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 02:00 PM.

Connected to the Danube via the Main-Danube Canal, Frankfurt is one of the most unique cities in Germany. After all, it is the only city with a skyline of skyscrapers. A view of the metropolis from the observation deck of the MAIN TOWER is a very special experience. However, Frankfurt is not only a very modern and busy city, but also has a lot of history to offer its visitors. For example, the Römer and the Paulskirche are among the most famous historical sights in Germany. And when it comes to art and culture, Frankfurt is also an absolute hotspot. With almost 40 museums and exhibition houses, the Frankfurt Museumsufer is one of the most important international museum locations..

The capital of Rhineland-Palatinate Mainz is located directly on the Rhine. St. Martin's Cathedral, which is well worth seeing, is one of the special sights, as are numerous monuments and fountains. Spacious parks and green spaces invite you to take contemplative walks. A visit to the Electoral Palace should not be missed. Historic buildings bear witness to an eventful history, from the beginnings in Roman times 2000 years ago to the present day modernity. The Haus zum Stein in the city center is the oldest preserved Mainz residential building from the Middle Ages.

This morning, enjoy an active hike through verdant vineyards to the Niederwalddenkmal, a stunning monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein, in the German state of Hesse. This historical landmark overlooks the scenic Rhine Valley and was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the Unification of Germany.

In the afternoon, visit the Schloss Johannisberg Winery in the picturesque Rheingau wine region. Famous for its stunning vineyard views and centuries of Riesling production, the world’s first Riesling winery is a must for wine lovers and those who appreciate typical vineyard landscapes.

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to Schloss Johannisberg Winery

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Niederwalddenkmal

The picturesque town of Rüdesheim is located directly on the Rhine in Hesse and has many attractions, such as the famous Drosselgasse, where there are numerous wine bars, but also a castle and a torture museum, where medieval torture instruments and the history of the Inquisition are exhibited. A cable car goes up to the Niederwald Monument, which is located above the town. From here you can take a beautiful hike through pristine woodlands and then come to the chairlift that leads directly to Assmannshausen. This is also located on the Rhine.

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

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Wine Experience in Bernkastel (extra expense)

Numerous half-timbered houses adorn the town of Bernkastel, directly on the Moselle River. Above is a castle with a restaurant and in the old town you can find numerous small boutiques and stores. The Moselle invites to an unforgettable boat trip, but also to kayak or canoe. Bernkastel is known for its ideal location on the Moselle and for its quaint old town. Together with Kues it forms a double town, on the left and on the right of the banks of the Moselle, with numerous restaurants and bars.

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’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem, as you join a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You’ll witness the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, as well as the town hall and many other gems. Alternatively, if you feel more active, join a guided bike tour around Cochem, where you'll cycle through scenic landscapes, lush vineyards, and charming riverside pathways that reveal the striking natural beauty of this region.

In the evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Imperial Castle, which stands majestically over the Moselle River valley. This is a wonderful invitation for every history and culture enthusiast to appreciate one of the highest hill castles along the Moselle River.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cochem

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour near Cochem

EmeraldPLUS
Cochem Castle visit with entertainment

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Grand-Prix car race experience (extra expemse)

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Moselle hike and wine-tasting at Hieronimi (extra expense)

Cochem is the smallest county seat in Germany and is located in the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Cochem is located on the Moselle River and is famous for its wine growing. The city allows a picturesque view of the vineyards. Even from a distance, the Reichsburg Castle can be easily seen, which acts as the town's landmark. The town is popular not only with bowling clubs and families. The cobblestone-paved old town offers a leisurely stroll and invites you to linger at the fountain.

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

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Visit to Marksburg Castle (extra expense)

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.

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

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Gutenberg Museum visit & workshop (extra expense)

The capital of Rhineland-Palatinate Mainz is located directly on the Rhine. St. Martin's Cathedral, which is well worth seeing, is one of the special sights, as are numerous monuments and fountains. Spacious parks and green spaces invite you to take contemplative walks. A visit to the Electoral Palace should not be missed. Historic buildings bear witness to an eventful history, from the beginnings in Roman times 2000 years ago to the present day modernity. The Haus zum Stein in the city center is the oldest preserved Mainz residential building from the Middle Ages.

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.

Please book your flight to depart out of Frankfurt after 12:00 PM.

The capital of Rhineland-Palatinate Mainz is located directly on the Rhine. St. Martin's Cathedral, which is well worth seeing, is one of the special sights, as are numerous monuments and fountains. Spacious parks and green spaces invite you to take contemplative walks. A visit to the Electoral Palace should not be missed. Historic buildings bear witness to an eventful history, from the beginnings in Roman times 2000 years ago to the present day modernity. The Haus zum Stein in the city center is the oldest preserved Mainz residential building from the Middle Ages.

Connected to the Danube via the Main-Danube Canal, Frankfurt is one of the most unique cities in Germany. After all, it is the only city with a skyline of skyscrapers. A view of the metropolis from the observation deck of the MAIN TOWER is a very special experience. However, Frankfurt is not only a very modern and busy city, but also has a lot of history to offer its visitors. For example, the Römer and the Paulskirche are among the most famous historical sights in Germany. And when it comes to art and culture, Frankfurt is also an absolute hotspot. With almost 40 museums and exhibition houses, the Frankfurt Museumsufer is one of the most important international museum locations..