Paris and Zurich provide the perfect beginning and ending to your splendid journey along two of Europe’s most alluring rivers, the Rhine and Moselle. In between, expand your imagination in fairytale villages—enchanting Cochem where folklore and history come alive in every street, and in well-preserved Bernkastel with its medieval Market Square and half-timbered houses. Whimsical fantasies also come to life at Siegfried’s Mechanical Museum and at the Palace Gardens of Schwetzingen, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout its surprising landscape. And then blend Italian and German heritage throughout the way in Trier, with its Roman Imperial Baths and the Porta Nigra; and Strasbourg built on a foundation of German and French heritage, and you have the most splendid journey.
Paris and Zurich provide the perfect beginning and ending to your splendid journey along two of Europe’s most alluring rivers, the Rhine and Moselle. In between, expand your imagination in fairytale villages—enchanting Cochem where folklore and history come alive in every street, and in well-preserved Bernkastel with its medieval Market Square and half-timbered houses. Whimsical fantasies abound at Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and at the Palace Gardens of Schwetzingen, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout its surprising landscape. Blend German heritage with Italian in Trier, with its Roman Imperial Baths and the Porta Nigra; and with French heritage in Strasbourg, and you have the most splendid journey.
Paris and Zurich provide the perfect beginning and ending to your splendid journey along two of Europe’s most alluring rivers, the Rhine and Moselle. Discover the celebrated Champagne region of France in Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne. In between, expand your imagination in fairytale villages—enchanting Cochem where folklore and history come alive in every street, and in well-preserved Bernkastel with its medieval Market Square and half-timbered houses. Whimsical fantasies abound at Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and at the Palace Gardens of Schwetzingen, a cultural heritage site of European significance with more than 100 sculptures scattered throughout its surprising landscape. Blend German heritage with Italian in Trier, with its Roman Imperial Baths and the Porta Nigra; and with French heritage in Strasbourg, and you have the most splendid journey.
Rhine & Moselle Splendors (Wine Cruise)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Day 1 | Luxembourg | EMBARKATION |
|
Board the ship for your Rhine & Moselle Splendors cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Schweich | “Rome of the North” tour |
|
| Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Trier, Germany’s oldest city, has often been referred to as the second Rome. Be guided to the Roman Imperial Baths, the Porta Nigra and Emperor Constantine’s Throne Room. Or hike to Petrisberg Hill, where you’ll take in a spectacular view of the city and its glorious spires. Alternatively, cycle through Trier and past its incredible sites. During the afternoon, sail to Bernkastel, strategically located in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region. Walk through the colorful Old Town center and past many medieval buildings before enjoying a wine tasting at a local winery. For those who prefer to be more active, trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century, or pedal past sun-kissed vineyards along the Moselle River. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR Bundesbank Bunker vault tour |
|
| | OR Reichsburg Castle hike |
|
| Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Unique Lahneck Castle visit |
|
History comes to life in Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle, and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can go on a guided hike to the castle. Or pedal through Cochem and along the beautiful banks of the Moselle River, taking in the picturesque gabled houses bujlt on steep narrow alleys. Or for a different adventure, explore the Bundesbank Bunker to get a closer look at this mysterious Cold War-era bank vault. Later in the day, sail along the Moselle, taking in the fascinating scenery before arriving in Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Instrument Museum |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
|
| | OR Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path hike |
|
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on an excursion to the glorious Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens. Tour this splendid palace and wander through its gardens with more than 100 sculptures and an assortment of whimsical buildings. The Apollotempel houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; and the most spectacular, the Türkischer Garten with a mosque, are a few of the many highlights you will see. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher’s Path along the Neckar River or join a guided bike tour along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, has flavors of both France and Germany which you’ll get to discover. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République followed by a walking tour through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. You’ll also see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. The active adventurer can join a guided Old Town bike tour, which also takes you through the Parc de l’Orangerie. Later in the day, taste Alsatian wines – delightful on the palate and highly praised for their fragrant aromas. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Breisach | Riquewihr walking tour and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Freiburg excursion and wine tasting |
|
| Basel | OR Black Forest hike |
|
| Breisach | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate, followed by a tasting of local wines. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” You’ll also enjoy a wine tasting following your Freiburg tour. As an active choice, go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions; or cycle through the scenic countryside. (B,L,D)
Bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Arrive in Paris and check-in to your hotel.
