Little Boats & Trains of the Rhine

Brand new for 2023, stay in the elegant 4* Maritim Hotel in Königswinter over looking the Rhine and join us on a journey through scenery of rolling hills, terraced vineyards and picturesque villages to discover the spectacular Rhine Valley, steeped in history and legend. This break offers a wonderful way to enjoy picturesquel landscapes, old world charm and a friendly welcome. Königswinter is a riverside resort town, located at the foot of the Drachenfels (Dragon Rock) mountain and makes an excellent base to explore this picturesque region. Surrounded by vineyards, this is a wine town boasting one of the region's most beautiful Rhine promenades, ideal for a stroll to watch the endless flow of busy barges and pleasure boats pass by.Your Itinerary
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais, then continue to Germany via the auto-routes of France and Belgium and onto Königswinter. Arrive at the hotel this evening where dinner awaits. DBB

DAY 2 - 4 - At leisure in Königswinter with three included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Drachenfels Railway & Rhine Cruise
It is just a short walk (10 mins) to the base station for the 1.5km ride up to the legendary Drachenfels on Germany's oldest rack railway which has been operating since 1883. Enjoy the comfortable ascent which takes you 220 metres up an incline of (in parts) 22% to admire the breathtaking views of the romantic Rhine Valley from the summit of the 321m high mountain. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing Rhine cruise from Königswinter to enchanting Linz, the medieval 'colourful town on the Rhine' with its lively old town, cobbled alleyways, pretty timbered houses and Linz castle. Your coach will take you back to the hotel in time for dinner.

Vulkan Express & Andernach Geyser
A ride on the privately owned, narrow gauge Vulkan Express is a very special experience. Although named 'express', it is actually a rather slow moving train (diesel service) which takes 90 minutes to travel 11 miles down the Brohl Valley from the volcanic Eifel mountains. So there is time to relax and take in the beautiful scenery such as the volcanic Laach Lake formed millions of years ago. The line opened in 1902 and re-opened in 1953 after it was closed during WW2. Your coach awaits in Brohl to continue on to Andernach to visit the world's highest cold-water geyser, a spectacular natural phenomenon which erupts every 2 hours with an impressive water jet shooting 200ft into the air. Unlike hot-water geysers, which eject water through the steam pressure, this cold-water geyser is driven by carbonic acid. Your visit starts at the Geysir Museum which explains the science behind this geological sensation before a boat takes you to the Namedyer Werth nature reserve for the eruption.

Day in Cologne
Explore Cologne known for its magnificent cathedral, its world famous carnival, kölsch (Cologne's signature beer) and so much more. The city on the Rhine will wow you with its genuine joie de vivre and local history and architecture from its ancient Roman wall to a new post-modern quarter right on the Rhine. The city's attractions are led by the UNESCO World Heritage Site and world-class religious edifice, the landmark Cologne Cathedral whose filigree twin spires dominate the skyline - entrance fee applies to visit the Treasury and to climb the South Tower (533 steps!). A local English speaking guide will take you on a 90-minute walking tour of the Old Town. Many of Cologne's most important sights are concentrated within one square kilometre around the Cathedral, including the town hall and the old town with the Romanesque church of Groß St. Martin. In the old town's narrow cobblestone lanes and lively squares such as Alter Markt, you will get a feeling for life in Cologne past and present.

DAY 5 - An early start takes you back to Calais and the return ferry crossing to Dover, arriving home during the evening.Maritim Hotel Königswinter
Set at the foot of the Siebengebirge low mountain range, the 4* superior Maritim Hotel offers elegant accommodation and modern wellness facilities on the right bank of the River Rhine, directly on the Rhine Promenade. Guestrooms offer modern design and first class fittings following a renovation programme and feature TV, free WiFi, in-room safe, air conditioning and hairdryer. There is a swimming pool, sauna and bicycle rental service. The restaurant serves regional and international cuisine and there are wonderful views of the lively activity along the river from the terrace.