Discover the Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

You will be met at the airport by your Emerald Waterways representative and transferred to your award-winning Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Bernkastel. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (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. Included Excursion A walking tour of Bernkastel EmeraldPLUS A wine tasting in Bernkastel EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour near 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, once a hive of activity during ancient times, and the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps. Included Excursion A guided tour of Trier (B/L/D)

Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided walk through the numerous well-preserved sites of this quaint town, including the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, the Town Hall and its many other gems. In the evening, enjoy a visit to the Imperial Castle in Cochem which stands majestically over the Mosel River valley, are an invitation for every history and culture enthusiast to enjoy a beautiful afternoon in one the highest hill castles on the Mosel 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 German castle romanticism in the 19th century. Included Excursion A guided tour of Cochem EmeraldPLUS Cochem Castle visit with entertainment EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Cochem (B/L/D)

Wonderfully maintained inside and out, Marksburg Castle boasts a selection of typical interiors including the castle kitchen, knight’s hall, armoury, and even an inviting wine cellar. The attractive light-stoned walls of the castle are protected by an outer fortress. With a single tower peering over the turrets and castle walls, Marksburg Castle takes on the appearance of a fairy-tale monument, not unlike something found in a story from Brothers Grimm. Included Excursion A visit to Marksburg castle (B/L/D)

Start your day with a visit to the Eberbach Abbey, offering you the opportunity to experience a journey with all of your senses. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries which lie 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. As a major filming location of 1986 film 'In the Name of the Rose', adapted from Umberto Eco's thrilling novel with same name, Eberbach deserves a visit. Today the abbey continues to make exquisite wines and offers guided tours, enabling everyone to enjoy its history and architectural splendour. It also serves as a set for film and TV: the Season 5 trailers of Game of Thrones were filmed here. Alternatively, enjoy a hike up the Niederwalddenkmal - a monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein in Hesse, Germany. It overlooks the valley of the Rhine and was built in the 1870/80s to commemorate the Unification of Germany. Included Excursion A visit to Eberbach Abbey EmeraldACTIVE A guided hike to Niederwalddenkmal DiscoverMORE Wine tasting at Schloss Johannisberg (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Famous for its mineral springs dating since Roman times, Wiesbaden resembles a 19th century resort. This morning our guided tour will pass by the Russian Chapel (Russian Orthodox) and you can enjoy the magnificent view over the city and Rhine valley. We will see some fine examples of Wilhemine Architecture (UNESCO Heritage) on the way to the Kochbrunnen where you can take a sip of hot water. The walking tour will take us to the Old Town, the Castle and the Kurhaus where we will board the coaches for the ride back to Wiesbaden. Included Excursion Walking tour of Wiesbaden (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. When you arrive, peruse exhibits full of rare music boxes inside of a 15th-century knight’s tower with vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes. 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 breath-taking vistas along the way. This fascinating area has a storyline that has crossed the centuries, moving from people fighting and leaving ruins behind to the Romantics of the 19th century immortalising its beauty. Included Excursion A 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 their imaginations 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, including the oldest university in Germany, before enjoying a wine tasting session. Alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. EmeraldACTIVE A hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg Included Excursion A guided tour of Heidelberg with wine tasting (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 are feeling active, then you may choose to embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, the Old Castle, a fascinating 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 A guided hike to Altes Schloss Included Excursion A guided walking tour of Baden-Baden (B/L/D)

This morning, dock in Kehl and be transferred by coach to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is from its quaint waterways, which is why today’s EmeraldPLUS activity will involve embarking on a traditional canal 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 A 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 A guided bike tour to Colmar Included Excursion A guided tour of Colmar DiscoverMORE Freiburg tour with Black Forest products 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. (B)