Rhine & Moselle River Cruise

Overview

Itinerary Details

DAY 1ARRIVAL IN COLOGNE

ARRIVAL IN COLOGNE

Arrive for your flight to DA 1/4 sseldorf or Cologne, or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels. On arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship moored in the heart of Cologne, one of Germanyas oldest cities. The friendly English-speaking crew will welcome you and help you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and well-equipped accommodation, itas time to familiarise yourself with the many first-class aspects of this floating boutique hotel.

Larger version of the map >

Larger version of the map >

DAY 2COCHEM

COCHEM

The first morning on board a river cruise is always a thrill, awakening to the peaceful lapping of the water outside as the scenic valley sides slip past your cabin window a thereas no other holiday experience quite like it. Breakfast is a leisurely affair; life on board is unhurried, so you can linger over that extra cup of tea or coffee.

Youare cruising some of Europeas most dramatic and romantic waterways a the mighty River Rhine and its tributary the Moselle. The Sun Deck is perfect for an invigorating mid-morning stroll, watching picture-postcard villages with slanting timber-framed houses pass by. After a delicious lunch we glide into our moorings at Cochem, the traditional centre of the Moselle wine trade. Dominating the scene is a multi-turreted castle crowning a vineyard-covered hillside, but Cochemas real charm is its jumble of narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings and peppered with quirky shops and wine cellars. Thereas ample time to explore here, immersing yourself in the relaxed ambience of this quintessential riverside town, before stepping back on board to enjoy the chefas choices for dinner, served in the splendid environs of the shipas restaurant.

DAY 3TRIER

TRIER

Leaving Cochem, we pass through an impressive series of four locks allowing passage further upstream, through meanders in the river against a backdrop of green valley sides. All around are steep, tree-crested slopes covered in a patchwork of vineyards, crisscrossed by narrow tracks and roads giving workers access to the vines a itas a miracle that anything can be cultivated on such terrain. The Romans first planted vines in the Moselle during the second century AD and today white varieties such as Riesling thrive in the flinty soils. Before long we approach the delightful town of Zell.

After lunch we drive to Trier for an afternoon tour of one of Germanyas most fascinating cities a and its oldest. Founded by the Romans, it was the capital of much of their empire, encompassing present-day Spain, France, Britain and parts of Germany. The city had a population of 80,000 people a an enormous number in ancient times a and the Emperor Constantine lived here. Many of its Roman monuments, including the amphitheatre, baths and bridge, have survived surprisingly intact, but most impressive is the Porta Nigra, a fortified gate made of huge stone blocks that towers above the surrounding medieval buildings. This is the largest and best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps and stands as testimony to their architectural genius. Such is the significance of Trieras Roman heritage and its other buildings, including its Cathedral, the oldest bishopas church in Germany, that together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.A

We return to our ship, moored in the charming town of Bernkastel, in time for another exquisite meal.

DAY 4BERNKASTEL

BERNKASTEL

The ship remains moored, so after an unhurried breakfast youare free to explore Bernkastel, a romantic wonder from another age. Wander its cobbled streets a too narrow for cars to pass through aA to the market square, where youall be surrounded by some of the finest, most ornate half-timbered houses youall ever see, many dating from the 15th century. Most famous is the Pointed House, a jewel of the rustic middle-class building tradition from the Middle Ages and a classic example of a Moselle vintneras dwelling.

We have lunch on board as the ship slips its moorings and our cruise back downstream commences. This afternoon, just sit back on one of the comfortable deck chairs on the Sun Deck and soak up the atmosphere of this magical river, breathing in the clean air, listening to the rippling water and absorbing the scenery in all its majesty. Why not catch up on some reading or enjoy a game of chess? Whatever your pastime, another gourmet experience awaits this evening in the shipas restaurant, possibly followed by a nightcap in the company of newly made friends.

DAY 5KOBLENZ & BOPPARD

KOBLENZ & BOPPARD

Early this morning, we reach Koblenz. Strategically situated at the confluence of these two great rivers, this 2,000-year-old city, with its mighty fortress towering above, is full of appeal. A knowledgeable local guide accompanies us around its principal monuments and intriguing centre, taking in historic squares, highlighting painstakingly restored house frontages and revealing hidden aspects of the city that only locals know. Koblenz is a joy to wander through, pausing to window shop while trying to resist the aromas of fresh coffee and cakes drifting from the numerous traditional cafA(C)s.

Returning to our ship for lunch, we proceed to Boppard, also known as the aPearl of the Rhinea, a famously picturesque town located on a long, looping bend of the river. The black and white spires of the Church of Saint Severus can be seen from a distance, but as we draw closer its bustling quayside comes into view. Captivating cobbled streets, lined by half-timbered houses, tucked-away shops selling traditional goods and characterful restaurants, lead into the town and its main square. Like many riverside settlements in the area, the Romans founded Boppard and their legacy remains in the superbly preserved town walls, the finest in Germany. Thereas time to explore or promenade along the river, gazing at views of the vineyard-covered hillsides. Or you can simply pass time on board in anticipation of more fine dining in the shipas restaurant this evening.

DAY 6RHINE GORGE & RA?DESHEIM

RHINE GORGE & RA?DESHEIM

Leaving Boppard, as the sun crests the surrounding hilltops, expectation rises at what lies in store as we journey through the outstanding natural beauty of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, at every dramatic turn of the river, towering valley slopes are crowned by the precarious ruins of castles built by princes to display their power and extort tolls from passing river traffic. The Gorge is home to medieval legends, tales of mysterious happenings and dark deeds, most famously the Lorelei a or amurmuring rocka a said to have lured passing boats onto the rocks with its irresistible song.

The villages drifting by a Saint Goar, Bacharach and Kaub a are synonymous with wine production and one of the many thoughtful details of this cruise is the carefully compiled wine list, from which you can choose fine Rhine and Moselle wines to enjoy with the foods sourced from the region. During lunch, we arrive in RA 1/4 desheim, perhaps the best known of all the wine towns, with crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards. Thereas a range of options to experience here, including visiting the Asbach brandy distillery (a tasting of this speciality wine is assured, of course) or you could take the unusual gondola lift for its panoramic river views. Especially worth a visit is the excellent mechanical music museum: a collection of around 350 intricate antique musical instruments and musical boxes from all over the world, many in working order, still playing the delicate sounds of yesteryear.

DAY 7COLOGNE

COLOGNE

We slip our mooring early this morning and our ship resumes its voyage downstream as you enjoy another fine breakfast with views of pretty riverside towns, backed by the rolling volcanic hills for which the area is renowned. Passing the last vineyards and half-timbered houses around the pretty town of Linz, itas not long before we reach the railway bridge at Remagen, captured intact towards the end of the Second World War, thereby arguably shortening the war in Germany.

Not long after, we draw in to the heart of Cologne, in the shadow of the magnificent dual-spired Gothic cathedral for which the city is so famous. Itas a truly monumental building, taking over 600 years to build and featuring myriad religious and art treasures and perhaps the most intricate stained glass windows in Europe.

After lunch, we join a local guide for an informative tour of the city, with time to explore its tree-lined squares and perhaps visit one of its traditional bars, many of which still brew their own beer.

This evening the Captainas Dinner takes place on board, during which delicious specialities of the regions youave visited will be served, hosted by the Captain himself, of course. After dinner, enjoy a final digestif in the bar while reflecting on the memories made on this wonderful cruise through the romantic heartlands of Germanyas most iconic rivers.

DAY 8RETURN HOME

RETURN HOME

Bid farewell to your friendly crew before transferring to the airport for your return flight or to Brussels to connect with the Eurostar service to London St Pancras International.