4* Romantic Rhine & Magnificent Moselle

The scenic valleys of the Rhine and Moselle with their charming vine-clad slopes, delicious wines, spectacular vistas, majestic castles, charming towns and cosy villages are perennial favourites with Crusader customers. There is always plenty of interesting activity along the Rhine with its stream of river boats and barges constantly passing by and its narrower partner, the Moselle, is equally fascinating if a little less bustling. Based in the heart of lovely Boppard with its beautiful pedestrian Rhine promenade, enjoy 4* luxury at the elegant Belle Epoque Bellevue Hotel. Your holiday combines a day to meander the Moselle as well as a day to explore this most picturesque part of the Rhine Gorge including a relaxing cruise to the Loreley.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.4* Luxury on the Rhine Promenade in Boppard
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Then continue to the Rhine for an evening arrival at the centrally located Bellevue Hotel in Boppard. Light supper, bed & breakfast

Day 2 - 4 - At leisure in Boppard with two included excursions. DBB

A wine tasting of 5 local wines is included in the hotel's historic wine-cellar one evening before dinner

Boppard is a quintessential picturesque Rhine town peppered with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, cafes and wine taverns. Take a stroll along the lovely riverfront promenade, lined with boat docks, hotels, cafes and restaurants. Just off Boppard's main street, the pedestrianised Oberstrasse, is the ancient Marktplatz, a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Your stay at the Bellevue includes free entrance to the Alte Burg & Museum ('castle' of Boppard) built by King Richard of Cornwall in 1256. It is directly on the banks of the Rhine as its main purpose was to secure tolls form passing boats (closed Mondays). Free use of selected local public transport is also included (please ask hotel for details).

You may also like to take a ride on the Hunsrück Mountain Railway - a journey that will take you over two viaducts, through five tunnels and up to a height of over 300m. Opened in 1908, this was formerly a rack railway. You can be sure of a wonderful view on the journey from Boppard to Emmelshausen taking you through Boppard's forests on one of the most delightful mountain railway routes in Germany. Tickets can be purchased at the Tourist Information in Boppard (Day ticket Boppard - Emmelshausen - Boppard approx. €12 in 2023)

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Bingen-am-Rhein and Panoramic Rhine Cruise to Sankt Goar
No visit to the region would be complete without a boat trip on the Rhine and you have included a 80-minute panoramic cruise from Boppard to Sankt Goar with views of the famous Loreley Rock. The scenery is simply spectacular and is certainly the very best (and most relaxing) way to enjoy the river. Disembark at Sankt Goar, a quaint little town with a welcoming atmosphere and then continue to Bacharach with its beautiful market square and half-timbered houses with a final stop in Bingen-am-Rhein which overlooks the legendary stone Mouse Tower on the island in the middle of the Rhine

Moselle Explorer
Over the Hunsrück hills today to the ancient Moselle town of Cochem with its many medieval squares, tangle of narrow alleyways, beautifully restored houses and dramatic castle perched on a rock. Continue your Moselle exploration in Bernkastel, teeming with wine taverns and charming buildings in half-timber, slate and stone

Day 5 - Expect an early start today to travel back through France to Calais for the return to England

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast and dinner (choice of main course)- Light supper on Day 1 due to late arrival- Welcome drink- Wine tasting in the hotel's historic cellar one evening- Panoramic boat cruise from Boppard - Sankt Goar- Visit to Bingen-am-Rhein- Moselle Explorer - visits to Cochem & Bernkastel- Porterage4* Bellevue Hotel, Boppard
This elegant and historic 4* hotel is ideally located on the main riverside promenade, very close to the town centre. The hotel is beautifully decorated in a 'Belle Epoque' style with gilded mirrors and artwork on the walls. Facilities include the Papillon Bar, the wood-panelled restaurant, an atmospheric wine cellar, a garden terrace as well as a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Classic and elegant guestrooms feature WiFi, TV, hairdryer, sound proof windows and safe and face the town / leafy courtyard side (Rhine view rooms are on request only and incur a supplement). Lift available