Orrs Travel

RHINE GORGE, GERMANY

19th July 2010 ~ 7 Nights

Adult: £735 ~ Single: Supplement only £90

BOOK IMMEDIATELY BEFORE FURTHER PRICE INCREASES

Leaders: Alan & Ann Couser

ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR TOURS IN 2009 - THIS TIME WITH AN EVEN BETTER HOTEL

Probably the most romantic area of central Europe, the Rhine Gorge has been attracting visitors for centuries. Towering castles overlook picture postcard towns, which are strung like pearls along the magnificent river. Our centrally located hotel, in a quiet position just off the town square, provides a superb base for touring.

Included in the holiday price

• Return coach from Belfast, Banbridge or Newry to Dublin airport, if required
• Return flights from Dublin to Frankfurt am Main
• 1 Piece of checked luggage. Max weight 20kgs.
• 1 Piece hand luggage. Max weight 5kgs. Max dimensions:  56cm x 45cm x 25cm.
• You may also carry one of the following.: A camera, a small hand bag, a personal stereo.
• Return transfers to the hotel in Ruedesheim
• 7 nights hotel accommodation on half-board basis
• Full day excursion on the Rhine
• Full day excursion to Heidelberg
• Full day excursion to Frankfurt
• Services of bi-lingual escort throughout

A number of optional excursions are also available. Please see below for details of all of these. 

Itinerary

• Mon 19th July          Travel to Germany (See flights and transfers below)
• Tue 20th July           Optional excursion. Most of day Forest & Castles (£25 supplement)
• Wed 21st July         Full day Rhine Cruise.
• Thu 22nd July        Walking tour of Rüdesheim. Optional visits to Mechanical Music Cabinett Museum, Torture Museum and Wine Museum.
• Fri 23rd July            Full day Frankfurt excursion
• Sat 24th July           Optional half-day shopping and sightseeing excursion to Bingen. (£5 supplement)
• Sun 25th July         Morning Church Service. Optional afternoon excursion along the Rhine to Koblenz (£15 supplement).
• Mon 26th July         Full day excursion to Heidelberg. Transfer to airport. Travel home.

TRAVEL DETAILS

 OUTWARD JOURNEY

• Coach departs Belfast City Centre                            11.00am
• Journey to Dublin approx 2 hours
• Check-in Dublin Airport on arrival             Around   1.00pm
• Flight EI 656 departs                                                   4.00pm
• Arrive Frankfurt                                                              7.00pm
• Transfer to Rüdesheim. Approx 45 minutes.
• Check into hotel and go straight to dinner 

RETURN JOURNEY

• Check out of hotel after breakfast
• Full day tour to Heidelberg
• Depart Heidelberg                                                      4.30pm
• Arrive Frankfurt Airport                                Around   5.30pm
• Flight EI 657 departs                                                  8.00pm
• Arrive Dublin                                                                 9.00pm
• Coach departs Dublin                                Around   9.30pm
• Arrive Belfast City Centre                           Around 11.15pm

 

Rüdesheim am Rhein

One of the most visited places on the Rhine, Rüdesheim is a chocolate-box picture of a town, which lies between the Rhine and the vineyards that hang from the slopes of the Taunus mountains. Steeped in a centuries-old tradition of wine production, the half-timbered buildings and small castles, have served as trading places for many centuries, dating back to Roman times. The Romans have gone now and so have the Knights, Electors, Princes and Kings that frequented the region through medieval times. Today, Rüdesheim extends a huge welcome to guests and visitors from all over the world. The area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, because of its wealth of spectacular natural beauty and the string of centuries-old castles, villas and houses. We are confident you will enjoy this beautiful part of Germany.

     

HOTEL TRAPP ~ Owned and run by Herr & Frau Brühl ~ A wonderful experience

Hotel Trapp sits at one end of Kirchestraβe, which features the Protestant Church at one end and the Catholic Church at the other.  Just 2 minutes stroll from the town square and four minutes from the mighty River Rhine, the hotel provides an excellent base to explore the town and for all of our excursions. Although the official rating of this hotel is just 3*, we have given it our own 4* rating, as it is one of the finest, family run hotels we have ever visited. You will not be disappointed.

