Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

Overview

Drink in the beauty, history and flavor of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys iconic vineyards. Begin your journey with a gentle ride through Amsterdams legendary canals, then head to Cologne where you can whet your palate for the wines ahead by tasting Kolsch beer. As for the vineyards, youll soar above them by gondola or hike among the grapes in Rdesheim and sip wines in Bernkastel as well, learning the legend of the Bernkasteler Doctor. Whatever you choose to do ashore, the stories youre told and flavors that grace your palate will surely transform you.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Amsterdam

Board the ship for your Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle cruise. (D)

Day 2 – Amsterdam

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and youll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Cologne

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germanys most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germanys oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus and the Festival Hall. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Klsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Rudesheim

Cruise along the Rhine River and take in some of the dozens of castles that line its path before reaching Rdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the towns beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg. Later in the day, let Siegfrieds Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you or taste one of the towns special delights, Rdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Mainz & Lahnstein

Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including one of Germanys most important churches, the Romanesque cathedral and the Chagall stained-glass windows depicting scriptural scenes in stunning blue, which you will get to see. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. Later in the day, cruise to Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles. Cap the day off with a visit to Lahneck Castle.

Day 6 – Moselle Valley & Cochem

Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can go on a guided bike tour through Cochem. Or for a different adventure, tour one of Europes oldest working mustard mills where you will sample Cochems famous mustard. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Bernkastel

Walk through Bernkastels colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the Moselle and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Luxembourg

Disembark the ship and bid farewell to our crew as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)