Don’t just take our word for it, this is how our previous travellers rate this tour.
About the tour: Scenic Cruise from Cologne to Passau along the Danube, Main & Rhine
Experience the delights of three of Europe’s most picturesque waterways on this fantastic river cruise, sailing through the very heart of Germany. Sit back and relax as we cruise through charming river valleys, home to steep vineyards, fairy tale castles, pretty wine towns and historic cities. With a choice of two itineraries, you can set sail in either May or September onboard the MV Esmeralda, allowing you to spend time in spectacular ports-of-call including Cologne, Passau, Nuremberg and Rüdesheim. This is a river cruise you won’t want to miss.
Tour Includes
- 9 nights cruising with full board
- 2 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- 1 evening meal
- Convenient local joining points
12 days from £1529 pp
We offer flexible payment options
Once you have booked your tour either online, or by telephone ( 01709 787 463 ), you have the flexibility of how you pay off the remainder of your balance. You can:
- Use our balance payment facility online to make and track your card payments. You can pay as much as you want up until your final due date or pay it all, the choice is yours.
- Send payments via online banking.
- Send payments via cheque.
- Call us and make a card payment, either a small amount or as lump sum until your final due date.
Our contact and online banking payment details will be on your confirmation invoice to remind you of your choices.
Tour Itinerary
Certain excursions are included in the price of your holiday. If you choose not to go on an included excursion, for whatever reason, no refunds will be made.
Yes, you will receive one with your Travel Documents, which are sent 7-10 days before departure.
We believe that our holidays may not be suitable for children under 8 years old (except for Disneyland Paris bookings) however, we will
consider individual requests on application. Customers aged 18 and under at the time of travel must be accompanied by an adult, parent or
guardian aged over 18 years old.
You can check weather averages here.
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Door-to Door service, then to Cologne, where we board our cruise ship for nine nights.
Day 2 - Koblenz & Rhine Gorge
After breakfast we arrive in the town of Koblenz, situated on both sides of the Rhine and at the confluence of the Moselle River. This point is marked by the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) and its monument of Emperor William I on horseback. After a short amount of free time we enjoy a day of fantastic scenery as we cruise through the Rhine Gorge and past the legendary Loreley Rock. We pass vine-clad slopes and majestic fortresses, before reaching the ever popular ‘wine town’ of Rudesheim where we moor overnight. Rudesheim is home to the vibrant ‘Drosselgasse’, a narrow alley lined with restaurants, shops and bars, many playing traditional Rhineland music and the perfect place to enjoy a glass of local wine or beer. Why not join our optional ‘Highlights of Rudesheim’ excursion, enjoying sightseeing by little road train and visiting Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. Our ship will sail from Rudesheim overnight.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rüdesheim
More Photos
Included Highlights
- Rüdesheim
- Koblenz
- Loreley Rock
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.| 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
|
£19.50 | £21.00 |
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Day 3 - Asschaffenburg & Miltenberg
We set sail in the early hours of the morning along the Rhine and then join the Main River to Aschaffenburg arriving at around lunchtime. Aschaffenburg is a compact town and many of its sights can be seen on foot. One of the major sights to see is the Johannisburg Palace, made of red Bunter sandstone and considered to be one of the most significant and beautiful Renaissance buildings in Germany. Later this afternoon we set sail to Miltenberg arriving later this evening. We remain berthed in Miltenberg overnight.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Wertheim
We set sail early this morning and continue our cruise along the Main River to the town of Wertheim located on the confluence of the rivers Tauber and Main. Wertheim is best known for its wine, castle and medieval town centre so explore the town or even take the time to visit the Wertheim Castle (additional fee may apply). After a morning at leisure, enjoy a relaxing cruise to the town of Wurzburg arriving just after midnight.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wertheim
Included Highlights
- Wertheim
Day 5 - Wurzburg
