Step back in time with these cruise holidays along the Rhine and Danube

The new 12-day ‘Salzburg and historic gems along the Rhine cruise’ will depart on 2nd July 2023 and offer a varied itinerary which takes in a series of historically significant riverside towns and cities on the Rhine and Main rivers, before cruising the Main-Danube canal and on to the waters of the Danube.

Departing from Cologne, in the shadow of the gothic cathedral, the itinerary includes opportunities to discover Rhine Valley wines in Rüdesheim and Mainz; to see half-timbered houses in Miltenberg, baroque art in Würzburg and take in medieval history in the World Heritage-listed old town of Bamberg.

There is time to sight-see in Nuremburg, Bavaria’s second city and to have a full day included excursion to Salzburg, before a final stop in Melk, in the heart of the Wachau Valley.

Additional optional excursions include a half day visit to Heidelberg, home of German’s oldest university; a city tour to see the medieval centre of Regensburg; and to tour the Benedictine Abbey at Melk, which has been occupied by monks for more than 900 years.

Each booking includes return coach travel from the UK, ferry crossing from Dover, overnight hotel accommodation in Frankfurt on the return journey, and included excursion to Salzburg.

More 2023 highlights

The programme from Arena includes short, bite-sized cruises that offer an affordable introduction to river cruising. 

A three night ‘Dutch Waterways and Keukenhof Gardens’ cruise aboard the MS Arena departs on 14th or 21st April 2023 and includes a full day’s excursion to the Keukenhof Gardens, a 32-hectare site that is world-renowned for its displays of spring flowers, the result of millions of bulbs hand-planted by a team of gardeners.

Also on offer is the ‘Jewels along the Danube and Budapest’ cruise which departs in September 2023 for 15 days, taking in four capital cities and a collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Optional city tours in each of the main destinations, such as the Benedectine Abbey in Melk, are also available on this journey for those keen to gain a deeper insight into the local heritage.

Arena Travel’s groups team can offer a range of benefits from free places for group travel organisers and excursions packages to bespoke presentations and tailored itineraries.