We leave from our local departure points and travel to Hull where our ferry awaits for the overnight crossing to Rotterdam. Twin low-berth outside cabins. Dinner and breakfast on board ship.

We drive east to the German border and continue south to visit the former capital of West Germany, Bonn. This elegant city, founded by the Romans, is now a thriving university city on the banks of the River Rhine. A short drive takes us to Boppard, where we spend five nights. Hotel Bellevue.

Boppard, ‘The Pearl of the Rhine’, has all the ingredients for an unforgettable holiday; vine clad hills, romantic alleys and quaint buildings. It is ideally situated in the beautiful area between Koblenz and Mainz and we enjoy a boat trip on the most scenic section to the famous Loreley Rock. We tour the Rhine Valley, with its fairytale castles, steep vineyards and picturesque towns en route to lively Rudesheim. We travel to the Lahn Valley, visiting Bad Ems, one of Europe’s oldest and most famous spas and Limburg, a well-preserved historic town, renowned for its half-timbered architecture. A visit will be made to Cochem, a showpiece gem and one of the prettiest villages along the Moselle Valley. We enjoy a leisurely day exploring the delights of Boppard and include a wine tasting in the hotel’s historic vault and wine cellar.

Our return journey takes us to historic Aachen, where Charlemagne’s impressive cathedral never ceases to impress. We travel to Rotterdam, where our ferry awaits for the overnight crossing to Hull. Twin low-berth outside cabins. Dinner and breakfast on board ship.

We return to Scotland late afternoon after a relaxing short holiday.