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Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards

3.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards

3.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards
Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards
Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards
Flights Included River Cruise
Our Price From
US$5,347
Save $6,416pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Zurich
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
11 Day Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Zurich
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
11 Day Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Switzerland, France, Germany, Holland
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EMBA-2
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EMBA-2

Overview

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns. Explore a landscape of sun-drenched vineyards, magnificent castles, and quaint villages along the Rhine & Moselle rivers. Begin in the serenity of Switzerland in Basel, travel to the Alsatian capital of Strasbourg. Traverse the wonderful countryside, stopping in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle meet. You will then continue to the Netherlands with a tour of the quintessentially Dutch cities of Amsterdam and...read more Utrecht with a visit to the traditional Kinderdijk windmills.
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns. Explore a landscape of sun-drenched vineyards, magnificent castles, and quaint villages along the Rhine & Moselle rivers. Begin in the serenity of Switzerland in Basel, travel to the Alsatian capital of Strasbourg. Traverse the wonderful countryside, stopping in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle meet. You will then continue to the Netherlands with a tour of the quintessentially Dutch cities of Amsterdam and...read more Utrecht with a visit to the traditional Kinderdijk windmills.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Zurich airport, you will be met and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Basel, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival. (D)

Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, where window boxes full of colourful blooms adorn the façades. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine to experience the destination from another perspective. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar
  • EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine

This morning, you will discover Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. The best way to discover the city’s charm is via its quaint waterways. Embark on an EmeraldPLUS traditional canal boat tour.

Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and narrow lanes. Witness the covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Canal boat tour in Strasbourg
  • DiscoverMORE Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and 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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Mainz
  • DiscoverMORE Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)

Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery. Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1000 years. The first Riesling winery in the world, at Schloss Johannisberg, discover a unique wine culture and fabled history during this exclusive tour. Set over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus mountains, the onsite 300-acre forest grows native oak to make the wooden barrels used for producing this exemplary wine. These extra-special barrels are then kept in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, known as ‘Bibliotheca Subterranea’, where over 25,000 precious wines are stored. Alternatively for those who feel particularly active after sailing time, you may participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.

Later in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager on a hike in Sankt Goar, although a small town, it holds the magnificent Rheinfels Castle ruins that gaze over the Moselle. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldACTIVE Active hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
  • EmeraldACTIVE Afternoon hike with AM in Sankt Goar
  • EmeraldPLUS Wine visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg

Enjoy a sailing morning on board your Star-Ship as you absorb the enchanting sceneries of the Moselle. Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River and is home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. During your EmeraldPLUS you will have the opportunity to wander through some of the peaceful Moselle vineyards that compose this bucolic landscape and have a taste of the famous Riesling wine produced in this region. Or get a different perspective of the region when you take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting
  • EmeraldACTIVE Active hike to Landshut Castle ruins

Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You’ll see the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, alongside the town hall and its many other gems. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Cochem & visit to Reichsburg Castle
  • EmeraldACTIVE Cycling along the Moselle
  • DiscoverMORE German Beer Garden Experience (extra expense)

Enjoy your free morning in Koblenz prior to the peaceful sailing this afternoon admiring the landscapes of the Rhine and the Moselle river. You will arrive in Bonn – the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. During your walking tour you will have the opportunity to know more about Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements. Its old town is also quite a gem of historical buildings and quaint streets. Landmarks like the Altes Rathaus and Beethoven House will be some of the many architectural highlights. As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, complete your day with a Beethoven classical concert.

Alternatively, join a guided bike tour in Bonn and unveil some of the city’s secrets off the beaten track. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Bonn
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Bonn

Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Join a walking tour through its centre, exploring its architectural wonders and learn more about the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen that takes place every year, welcoming tens of thousands of people. If you are feeling more active, join a bike ride along the river, embracing the unique countryside features along the Waal river. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Nijmegen Walking tour
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Nijmegen
  • DiscoverMORE Visit to Palais Het Loo (extra expense)

This morning you will be docked in Dordrecht, where you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager for a walk into town.

After a smooth sailing, you will arrive in Rotterdam where you will have the chance to learn more about this city during a walking tour. Following the air raids of WWII, reconstruction efforts utilised a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the city’s skyline. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore contemporary Rotterdam, which currently boasts the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the Netherlands. The reputation as the city of high rises has historical roots, beginning with the construction of the 45-metre-high office building, the Witte Huis, which, for quite some time, was the tallest office building in Europe. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Rotterdam
  • EmeraldACTIVE Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of all the beautiful Moselle with its vineyards and the castles on the legendary Rhine.

