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The Magic of the Moselle and Rhine Cruise

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You are viewing the 2024 itinerary. Select your departure year
20242025
7 days From $2,495 per person
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Discover one of Europe’s quieter waterways on a rail and river cruise expedition along the Moselle River.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

2024 Tour code: MOR24

About the tour

Breathtaking riverside scenery adjoins cities where modern history is but a footnote in their long and colorful stories in the Moselle wine region and Rhine Valley. After joining our river cruise ship in Strasbourg, we set out toward some of the most significant locales in this part of the world, first on the Rhine River, then on the peaceful Moselle. Each harbor along our course brings a hint of the mystique surrounding this ancient region and leaves travelers wanting more. Stops include Rüdesheim; Koblenz, where numerous influences have shaped the landscape into a melting pot of culture; Bernkastel-Kues, renowned for its "Doctorwein;" and Germany's oldest city, Trier. After stopping in Cochem, home to Reichsburg Castle, the ship begins sailing toward the Rhine once more, eventually arriving in Speyer and Strasbourg. Guided excursions give you an authentic feel of each port's history and ambiance. Between destinations, enjoy the lavish accommodations, multi-course meals, and incredible views that come standard on your luxurious cruise ship. Paved on a path of old-world romance and adventure, this rail and cruise vacation introduces the best of two spectacular waterways.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – London and Strasbourg

Make your way to our designated Departure Office at London St. Pancras, meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, and board the Eurostar bound for Paris. In Paris, we switch trains to continue by rail to Strasbourg. It is here that our luxurious Amadeus river cruise ship is docked, awaiting our embarkation. This intimate vessel boasts all the amenities of a five-star hotel. Settle into your private quarters, then join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail ahead of dinner. As dinner is brought to your table, notice the attention to detail in each of the five courses and delight in the group's company as anticipation builds for the adventures to come. As we dine, we begin an onvernight cruise to Rüdesheim. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – Rüdesheim and Koblenz

This morning we moor in Rüdesheim, a delightful town which we explore on a walking tour. We visit the world-renowned Drösselgasse - a street lined with traditional pubs and wine cellars - and the market square, surrounded by noble courtyards and half-timbered buildings from the 16th century. We return to our boat for lunch onboard as we set sail into the breathtakingly beautiful Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. Along this scenic route we see the enchanting Lorelei Rock, a site of local myth and legend.

After this relaxing cruise we arrive in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Koblenz has ancient roots dating back to the Romans, who established a strategic settlement and military stronghold here in 8 BC. We take a walking tour here, wandering the charming streets between the St Castor Basilica and the Liebfrauenkirche (the Church of our Beloved Lady). We enjoy dinner back on board our cruise ship and sail to Bernkastel overnight. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Bernkastel-Kues and Luxembourg

At lunchtime we moor in Bernkastel-Kues, in the heart of the Moselle Valley. From here, we can choose two optional excursions. The first option is to get to know the attractive medieval town of Bernkastel-Kues on a guided tour. Moselle wine is naturally a speciality here and we enjoy a stroll through a nearby vineyard and a tasting of different vintages, including the world-famous Bernkasteler 'doctor wine'. The town motto translates as 'wine and health' and we learn about the restorative properties of this popular drink. Alternatively, you could discover one of the world's smallest countries, on a coach tour of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. In Luxembourg City, we enjoy a guided walking tour that introduces us to the local history and attractions. We return to our ship for dinner and continue cruising to Trier where we moor during the night. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Trier

After breakfast on board, we take a guided coach trip to Trier, Germany's oldest city. Dating back to the Roman period, there's plenty to see as we explore with our local guide. The immense Porta Nigra guards the entrance to the north of the city and is a World Heritage site, along with Trier's St Peter's Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. We return to our ship for lunch onboard then continue sailing to Cochem overnight. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Cochem

This morning we moor in Cochem, nestled in the Moselle Valley and surrounded by lush vineyards. After breakfast we take a guided tour which includes a visit to the Old Town's Gothic castle, the Reichsburg. With a fantastic viewpoint from the castle's turrets, we can admire the topography of the Moselle Valley with its dreamy forests, wild meadows and sprawling vineyards. There's a preserved 19th century mustard mill, the only surviving example of its kind in Europe. In the old quarter of Cochem you'll find well-preserved sections of the ancient town walls and a fascinating arts centre in a former monastery. After lunch back onboard we set sail for an overnight cruise to Speyer. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Speyer and Strasbourg

This morning, embark on a walking tour through the ancient town of Speyer. Located on the Rhine's left bank, Speyer has witnessed over 1,000 years of history during its lifetime. Today, it is yours to uncover. Layer upon layer of culture and intrigue unfolds as we look upon sights from the Roman Age and medieval period. Our guide presents stories of the region while we marvel at varied architecture and make our way toward the crowning jewel of the city, the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Speyer Cathedral. Constructed in a Romanesque Imperial style, the church dominates the skyline and invites visitors to experience its 11th-century grandeur. From its meticulously carved statues to its stained glass, beautiful stone columns, soaring ceilings, the cathedral stuns on both the interior and the exterior. Underneath the main areas, a four-room crypt provides solace to ancient Roman emperors and German kings. We enjoy our final 5-course dinner onboard this evening as we cruise towards Strasbourg overnight. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Tour Conclusion

Your cruise of the magical Moselle and Rhine Rivers concludes this morning after breakfast. Meet your Tour Manager at the docks for transfer to the local rail station. A series of trains takes us from Strasbourg to London St. Pancras, by way of Paris, where the tour concludes.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Train

Eurostar

Ship

MS Amadeus Imperial

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