Autumnal Colors of the Moselle & Rhine

Your vacation begins as we meet at London St Pancras for our Eurostar journey to Paris, then continue by rail to Strasbourg. As we step aboard our magnificent ship here, we're greeted by our crew with a refreshing cocktail.

We stay moored in Strasbourg overnight to take full advantage of daytime sailing and the autumnal riverside views. After settling in, we enjoy a delicious dinner, eagerly anticipating the wonderful experiences ahead.

• Dinner

After breakfast onboard, you have a choice of two excursions. The first option is an excursion to Colmar, a picturesque Alsatian town with fairytale charm. Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and pretty flowers. Explore the historic Old Town's maze of narrow alleys, discover quaint cafes and local markets, and gaze at architectural landmarks like the Maison Pfister.

Alternatively, stay in Strasbourg for a guided tour taking in the blend of French and German culture amidst cobblestone streets and canals. Wandering through its medieval alleys, marvel at the architecture of the iconic Notre Dame cathedral and explore the La Petite France district. After your excursion, the afternoon is free to explore Strasbourg at your own pace. Back on board later, we set sail on our first cruise toward the town of Rüdesheim.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we sail into Rüdesheim, famous for its white wine, especially the dry Riesling variety. As you cruise through this section of the Rhine, the scene is alive with rich colors that capture the essence of the season. The vineyards are bursting with life at this time of year as they prepare for harvest.

Stepping ashore, we travel through steeped vineyards aboard a land train, arriving in the town center. Here there's a choice of excursions: You could savor the finest local varieties at a wine tasting or visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet to discover Europe's largest collection of mechanical instruments. After your excursion, there's some time at leisure to explore the town's cobbled streets at your own pace.

This afternoon, we begin sailing through the Rhine Gorge. This section of the Rhine is renowned for its spectacular views. We wind around bends surrounded by a mix of green and yellow vineyards, ancient castles, and picturesque towns. As we sail, we hear the story of the legendary Lorelei Rock, before arriving in Koblenz later this afternoon, where there's time to explore before dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our morning is spent cruising through river scenery. You could enjoy a drink as you step out onto the deck to witness the passing views as our ship continues its journey along the river. Sailing into the port of Cochem, we have a guided tour after lunch.

The Moselle Valley surrounds us with rolling hills, wooden houses and the majestic castle (the Reichsburg) perched on top of a hill. The town itself is a maze of slender alleys adorned with pastel-colored buildings, quaint boutiques and wine cellars. In the old quarter, you'll find well-preserved sections of the ancient town walls and an arts center in a former monastery.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We enjoy the scenery of the Moselle Valley this morning as we continue our cruise. The town of Bernkastel-Kues unfolds as we moor here after lunch. The vineyards of the valley climb up the hillsides, while half-timbered houses with blooming flowers add to the enchanting atmosphere. A sightseeing tour awaits us here.

Setting out with our knowledgeable guide, we visit the Old Town where the cobblestone streets are lined with traditional German buildings with half-timbered facades. We also experience the Market Square, a focal point of the town surrounded by colorful buildings. A highlight here is the St. Michael's Fountain, a Renaissance-style fountain adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. We also enjoy an included wine tasting to sample the local Bernkasteler Doctor specialty. Following our afternoon of exploration, enjoy the evening's onboard entertainment.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking to views of historic Trier, you have a choice between two excursions this morning. The first option is to explore Germany's oldest city with a local guide. The ancient streets are known for their Roman ruins, medieval buildings and Baroque churches, and we delve into this impressive history on our tour. Visit the immense Porta Nigra which guards the entrance to the north of the city, St Peter's Cathedral with its intricate stone carvings and stained-glass windows, and the Church of Our Lady, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Alternatively, you could board the coach to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. One of the smallest countries in the world, immerse yourself in the local history and attractions. We spend our evening onboard enjoying a spectacular gala dinner, before we set sail downstream along the meandering Moselle toward Koblenz.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a morning of relaxed cruising, we arrive in Königswinter on the Rhine River, and the Drachenfelsbahn awaits. This cog railway rises high into the forests, passing the fairytale Drachenfels castle - whose name translates as 'Dragon's Rock' - inspiring many of the dragon-related legends still heard today. We experience wonderful views across the Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany as we climb higher.

Back onboard later this afternoon, we continue our cruise toward Cologne. As we approach the striking city, admire the cityscape of bridges that span the river and the imposing Cathedral. You could visit the old town after dinner to sample the local hospitality and the famous Kolsch beer.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From Strasbourg's history to Rüdesheim's fairytale charm, we were enveloped in the season's vibrant colors. Cochem, with its picturesque autumn views, crowned the beauty of the Moselle River, while Bernkastel-Kues' cobbled streets were a delight to discover. Exploring ancient Trier and the colorful views aboard the Drachenfelsbahn will stay with us forever.

After breakfast, it's time to disembark and say goodbye to our crew. We make our way to the railway station where we catch our train to London, reflecting on the beautiful autumnal landscapes we've experienced.

• Breakfast