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. (B)

Upon arrival at Zurich airport, you will be met and transferred to your innovative Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Basel, where your friendly captain and crew will welcome your arrival. (D)

Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, where window boxes full of colourful blooms adorn the façades. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine to experience the destination from another perspective. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar
  • EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine

This morning, you will discover Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. The best way to discover the city’s charm is via its quaint waterways. Embark on an EmeraldPLUS traditional canal boat tour.

Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses, and narrow lanes. Witness the covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Canal boat tour in Strasbourg
  • DiscoverMORE Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and 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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Mainz
  • DiscoverMORE Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)

Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery. Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1000 years. The first Riesling winery in the world, at Schloss Johannisberg, discover a unique wine culture and fabled history during this exclusive tour. Set over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus mountains, the onsite 300-acre forest grows native oak to make the wooden barrels used for producing this exemplary wine. These extra-special barrels are then kept in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, known as ‘Bibliotheca Subterranea’, where over 25,000 precious wines are stored. Alternatively for those who feel particularly active after sailing time, you may participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.

Later in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager on a hike in Sankt Goar, although a small town, it holds the magnificent Rheinfels Castle ruins that gaze over the Moselle. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldACTIVE Active hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument
  • EmeraldACTIVE Afternoon hike with AM in Sankt Goar
  • EmeraldPLUS Wine visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg

Enjoy a sailing morning on board your Star-Ship as you absorb the enchanting sceneries of the Moselle. Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River and is home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. During your EmeraldPLUS you will have the opportunity to wander through some of the peaceful Moselle vineyards that compose this bucolic landscape and have a taste of the famous Riesling wine produced in this region. Or get a different perspective of the region when you take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting
  • EmeraldACTIVE Active hike to Landshut Castle ruins

Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You’ll see the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, alongside the town hall and its many other gems. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Cochem & visit to Reichsburg Castle
  • EmeraldACTIVE Cycling along the Moselle
  • DiscoverMORE German Beer Garden Experience (extra expense)

Enjoy your free morning in Koblenz prior to the peaceful sailing this afternoon admiring the landscapes of the Rhine and the Moselle river. You will arrive in Bonn – the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. During your walking tour you will have the opportunity to know more about Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements. Its old town is also quite a gem of historical buildings and quaint streets. Landmarks like the Altes Rathaus and Beethoven House will be some of the many architectural highlights. As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, complete your day with a Beethoven classical concert.

Alternatively, join a guided bike tour in Bonn and unveil some of the city’s secrets off the beaten track. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Bonn
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Bonn

Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Join a walking tour through its centre, exploring its architectural wonders and learn more about the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen that takes place every year, welcoming tens of thousands of people. If you are feeling more active, join a bike ride along the river, embracing the unique countryside features along the Waal river. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Nijmegen Walking tour
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Nijmegen
  • DiscoverMORE Visit to Palais Het Loo (extra expense)

This morning you will be docked in Dordrecht, where you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager for a walk into town.

After a smooth sailing, you will arrive in Rotterdam where you will have the chance to learn more about this city during a walking tour. Following the air raids of WWII, reconstruction efforts utilised a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the city’s skyline. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore contemporary Rotterdam, which currently boasts the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the Netherlands. The reputation as the city of high rises has historical roots, beginning with the construction of the 45-metre-high office building, the Witte Huis, which, for quite some time, was the tallest office building in Europe. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Rotterdam
  • EmeraldACTIVE Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of all the beautiful Moselle with its vineyards and the castles on the legendary Rhine.

