Compare Cruise the Glorious Rhine by Newmarket Holidays vs From Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities by CroisiEurope

Day 1

Make your own way to Dover (or Ashford - see below) and join our coach before it boards the ferry to cross the Channel and head to join Olympia in Andernach before she begins her journey along the mighty Rhine this evening.

Day 2

This morning Olympia sets sail from Andernach, heading to idyllic Boppard, in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage region of the Upper/Middle Rhine.

Discover the town's Roman fort and beautiful historic quarter on our fascinating walking tour, and this evening, enjoy dinner and entertainment on board, or explore Boppard by night.

Day 3

Today, Olympia sails into the picturesque Middle Rhine, past vineyards and ancient villages, and through the narrow gorge beneath the Lorelei - the legendary rock where sirens were said to have lured sailors to their fate.

This afternoon, Olympia ties up in the celebrated wine town of Rudesheim. Explore its famous Drosselgasse, lined with bars and weinstuben (taverns), and perhaps join our optional excursion to see the quirky wonders of Siegfried's Musikkabinett.

Enjoy dinner and entertainment on board this evening, or head back ashore.

Day 4

Cruising south this morning, Olympia calls at historic Mainz. Join our optional walking tour and discover its six-towered cathedral, Gutenberg Museum and delightful Altstadt (old town), before returning to Olympia for this afternoon's sailing back through the Rhine Gorge to Koblenz.

Step ashore to stroll the pretty Altstadt or along the riverfront promenade, before enjoying dinner and entertainment on board.

Day 5

Olympia continues downriver, passing the delightful town of Konigswinter and former German capital, Bonn, to arrive back in Cologne by early afternoon. Explore the great Rhineland capital, or join our coach excursion into the breathtaking Ahr Valley, before returning to Cologne to explore its vast cathedral and the surrounding Altstadt with a local guide.

This evening, the Captain hosts a Farewell Dinner on board, and there's a chance to swap memories of the past wonderful few days with fellow passengers.

Day 6

Bid farewell to Olympia, and begin your coach journey back to Dover (or Ashford), from where you'll be free to make your own way home.

Day 1 HAMBURG

Passengers are welcome to board our ship in Hamburg starting at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. We'll enjoy dinner on board.

Day 2 HAMBURG - Lübeck

In the morning, join us for a guided tour of Hamburg. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the maritime charm of Germany’s second-largest city. Our guided tour will bring you to the top sites, including the main shopping street Mönckebergstraße in the city center, the Alster Lakes, the Rathausmarkt (City Hall Marketplace), the stock exchange, and St. Michael's Church. We'll continue on foot through the city's historical center—one of the oldest sections of Hamburg. We’ll enjoy lunch on board.This afternoon, we’ll leave by coach for a guided tour of Lübeck. Known as the “Queen of the Hanseatic League,” Lübeck was founded in 1143 by Adolf II, Count of Schauenburg and Holstein. UNESCO lists the city as a World Heritage Site because of its aristocratic homes and numerous red-brick Gothic monuments. Founded on the banks of the Trave River, the historic center is home to a unique collection of monuments from different eras—namely the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods. We’ll discover the Holsten Gate leading to the old city center, Lübeck’s most well-known landmark and a symbol of the power once possessed by this former Hanseatic city; St. Mary’s Church, an absolute Gothic gem; and the castle monastery. We’ll wrap up our excursion by visiting a tea room where we’ll enjoy some delicious marzipan, a local specialty. After our tour, we’ll return on board in Hamburg. Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 2 HAMBURG - Lübeck

In the morning, join us for a guided tour of Hamburg. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the maritime charm of Germany’s second-largest city. Our guided tour will bring you to the top sites, including the main shopping street Mönckebergstraße in the city center, the Alster Lakes, the Rathausmarkt (City Hall Marketplace), the stock exchange, and St. Michael's Church. We'll continue on foot through the city's historical center—one of the oldest sections of Hamburg. We’ll enjoy lunch on board.This afternoon, we’ll leave by coach for a guided tour of Lübeck. Known as the “Queen of the Hanseatic League,” Lübeck was founded in 1143 by Adolf II, Count of Schauenburg and Holstein. UNESCO lists the city as a World Heritage Site because of its aristocratic homes and numerous red-brick Gothic monuments. Founded on the banks of the Trave River, the historic center is home to a unique collection of monuments from different eras—namely the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Classical periods. We’ll discover the Holsten Gate leading to the old city center, Lübeck’s most well-known landmark and a symbol of the power once possessed by this former Hanseatic city; St. Mary’s Church, an absolute Gothic gem; and the castle monastery. We’ll wrap up our excursion by visiting a tea room where we’ll enjoy some delicious marzipan, a local specialty. After our tour, we’ll return on board in Hamburg. Join us for dinner and an evening of entertainment.

Day 3 LUNEBURG - WOLFSBURG

We’ll spend the morning cruising. We'll ride on the Scharnebeck twin ship lift, one of the highest in Europe with a maximum vertical lift of 125 feet (38 meters). Join us this morning for a guided tour of Luneburg, one of the best-preserved Hanseatic cities. During the Middle Ages, its salt deposits made it one of Germany’s wealthiest areas. The Old City has conserved its traditional brick architecture from this prosperous time. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Wolfsburg, and we’ll arrive in the evening.

Day 4 WOLFSBURG - MAGDEBURG

Join us for a visit to the Autostadt theme park, dedicated to German automobile design. Opened during Expo 2000 in Hanover, the Autostadt is every car-lover’s dream—a huge campus full of museums, games, restaurants, and a five-star hotel. After our excursion, we’ll return on board the ship. We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Magdeburg, and we’ll arrive in the evening.

Day 5 MAGDEBURG - POTSDAM

This morning, take a guided tour of Magdeburg—situated midway on the Elbe River and also on the historic Roman Roads. This former Hanseatic League city is a melting pot of cultural and architectural riches. We’ll return on board and continue cruising to Potsdam.

Day 6 POTSDAM - BERLIN

We’ll leave on a visit to the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Sanssouci Palace, once the residence of Frederick the Great. This afternoon will be dedicated to a guided tour of Berlin, the capital that once illustrated the division of the world into East and West. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 6 POTSDAM - BERLIN

We’ll leave on a visit to the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Sanssouci Palace, once the residence of Frederick the Great. This afternoon will be dedicated to a guided tour of Berlin, the capital that once illustrated the division of the world into East and West. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

Day 7 BERLIN TEGEL

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking. End of our services.