Day 2 | Paris | “City of Light” tour |
|
Enjoy a morning tour of Paris, taking in all its iconic sites, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde. You’ll pass the magnificent Opéra Garnier, the legendary Louvre and, on the Left Bank, the Sorbonne University and the Panthéon. (B)
Day 3 | Paris | Evening Montmartre and illuminations tour |
|
Visit Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. For easy access to Montmartre, you’ll hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, the highest point in the city. After your visit to Montmartre, you’ll be taken on an illumination tour. (B)
Day 4 | Paris | TGV high-speed train to Luxembourg |
|
| Luxembourg | “Grand Duchy” city tour |
|
Bid au revoir to Paris as you board your TGV high-speed train that will whisk you away to Luxembourg, one of Europe’s last independent duchies. Enjoy a guided walking tour as well as a stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton, before boarding your luxury ship. (B,D)
Day 5 | Schweich | “Rome of the North” tour |
|
| Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Trier, Germany’s oldest city, has often been referred to as the second Rome. Be guided to the Roman Imperial Baths, the Porta Nigra and Emperor Constantine’s Throne Room. Or hike to Petrisberg Hill, where you’ll take in a spectacular view of the city and its glorious spires. Alternatively, cycle through Trier and past its incredible sites. During the afternoon, sail to Bernkastel, strategically located in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region. Walk through the colorful Old Town center and past many medieval buildings before enjoying a wine tasting at a local winery. For those who prefer to be more active, trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century, or pedal past sun-kissed vineyards along the Moselle River. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR Bundesbank Bunker vault tour |
|
| | OR Reichsburg Castle hike |
|
| Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Unique Lahneck Castle visit |
|
History comes to life in Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle, and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can go on a guided hike to the castle. Or pedal through Cochem and along the beautiful banks of the Moselle River, taking in the picturesque gabled houses bujlt on steep narrow alleys. Or for a different adventure, explore the Bundesbank Bunker to get a closer look at this mysterious Cold War-era bank vault. Later in the day, sail along the Moselle, taking in the fascinating scenery before arriving in Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Instrument Museum |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
|
| | OR Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path hike |
|
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on an excursion to the glorious Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens. Tour this splendid palace and wander through its gardens with more than 100 sculptures and an assortment of whimsical buildings. The Apollotempel houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; and the most spectacular, the Türkischer Garten with a mosque, are a few of the many highlights you will see. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher’s Path along the Neckar River or join a guided bike tour along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, has flavors of both France and Germany which you’ll get to discover. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République followed by a walking tour through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. You’ll also see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. The active adventurer can join a guided Old Town bike tour, which also takes you through the Parc de l’Orangerie. Later in the day, taste Alsatian wines – delightful on the palate and highly praised for their fragrant aromas. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Breisach | Riquewihr walking tour and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Freiburg excursion and wine tasting |
|
| Basel | OR Black Forest hike |
|
| Breisach | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate, followed by a tasting of local wines. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” You’ll also enjoy a wine tasting following your Freiburg tour. As an active choice, go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions; or cycle through the scenic countryside. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Basel | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel, one of Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan cities. En route to your Lucerne hotel, stop at the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. Afterwards, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 12 | Lucerne | Medieval City Walls |
|
Discover the unrivaled beauty and charm of this pristine city on a walking tour. You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. There is a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. (B)
Day 13 | Lucerne | Scenic Lake Lucerne cruise to Vitznau |
|
| Zurich | Scenic drive to Zurich |
|
Check out of your hotel and, before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, travel past scenic landscapes on a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne. Once in Zurich, you’ll check into your hotel. (B)
Day 14 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
|
Set alongside a glistening lake and framed by the Alps, Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)
Day 15 | Zurich | Return flight home |
|
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Arrive in Paris and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | Paris | Transfer to Reims |
|
| | “Champagne and Coronation” city tour |
|
Begin your day by transferring to Reims in the Champagne region of France. You will then enjoy a highlights tour of historic WWI sites in Reims, including the Belleau Wood American WWI monument. Afterwards, join a guided tour through the city of Reims. Known as the unofficial capital of champagne, Reims is home to the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Notre Dame de Reims, and many impressive wine cellars. (B)
