The Moselle Valley, Koblenz & Luxembourg River Cruise

Arrive in Koblenz and embark your five-star ship. Beautifully situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz has been an important trading centre for centuries and provides the perfect starting point for our cruise.

After settling into your cabin, take time to familiarise yourself with the ship and its facilities before joining your fellow guests for a welcome reception and dinner. As evening falls, enjoy your first views of the historic city as anticipation builds for the journey ahead. 

This morning we discover Koblenz on a guided walking tour. Situated at the famous Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, the city boasts a fascinating history, elegant squares and centuries of architectural heritage.

After returning to the ship for lunch, we begin cruising along the Moselle. Relax on deck as the valley narrows and the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Steep vineyard-covered hillsides rise from the riverbanks whilst medieval castles and charming villages appear around every bend. During the evening we arrive in the delightful town of Cochem. 

Dominated by the impressive Reichsburg Castle, Cochem is one of the Moselle's most recognisable towns. This morning we explore its charming centre with a guided tour, wandering through narrow streets lined with colourful houses and traditional buildings.

Our visit continues at Reichsburg Castle, dramatically positioned high above the river. From its commanding location, spectacular views stretch across the Moselle Valley and surrounding vineyards. Learn about the castle's fascinating history whilst exploring its beautifully restored interiors.

After lunch we return to the ship and continue our cruise upstream through ever-changing vineyard scenery before arriving in Bernkastel-Kues later this evening. 

Nestled within a sweeping bend of the Moselle, Bernkastel-Kues is often regarded as one of the valley's most beautiful towns.

Option 1 is a guided tour of Bernkastel-Kues, during which we'll discover its historic market square, medieval architecture and atmospheric cobbled streets whilst learning about the town's long history as a centre of wine production.

Alternatively, Option 2 is an active hike to the ruins of Landshut Castle. The route climbs above the town through vineyard landscapes, rewarding walkers with spectacular panoramic views across the Moselle Valley.

The Moselle is of course synonymous with wine production. One of thirteen wine growing regions in Germany, it is the third largest yet most famous wine-producing area. Mainly cultivating grapes for white wines, the Rieslings crafted from the Moselle's vineyards are considered some of the finest in the world. Enjoy a visit to a local cellar to learn more about this ancient process, followed by a wine tasting of some of their best produce.

After lunch on board, we continue our cruise towards Trier, arriving this evening.

Today we visit Luxembourg and Trier, experiencing two remarkable destinations rich in history and culture. 

This morning we drive from Trier through this famously scenic region to Luxembourg. Set dramatically atop deep river gorges, the capital combines magnificent fortifications, elegant squares and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. A local guide will impart their knowledge of this interesting city and you will discover sights including the fine cathedral, charming old town and grand squares lined with fine public buildings. The city is also famed for its extraordinary UNESCO Bock Casemates, a defensive subterranean tunnel network, initially carved in the 17th century under Spanish rule, and subsequently extended. There’ll be some free time to explore at your leisure so why not head for the beautiful Place d’Armes, fringed by the impressive facades of the city’s palace, as well as buzzing bars, restaurants, and shady lime trees.

This afternoon, you have a few options. You can either return to the ship for lunch, before disembarking to discover the treasures of Germany’s oldest city, Trier.

Alternatively, you can choose to extend your stay to explore more of Luxembourg. Enjoy the local cuisine for lunch at your leisure and then return to Trier in the mid-afternoon for some free time.  

Founded by the Romans, it was the capital of much of their empire, encompassing present-day Spain, France, Britain, and parts of Germany. The city had a population of 80,000 people – enormous for ancient times – and Emperor Constantine lived here. It boasts a wealth of intact Roman monuments, including an amphitheatre, baths, and bridge – the most impressive being the Porta Nigra, a fortified gate made of huge stone blocks that towers above the medieval rooftops. This is the largest and best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, and a testimony to the Romans’ architectural genius.A guided tour of Germany's oldest city introduces its extraordinary Roman heritage, including the Porta Nigra, Imperial Baths and impressive cathedral complex.

This evening we rejoin the ship in Trier. 

We slip our mooring early this morning and our ship resumes its voyage downstream as you enjoy another fine breakfast with views of pretty riverside towns, backed by the rolling volcanic hills for which the area is renowned. 

Passing the last vineyards and half-timbered houses around the pretty town of Linz am Rhein, it’s not long before we reach the railway bridge at Remagen - it was captured intact towards the end of the Second World War, which some say shortened the war in Germany.

Today we arrive back at historic Cologne, spotting the magnificent dual-spired Gothic cathedral for which the city is so famous. It’s a truly monumental building, taking over 600 years to build and featuring myriad religious and art treasures and perhaps the most intricate stained-glass windows in Europe.

After lunch onboard, we join a local guide for an informative tour of the old town, with time to explore its tree-lined squares and perhaps visit one of its traditional bars, many of which still brew their own beer.

After our final dinner tonight, it's time to indulge in some chocolate! We'll have a presentation and Q&A session from Cologne's Lindt Chocolate Museum, topped off with the chance to sample its world-famous produce.

This morning we travel by coach to the famous Rhine wine town of Rüdesheim. Included is a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, home to an extraordinary collection of self-playing musical instruments dating from across the centuries.

Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Wander through the famous Drosselgasse, browse local shops or relax in one of the town's traditional wine taverns before returning to the ship in Koblenz for lunch.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure in Koblenz. Explore the attractive Old Town, stroll along the riverside promenades, visit the Deutsches Eck or relax in one of the city's cafés and wine bars.

This evening we'll gather for farewell drinks as our journey draws to a close, leaving us with lasting memories of the Moselle's vineyard-clad hillsides, historic towns, magnificent castles and unforgettable river scenery.