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Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards

4.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
River View
$3,945
Balcony
$5,301
Suite
$7,351
* 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
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
EMBA-2

Overview

Discover the myriad of castles dotted along the Rhine river aboard one of emeralds star-ships. In Cochem, explore the Moselle by bike, then witness the fairytale-like Marksburg Castle in Koblenz. Rüdesheim in the Rheingau region will enchant you with its medieval architecture and rolling vineyards.

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 be waiting for your arrival. Please book your flight to arrive into Zurich prior to 01:00 PM. (D)

Commence your magical morning with a tour to Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it's easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm's Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine

DiscoverMORE Excursion to Riquewihr (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, we'll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France's Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg's charm is via its quaint waterways, so today we'll embark on a 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, a place where many of Strasbourg's administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Included Excursion Canal boat tour in Strasbourg (B/L/D)

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and see the impressive sandstone cathedral, the tremendous Old Town.

Included Excursion Guided Tour of Mainz

DiscoverMORE Visit to Gutenberg Museum & workshop (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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, uncover a unique wine culture and a special 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 in the production of 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, participate on an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.

EmeraldPLUS Wine Visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg

EmeraldACTIVE Active Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument (B/L/D)

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, as well as the town hall and its many other gems.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Cochem & Visit to Reichsburg Castle

EmeraldACTIVE Cycling along the Moselle (B/L/D)

Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River and home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. Enjoy a guided walking tour, where you will have the opportunity to stroll through the medieval marketplace with its gabled timber-framed houses, castle ruins and town gate. Or, take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle.

EmeraldACTIVE Active Hike to Landshut Castle Ruins

Included Excursion Walking tour of Bernkastel (B/L/D)

Wonderfully maintained inside and out, Marksburg Castle boasts a selection of typical interiors including the castle kitchen, the knight's hall, the armoury and an inviting wine cellar. The attractive light-stoned walls of the castle are protected by an outer fortress and, with a single tower peering over the turrets and castle walls, it looks not unlike something you would find in a Brothers Grimm tale.

Included Excursion Visit to Marksburg Castle

EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Marksburg Castle (B/L/D)

Today you will visit the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique collection of nineteen authentic 18th-century windmills is considered a Dutch icon throughout the world.

Included Excursion Guided tour Kinderdijk Windmills (B/L/D)

As part of your EmeraldPLUS program, you will start the day by exploring a canal cruise through the Oudegracht or Old Canal, which is not only the oldest in Utrecht, but it is also older than the canals in Amsterdam. Along this canal, and for centuries, the wealthiest have built their mansions with the peculiarity of having their warehouses and service entrances just above water level. Undoubtedly, the castle of Oudaen stands out among all the rest: an urban castle that has been preserved despite being more than eight centuries old.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour near Utrecht

EmeraldPLUS Canal cruise and cheese tasting (B/L/D)

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 destinations visited. 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 note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Luna

Emerald Luna
Emerald Luna

Relax and unwind in complete comfort aboard Emerald Luna as you explore Europe's great rivers. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & 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

Cultural Shows & Entertainment
Cultural Shows & Entertainment

From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more

Sun Deck Life
Sun Deck Life

Deck games, a walking track and a place to relax and take in the views awaits on the sun deck. Read more

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards' Reviews

4.0
AVG. RATING 4.0 / 5
1 Review
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1 Star
Splendours of Europe   3 , NSW, Australia, Jul 2023
Overall a great trip with Emerald. Had good rapport with all staff and the chef catered for me being a Coeliac to the extent of a special cake for my birthday. Weather was great in July, needed a light jacket despite reports of heatwave in Europe. Group was a mixture mainly of Australians and Canadians with a few UK and USA travellers. All friendly. ...read more Overall apart from the long haul flight enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks Tracey for your help. The photo is of Durnstein. A lovely small town, try the apricot ice cream!

Brochure

Europe River Cruises

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2024)

As small ship experts, we know that our minimal guest numbers, relaxed ambience, and high level of personal service, provide the perfect setting from which to enjoy Europe’s network of iconic rivers. The small ship lifestyle brings you to the heart of each destination for an intimate look at the local life along the riverbanks. Revolutionary in design,...more life on board our deluxe Emerald Cruises Star-Ships, promises contemporary comfort and unique innovations, while our suite of generous inclusions delivers exquisite dining experiences, exceptional service, and handpicked immersive itineraries.

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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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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 Emerald Cruises. These 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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