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The Magic of the Moselle

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Discover one of Europe’s quieter waterways on a rail and river cruise expedition along the Moselle River.

You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. Select your departure year
20222023
7 days From $2,795 per person
Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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2023 Tour code: GR-MORA-23

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. We explore some of the most significant locales along the Moselle River, including Luxembourg, with its modern grandeur and contrasting castle-filled landscape, and many beautiful cities throughout Germany. Each harbor along the river unveils the mystique surrounding this ancient region and leaves travelers wanting for more. Stops range from Trier, the oldest city in Germany, to Bernkastel-Kues, renowned for its interesting past and "Doctorwein;" Cochem, home to Reichsburg Castle; and Koblenz, where the influences of numerous cultures have shaped the landscape into a melting pot of culture. Sail from the Moselle to the Rhine, with even more to be discovered in the wonderful cities of Rüdesheim, located in the heart of the Rhine Valley, and Speyer, where a UNESCO-listed cathedral is just part of what makes this destination so incredible. Guided excursions allow you to get an authentic feel of each city's ambiance - a taste of the history that seems to bring each destination to life. Between ports enjoy lavish accommodations aboard a luxury Amadeus river cruise ship. Chef-prepared multi-course meals and incredible views come standard. Paved on a path of old-world romance and adventure, this rail and cruise vacation introduces the best of the Moselle.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – London to Trier

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 Brussels, Belgium. In Brussels, switch trains to proceed via Luxembourg to Trier, Germany, set on the banks of the incredible Moselle River. 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. Overnight ship. 

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – Luxembourg & Grevenmacher

This morning we arrive in Remich and board a motorcoach for the drive to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, one of the world's smallest countries. In the capital, Luxembourg City, we set off on a guided walking tour that introduces us to the local history. It is easy to see why it has earned designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Influences from the Romans, French, Prussians and Spanish can be found throughout the city, and structures and buildings spanning the ages can be spotted at each turn. Our tour presents some of the most captivating landmarks, attractions and neighborhoods. We visit beautiful Constitution Square and gaze upon its monuments, then venture past the Grand Duke's Palace. The ultra-modern business and banking district, Kirchberg Plateau, houses numerous official EU buildings, including the EU Parliament Building. It is truly amazing how different the surroundings become just by venturing to the railway station district, which is chock-full of 19th-century buildings and a variety of Art Deco and Art Nouveau structures. While traveling between neighborhoods, you may even catch a glimpse of the ancient walls and fortifications surrounding the city.

We return to the ship in time for lunch and set sail for Grevenmacher near the German-Luxembourg border. Soak in the Moselle region's scenery from the River Terrace or one of the well-appointed sun decks, or bask in the amenities of the ship's interior, such as the massage room. We dock this evening with free time for you to explore Grevenmacher both before and after dinner on the ship. Late this evening, once everyone has settled in once again, we set sail for Piesport. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Trier & Bernkastel-Kues

We moor in Piesport and join a motorcoach for transit to Trier, Germany's oldest city. On arrival, we are treated to a walking tour that immerses us in over 1,700 years of history. Roman history abounds and can be seen in the architecture and stylizations throughout Trier. We begin our tour with a look at the immense Porta Nigra, one of the city's four original gates and the largest remaining gate dating to ancient times in the world. From here, a plethora of other Roman structures come into view, including the ruins of a bathhouse and an amphitheater that dates to approximately the 2nd century A.D. Jumping a few centuries, we enjoy looks at structures from the 13th century, including the Epiphany House and the Church of Our Lady. One of the crowning jewels of the city is the stunning Cathedral of St. Peter, the oldest church in Germany and the oldest surviving building that is still used for its original purpose. We also have a chance to see the medieval market before returning to the ship for lunch.

A leisurely afternoon of cruising takes us to our next harbor, the medieval city of Bernkastel-Kues. Explore the town's colorful past and wine-focused culture on a guided tour of Old Town. This entertaining tour is set amongst the city center's half-timbered buildings and romantic squares and weaves through narrow, cobbled streets. Listen to tales and lore that recall the events of centuries long past while gazing upon Roman wine presses and historical buildings. Continue through lush vineyards and into a winery for a tasting of two regional specialties, including Doctorwein, the city's most famous varietal that touts health benefits from its consumption. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Zell & Cochem

We arrive in riverside Zell this morning, where there is free time to explore the town after breakfast. You may wish to shop in the quaint Old Town, visit the 16th-century castle, or admire the black cat fountain in Zell's marketplace. Our afternoon is spent discovering the delights of Cochem on foot, from its 14th-century gates to its half-timbered houses and grandiose castle. Surrounded by the vineyards of the Moselle Valley and chock-full of narrow, winding streets and historic buildings, Cochem is brimming with undeniable ambiance. Marvel at all these sights and more as we walk through Market Square, past three of the original four gates, a Baroque town hall and other significant sites en route to the pinnacle of the tour, Reichsburg Castle. Don't miss the incredible views over the Moselle Valley from the castle's turrets. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Koblenz & Rüdesheim

Breakfast is served as the ship approaches Koblenz at the confluence of the Rivers Rhine and Moselle. Its location has long made it a major hub for trade and commerce and led to its designation as one of Germany's oldest and most attractive cities. We are immersed in over 2,000 years of history during our walking tour of the city. Discover beautiful chapels, such as the St. Castor Basilica and the Church of Our Beloved Lady, built so long ago and continuing to shine amongst the other historic buildings left by the Romans, Prussians and other inhabitants throughout the centuries. The city's most notable landmark, the Schängel fountain in the Town Hall's courtyard, sits aside points of interest like the Four Towers and the Guard House. Uncover even more of Koblenz's grandeur from above as we board the Koblenz Cable Car and glide through the air hundreds of feet above the Rhine. The end of the journey takes us to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. This castle is situated on a cliff nearly 400 feet above the river and remains as the second-largest preserved structure of its kind in Europe. In addition to offering incredible views of the region, the fortress houses a fascinating museum brimming with artifacts and exhibitions that portray the history of both the region and the castle.

Lunch awaits aboard the ship, and after your meal, you are free to enjoy the views and the vessel's amenities as we cruise through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim. As we arrive this evening, the quaint Winzerexpress train escorts us from the harbor to the city center. This blue and white engine weaves through the landscape, presenting scenes of well-kempt vineyards and the sweeping Rhine Valley. We pass historic buildings and arrive in the city center in time for a walking tour in the heart of Old Town. Each element of Rüdesheim is truly atmospheric, from the wine houses and gardens to the hidden taverns. All of these elements are accessible via narrow cobbled streets with old-world buildings surrounding from both sides. Gaze upon a part of the original city wall, an inspiring 16th-century half-timbered house and the sites of Market Square. To cap off the adventure, we are treated to a cup of Rüdesheimer coffee, a local specialty featuring the town's own Asbach brandy. Overnight ship.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Speyer

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. 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 Brilliant

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