Enjoy the Enchanting Landscapes of France whilst cruising The Rhine
STRASBOURG – RUDESHEIM – KOBLENZ – OBERWESEL – MANNHEIM – STRASBOURG
The Rhine in Flames has been enchanting thousands of visitors on the banks of the river since 1977. The city of Oberwesel is part of the festivities drawing crowds from all over the world. Climb aboard for a sparkling and unforgettable cruise! This vacation is also agreat time to discover or even rediscover must-see sites such as the famous Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim and the romantic Heidelberg Castle overlooking the Neckar River. Take a break that is jam-packed with fairytale-like landscapes, impressive hills dotted with charming vineyards, and castle ruins sitting above at every turn.
MS GERARD SCHMITTER
The Gerard Schmitter is a modern ship (launched in 2012) and comparable to a 4* hotel. Named after the founder of CroisiEurope, the MS Gérard Schmitter sails on the Rhine and the Danube, to meet the many wonders offered by these two romantic rivers. It is an intimate-sized Premium ship, measuring 110m long and 11.40m wide. It can accommodate 174 passengers, in 87 cabins spread over three decks. The size of each cabin is 13m2, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay.
Decorated in subtle chocolate brown shades, combined with rosy-lilac, gives the ship a welcoming atmosphere. The decoration, created by Maria Rosa Rosello, pays tribute to the founder of CroisiEurope, who liked to paint delicate and flowery designs.
Located on the middle deck, the restaurant offers delicate French cuisine in a refined setting, with large picture windows allowing guests to fully enjoy the panorama.
On this same deck is the lounge / bar with a dance floor, while passengers can enjoy a drink in the Piano Bar or up on the on the sun deck, an ideal place to relax on comfortable sunloungers, or in the large shaded area, when cruising.
We love Family Run businesses and Croisi Europe is no exception! This family business, is fiercely proud of its continued independence which it has held for three generations. Nowadays, the Company is known throughout the world from its home port: Strasbourg, where it was founded in 1976, more than 40 years ago.
We at Solent Events have wonderful memories of our group’s Portuguese Douro River Cruise in September 2021 and an Andalusian River & Coastal Cruise in September 2024, so we know we’re going to enjoy being well looked after throughout the cruise – especially as EVERYTHING is included on your cruise: ALL meals; drinks with meals and at the bar (except from the ‘special list’); ALL excursions (namely The Classic Package); Refined French cuisine; a Gala dinner evening; Welcome cocktail; Onboard activities; Free Wi-Fi; port fees, PLUS flights; all transport; a UK airport lounge; Travel Treats & your personal Solent Events escort. What more could one ask for!
CroisiEurope, the leader in European river cruises, welcomes nearly 200,000 passengers aboard its 50 standard and premium boats that crisscross the rivers of Europe and the World every year, including Russia, Mekong, Birmania, Africa, South America and United States. The company also offers cruises on seas, like the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea, the Black sea. You will not be disappointed if you love ‘class and comfort’, which lies not only in the elegance, refinement and harmony of the living environment on board, but also in the cuisine, paying homage to French gastronomy with a great chef who runs the kitchens throughout the fleet.
It’s around Koblenz that you will admire the “Rhine in Flames” on a glittering late-summer night, lighting up the hillsides and surrounding castles into a magical light. Embark on an unforgettable and colorful cruise through the romantic Rhine Valley, through the Rüdesheim vineyard and open-air cafes and the beautiful city of Heidelberg.
Whilst Croisi Europe is a French cruise line, apart from French citizens there are normally passengers from all over Europe and as far away as Australia, New Zealand, USA & Brazil, but this particular cruise will be mainly British travellers, along with an excellent crew and impeccable service.
The Restaurant is located on the Middle Deck with spectacular views from the back (stern). All meals are served here during the cruise. The atmosphere is casual but elegant.
The Lounge and Bar are also located on the Middle Deck at the front (bow) of the ship, offering panoramic views. Games, dancing, and other forms of entertainment all happen here.
The Piano Bar is also ideal to visit for either an aperitif before dinner or a nightcap afterwards.
The Sun Deck has a shaded area and is furnished with chairs and deckchairs. It provides great views as well as the opportunity to relax in the shade.
Food and Drink
Wines, beer, mixer drinks and the daily cocktails are also complimentary throughout the day. You will find that the cuisine on board is the consistently high standard of a top city restaurant. Entertainment can be enjoyed each evening.
In summary, we have found that the luxury Croisi Europe line offer a great value, high standard cruise which, in our minds, cannot be beaten … and with only a maximum of 174 passengers!
Please note that there is no laundry service on board this ship.
Our Cabin options (all cabins have windows). We have 17 cabins allocated to Solent Events (7 upper deck, 5 middle deck & 5 Main Deck).
Upper Deck Cabins (Total 41) Twin/double air-conditioned cabins with sliding floor to ceiling window, 13m² in size. Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with French balcony, one double bed, private bathroom with wall-mounted shower/bath gel, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer & radio.
Middle Deck Cabins (Total 21) – Twin/double air-conditioned cabins with picture window, 13m² in size. Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with two beds that can be separated, private bathroom with wall mounted shower/bath gel, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer & radio. The picture window with sliding top section, offers a great view of the landscapes.
