River Deep & Mountain High
Flights from London→Basle → Colamr → Strasbourg → Heidelberg → Rudesheim → Koblenz → Bernkastel → Cochem → Cologne → Arnhem → Delft → Amsterdam→Return to London
Organised by Noble Caledonia.
From
from £4995
per person
Overview
Experience a picturesque cruise along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers from Basle to the Low Countries aboard the MS River Crown.
Guests are invited to join Noble Caledonia aboard the 100-passenger MS River Crown as it cruises along the mighty Rhine and lovely Moselle. This detailed look at two of Europe's great rivers offers a captivating and endlessly romantic journey sailing between Basle and Amsterdam, while experiencing the diverse scenery along the route. Noble Caledonia has chosen October and early June for these sailings, as these are wonderful times of the year for such a cruise when the weather is ideal for touring and sightseeing and the crowds of tourists in the popular towns and cities along the rivers have yet to arrive or have already dispersed.
This comprehensive journey includes some of the most interesting places in the Netherlands, the great wine-producing areas along the Moselle, and the historic cities of Koblenz and Cologne, combined with visits in France to Colmar and Strasbourg, an endlessly fascinating place in the delightful Alsace region. The scenery is stunning and makes an excellent combination with the artistic riches guests will see along the way, from the wonderful collections on show in the museums and galleries to the fairytale castles and Medieval charms of the towns and villages along the rivers.
Highlights
- Experience a premium river cruise onboard the MS River Crown with all-inclusive transfers and scheduled flights.
- Explore the historic Unterlinden Museum in Colmar, home to the iconic Isenheim Altar and works by Picasso and Monet.
- Discover Strasbourg’s Petite France via a canal cruise and visit the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Europe’s tallest Medieval building.
- Enjoy a guided tour of Heidelberg, including Germany’s oldest university and the historic Renaissance-era ‘Zum Ritter’ building.
- Travel through the scenic Rhine Gorge to see the legendary Lorelei Rock and striking hilltop castles.
- Visit Siegfried’s Musical Instrument Museum in Rudesheim via the unique Winzer Express mini-train.
- Sample regional wines in the heart of the Moselle Valley following an exploration of the medieval town of Bernkastel.
- Tour the 11th-century Reichsburg Castle in Cochem, perched majestically above the Moselle River.
- Marvel at Cologne Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in northern Europe, followed by a local Kölsch beer tasting.
- Discover Dutch history and art with a visit to the Royal Palace of Het Loo and a choice between the Kroller Muller Museum or the Airborne Museum.
Explore further
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 London to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to Rotterdam to board the MS River Crown.
- 2
Day 2 Rotterdam.
This morning, we depart for Delft, birthplace of Vermeer. We will enjoy a walking tour of this pretty town and a visit to the Delft Blue Pottery. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. This evening, join your fellow travellers for welcome drinks and dinner.
- 3
Day 3 Arnhem.
After breakfast join a morning tour to visit the Palace of Het Loo, the favoured summer residence of the Dutch Royal family from 1686 to 1975. This afternoon there will be a choice of two included excursions: your first option is a tour to the Airborne Museum at Villa Hartenstein, the allied headquarters during the Battle of Arnhem, and nowadays dedicated to the historic military ‘Operation Market Garden' in World War II. Alternatively, you may like to visit the private art collection at the Kröller Muller Museum with its late 19th and 20th century paintings. Return to the ship and sail towards Cologne.
- 4
Day 4 Cologne, Germany.
After breakfast join our tour to see the city's famous cathedral. The cathedral is the largest Gothic church in northern Europe, with the second tallest spire and largest façade in the world. Our guided tour will continue with a visit to a “Brauhaus” to sample some of the local Kolsch beer. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure for independent exploration. Sail this evening towards the Moselle River.
- 5
Day 5 Cochem.
The town of Cochem is famous for its 11th century Schloss and the Reichsburg, set impressively on a tree clad hill above a bend of the river. On the guided tour, walk along its winding medieval streets and see the Baroque Town Hall. This afternoon we cruise further into the Moselle, passing steep banks covered with vineyards.
- 6
Day 6 Bernkastel.
Spend the morning exploring Bernkastel, located in the heart of the Moselle Valley. Our exploration of this lovely town will include the Medieval market square and church before we sample some of the locally produced wines. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon onboard as we sail back toward the Rhine, arriving at the confluence of these two great rivers overnight.
- 7
Day 7 Koblenz, the Rhine Valley & Rudesheim.
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Koblenz, an important commercial centre located between the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Our late-morning cruising takes us along the romantic Rhine. Enjoy the magnificent scenery from the Rhine Gorge with the striking hilltop castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim and join the Winzer Express mini train to visit Siegfried's Musical Instrument Museum, home to one of Germany's most fascinating collections of automated musical instruments. Remain in Rudesheim this evening.
- 8
Day 8 Mannheim for Heidelberg.
Today from our berth in Mannheim, we visit nearby Heidelberg to enjoy this most picturesque and romantic of German cities which is home to Germany's oldest university, dating back to 1386. During our guided tour which will include a visit to the city's castle and gardens, we will stroll through Heidelberg's enchanting old town and see its Renaissance building, ‘Zum Ritter', which survived the fire of 1693. Return to the ship for dinner and spend the evening sailing.
- 9
Day 9 Kehl for Strasbourg, France.