Morning finds us in Wurzburg. For those passengers who wish to stay aboard the ship, a full day of cruising awaits. Those who wish to see more of Wurzburg you can spend the morning at leisure and explore. The city is known as 'The Pearl of the Romantic Road' and is home to the 18th century Residenz Palace, the Romanesque St. Kilian Cathedral and the old Main Bridge. Alternatively, why not join our optional guided sightseeing tour to introduce you to the most important sights. After a morning of free time join our coach and head to the nearby town of Ochsenfurt to re-join our ship and continue our cruise to Schweinfurt arriving late evening.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wurzburg
Included Highlights
- Wurzburg
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.| 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
|
£20.50 | £22.00 |
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Day 6 - Bamberg
We set sail from Schweinfurt in the early hours of the morning and continue our cruise arriving into Bamberg this morning. Bamberg is considered to be one of the true highlights of Bavaria, best represented in its stunning medieval architecture and half-timbered buildings. Explore the winding streets, the Imperial Cathedral, Old Town Hall, the Royal Neue Residence and Bamberg's 'Little Venice' area. To make the most of your time here, why not join our optional guided sightseeing tour? This afternoon we continue our cruise to Nuremberg arriving late evening.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bamberg
Included Highlights
- Bamberg
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.| 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
|
£20.50 | £22.00 |
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Day 7 - Nuremberg
Enjoy a further full day cruising or alternatively spend the morning at leisure in Nuremberg allowing you free time to explore. This cosmopolitan city offers a bustling market square, which provides the main hub of activity with its restaurants, shops and bars. An optional guided sightseeing tour will be available to introduce you to the sights. This afternoon we continue, by coach, to the town of Hilpoltstein to re-join our ship for the cruise to Riedenburg or Berching.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nuremberg
Included Highlights
- Nuremberg
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.| 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
|
£20.50 | £22.00 |
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Day 8 - Kelheim & Regensburg
We continue our cruise to Kelheim, where we have free time, before cruising along the Danube to Regensburg, arriving mid-afternoon. Regensburg is one of the largest and most well-preserved cities in Bavaria. Founded by the Romans, highlights include the Dom St. Peter and the Old Town Hall. Pretty squares offer an unspoilt view of the city’s architectural masterpieces.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Regensburg
Included Highlights
- Regensburg
Day 9 - Passau
In the early hours of the morning we head to Passau, picturesquely set where the Danube is joined by the Inn and Ilz Rivers. We are due to arrive after lunch which will allow you time this afternoon to explore at your leisure. This evening we spend our final night on board ship.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Passau
Included Highlights
- Passau
Day 10 - Rothenburg ob der Tauber
We disembark our ship early this morning and re-join our coach for the journey to the charming town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This former imperial town is the perfect place to experience medieval and renaissance life in Germany as it was actually lived. Narrow towers and imposing ramparts; winding alleyways and picturesque oriels and half-timbered houses lovingly decorated with window boxes and hanging baskets make this a lovely place to explore. After free time we continue to our overnight hotel in central Germany.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Included Highlights
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Day 11 - Cologne
We continue our journey to the overnight hotel in Belgium. En route we once again visit the Cathedral city of Cologne. Here you can enjoy some free time to explore the many shops and boutiques. During the Second World War around 90 percent of Cologne’s inner city was reduced to rubble. Today the Rhine metropolis is the fourth largest city and one of the most outstanding travel destinations in Germany and Europe. The Cologne cathedral, famous around the world, dominates the panorama of the city and is still today the second highest building in Cologne after the telecommunications tower. Maybe take time to visit the famous Gothic Cathedral, with its most celebrated work the Sarcophagus of the Magi thought to hold the remains of the three wise men. The local cuisine, with its many traditional pubs and restaurants, is highly varied and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Whether it’s relaxing on the Rhine promenade or drinking a Kolsch in one of the typical breweries – a visit to Cologne is always worthwhile!
- Included meals: Breakfast
Cologne
Included Highlights
- Cologne
Day 12
Return home.
