River Cruise Itinerary

Following embarkation in Cologne, we meander south on the Rhine to Koblenz where we join the Moselle River, calling in the delightful town of Cochem. We also visit Trier, the oldest city in Germany, famous for its Roman amphitheatre, baths and the imposing Porta Nigra, the huge, fortified gate that formed the eastern border of the Roman Empire. After our furthest port of call, Bernkastel, we commence our cruise back downstream, with time to relax and absorb the stunning scenery along the Moselle valley.We rejoin the Rhine, visiting the old town of Koblenz and then to Boppard, known as ‘the Pearl of the Rhine’ en route. Cruising through the Rhine Gorge, we experience spectacular scenery on our way to Rüdesheim, before heading back north, to Cologne for a guided city tour. All in all, a spectacular and relaxing cruise in some of the finest landscape that German rivers have to offer, appreciated from a most privileged vantage point.

1. Day 1
   Embark in Cologne

   Thu, Oct 24, 2024

   Embark in CologneOn arrival, transfer by coach to your five-star cruise ship moored in the heart of Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities. The friendly English-speaking crew will welcome you and help you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and well-equipped accommodation, it’s time to familiarise yourself with the many first-class aspects of this floating boutique hotel.
2. Day 2
   Cochem

   Fri, Oct 25, 2024

   Cruise towards CochemThe first morning on board a river cruise is always a thrill, awakening to the peaceful lapping of the water outside as the scenic valley sides slip past your cabin window – there’s no other holiday experience quite like it. Breakfast is a leisurely affair; life on board is unhurried, so you can linger over that extra cup of tea or coffee.You’re cruising some of Europe’s most dramatic and romantic waterways – the mighty River Rhine and its tributary the Moselle. The Sun Deck is perfect for an invigorating mid-morning stroll, watching picture-postcard villages with slanting timber-framed houses pass by.CochemAfter a delicious lunch we glide into our moorings at Cochem, the traditional centre of the Moselle wine trade, for an afternoon guided tour. Dominating the scene is a multi-turreted castle crowning a vineyard covered hillside, but Cochem’s real charm is its jumble of narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings and peppered with quirky shops and wine cellars.There’s ample time to explore here, immersing yourself in the relaxed ambience of this quintessential riverside town, before stepping back on board to enjoy the chef’s choices for dinner, served in the splendid ship’s restaurant. Then delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance on traditional instruments.Included experiences:Guided tour of Cochem & live folk music performance.
3. Day 3
   Trier

   Sat, Oct 26, 2024

   Cruise along the MoselleLeaving Cochem, we pass through an impressive series of four locks allowing passage further upstream, through meanders in the river against a backdrop of green valley sides. All around are steep, tree-crested slopes covered in a patchwork of vineyards, crisscrossed by narrow tracks and roads giving workers access to the vines – it’s a miracle that anything can be cultivated on such terrain. The Romans first planted vines in the Moselle during the second century AD and today white varieties such as Riesling thrive in the flinty soils. Before long we approach the delightful town of Zell.TrierAfter lunch we drive to Trier for an afternoon tour of one of Germany’s most fascinating cities – and its oldest. 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 – an enormous number in ancient times – and the Emperor Constantine lived here. Many of its Roman monuments, including the amphitheatre, baths and bridge, have survived surprisingly intact, but most impressive is the Porta Nigra, a fortified gate made of huge stone blocks that towers above the surrounding medieval buildings.This is the largest and best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps and stands as testimony to their architectural genius. Such is the significance of Trier’s Roman heritage and its other buildings, including its Cathedral, the oldest bishop’s church in Germany, that together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.We return to our ship, moored in the charming town of Bernkastel, in time for another exquisite meal.Included experience:Guided tour of Trier.
4. Day 4
   Bernkastel

