Discover the Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your award-winning Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Bernkastel. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Bernkastel prior to 02:00 PM. (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 a guided bike tour of the area. EmeraldPLUS Wine experience in Bernkastel EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour along the Moselle near Bernkastel Included Excursion Walking tour of Bernkastel (B/L/D)

In southwest Germany, near the Luxemburg border, the city of Trier is a hidden treasure often called the ‘Rome of the North’. During your 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 DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Luxembourg (extra expense) (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. In the evening, enjoy a visit to the Imperial castle which stands majestically over the Moselle River valley. A wonderful invitation for every history and culture enthusiast to enjoy one of the highest hill castles on the Moselle River. Soaring over Cochem, this medieval castle was heavily damaged while in the possession of the electoral princes of Trier. However, it was restored in the neo-Gothic style associated with the German castle Romanticism of the 19th century. EmeraldPLUS Cochem Castle visit with entertainment EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour near Cochem Included Excursion Guided tour of Cochem (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. EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Marksburg Castle Included Excursion Visit to Marksburg castle (B/L/D)

Start your day with a visit to Eberbach Abbey. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the Rheingau Region. Founded in 1136 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Burgundy), the monastery was one of the most active in Germany, and also boasted the largest vineyards in medieval Germany. Today, the abbey continues to make exquisite wines and offers guided tours, enabling everyone to enjoy its history and architectural splendour. It is even the setting for the season five trailer of the popular television series Game of Thrones. Alternatively, enjoy an active hike to the Niederwalddenkmal, a monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein in Hesse. It overlooks the Rhine Valley and was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the Unification of Germany. Included Excursion Visit to Eberbach Abbey EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Niederwalddenkmal (B/L/D)

Famous for its mineral springs dating back to Roman times, your morning guided tour of Wiesbaden will pass by the Russian Chapel. Visit the old town, the castle and the Kurhaus, and enjoy the magnificent view over the city and the Rhine Valley. Witness some fine examples of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wilhelmine architecture on the way to the Kochbrunnen hot spring, where you can take a sip of hot water. Included Excursion Walking tour of Wiesbaden DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Frankfurt with tasting (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today is a full day at leisure in Mainz. Your Cruise Director will be on hand to assist on you how best to spend your day. (B/D)

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany; where stalls adorned with cuckoo clocks captivate and live oompah bands playing in beer gardens during the summer months entertain. Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes. Included Excursion A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum (B/L/D)

The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, the area is now full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. These are yours to discover today during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. This confluence is best viewed during a cable car ride across the water to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley. Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in the breathtaking vistas along the way. Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz and a visit to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour in Koblenz DiscoverMORE Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairytale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost themselves to the beauty of Heidelberg. Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg (B/L/D)

This morning, a coach will take you from where the ship is docked in Rastatt to whimsical Baden-Baden, a spa town that has been frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour of Baden-Baden, soaking in the nostalgic elegant boutiques and timeless gardens before entering The Baden-Baden Casino, a favourite of silent film star Marlene Dietrich. EmeraldPLUS Entrance to The Baden-Baden Casino EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Altes Schloss Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden (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 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, a place where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. EmeraldPLUS Canal boat tour in Strasbourg DiscoverMORE Alsace wine route with vineyard hike and tasting (extra expense) (B/L/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 guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Colmar Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the picturesque Rhine Gorge with you. 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 Basel after 10:00 AM. (B)