- Included meals: Breakfast
*Heidelberg excursion available on September tour only.
Cabin Upgrades (per person) |
Twin |
| Promenade Deck Cabin | £120 |
No single rooms/cabins available.
Travel Insurance from £38.00 (12 days) (includes insurance premium tax, prices per person).
Day 1
Local departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Belgium for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - The Romantic Road & Rothenburg ob der Tauber
We head into Germany and travel along the scenic ‘Romantic Road’, visiting the charming medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, before an overnight stay in Bavaria, central Germany.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Included Highlights
- The Romantic Road
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Day 3 - Passau
We head to Passau, picturesquely set where the Danube is joined by the Inn and Ilz Rivers. After some free time, we board our cruise ship, the MV Esmeralda, for our nine-night cruise. We cruise overnight from Passau to Regensburg.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Passau
Included Highlights
- Passau
Day 4 - Regensburg
We cruise along the Danube towards Regensburg, arriving early afternoon. Regensburg is one of the largest and most well-preserved cities in Bavaria. Founded by the Romans, highlights include the Dom St. Peter and the Old Town Hall. Pretty squares offer an unspoilt view of the city’s architectural masterpieces. Why not join our optional city tour? We moor in Regensburg overnight.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Regensburg
Included Highlights
- Regensburg
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.| 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
|
£20.50 | £22.00 |
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Day 5 - Kelheim
We continue along the Danube to Kelheim, where we have free time before cruising to Bachhausen, arriving later this evening.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kelheim
Included Highlights
- Kelheim
Day 6 - Nuremberg
We cruise along the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. This historic city offers a bustling market square, which provides the main hub of activity, with its restaurants, shops and bars. To see more of the city, why not join our optional sightseeing tour?
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nuremberg
Included Highlights
- Nuremberg
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.| 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
|
£20.50 | £22.00 |
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Day 7 - Bamberg
We cruise to Bamberg on the River Main, one of the true highlights of Bavaria, best represented in its stunning medieval architecture and half-timbered buildings. Explore the winding streets, the Imperial Cathedral, Old Town Hall, the Royal Neue Residence and Bamberg’s ‘Little Venice’ area. To see more of the city, join our optional sightseeing tour. We cruise overnight to Kitzingen.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bamberg
Included Highlights
- Bamberg
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.| 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
|
£20.50 | £22.00 |
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Day 8 - Wurzburg
We arrive in Kitzingen this morning for a brief stop. Later this afternoon we continue our cruise on to Wurzburg, where we moor overnight. The city is known as 'The Pearl of the Romantic Road' and is home to the 18th century Residenz Palace, the Romanesque St. Kilian Cathedral and the old Main Bridge.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wurzburg
Included Highlights
- Wurzburg
Day 9 - Wertheim
We cruise to Wertheim. Enjoy a relaxing day of sailing while taking in the beautiful scenery of the Main River.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wertheim
Included Highlights
- Wertheim
Day 10 - Mainz & Rüdesheim
Relax as we continue our cruise towards Mainz, arriving around lunchtime. After calling at Mainz, the ship continues its cruise to Rudesheim, or alternatively, why not join our optional excursion by coach to Heidelberg, before rejoining the ship at Rudesheim.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rüdesheim
Included Highlights
- Rüdesheim
Optional Excursions
Our optional excursions are a great addition to enhance your holiday experience and are highly recommended.| 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
|
£19.50 | £21.00 |
The optional excursions will be available to book during your tour.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Prices are per person and are subject to change. Payment will be in Euros (cash payments) or sterling (via card payments). Card payments are available on Luxuria and Silver Service only.
Day 11 - Rhine Gorge & Cologne
A day of fantastic scenery as we cruise through the Rhine Gorge and past the legendary Loreley Rock. We continue past vineclad slopes and majestic fortresses, before reaching our final destination, Cologne, the capital of the Rhineland. Spend the afternoon exploring this fine city with its main focal point being the Dom Cathedral.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cologne
Included Highlights
- Cologne
- Loreley Rock
Day 12
We disembark and return home.
