A Different Start to the Day
After several days of leisurely morning sailings along the Rhine before heading ashore in the afternoon, Day 6 brought a welcome change to our itinerary. Instead of cruising first, today’s excursion was scheduled for the morning, meaning we were up a little earlier than usual. Breakfast, however, was just as enjoyable as ever. We both opted for freshly prepared omelettes, cooked to order, accompanied by our now customary cappuccinos which the attentive restaurant staff brought along without even asking.
Soon afterwards we boarded our waiting coaches for a scenic drive through the beautiful Alsace countryside. The journey itself was a delight, passing vineyards, rolling hills and picture-perfect villages with colourful half-timbered houses that looked as though they had stepped straight out of a storybook.
Exploring the Charming Town of Obernai
Our destination was Obernai, a delightful town that, if I’m honest, I’d never even heard of before booking this Rhine river cruise. Sometimes it’s the places you know least about that leave the biggest impression, and Obernai certainly did just that.
We were accompanied on the coach by our local guide, Laura, who joined the long list of excellent guides we’d encountered throughout the cruise. One thing that had really stood out on this holiday was the consistently high standard of the local guides. Each had their own personality and style, but all were knowledgeable, engaging and clearly passionate about sharing the history and culture of their hometowns. As we wandered through Obernai’s narrow streets, Laura brought the town to life with fascinating stories and local history. It didn’t take long to fall in love with this charming Alsatian town.
A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Alsace
Obernai was full of beautifully preserved half-timbered buildings decorated with colourful flower boxes, while attractive squares spilled out with cafés and restaurants where locals and visitors alike were enjoying the warm sunshine.
Quite by chance, our visit coincided with the town’s weekly Thursday market, which stretched along parts of the old medieval ramparts. Stalls were overflowing with fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheese, artisan breads, flowers and regional specialities, creating a wonderfully vibrant atmosphere. It felt very authentic, with far more local shoppers than tourists, giving us a genuine glimpse of everyday life in this beautiful corner of France.
One of the highlights of our walking tour was visiting the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul. From the outside it blends perfectly with the surrounding buildings, but stepping inside was quite a surprise. The church was far larger than we’d expected for a town of this size, and its beautiful interior, impressive stained-glass windows and peaceful atmosphere made it well worth visiting.
We also stopped at the famous Puits à Six Seaux (Well of Six Buckets), one of Obernai’s best-known landmarks. Dating back centuries, this beautifully preserved Renaissance well sits proudly in the town centre and provides another reminder of the town’s rich history.
Time to Explore at Leisure
Following the guided tour, we were given some free time to enjoy Obernai at our own pace before returning to the coach. Rather than doing any shopping, we chose to soak up the atmosphere from one of the café terraces overlooking the square, where we treated ourselves to a refreshing glass of local beer.
Before long it was time to rejoin the group for the return journey to the ship. The coach journey took just under an hour, giving us plenty of time to reflect on another delightful excursion before arriving back in time for lunch.
A Surprise Ice Cream Social
One thing we discovered about Riviera Cruises is that there always seems to be another surprise waiting around the corner. The afternoon’s unexpected treat came in the form of an ice cream social held in the Panorama Lounge.
Guests were invited to enjoy a selection of ice creams complete with sauces and toppings, alongside an equally tempting display of freshly baked cakes and sweet treats. As if we hadn’t already eaten enough throughout the week but of course we couldn’t resist!
A Lazy Afternoon Cruising the Rhine
The remainder of the afternoon was wonderfully relaxing as we headed up to the sun deck where the weather was perfect for enjoying a leisurely afternoon as the ship continued its journey along the Rhine. The splash pool proved irresistible, providing a welcome way to cool off while watching the beautiful scenery drift past. Afterwards I settled into one of the comfortable loungers with my book.
Interestingly, I’d hardly read anything all week. Normally I can easily finish a novel during a holiday, but this time there had simply been too much to see and do. I certainly wasn’t complaining though. In fact, I always think reading very little is a sign of a truly good holiday because you’re too busy making memories instead.
Gala Night Dinner
This evening was one everyone had been looking forward to throughout the cruise – Gala Dinner Night. Although there was no formal dress code, most guests chose to wear their smartest outfits, giving the evening a real sense of occasion.
The celebrations began before dinner with cocktails served in the Panorama Lounge, accompanied by delicious canapés comprising crispy tempura prawns and freshly prepared spring rolls.
One aspect of service on board that deserves a special mention is the attentiveness of the bar staff. Rather than having to queue at the bar, they continually circulate around the lounge taking drinks orders, making everything feel incredibly relaxed. Another real benefit of travelling on a Riviera Resplendence Rhine cruise is that standard wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks are all included throughout the day, allowing guests to simply enjoy themselves without constantly thinking about additional costs.
Celebrating the Wonderful Crew
Before dinner there was one particularly heartwarming tradition as the entire crew paraded through the lounge, led by the captain and followed by every department on board, from the chefs and waiting staff to housekeeping, reception and even the hardworking kitchen porters whose efforts often go unseen. The spontaneous applause from guests said everything and it was a lovely opportunity to acknowledge the incredible teamwork that goes into creating such a memorable holiday.
A Six-Course Gala Dinner
At 7.00 p.m. we made our way into the beautifully decorated restaurant for the Gala Dinner. The tables looked stunning, dressed with crisp white tablecloths and elegant napkins folded to resemble men’s dinner shirts, adding an extra touch of sophistication to the evening.
Over the next couple of hours we enjoyed an outstanding six-course tasting menu, each course thoughtfully paired with carefully selected wines. Despite the number of courses, each portion was perfectly judged, allowing us to appreciate every dish without feeling overly full by the end of the meal. Every course was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious, but if I had to choose one standout dish it would undoubtedly be the Beef Wellington. Cooked perfectly pink, the beef was incredibly tender, wrapped in crisp golden pastry and served with a rich, flavourful sauce. It was quite simply one of the finest Beef Wellingtons I’ve ever eaten.
Another Memorable Evening on the Rhine
After dinner we returned to the lounge where music continued late into the evening. By now many of our fellow passengers had become familiar faces and good friends, and it was lovely spending time chatting together over everything we’d experienced during the week.
Eventually we made our way back to our cabin, where our nightly chocolates were waiting on the pillow as always. For the first time all week, however, we decided to save them until the following day. After such a magnificent Gala Dinner, we simply couldn’t manage another bite!
As we settled in for the night, we reflected on yet another unforgettable day aboard our Riviera Resplendence Rhine cruise. From discovering the hidden gem of Obernai to enjoying one of the finest meals of the holiday, it had been another perfect blend of sightseeing, relaxation, exceptional dining and wonderful company. Last year we enjoyed a week on board Riviera Rose along the Douro River so you may also be interested in reading this series of posts.
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We were guests of Riviera Travel, and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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