After breakfast our guided tour will introduce us to the delights of Strasbourg. Start with a cruise through the fascinating old quarter of Petite France where the River Ill splits into a number of canals. We will see the Ponts Couverts, a series of wooden bridges dating back to the 13th century, the Place Gutenberg and the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the tallest Medieval building in Europe. Return to the MS River Crown for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or alternatively join a scenic tour along Alsace's “Route des Vins”, including a tasting of the region's splendid wines.
- 10
Day 10 Breisach, Germany for Colmar, France.
From our berth in Breisach, we will cross the River Rhine into France and drive to the capital of the Upper Rhine region, Colmar. We begin with a visit to the impressive Unterlinden Museum which dates back to the 13th century. Admire a fine collection of religious Medieval paintings and also paintings from the 20th and 21st centuries including works by Picasso and Monet. The highlight of the Museum is the Isenheim Altar, a wonderful triptych created for the monastery at Isenheim by Mattheus Grunewald. We continue on for a short walk through the charming Old Town, with delightful patrician houses and winding lanes and enjoy some free time before our drive back to Breisach to reboard the MS River Crown for lunch. Spend the afternoon sailing and this evening join your fellow travellers for farewell drinks and dinner.
- 11
Day 11 Basle, Switzerland to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Meet your Experts
A distinguished team of guest lecturers, expedition leaders and specialist hosts will be travelling with you on selected departures — enriching your voyage with their insight, expertise and company.
Simon Marginson
Simon Marginson has spent the last thirty years looking at, thinking about and discussing the visual arts. A poacher turned gamekeeper, he originally trained as an artist before becoming an art historian. He holds a BA in Fine Art, an MA in Visual Culture, and a PhD in the History of Art, awarded by the University of York in 2019. A regular public speaker, he has lectured on everything from medieval manuscripts to European modernism, his primary area of expertise. His writings have been published in various academic journals and exhibition catalogues. He has helped organise exhibitions of British abstract painting and the art of the working class. Simon lives in Leeds and is currently completing his first book.
The Ship
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and underwent a comprehensive upgrade in 2026. The vessel offers the luxury of space and the public areas feature panoramic windows providing marvellous views of the passing landscapes. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. The friendly onboard crew will provide you with excellent service and do much to contribute to your enjoyment. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Deck plan
Life aboard River Crown
The MS River Crown is an elegant, 100-passenger vessel offering a friendly, informal atmosphere with an English-speaking environment. With spacious public areas and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, it is perfectly designed for those who appreciate scenic river cruising in comfort.
Quick facts
Passengers
100
Year Built
2008
Refurbished
2026
Length
135 metres
Suites
Accommodations range from standard single cabins to spacious Queen Suites, all featuring en-suite bathrooms and individually controlled air-conditioning. Premium and Deluxe categories offer additional space, while higher-tier cabins benefit from French balconies or private seating areas.
- •Standard Single Cabins (12m²) on Main Deck feature single beds and non-opening portholes.
- •Premium Cabins (15.5m²) feature French balconies and beds configurable as twin or double.
- •Deluxe Cabins (22m²) include a fixed double bed, seating area, and marble bathroom.
- •Queen Suites (30m²) offer both French and private balconies, living area, and bathroom with bath and shower.
- •All cabins include TV, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar, and telephone.
Life on board
The vessel features an elegant lounge and bar, a library, and The Club for quiet relaxation. The expansive Sun Deck provides a putting green, giant chess board, and loungers for enjoying the passing landscape.
- •Wellness area includes a gym, sauna, Jacuzzi, and hairdresser.
- •Sun Deck may close during low bridge transit or evening hours.
- •A lift services the Upper and Middle decks.
- •Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, though service may be intermittent in rural areas.
- •24-hour tea and coffee available in the Atrium Lobby.
Dining
Dining is provided in an open-seating restaurant with floor-to-ceiling views. The culinary programme includes buffet-style breakfasts and lunches, followed by a served four-course dinner.
- •Complimentary house wine, beer, and soft drinks included at lunch and dinner.
- •Early riser tea, coffee, and pastries available from 06:30.
- •Afternoon tea with cakes and late-evening snacks served in the lounge.
- •Dietary requirements should be notified to Reservations; some requests may not be guaranteed.
Practical information
The ship operates a cash-free system, with all onboard accounts settled in Euros at the end of the cruise. Gratuities are included in the holiday price, and the atmosphere remains smart-casual throughout the voyage.
- •Smoking is strictly prohibited except in designated Sun Deck areas.
- •Dress code is comfortable and casual by day, smart-casual for evenings.
- •Voltage is 220V with European-style two-pin sockets.
- •Laundry service is available; dry cleaning is not provided.
- •Emergency alarms and safety procedures are detailed on cabin doors.
Ship information may be subject to operational change. Please contact us for the latest details before booking.
Departures & pricing
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 20 to 30 October 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £5295 | £4795 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £5495 | £4995 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £5995 | £5495 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | — | — |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | — | — |
| Standard Single with porthole | — | — |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £6295 | £5795 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC201026
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 8 to 18 June 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £5495 | £4995 |
| Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £5695 | £5195 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £6195 | £5695 |
| Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £6495 | £5995 |
| Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £7495 | £6995 |
| Standard Single with porthole | £5495 | £4995 |
| Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £6495 | £5995 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC080627
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS River Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included:
- Travel insurance.
Please note that availability and prices shown on our website are not updated in real time and may change. For the latest availability and pricing, please call 0800 678 3787