Drink in the beauty, history and flavor of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys’ iconic vineyards. Begin your journey with a gentle ride through Amsterdam’s legendary canals, then head to Cologne where you can whet your palate for the wines ahead by tasting Kölsch beer. As for the vineyards, you’ll soar above them by gondola or hike among the grapes in Rüdesheim and sip wines in Bernkastel as well, learning the legend of the Bernkasteler Doctor. Whatever you choose to do ashore, the stories you’re told and flavors that grace your palate will surely transform you.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.
Bookend your travels with stays in two incredible cities rich with history and culture: Amsterdam and Paris. Drink in the beauty, history and flavor of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys’ iconic vineyards. Begin your journey with a gentle ride through Amsterdam’s legendary canals, then head to Cologne where you can whet your palate for the wines ahead by tasting Kölsch beer. As for the vineyards, you’ll soar above them by gondola or hike among the grapes in Rüdesheim and sip wines in Bernkastel as well, learning the legend of the Bernkasteler Doctor. Whatever you choose to do ashore, the stories you’re told and flavors that grace your palate will surely transform you.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.
Bookend your travels with stays in two incredible cities rich with history and culture: Amsterdam and Paris. Drink in the beauty, history and flavor of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys’ iconic vineyards. Begin your journey with a gentle ride through Amsterdam’s legendary canals, then head to Cologne where you can whet your palate for the wines ahead by tasting Kolsch beer. As for the vineyards, you’ll soar above them by gondola or hike among the grapes in Rüdesheim and sip wines in Bernkastel as well, learning the legend of the Bernkasteler Doctor. Discover the celebrated Champagne region of France in Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne. Whatever you choose to do ashore, the stories you’re told and flavors that grace your palate will surely transform you.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.
Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Day 1 | Amsterdam | EMBARKATION |
|
Board the ship for your Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal
cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Plus, taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. As an alternative, explore the architectural styles on display inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active adventurists will instead want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise along the Rhine River and take in some of the dozens of castles that line its path before reaching Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to admire the Rheingau. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
| | OR City tour with Guttenberg Museum |
|
| Lahnstein | Exclusive Burg Lahneck Castle visit |
|
Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including the gleaming Old University and grand Staatstheater. As an alternative, enjoy a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid-15th century Gutenberg Bibles. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. Later in the day, cruise to Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles. Cap the day off with an exclusive visit to Burg Lahneck Castle.
Day 6 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR Cochem Reichsburg Castle hike |
|
Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can hike up to the Reichsburg Castle or go on a guided bike tour through Cochem. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Walk through Bernkastel’s colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century and cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the Moselle. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Luxembourg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to our crew as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Amsterdam | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Walking tour |
|
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
Day 3 | Amsterdam | Zaanse Schans visit |
|
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)
Day 4 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal
cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Plus, taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. As an alternative, explore the architectural styles on display inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active adventurists will instead want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise along the Rhine River and take in some of the dozens of castles that line its path before reaching Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to admire the Rheingau. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
| | OR City tour with Guttenberg Museum |
|
| Lahnstein | Exclusive Burg Lahneck Castle visit |
|
Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including the gleaming Old University and grand Staatstheater. As an alternative, enjoy a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid-15th century Gutenberg Bibles. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. Later in the day, cruise to Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles. Cap the day off with an exclusive visit to Burg Lahneck Castle.
Day 8 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR Cochem Reichsburg Castle hike |
|
Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can hike up to the Reichsburg Castle or go on a guided bike tour through Cochem. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Walk through Bernkastel’s colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century and cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the Moselle. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Luxembourg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and explore one of Europe’s last independent duchies. Enjoy a guided walking tour as well as a stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton, before boarding your TGV high-speed train to Paris. (B)
Day 11 | Paris | “City of Light” tour |
|
Enjoy a morning tour of Paris, taking in all its iconic sites, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde. You’ll pass the magnificent Opéra Garnier, the legendary Louvre and, on the Left Bank, the Sorbonne University and the Panthéon. (B)
Day 12 | Paris | Evening Montmartre and illumination tour |
|
Visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. For easy access to Montmartre, you’ll hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, the highest point in the city. After your visit to Montmartre, you’ll be taken on an illumination tour. (B)
Day 13 | Paris | Return flight home |
|
Check out of your hotel and bid farewell to Paris as you depart for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Amsterdam | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Walking tour |
|
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
Day 3 | Amsterdam | Zaanse Schans visit |
|
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. (B,D)
Day 4 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal
cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Plus, taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. As an alternative, explore the architectural styles on display inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active adventurists will instead want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise along the Rhine River and take in some of the dozens of castles that line its path before reaching Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to admire the Rheingau. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
| | OR City tour with Guttenberg Museum |
|
| Lahnstein | Exclusive Burg Lahneck Castle visit |
|
Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including the gleaming Old University and grand Staatstheater. As an alternative, enjoy a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid-15th century Gutenberg Bibles. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. Later in the day, cruise to Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles. Cap the day off with an exclusive visit to Burg Lahneck Castle.
Day 8 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR Cochem Reichsburg Castle hike |
|
Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can hike up to the Reichsburg Castle or go on a guided bike tour through Cochem. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Walk through Bernkastel’s colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century and cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the Moselle. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Luxembourg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Reims | “Champagne and Coronation” city tour |
|
Disembark in Luxembourg. En route to Paris, you will stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton. Later, you will enjoy a walking tour through Luxembourg before transfering to Reims, where you will check into your hotel. Afterwards, join a guided tour through the city of Reims. Known as the unofficial capital of Champagne, Reims is home to the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Notre Dame de Reims, and many impressive wine cellars. (B)
Day 11 | Reims | Route du Champagne tour (Epernay, Hautvillers and Champagne makers at Lemaire Estate and Moet et Chandon) |
|
Explore the history behind the drink of celebration as you enjoy a scenic drive on the Route du Champagne. You will see some of the famous Champagne houses such as Epernay, Hautvillers and Champagne makers at the family-run Lemaire Estate and Moet et Chandon. (B)
Day 12 | Reims | WW1 highlights tour |
|
Check out of your hotel in Reims. Before transferring to Paris, enjoy a highlights tour of historic WWI sites in Reims, including the Belleau Wood American WWI monument. (B)
Day 13 | Paris | Return flight home |
|
Bid au revoir to Paris as you prepare for your journey home.