 The hotel has a lift to the upper floors and all rooms, without exception, are beautifully furnished and in top class order. Each room has a small television (with some English speaking channels), small fridge, safety deposit box and en-suite fully tiled bathrooms. There is a small reception lounge area, with information leaflets, books and maps to take or to buy. There are no tea / coffee facilities in the rooms but both are readily available throughout your stay in the restaurant, at very reasonable prices.

 You won’t have to worry about the food here; its exquisite, no matter what you eat. The hotel has won the “Feinschmecker” certificate, a highly sought-after German award, for the last four years. From a hearty breakfast including hams, cheeses, eggs, cereals, fruit juices, tea/coffee and bread or toast. You won’t be able to get an Ulster fry here but, I venture that if you ask Herr Brühl, he’d be more than happy to arrange it. Dinner in the evening is just superb and we will have a selection of menus awaiting your arrival. The hotel obviously caters for special diets, including vegetarian, celiac, etc.

 This 3* hotel is right out of its class and would put many 4* properties to shame. It is one of the finest 3* hotels we have ever visited. Be sure of a great family welcome.

Included in the holiday are a fully escorted day trip to Heidelberg, another to include a Rhine  cruise, visiting some of the nearby towns and a day-trip to Frankfurt, where you have a chance to explore one of Germany's exciting cities with markets, museums, historical buildings and great places to eat. Flights are from Dublin Airport and include transfers from Northern Ireland by coach.

Breakfast & Dinner included each evening.

EXCURSIONS

During your stay there are a number of excursions included in the cost of your holiday. We will also be featuring a selection of optional excursions at a small extra charge. Some of the excursions are detailed below and we will add some further details nearer the time. Please note, some of the excursions are not suitable for wheelchairs or people with waliking difficulties.

                     Rhine Cruise with Guide (Included in fare)

      

Wednesday, 21st July.

We have an early start and need to leave the hotel on foot at around 8.45am, for a short walk of around 400m (1/4 mile) to the landing stage. Our ship departs at 9.15 (so don’t be late!) and we sail downstream to the town of St Goarshausen, where we have approximately 1 hour to explore. At 2.00pm, we hop on the ship for the 10 minute crossing to St Goar, where we have approximately 2 hours before the return journey to Rüdesheim at 4.00pm. We arrive back at approximately 6.45, just in time for your evening meal.

Our cruise will take us past the towns of Bingen, Assmannshausen, Lorch, Bacharach, Kaub and Oberwesel.  World-famous rocky outcrops, resplendent with ancient myth and the fair maid with blonde hair – this trip is just the thing for those who love romance as the Rhine transforms its magical past into reality. The steep vineyards, quaint little towns, the huge, formidable fortresses and the Loreley itself are symbols of a legendary, turbulent past. This passionate beauty will accompany us from Rüdesheim to St. Goarshausen.

The tour includes, at some stage, a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of famous German cake. Lunch is not included.

 

FRANKFURT AM MAIN ("MAINHATTEN")  (Included in fare)

 There is some walking involved on this tour and some short inclines. In total, there would be around 1.5 miles of walking. 320 yds of this is on slopes. You must also be able to climb 4 steep steps onto a train from ground level. This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs but accessible to those with moderate walking difficulties with assistance.

One of the most exciting cities in central Europe, Frankfurt is brimming with things to see and do. Our journey today takes us to the financial heart of Europe. A short walk (approx 1km / just over half a mile) brings us to the railway station, where we board the train for Frankfurt. (Please note there are steep steps onto the train here, so a minimal level of mobility is required). In around one hour, we will be in the heart of this great city. You will be amazed at the ultra-modern buildings, the "out of this world" department stores, the broad avenues of the Zeil and the Fressgass and the historical sights of the Romerhof and the Cathedral, where many of the former Kings and Kaisers were crowned. Visit one of over 40 museums, enjoy a walk through the Palmengarten, visit the top-deck of the Euro-Tower for a spell-binding view of the city and surrounding area or simply stroll along the river.

