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To enjoy cocktails and the early risers' breakfast

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On the Emerald (lower) Deck is the fitness centre, perfect for working off all those delicious meals or for something less strenuous treat yourself to a relaxing massage. So you will always look your best there is a hairdressers too which also offers manicure and pedicure treatments. 

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A gleaming wood door opens revealing your exceptionally appointed suite. At 17 square metres (183 square feet), its generous dimensions are amongst the largest you will find on a cruiser gracing any European river. Imaginatively designed and appointed to the highest specification, with all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel, your comfort definitely won’t be compromised on any level!

The gleaming marble bathroom features a powerful fully glazed shower with a large ‘rainshower’ head, superbly refreshing after a hard day’s sightseeing. Clever design allows for ample space, and contemporary lighting, complimentary cosmetics by ‘Crabtree and Evelyn’ and fluffy towels, makes preparing for the day ahead an absolute pleasure.

The chic styling of a talented designer’s eye extends to the entire suite with generous use of hand-crafted tropical hardwoods blended with premium fittings, discreet thoughtful lighting and a colour scheme of calming neutral tones, creating an ambience to put you in the most relaxed frame of mind from the very first minute! A full size bed assures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen of the finest quality - a turndown service each evening adds the finishing touch. Please note all suites have two twin beds with individual bedding which can be moved together or separated accordingly.

You will enjoy a particularly generous seating area with two chairs and a table, enabling you to unwind in comfort in the privacy of your own suite whilst a bow camera conveys live images of the ship’s progress to your flat screen TV, ensuring you won’t miss a thing. Careful consideration has been given to the tiniest details with individually controlled air-conditioning so you 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. Suites on the Diamond (upper) and Ruby (middle) Decks have ‘French Balconies’ – panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors bringing riverside life just that little closer!

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special. 

Suites on the Emerald Deck are slightly smaller, measuring approximately 16 square metres (172 square feet) and have smaller fixed windows. Some are available for sole occupancy with no supplement and are subject to availability.

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Bringing your cruise to another level, why not upgrade to a Superior Suite available on the Ruby (middle) and Diamond (upper) decks. Substantially larger at 23 square metres (247 sq. feet) and with the additional space devoted to the living area, you will immediately notice the benefit as you relax in your stylish surroundings. Of course the identical high quality furnishings and fittings as the standard suite are evident throughout, again with stunning views from the panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors.

Indulge in the luxury of Riviera Plus when you stay in an upper deck cabin or suite. In your well-appointed cabin, you’ll find a range of extras to make your experience extra special. 

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If you’re looking to really spoil yourself, at a staggering 25 square metres (269 square feet), the world-class Diamond (upper) Deck Deluxe Balcony Suites are for you. Fifty percent larger than standard suites, they allow for an even more generous living area for the ultimate in space and comfort.

In addition you will enjoy a private exterior balcony complete with table and chairs - perfect for an ‘al fresco’ breakfast should you wish or just a quiet morning coffee or a pre-dinner ‘sundowner’ whilst watching the world drift by. With the same fittings as standard suites, exquisitely and lavishly appointed to the very highest standard, plus complimentary soft cotton bathrobes and slippers adding the final little touch, this really is the epitome of river cruise luxury!