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. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Destiny

Emerald Destiny
Emerald Destiny

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Emerald Cruises Star-Ships. Read more

EmeraldPLUS
EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Europe Star-Ship Suites
Europe Star-Ship Suites

Choose from a range of suites to find the accommodation you will love on board your Emerald Star-Ship. Read more

Cruise & Tour In Style
Cruise & Tour In Style

Enjoy the best service every day from an experienced and professional crew. Read more

Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards' Reviews

3.5
Average Rating 3.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
50%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
50%
1 Star
Disappointing -Splendours of Europe 9 , QLD, Australia, Aug 2024
We have done several small boat cruises eg Douro, Rhine, Mekong, Great Lakes and Eerie Canal and several bike and boat or hotel tours in France, Italy and on the Danube and this was the worst, by far. That said, it gets two stars for the restaurant and room staff, who were excellent and the food which was really good particularly if you want to eat... read more a healthy diet (there are lots of non-healthy options too and many on board were both overweight and gluttons). Breakfast is a buffet with omelette/fried egg station, lunch is a buffet with menu for protein(choice of meat, fish and vegetarian). Dinner is sit down meal with good choices and option of grilled fish, steak or chicken. Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner, but wines were not regional and were lower end - included one from winery in Australia which we had never heard of.

Cabins were adequate, with a reasonable ensuite and over the top room service (2x daily) - sign said to reuse towels unless on floor, but this was ignored and wet towels changed every day. The bad points far outdated the good. Number one is the noise in the dining room, which was unbearable - we left one night and skipped dinner on two occasions because of the noise. Lounge was too small to hold all guests and was noisy, either from loud music or too many people, so we avoided all entertainment, except the Zittar player, who was very good. Other entertainment was quizzes of various sorts, golf putting, singing, etc -very unsophisticated. Seats in lounge were mostly uncomfortable. Lounge also had cold water on tap (still and sparkling) and basic coffee machine (using UHT milk and OK if you add a double espresso to anything). Drinks were bar prices and packages from about $20 per day per person.

Front deck was poorly furnished with old seats and not very comfortable. Pool was OK, but small (converted to cinema at night, with mostly uninteresting movies). Sun deck was closed for nearly half the cruise due to low bridges/high water levels.

Guided tours were in big groups (30 plus), so like cats being hearded around. They have gentle walking group, but no faster walking group, so saw much more walking around independently. Little time is spent at most locations (full day only in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest), and a lot of time is spent on the boat. No day tours by bus included, unlike on other cruises. Some day trips available at extra cost, but very expensive. Active program is aimed at those who don’t exercise very often and are slow. Bike tour guides were good, but too slow eg 5 hours to do 35km. Passengers were mainly native English speakers, with most from Australia.

Information about bus returns to boat was hard to obtain unless you went on the guided tour (always told “tour guide will tell you”) and sometimes plainly wrong. People were left in Budapest for two hours on a hot day, when they had expected to be taken back to the boat after the bus tour around town. Best the tour guide could say was “get a taxi” when there was public bus that dropped you opposite the boat and was free for over 65s. No maps provided for towns (allegedly for environmental reasons, but they had paper cups in lounge), but you could get them at information centres (but not told where they were). Would definitely not do another river cruise like this.
Emerald European River Cruise 7 , NSW, Australia, May 2024
Have just returned from an European river cruise Amsterdam to Budapest with Emerald booked with Hannah. Communication was fast and efficient. Flights, transfers, hotel accommodation and cruise all ran smoothly. The cruise itself was amazing! We will definitely book our next holiday will Global Journeys…..thank you.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

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Wednesday 25 Mar 2026 25 Mar 26 Zurich
Saturday 04 Apr 2026 04 Apr 26 Amsterdam
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Sunday 31 May 2026 31 May 26 Zurich
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Wednesday 10 Jun 2026 10 Jun 26 Zurich
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Saturday 18 Jul 2026 18 Jul 26 Zurich
Tuesday 28 Jul 2026 28 Jul 26 Amsterdam
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Thursday 13 Aug 2026 13 Aug 26 Zurich
Sunday 23 Aug 2026 23 Aug 26 Amsterdam
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Emerald Sun
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Tuesday 22 Sep 2026 22 Sep 26 Zurich
Friday 02 Oct 2026 02 Oct 26 Amsterdam
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Sunday 11 Oct 2026 11 Oct 26 Zurich
Wednesday 21 Oct 2026 21 Oct 26 Amsterdam
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Monday 02 Nov 2026 02 Nov 26 Zurich
Thursday 12 Nov 2026 12 Nov 26 Amsterdam
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Emerald Destiny
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Monday 31 May 2027 31 May 27 Zurich
Thursday 10 Jun 2027 10 Jun 27 Amsterdam
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Emerald Destiny
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US$5,783
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Sunday 20 Jun 2027 20 Jun 27 Amsterdam
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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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