Main Deck Cabins (Total 25) – Twin/double air conditioned cabins 13m² in size. Spacious and comfortable cabin equipped with a double bed, private bathroom with wall mounted shower/bath gel, satellite TV, safe, hairdryer and radio. Located on the main deck with two picture windows, it offers a panoramic view of the landscapes.
There are a minimum number of single occupancy cabins available on the main deck.
River Cruises have become very popular with Solent Events’ clients and cabins normally book very quickly (yes, even 12 months ahead!), so best to decide as soon as possible, but if you have any questions, please do ask.
Earlybird Prices Save £50/£150pp until Monday 08 September 2026!
A non-returnable deposit of just £350pp will confirm your place, but hurry, our al-inclusive Croisi River cruises always fill very quickly!
CHECK CABIN PRICES & AVAILABILITY ON BOOKING FORM ABOVE (‘Book Now’ button) – with absolutely no obligation to book!
Deposit: £350 per person
For your peace of mind and financial protection, our holiday has been arranged with Croisi Europe & Success Tours,
who are fully bonded.
Our itinerary – in conjunction with Croisi & Success Tours
Excursions may be changed around due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Allowing for extra airport checks etc, confirmation of flights and EXACT times will be confirmed in your Travel Packs.
Thursday 10 September 2026
Day 1: with approx departure times
Travel to a London Heathrow Airport by Luxury coach from our FOUR local pick-ups and relax in an airport lounge before our scheduled flight to Strasbourg, France.
TBC Coach leaves Stokes Bay, Gosport
TBC Coach leaves Lee on the Solent
TBC Coach leaves Stubbington Bus stop opp Red Lion
TBC Coach leaves Peak Lane, Fareham
TBC Arrive London Airport
Enjoy the comfort of an airport lounge – if available
0840 Flight BA to Basel (Duration approx 1hr 40m)
1120 Arrive Basel (local time)
A coach will be waiting for us at the airport to our River Cruise Ship MS Schmitter to embark from approx 1800hrs. After briefly settling into our comfortable cabins on the Middle or Upper Decks, the crew will be introduced to us with a welcome cocktail. Dinner will be at approx 8pm.
The evening is yours to do as you please – a great time to relax after a day of travelling!
The ship wil sail through the night to Rudesheim.
Friday 11 September
Day 2: RÜDESHEIM
The morning will be spent cruising to Rüdeshein. Upon reaching our destination, join a tourist train tour and a stop at a wine tasting cellar, followed by a visit to the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments.
Saturday 12 September
DAY 3: RÜDESHEIM – The romantic Rhine – KOBLENZ – OBERWESEL – The Rhine in flames
Today we will cruise up the most beautiful part of the romantic Rhine between Rüdesheim and Koblenz. We will pass numerous castles nestling in the famed vineyards and the celebrated rock of the Lorelei. Arriving in Koblenz in the early afternoon, we will take a tour of the old town with the ship’s host/hostess. On our return on board we will sail towards Oberwesel.
In the evening, MS Gerard Schimtter will take part in the unique fairytale spectacle of the Romantic Rhine as it lights up on a summer’s night, creating an unreal and majestic atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.
Sunday 13 September
DAY 4: OBERWESEL – MANNHEIM
The morning will be spent cruising towards Mannheim. On arrival we will disembark for a visit to Heidelberg and it’s famous castle. Tonight is our gala evening and dinner, whilst our ship sails back towards Strasbourg.
Monday 14 September
DAY 5: STRASBOURG
We will enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking from 0900hrs and boarding our coach to Strasbourg airport. TBC
1920 BA Flight – Basel to London Heathrow
2000 Arrive London for our coach transfer back home
AT A GLANCE
The above cruise is fully inclusive and includes:
All transport in UK & France
UK airport lounge
Return BA scheduled flights from London to Basel; Travel Treats
Solent Events Personal Escort
4-nights accommodation on board the MS Gerard Schmitter based on an Upper, Middle or Main Deck cabin
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Reception – on arrival day
Inclusive Drinks – unlimited drinks during meals & from the bar 12.00 – 23.59pm (except ‘specials list’)
Meals
Breakfast each morning is continental buffet style
3-course dinner each evening
2-course lunch each day
Dinner and lunches are set menu, but dietary requests are catered for. Please let us know at time of booking.
Classic Excursions as per itinerary above
MS Gerard Schmitter boasts relaxing light, luscious colors to welcome you aboard.
CABINS
Upper deck cabins (41) have wide windows with French balconies – Cabins are 13m² in size
Middle deck cabins (25) have large picture windows – Cabin 13m² in size.
Main deck cabins have large picture portholes – Cabin 13m² in size (21).
Suitcases are easily stored in the roomy space beneath each bed. All cabins include:
RESTAURANT
Located on the middle deck at the back (stern), the light and airy restaurant is where all meals are served during the cruise.
PIANO BAR
Unwind with a cocktail in hand while listening to the piano …… it’s the perfect place for an aperitif before or after dinner.
LOUNGE BAR with DANCEFLOOR
The tastefully decorated, relaxing lounge/ bar is located on the middle deck, towards the back of the ship (stern) and offers panoramic views. Cocktails, games and dancing, plus other entertainment happen here!
TERRACE
Also located at the back of the ship, you can easily meet friends, relax enjoying the view.
FITNESS
Start your day by joining a morning fitness class on the sun deck!
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