This tour will be guided by Alan Couser, right from your hotel. On arrival in Frankfurt we will do a walking tour of some of the nearby sights, visiting the old city centre and the cathedral. You will have approximately 2-3 hours free time to relax, eat or enjoy the sights of the superb city before our evening return trip to Ruedesheim in time for dinner!

 HEIDELBERG ~ CASTLE & CITY (Included in fare)

 There is some walking involved on this tour and some short but steep hills. In total, there would be around 1 mile of walking. 300 yds of this is on slopes. There are also around 30 steps to climb. This tour is not suitable for wheelchaires but accessible to those with moderate walking difficulties.

 Always a popular excursion, Heidelberg is a stunning place to visit. Come and see the castle and listen to all the stories, which have made it famous. Imagine yourself back in a time, where joviality and entertainment were paramount. Hear how the beautiful Princess Elizabeth Stuart from England fell in love with her fairytale Prince, Frederick V, Elector Palatine. Originally a marriage of convenience, locking two of Europe's superpowers together, they fell head-over-heels in love with each other. Whilst you are here, view the magnificent gateway, built by Frederick for his beloved Elizabeth. Visit the world's largest wine-barrel....and even dance on top of it!

After your visit to the castle, our tour guide will show us around the ancient city, many of whose original buildings still stand today. The pedestrianised city centre is laced with cafes and bars, shops and churches. A visit to the cathedral is an absolute must.

This is a full-day tour, departing around about 10.00am. We will stop en-route for a chance to get something to eat. (Lunch not included) On arrival, we hope to have the lovely Cristina as our guide and she will bring to life all the sights, as we visit them. You will enjoy the castle and the city but you will remember your guide for many years to come. The tour lasts around 3 hours and will finish around 4.00pm. You will have 30 minutes or so before the coach departs. This is our last day, so coach departs Heidelberg for Frankfurt Airport around 4.30pm - 4.45pm.

ROMANTIC RHINE, FORESTS & CASTLES (Extra cost approx £25)

 There is quite a bit of walking involved on this tour and some very steep inclines. In total, there would be around 2 miles of gentle walking. 500 yds of this is on slopes. You must also be able to travel by suspended chairlift. This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs but accessible to those with moderate walking difficulties with assistance. There is a steep climb to the castle but it is possible to by-pass this if required.

MOST POPULAR EXCURSION IN 2008!

    A short walk from the hotel brings us to the cable-car station, from where we take a ride, sweeping low over the vine groves, past the youth hostel up to the top of the hillside and the Niewderwald memorial. It's more of a chair-lift than a cable car, with just two persons per gondola. After 20 minutes or so to explore and take photos, we wander around to the "Adlerwarte", a sanctuary for birds of prey. We have time to enjoy the close-up spectacle of these magnificent birds and a chance to speak with the owner of the sanctuary about the birds and the famous history of the sanctuary. A walk through the forest now, at a very leisurely pace, brings us to several superb vantage points from where you can view the mighty river below. "Die Zauberhohle" or "The Magic Cave" awaits..........you'll have to come on the tour to find out more about this. We arrive at the hunting lodge  "Jagdschloss", where we have some time to relax and, if you wish, feed the deer grazing in the paddock. During the walk, we will stop for a sumptuous picnic. This is no ordinary picnic with a sandwich and a cool drink; this is the business! Another gondola ride brings us down into the fairytale town of Assmannshausen, where we can stop for a cool drink or a cup of coffee (and a comfort break!), before hopping on to the riverboat, which ferries us over to the Rheinstein Castle. This is a steep climb for approximately 250yds up to the castle but you will be rewarded with fantastic views and a wonderful insight into medieval life within the refurbished castle. Finally, a 40 minute boat ride brings us back to Rudesheim in time for a shower and a cool drink before your evening meal.

Price of this tour includes:

• Chairlift passes from Ruedesheim and back to Assmannshausen
• Entrance to the bird snactuary with guided tour in English (subject to numbers)
• Ferry trips on the Rhine
• Entrance to the Rheinstein Castle
• Feeding the deer
• Expert guide throughout the day
• Superb picnic