   Sun, Oct 27, 2024

   BernkastelAfter a delicious breakfast on board, join the expert guided tour of Bernkastel town, a romantic wonder from another age.Wander its cobbled streets to the market square, where you’ll be surrounded by ornate half-timbered houses, many dating from the 15th-century. Most famous is the Pointed House, a jewel of the rustic middle-class building tradition from the Middle Ages and a classic example of a Moselle vintner’s dwelling. You might spot the famous Graacher Tor too, built in 1300, the last remaining gate and now home to a museum of local history.Cruise towards KoblenzWe have lunch on board as the ship slips its moorings and cruises back downstream. This afternoon, sit back on one of the comfortable deck chairs on the Sun Deck and soak up the atmosphere of this magical river, breathing in the clean air, listening to the rippling water and absorbing the scenery. Another gourmet experience awaits this evening in the ship’s restaurant, possibly followed by a nightcap in the company of newly made friends.Included experience:Guided tour of Bernkastel.
5. Day 5
   Koblenz & Boppard

   Mon, Oct 28, 2024

   KoblenzEarly this morning, we reach Koblenz. Strategically situated at the confluence of these two great rivers, this 2,000-year-old city, with its mighty fortress towering above, is full of appeal. A knowledgeable local guide accompanies us around its principal monuments and intriguing centre, taking in historic squares, highlighting painstakingly restored house frontages and revealing hidden aspects of the city that only locals know. Koblenz is a joy to wander through, pausing to window shop while trying to resist the aromas of fresh coffee and cakes drifting from the numerous traditional cafés.BoppardReturning to our ship for lunch, we proceed to Boppard, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’ for a guided tour, a famously picturesque town located on a long, looping bend of the river. The black and white spires of the Church of Saint Severus can be seen from a distance, but as we draw closer its bustling quayside comes into view.Captivating, cobbled streets, lined by half-timbered houses, tucked-away shops selling traditional goods and characterful restaurants, lead into the town and its main square. Like many riverside settlements in the area, the Romans founded Boppard, and their legacy remains in the superbly preserved town walls, the finest in Germany. There’s time to explore or promenade along the river, gazing at views of the vineyard-covered hillsides. Or you can simply pass time on board in anticipation of more fine dining in the ship’s restaurant this evening.Included experiences:Guided tours of Koblenz & Boppard.
6. Day 6
   Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim

   Tue, Oct 29, 2024

   Rhine GorgeLeaving Boppard, as the sun crests the surrounding hilltops, expectation rises at what lies in store as we journey through the outstanding natural beauty of the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, at every dramatic turn of the river, towering valley slopes are crowned by the precarious ruins of castles built by princes to display their power and extort tolls from passing river traffic. The Gorge is home to medieval legends, tales of mysterious happenings and dark deeds, most famously the Lorelei – or ‘murmuring rock’ – said to have lured passing boats onto the rocks with its irresistible song.The villages drifting by – Saint Goar, Bacharach and Kaub – are synonymous with wine production and one of the many thoughtful details of this cruise is the carefully compiled wine list, from which you can choose fine Rhine and Moselle wines to enjoy with the foods sourced from the region.RüdesheimDuring lunch, we arrive in Rüdesheim, for a guided tour with our local expert. Perhaps the best known of all the wine towns, the picturesque, crooked houses slope down from wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards. Meander through the Market Place, Brömserburg Castle and the charming Klunkhardshof, a monumental half-timbered building dating back to the first half of the 16th-century. You’ll also see the Brömserhof, now the home of Siegfried‘s excellent mechanical music museum - a collection of around 350 intricate antique musical instruments and musical boxes from all over the world, many in working order, still playing the delicate sounds of yesteryear.This evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant.Included experiences:Cruise through Rhine Gorge & guided tour of Rüdesheim.
7. Day 7
   Cologne

   Wed, Oct 30, 2024

   Cruise towards CologneWe 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, it’s not long before we reach the railway bridge at Remagen, captured intact towards the end of the Second World War, thereby arguably shortening the war in Germany.CologneNot long after, we draw into the heart of Cologne, in the shadow of 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, we join a local guide for an informative tour of the city, 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, indulge in a delicious on-board tasting, with a presentation and Q&A session from Cologne's Lindt Chocolate Museum and the chance to sample its world-famous produce.Included experiences:Guided tour of Cologne & on-board Lindt chocolate tasting.
8. Day 8
   Disembark in Cologne

   Thu, Oct 31, 2024

   Disembark in CologneThis morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark.

Inclusions

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers