Charlemagne
Cruising in 2005
Cruise through Germany on the Moselle, Rhine and Neckar rivers
Scheduled for construction in 2004, the M.S. Charlemagne is specifically designed to carry 50 passengers in the utmost comfort on some of the most famous waterways in Germany where most vessels of a similar size carry two to three times as many people. There will be 23 spacious suites, each with bathroom and separate toilets and 4 single cabins with bathroom. Upper deck suites will have their own balcony, complete with table and chairs and the decoration of all decks will be in harmony with the warm red sandstone and baroque architecture of the region.
The panoramic forward bar and 7,500 sq ft sun deck - complete with fitness and recreation area, plus 2 jacuzzis, afford superb views of the scenery and sites of this romantic region.
The
M.S. Charemagne will take you on a voyage of discovery between the peaceful town
of Zell in the heart of the Moselle vineyards, through the modern metropolis of
Koblenz to the famous Rhine gorges past the fabled rock of Lorelei. Spend
time in Mainz where Gutenberg invented printing and finally cruise up the
bucolic river Neckar to the unspoiled baroque university town of
Heidelberg. Meeting and drop off points will be in Frankfurt.
Saturday,
Zell
Meeting
point T.B.A. early in the afternoon in Frankfurt (international airport) Coach
transfer to Zell, a large riverside
village in the heart of the famous
Moselle vineyards. The crew welcome
you aboard with a cool glass of sparkling Moselle wine as the bags are taken to
the cabins. Afterwards there will be time settle in or take a short walking tour of Zell followed by a tasting of the renowned
« black cat « wines. Dinner on board.
Sunday,
Zell / Cochem
Cruise during the morning through picturesque scenery, passing several locks to
moor in Cochem, a small picturesque town. After lunch there will be a guided tour of the castle of Reichsburg, a beautifully
restored medieval fortress that overlooks the town and commands splendid views
of the river valley
Monday
Cochem / Koblenz
Morning
cruise down the steep-sided vineyard-clad Moselle valley to Koblenz, at the
confluence of the Moselle with the Rhine. Afternoon excursion
to the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein with a marvellous view over the city and
small museum dedicated to local trade and industry.
Tuesday
Koblenz / Oberwesel (or Bacharach)
We
remain in Koblenz for part of the morning to enjoy the excellent shopping centre
in the medieval town centre of half timbered buildings. cruise
upstream on what is considered to be the most picturesque part of the Rhine
valley, made famous by the nineteenth century Romantics. No fewer than
thirty castles adorn the crests of the surrounding hills, pass the famous
Loreley rock, and moor for the evening at Oberwesel or Bacharach, large villages
in the picturesque scenery of the Rhine gorge.
Wednesday Oberwesel or Bacharach / Mainz
We
cast off early to continue our cruise up the Rhine gorge and moor during lunch
in Mainz, a lively city of nearly 200 000 inhabitants, famous for Gutenburg’s
invention of printing here. During the afternoon there will be a guided
visit of the Gutenburg museum, with its remarkable collection of early
printed books including a first folio edition Gutenburg bible, one of only four
to survive. There will also be a live demonstration
of original printing methods, using a reconstruction of an early press.
Afterwards there will be a short visit of the remarkable cathedral and its
cloister followed by free time to explore the animated city centre.
Thursday Mainz / Heidelberg
Morning
cruise through pasture and woodland to Mannheim and the confluence with the
Neckar, whose meandering course we follow through bucolic scenery to the
beautiful city of Heidelberg. Guided tour followed by free time in this ancient university town,
famous for its decorative baroque architecture. We return to the vessel in good time to relax before the
farewell Gala Dinner served on board tonight.