- Included meals: Breakfast
*Heidelberg excursion available on September tour only.
Cabin Upgrades (per person) |
Twin |
| Promenade Deck Cabin | £120 |
No single rooms/cabins available.
Travel Insurance from £38.00 (12 days) (includes insurance premium tax, prices per person).
Scenic Cruise from Cologne to Passau along the Danube, Main & Rhine 12 days from £1529pp
Book online OR call our friendly travel advisers on:
01709 787 463
Accommodation
If you prefer, then you can join the tour at the hotel. To do this, we will require a copy of your passport for identification purposes and you must advise us at the time of booking.
No reduction will be given if you should choose to do this.
All hotel rooms benefit from private bathroom facilities.
Some hotels have tea and coffee making facilities. Please check the tour pages for more
information or call our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333.
Most hotels have a lift, please call our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333 for more information.
Some hotels have ground floor rooms. Please email for information on individual hotels or call our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333.
Your hotels will supply towels in your room.
We are unable to guarantee that the hotel will be able to meet your dietary requirements. We find that the majority of European countries do not generally cater for vegetarians and that the meal supplied may well be what everyone else is having minus the meat.
We will of course endeavour to arrange for a vegetarian meal at the hotel. We do however suggest that you advise us of your dietary requests at the time of booking and recommend that you speak to the receptionist on arrival with regard to your request.
You will spend nine nights aboard the 3-star MV Esmeralda. Cabin accommodation is on two decks: main and promenade. There is a lounge with bar, restaurant and sun deck. All cabins have twin beds, en suite facilities with shower, picture window and a safe. The MV Esmeralda has a lift between the main deck and the promenade deck, and a stair lift between the promenade deck and the sun deck. Your overnight hotels in Belgium and Germany will be in city-style hotels.
MV Esmeralda
- English Speaking Staff
- Guest Lounge
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lift
- TV
- Bath and/or Shower
- Telephone
Travel Options
Departure times given for each region are approximate. Please check your travel documents to confirm the actual timings.
Front row seats can be reserved for £15pp (up to 6 days duration), £25pp (7 and 8 days duration), £30pp (9 to 11 days) or £35pp (12 days or more) on all European tours. This offer is only available for bookings of two or four persons on our Executive and Silver Service coaches and for one or two persons on our Luxuria coaches and is subject to availability. In addition to this, seats on the second row can be reserved for a supplement of £8pp (up to 6 days duration), £15pp (7 and 8 days duration), £18pp (9 to 11 days) or £22pp (12 days or more).
Guaranteed front or second row seats cannot be reserved on transfer journeys to/from the UK port. Occasionally, front and second row seats may be on a request only basis.
Please note: children under 15 years of age are not permitted to sit in the front seats of any coach.
On some coaches the legroom on front seats, central view seats and seats directly in front of the washroom may be slightly less than that available on other seats due to the presence of a modesty board in front.
If your tour is cancelled or merged for any reason and front or second row seats or central view seats or table seats are not available on your tour, you will be refunded any supplement paid. No other compensation will be payable.
Alternatively, we can take seating requests on your booking. However, requests are not guaranteed. All seat numbers are confirmed on travel documents approximately 7-10 days prior to departure.
Central View Seats are available to pre-book free of charge.
Table Seats are available to pre-book free of charge on our Luxuria coaches.
We guarantee that all passengers on the same booking will be seated together on the main tour coach.
Seats on the transfer coaches to and from the interchange are not allocated.
Hot and cold drinks are served on your main tour coach. Prices are approximately £1 or €1.25 Euro per drink. Prices will be confirmed by your driver.
