Group Tour Operator for River cruises in Europe
The Middle Rhine Valley – Nicko River Cruise
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UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Castle Katz ©Günther Bayerl, Lookphotos, LOOK Bildagentur der Fotografen, GNTB
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Strasbourg Christmas Market illuminated at night ©Daniel Schoenen, Office de Tourisme de Strasbourg
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Overlooking Mainz Cathedral ©Christof Herdt, GNTB
Take a journey through European history as we explore the Main, Rhine and Moselle in comfort and style aboard Nicko’s newest ship, nickoSPIRIT. Picturesque landscapes await on this cruise to the impressive Eltz castle and Heidelberg’s romantic old town. Discover one of the power houses of Europe in beautiful Strasbourg and disembark in Frankfurt where an exciting contrast awaits – the mirrored skyscrapers of “Mainhattan”. Come aboard and travel with us through the centuries!
Dates
Dates available throughout 2023
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Frankfurt
Fly from UK to Frankfurt, transfer to vessel and embark.
Day 2
Mannheim
Arrive early morning in the picturesque old town and enjoy the excursion to the castle of Heidelberg.
Day 3
Stasbourg/Kehl
Guided city tour through Strasbourg with a visit to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame: Idyllic half-timbered alleys, cosy wine taverns and of course the impressive cathedral make a visit to this historic city one of a kind experience. The entire city centre of Strasbourg was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988 due to its diverse architecture. At the the Republic Square you can admire the Rhine Palace, the National Library and the Opera. Once you arrive at the Notre-Dame cathedral, your guide will explain in detail the special features and numerous interesting stories about construction and architecture. You will experience first hand when the astronomical clock strikes the “full” hour and different figures of the clock breathe life. After visiting the cathedral enjoy a bit of free time in this beautiful city.
Day 4
Speyer
Guided tour through the wonderful cathedral city of Speyer: The cathedral city of Speyer looks back on an eventful 2,000-year history, since it was the linchpin of German history in the Middle Ages. The landmark and most important building is the Speyer Imperial Cathedral. The largest Romanesque building in the world was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981. At the turn of the century, the Holy Trinity Church was still called “unattractive”. Today, however, it is considered a late baroque total work of art.
Day 5
Cochem
Welcome to the ancient Moselle town of Cochem. The town enjoys a wonderful setting in one of the most romantic parts of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between the Eifel and the Hunsrück mountains.
Day 6
Koblenz
Enjoy a guided tour through Koblenz. With more than 2,000 years of history, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. Koblenz is located at the mouth of the Moselle and Rhine, the so-called “German Corner”. The idyllic alleys between the St. Kastor basilica, the oldest church building in Koblenz, and the Liebfrauenkirche give Koblenz a special charm. After seeing the Schängelbrunnen at the town hall, you will take a cable car ride over the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Experience Koblenz from a bird’s eye view and then take a leisurely stroll through the fortress park.
Perhaps spend your evening in the well known winemaking town of Rüdesheim.
Day 7
Mainz
Why not explore the German city of Mainz. It’s known for it’s old town, with half-timbered houses and medieval market squares. In the center, the Marktbrunnen is a Renaissance fountain with red columns. Nearby, a distinctive octagonal tower tops the Romanesque Mainz Cathedral, built of deep red sandstone.
Day 8
Frankfurt
Disembark the ship and transfer to Frankfurt airport for your return journey home.
NickoSPIRIT
Built in 2021, nickoSPIRIT is the ideal size for cruising along the Rhine, Main and Moselle. Her glazed bow offers fantastic views in all weather, from the snowy landscapes of midwinter to the verdant blooms of the brightest summer day, the modern glass-steel design conjures an appealing sense of light and space across every part of the ship. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment in the company of a good book in the library, relaxing in a lounger on the sun deck, or socialising with fellow like-minded passengers in the shade outside, there’s always plenty of room for individuality.
A choice of three included restaurants means those who dislike having to decide in advance when or where to dine can enjoy more spontaneity. Dine al fresco in the panoramic “garden” on the bow, the main restaurant on the middle deck, or on the terrace at the aft of the upper deck.
A spacious wellness and fitness area with sauna and whirlpool offers plenty of scope for relaxation and reinvigoration. Reception and the shore excursion office are all conveniently located near the atrium and of course there’s always the souvenir shop for that last minute gift!
