Legendary Rhine & Moselle

Welcome to Germany. You’ll be met at the airport and then transferred to your award-winning Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Mainz. Here, you’ll be welcomed on board by your friendly captain and crew.

Please book your flight to arrive into Frankfurt prior to 04:00 PM.

This morning we will visit Schloss Johannisberg or Schloss Vollards Winery in the picturesque Rheingau.

If you are feeling more active, you can opt fornjoy an active hike to the Niederwalddenkmal, a monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein in Hesse. It overlooks the Rhine Valley and was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the Unification of Germany.

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Schloss Johannisberg  or Schloss Vollards Winery

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Niederwalddenkmal

Start your fascinating day with a stroll through the picturesque town of Bernkastel. Founded around  3,000 B.C., Bernkastel is nestled along the banks of the Moselle River and home to well-preserved buildings that date back to 1416 A.D. Embark on a guided walking tour, where you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the medieval marketplace which reveals timber-framed houses, castle ruins and a town gate. Alternatively, join an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins, majestically perched atop a rocky ledge.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bernkastel

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike tour to Landshut Castle Ruins

DiscoverMORE
Wine Experience in Bernkastel (extra expense)

In southwest Germany, close to the border of Luxemburg, the city of Trier, founded by the Romans in the late 1st century B.C., is a hidden treasure and often referred to as the ‘Rome of the North’. During today’s guided tour, explore the ruins of the old city baths, a hive of activity during ancient times and the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Trier

Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You’ll see the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, as well as the town hall and its many other gems.

If you feel more active, join our guided bike tour along the Moselle, where you'll ride through scenic landscapes, lush vineyards, and charming riverside paths that showcase the natural beauty of the region.

In the end of your morning tour you are invited for local wine tasting with a beautiful view of Cochem and the Moselle. During your visit you will learn more about the viticulture of the region and what inspired many generations of wine-makers.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cochem

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Moselle

EmeraldPLUS
Wine-tasting at Hieronimi

DiscoverMORE
Grand-Prix car race experience (extra expemse)

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

Today, embark on a walking tour through Koblenz, a city steeped in history and brimming with fascinating landmarks. As you explore the city’s historic streets, you can observe the blend of old and new that defines this vibrant urban scape. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to a traditional beer garden, a beloved local spot in Germany. Beer gardens represent the heart of social life here, where friends and families gather to unwind and connect. The casual setting reflects a time-honoured culture that values community and camaraderie, making it the perfect place to experience the local German way of life while enjoying a refreshing beverage.

Included Excursion
Koblenz walking tour and beer garden visit

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Marksburg Castle (extra expense)

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the stunning Old Town, which reveals medieval market squares and well-preserved, half-timbered houses. The town is famous as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg who invented the first printing press and manufactured his first books in the 15th century, including the Gutenberg Bible.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Mainz  

DiscoverMORE
Gutenberg Museum visit & workshop (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE
Eberbach Abbey with Tasting (extra expense)

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with cherished memories of the wondrous treasures of this charming waterway.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.