Day 3 | Reims | Routes des Champagne tour (Epernay, Hautvillers and Champagne makers
of Veuve Clicquot and Moet et Chandon) |
|
Explore the history behind the drink of celebration as you enjoy a scenic drive on the Routes des Champagnes. You will see some of the famous Champagne houses such as Epernay, Hautvillers and Champagne makers of Veuve-Clicquot and Moet et Chandon. (B)
Day 4 | Luxembourg | “Grand Duchy” city tour |
|
Bid au revoir to Reims as you board a bus that will whisk you away to Luxembourg, one of Europe’s last independent duchies. Enjoy a guided walking tour as well as a stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton. Enjoy free time for lunch at your own leisure before boarding your luxury ship in Wasserbillig. (B,D)
Day 5 | Schweich | “Rome of the North” tour |
|
| Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
Trier, Germany’s oldest city, has often been referred to as the second Rome. Be guided to the Roman Imperial Baths, the Porta Nigra and Emperor Constantine’s Throne Room. Or hike to Petrisberg Hill, where you’ll take in a spectacular view of the city and its glorious spires. Alternatively, cycle through Trier and past its incredible sites. During the afternoon, sail to Bernkastel, strategically located in the middle of the Moselle Valley’s wine-producing region. Walk through the colorful Old Town center and past many medieval buildings before enjoying a wine tasting at a local winery. For those who prefer to be more active, trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century, or pedal past sun-kissed vineyards along the Moselle River. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cochem | Reichsburg Castle and walking tour |
|
| | OR Bundesbank Bunker vault tour |
|
| | OR Reichsburg Castle hike |
|
| Moselle Valley | Scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Unique Lahneck Castle visit |
|
History comes to life in Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle, and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can go on a guided hike to the castle. Or pedal through Cochem and along the beautiful banks of the Moselle River, taking in the picturesque gabled houses bujlt on steep narrow alleys. Or for a different adventure, explore the Bundesbank Bunker to get a closer look at this mysterious Cold War-era bank vault. Later in the day, sail along the Moselle, taking in the fascinating scenery before arriving in Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Instrument Museum |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Ludwigshafen | “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion |
|
| | OR Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens |
|
| | OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Path hike |
|
You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on an excursion to the glorious Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens. Tour this splendid palace and wander through its gardens with more than 100 sculptures and an assortment of whimsical buildings. The Apollotempel houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; and the most spectacular, the Türkischer Garten with a mosque, are a few of the many highlights you will see. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher’s Path along the Neckar River or join a guided bike tour along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour |
|
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, has flavors of both France and Germany which you’ll get to discover. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République followed by a walking tour through its iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. You’ll also see the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. The active adventurer can join a guided Old Town bike tour, which also takes you through the Parc de l’Orangerie. Later in the day, taste Alsatian wines – delightful on the palate and highly praised for their fragrant aromas. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Breisach | Riquewihr walking tour and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Freiburg excursion and wine tasting |
|
| Basel | OR Black Forest hike |
|
| Breisach | OR Breisach wine country bike tour |
|
Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate, followed by a tasting of local wines. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” You’ll also enjoy a wine tasting following your Freiburg tour. As an active choice, go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions; or cycle through the scenic countryside. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Basel | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Lucerne | Lucerne Walking Tour |
|
Disembark the ship and before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel, one of Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan cities. Then go on a walking tour of Lucerne along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Afterwards, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 12 | Lucerne | Lion Monument and the Medieval City Walls |
|
Today, visit the iconic Lion Monument, carved beautifully into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. You’ll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. There is a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. (B)
Day 13 | Lucerne | Scenic Lake Lucerne Cruise to Vitznau |
|
| Zurich | Scenic Drive to Zurich |
|
Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise in Lucerne. Once in Zurich, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 14 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
|
Set alongside a glistening lake and framed by the Alps, Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)
Day 15 | Zurich | Return flight home |
|
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)