best for ESCAPES
Experience Germany from an entirely unique perspective
Rolling on the river
Choose an intimate river cruise, and watch the world go by on one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways BEST TRAVEL WRITER KELLY ALLEN
DON’T MISS
First stop is Koblenz, a romantic town founded by the Romans. Join a guided walking tour to learn about more than 2,000 years of history, or take a stroll through the picturesque, narrow streets of Boppard. Then on to Mainz, which boasts the largest wine market in Germany. But if you don’t fancy a tipple, check out the Gutenberg Musuem to see a reconstruction of the earliest printing press.
Be prepared to pound the streets of sophisticated Heidelberg
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
Get a taste of chocolate-box Germany in Mainz
Model Heidi Klum is from the region
Travelling along the majestic Rhine in a luxury cruise liner is the best way to experience this picture-perfect river. Watching the world go by, experiencing enchanting landscapes, dense forests and impressive German castles will be an unforgettable experience. Riviera Travel offers a superb eight-day cruise leaving from Cologne and taking in the quaint town of Boppard, sophisticated Heidelberg, Mainz, the capital of RhinelandPalatinate, and Strasbourg. The ship has smart cabins, and all meals are included.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
PICTURES: GETTY, RIVIERA TRAVEL, WIREIMAGE
The MS Jane Austen is a five-star ship, sleeping 140 passengers – with the option of either a standard cabin, a suite or a deluxe suite on the top deck. The standard cabins are the largest and most comfortable on any European river cruise vessel and, with floor-toceiling glass windows, you can lie back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. The decor feels more like an expensive hotel with well-appointed bathrooms, air con and TV. There’s a lounge bar with panoramic views, the Lido Bar restaurant, sun deck, pool and even a putting green. 64 FACEBOOK.COM/BESTMAGAZINE
GETTING THERE: Riviera Cruises’ eight-day Rhine cruise leaves from Cologne on board the MS Jane Austen. Prices are from £1,199pp full-board including a standard-class, reserved seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras, or return flights from selected airports (at a supplement). Book via rivieratravel. co.uk or 01283 888 752.
FOOD AND DRINK
As food is all-inclusive, there’s plenty to choose from with a buffet breakfast and light bites in the Lido Bar. Dinner is the height of fine dining, with tantalising options each evening. On land, be sure to try zwiebelkuchen (onion cake) and federweißer (sweet wine), which is famous in the region. Don’t forget about sampling a bratwurst, too!
BEFORE YOU GO
It’s essential to pack a pair of decent walking shoes as, with numerous stop-off points along the Rhine, you’ll be pounding the streets to take in all the sights.
Glide down the Rhine in this five-star luxury cruise liner
Take in the beauty and history of Koblenz
best LAST-MINUTE
DEALS
LAS VEGAS Four nights at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, including flights, on 26 November 2017, costs from £579pp. Book by 22 January, via myamericaholiday.co.uk
COSTA DEL SOL Seven nights at the Monarque Fuengirola Park, on an all-inclusive basis, costs £318pp, including flights on 24 January. Book via easyjet.com/holidays
MEXICO Seven nights at the Magic Express Hotel with flights on 16 February costs from £656.70pp with a 3.85% cashback offer at topcashback. co.uk/lastminute