Overview
While enjoying this memorable cruise journey, savour the many highlights of this wondrous part of Europe. In the picturesque Rheingau wine region, relish a visit to the world’s first Riesling winery, surrounded by stunning vineyard scenery. Embark on a guided tour of Trier, a delightful city founded by the Romans and often referred to as the ‘Rome of the North.’ Discover Cochem, known as the ‘Pearl of the Moselle,’ where your EmeraldPLUS experience will take you on a journey through time at the majestic Imperial Castle, overlooking the Moselle River valley. Explore Koblenz, a city brimming with fascinating landmarks, concluding with a visit to a traditional beer garden, the perfect spot to experience the local German way of life.
8 Days
Frankfurt
Frankfurt
180
51
2017
EWGM-1
Itinerary
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. (D)
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. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Visit to Schloss Johannisberg Winery
- EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Niederwalddenkmal
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. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Bernkastel
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike tour to Landshut Castle Ruins
- DiscoverMORE Wine Experience in Bernkastel (extra expense)
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. (B/L/D)
- 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. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Cochem
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour near Cochem
- EmeraldPLUS Cochem Castle visit with entertainment
- DiscoverMORE Grand-Prix car race experience (extra expemse)
- DiscoverMORE Moselle hike and wine-tasting at Hieronimi (extra expense)
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. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Koblenz walking tour and beer garden visit
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour
- DiscoverMORE Visit to Marksburg Castle (extra expense)
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. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Mainz
- DiscoverMORE Gutenberg Museum visit & workshop (extra expense)
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. (B)
Life On Board
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Emerald Cruises Star-Ships. Read more
Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more
Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more
Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more
Choose from a range of suites to find the accommodation you will love on board your Emerald Star-Ship. Read more
Trip Reviews (2)
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.
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Emerald Europe River Cruises (2026)
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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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