Transfer coaches are routed approximately 2-3 weeks before departure. The route taken depends on where paassengers are booked to travel from on any particular date as to which route is taken. If you require further detailed information regarding the route to the port you can contact our Customer Service Department on 01709 830333 two weeks before you are due to travel.
With regard to the route taken by the main tour coach, this is determined by the driver.
All main tour coaches have on-board toilets. Transfer vehicles to and from the interchange may not have on-board toilets. When non-British coaches are
used on transfers and tours (air holidays only) an on-board toilet may not be available. However, comfort stops will be made during long journeys.
All coaches feature air-conditioning. Should the air-conditioning system break down for a period exceeding 12 hours,
compensation will be awarded up to a maximum of £10 per fare-paying passenger per tour.
All our coaches and transfer vehicles operate a 'no smoking on board policy'. The use of electronic cigarettes is strictly forbidden.
In the interest of fellow guests, do not take hot food or ice cream on board.
Customers own alcohol cannot be consumed on board our vehicles.
Depending on the location of your pickup point, you may be picked up by coach (not necessarily the on you are touring on), minibus, taxi, National Express or Megabus service. You may then be taken to another centralised pickup location or service station. We operate a passenger interchange at Stop 24 Services, where you will meet the tour coach you are holidaying on and then continue on with your outbound journey. Similarly, on the way home, you may also change transfer vehicles at another location, to take you to your final drop off point.
Your allowance is one medium sized suitcase per person, which
should weigh no more than 20kg when full. We
may refuse to carry larger or heavier cases.
Hand luggage should be stored in the overhead
racks aboard the coach. Nothing should be stored under your seat.
When it comes to getting you to your destination, Leger Holidays make it easy, with a selection of travel options for you to choose from.
Silver Service Features
- Sit back and relax in specially-designed, deluxe reclining seats, with leather headrests, footrests and more legroom than standard coaches.
- Enjoy the perfect temperature onboard with climate control.
- Relax and have a chat in the spacious rear lounge.
- Servery on board offering a range of refreshments.
- Porterage* at most hotels, so you really don’t have to lift a finger.
- Time flies with our onboard entertainment system.
- With free personal headphones you can tune into the music channel, listen to the radio or watch DVDs.
- Onboard toilet
Silver Service Seating Plan
Silver Service Virtual Tour
Find your nearest joining point
We have hundreds of coach joining points throughout England, Scotland and Wales. To find your nearest joining point, search using your postcode below.
*Please note joining points are subject to availability.
Travel Extras
Why not go the night before your tour for a relaxing start?
You can park for FREE for up to nine days at the Holiday Inn Ashford North and enjoy an overnight stay with English breakfast from just £41.50 per person (Based on 2 sharing a twin/double room on a B&B basis, subject to availability. Single supplements and terms and conditions apply.) We’ll then collect you from the hotel on the day of departure and return you there at the end of your holiday.
To book this package, please call the hotel on 01233 713333, select option 1, quoting ‘Leger Holidays’ and your booking reference. If your holiday is longer than seven days you can pay for additional days’ parking. Ask one of our friendly reservations team for more details when you book your holiday
On most holidays if you’d prefer to join your tour coach at Stop 24 services, you can park your car in the car park which is accredited by the Park Mark safer parking scheme and is monitored 24 hours a day by CCTV. Payment for the parking is made on arrival using the self-service machines. Excludes holidays to Ireland and the U.K. and tours travelling via Brittany Ferries.
On Single Traveller holidays and coach holidays of 7 days’ duration or more, you don’t even have to think about getting to your local joining point. If you live within 20 miles of one of our free joining points we’ll pick you up from your home and take you to meet your transfer vehicle, then return you back home at the end of your holiday. The cost is from £40 per booking each way for up to four people per booking.
If you live a little further afield, you can also take advantage of this convenient option for an additional charge – please enquire at the time of booking.
Customer Reviews
To book this tour, just give our friendly team a call on 01709 787 463 or book online at www.leger.co.uk
