News

• Gathering of 2,000 vessels including tall ships
• 12-hour free bar on river cruise ship MS Johannes Brahms
• UK travel service to and from Heathrow

The world’s largest sailing event brings an exciting climax to a cruise of the rivers and man-made waterways of northern Germany, including a visit to the fascinating city of Hamburg.

Kiel Week Regatta, first held in 1882, features 2,000 vessels and 5,000 sailors from all over the world, and Saga’s guests will be among three million visitors watching cultural events and racing in the grand harbour.

Kiel Week also hosts one of the largest tall ship conventions in Germany, many of them offering day tours, with more than 100 traditional vessels taking part in a waterborne parade with hundreds of yachts.

After an included flight from Heathrow, and a reception dinner, the all-inclusive
The Kiel Canal and Regatta holiday will begin with a sailing along the canal aboard MS Johannes Brahms, an elegant river cruise ship with a panorama lounge and sun deck. A free bar is open from noon to midnight every day, serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The first call will be at Rendsburg, home of Europe’s longest railway bridge, a two-and-a-half kilometre steel structure built in 1913 and standing 41 metres above the ground, and the Kiel Canal Pedestrian Tunnel, the longest of its kind in the world, and the world’s longest bench, 501 metres along the canal bank.

In Hamburg, guests can explore independently or take a tour featuring attractions including the city hall, which resembles London’s Houses of Parliament, Alster Lake in the heart of the city, and the art deco-era Kontorhaus, Europe’s first commercial district and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a cruise along the Elbe to Geesthacht, guests can take a trip to the romantic city of Lüneburg, with its 1,000 historic buildings, where wealth stemmed from production of ‘white gold’ – salt. The Alter crane at the docks stands as a reminder of the once-thriving trade.

For details call free on 0800 656 9919 or visit saga.co.uk/river-cruises

Six nights from £1,299 per person, all inclusive, departing London Heathrow with British Airways on June 23, 2019.

Price includes UK travel package, return flights and transfers, all meals, welcome cocktail party, 12-hour free bar serving non-branded alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, porterage, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights or a discount if passenger has own insurance.

Editors:

Saga is a specialist in the provision of products and services for life after 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and its high quality, award winning products and services including cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and publishing. Visit saga.co.uk