Pages from fairytales come to life as you find inspiration along the fabled, castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, with fascinating scenery of Europe’s steepest vineyards lining its shores. Encounter some of the prettiest towns of the Alsace—Strasbourg and Riquewihr—that blend their German and French heritage into one enchanting masterpiece. Cochem and Bernkastel, towns that grew up below a castle, give you a sense of what it was like to live during the Middle Ages. Visit Trier, once known as the second Rome as no other city in Germany has so many monuments from Roman times; and Koblenz, where history meets at two rivers. Bygone grandeur of a different kind can be found at Mannheim’s glorious Baroque Palace. Colorful canals and glistening lakes, hilltop towns and majestic alps, mighty fortresses and storied castles, and hearty beer and delicate wines can all be experienced on this fairytale journey through time.
Pages from fairytales come to life as you find inspiration along the fabled, castle-laden Rhine and its breathtaking tributary, the Moselle, with fascinating scenery of Europe’s steepest vineyards lining its shores. Encounter some of the prettiest towns of the Alsace—Strasbourg and Riquewihr—that blend their German and French heritage into one enchanting masterpiece. Cochem and Bernkastel, towns that grew up below a castle, give you a sense of what it was like to live during the Middle Ages. Visit Trier, once known as the second Rome as no other city in Germany has so many monuments from Roman times; and Koblenz, where history meets at two rivers. Bygone grandeur of a different kind can be found at Mannheim’s glorious Baroque Palace. Colorful canals and glistening lakes, hilltop towns and majestic alps, mighty fortresses and storied castles, and hearty beer and delicate wines can all be experienced on this fairytale journey through time.
Rhine & Moselle Fairytales
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 Rhine & Moselle Fairytales 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 tasting |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Join a guided tour through Cologne’s enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Lahnstein | Burg Lahneck visit |
|
| | OR Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and cable car ride to Koblenz |
|
| | OR Burg Lahneck Castle hike |
|
| | OR “Two Rivers” bike tour |
|
Visit Lahneck Castle, a 13th-century medieval fortress in the riverside town of Lahnstein. There are a treasure trove of legends surrounding this castle, some including the twelve Knights Templar. Hear these stories and more on a guided tour through this historic castle. Alternatively, head to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to take the aerial cable car over the Rhine to Koblenz, which boasts a rich history spanning more than 2,000 years. For those seeking a more active adventure, explore the area on the “Two Rivers Bike Tour,” which takes you along both the Rhine and Moselle rivers; or go on a hike around Lahnstein to Burg Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR 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 go on a guided hike to the castle or a bike tour through Cochem. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Trier | “Rome of the North” tour |
|
| | OR “Ancient Tales of the Porta Nigra” tour |
|
Explore Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover on a city tour why it has been called the “Rome of the North” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Bernkastel will enchant you as you walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | 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 through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, 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 through the Rheingau wine region. 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)
Day 9 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
|
| | OR Mannheim Baroque Palace |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path hike |
|
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on an excursion to the glorious Schwetzingen Baroque Palace. Tour this splendid palace furnished with over 800 exhibits. You can also hike the historic Philosopher’s Path along the Neckar River or bike to the charming town of Ladenburg and glide past its half-timbered architecture. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Breisach | Riquewihr walking tour |
|
| | OR Breisach Wine Country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic wine country, or go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Basel | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to
Switzerland 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 ships were relocated to this picturesque 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 tasting |
|
| | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
Join a guided tour through Cologne’s enchanting Old Town, where you will see sites such as the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall; the Fishmarkt, which dates back to the 12th century and the Great St. Martin Church. End your city tour with a visit to a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Lahnstein | Burg Lahneck visit |
|
| | OR Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and cable car ride to Koblenz |
|
| | OR Burg Lahneck Castle hike |
|
| | OR “Two Rivers” bike tour |
|
Visit Lahneck Castle, a 13th-century medieval fortress in the riverside town of Lahnstein. There are a treasure trove of legends surrounding this castle, some including the twelve Knights Templar. Hear these stories and more on a guided tour through this historic castle. Alternatively, head to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress to take the aerial cable car over the Rhine to Koblenz, which boasts a rich history spanning more than 2,000 years. For those seeking a more active adventure, explore the area on the “Two Rivers Bike Tour,” which takes you along both the Rhine and Moselle rivers; or go on a hike around Lahnstein to Burg Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR 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 go on a guided hike to the castle or a bike tour through Cochem. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Trier | “Rome of the North” tour |
|
| | OR “Ancient Tales of the Porta Nigra” tour |
|
Explore Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where you can discover on a city tour why it has been called the “Rome of the North” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Bernkastel will enchant you as you walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | 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 through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, 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 through the Rheingau wine region. 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)
Day 11 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
|
| | OR Mannheim Baroque Palace |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path hike |
|
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on an excursion to the glorious Schwetzingen Baroque Palace. Tour this splendid palace furnished with over 800 exhibits. You can also hike the historic Philosopher’s Path along the Neckar River or bike to the charming town of Ladenburg and glide past its half-timbered architecture. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can take a guided bike ride through the city and Parc de l’Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 13 | Breisach | Riquewihr walking tour |
|
| | OR Breisach Wine Country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic wine country, or go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Basel | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Lake Lucerne | Lake Lucerne Walking Tour |
|
Disembark the ship and, before transferring to Lake Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel. Once in Lake Lucerne, discover the unrivaled beauty and charm of this pristine city on a walking tour. Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 15 | Lake Lucerne | Lake Lucerne City Tour and medieval city walls |
|
Today, stop at the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)
Day 16 | Lake Lucerne | Lucerne Lake Cruise |
|
| | Queen of the Mountains excursion |
|
Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise in Lucerne. As part of your included excursion, you will ascend a picturesque mountain on a cable car ride, Mount Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” Take in breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape below. Later, check into your Zurich hotel. (B)
Day 17 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
|
Zurich seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. One of the top experiences in Zurich is a visit to Old Town where you will find
yourself amongst medieval houses, churches and the modern Bahnhofstrasse. (B)
Day 18 | Zurich | Return flight home |
|
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)