Start your European vacation in Paris before taking a high-speed TGV train to Luxembourg, where you will board your ship. Visit Trier, the oldest city in Germany, and continue through the meandering Mosel River Valley, its steep hillsides covered with vineyards. Visit the German villages of Bernkastel and Cochem and experience the dramatic scenery of the Rhine River Gorge, dotted with picturesque fortresses and castle ruins. Along the Main River, stop at medieval towns seemingly untouched by time before cruising through the Main-Danube Canal to historic Nuremberg. Conclude with two nights in beautiful Prague.
Start your European vacation in Paris before taking a high-speed TGV train to Luxembourg, where you will board your ship. Visit Trier, the oldest city in Germany, and continue through the meandering Mosel River Valley, its steep hillsides covered with vineyards. Visit the German villages of Bernkastel and Cochem and experience the dramatic scenery of the Rhine River Gorge, dotted with picturesque fortresses and castle ruins. Along the Main River, stop at medieval towns seemingly untouched by time before cruising through the Main-Danube Canal to historic Nuremberg. Conclude with two nights in beautiful Prague.
Two iconic cities, Prague and Reims, bookend this perfect journey that combines three beautiful rivers, each of which is striking in its own unique way. From the meandering Main to the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its multitude of castles dotting its shores to the vineyard-clad hills of the Moselle, enjoy Europe at its most picturesque. Discover the celebrated Champagne region of France in Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne. Let the storybook villages—Bernkastel, Cochem and Wertheim—captivate you; and Rothenburg, located on the Romantic Road enchant you. Marvel at the world's largest ceiling fresco in the Würzburg Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the beautiful Chagall windows while in Mainz. Savor the many flavors of Germany with a chance to sample the world-famous wines of the Rheingau, the hearty smoked beer of Bamberg and Rüdesheim’s famed coffee. All along the way, gain an intimate understanding of the history and culture of the places you visit.
Europe's Rivers & Castles (Wine Cruise)
At A Glance
On our 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 your cruise in Luxembourg. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
| | OR Secrets of the Porta Nigra |
|
| | OR Petrisberg Castle hike |
|
| Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
After breakfast, a guided walking tour of Trier, Germany’s oldest city, will introduce you to its rich Roman past. You will see the Roman Baths, Trier Cathedral, Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate that dates back to 180 A.D. Continue on to Bernkastel, strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, an area that’s been cultivating wine for over 500 years. A guided walking tour through the old town center this afternoon will take you past many medieval and Renaissance buildings. You will also enjoy a winery visit to sample several different regional vintages. The ship departs later this evening and cruises overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Alken | Cochem Walking Tour and Reichsburg Castle |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Cochem that takes you to the spectacular hilltop Reichsburg Castle, offering fantastic views of the river valley below. Or, opt to take a walking tour of Koblenz and explore its charming town square and quaint shops. Return to the ship for a scenic afternoon cruise along the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine, with castle ruins, fortresses and the legendary Lorelei Rock. We arrive in Rüdesheim this evening and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rüdesheim | Walking tour |
|
The ship departs Rüdesheim this morning and cruises to beautiful Mainz, arriving after lunch. Your guided walking tour includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, home to two copies of the world’s first printed Bible and centuries-old manuscripts and printing presses. Alternatively, travel by motor coach to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. You will visit the red-walled castle and see its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask), and also enjoy gorgeous views of the Neckar Valley and city below. Later this afternoon, the ship departs Mainz and cruises overnight to Wertheim. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Wertheim | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike ride along the Mainr |
|
Welcome to Wertheim, a quaint German town known for its intricate glassworks and charming medieval architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the city followed by free time to explore on your own afterwards. Reboard your ship this evening and cruise overnight to Würzburg. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
|
| | Würzburg to Kitzingen bike tour |
|
Head off on a guided tour of Würzburg’s major sights this morning, or visit the Residenz Palace and gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best examples of Baroque architecture. This afternoon, you may take an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg for a walking tour and free time to explore on your own. A famous shop completely dedicated to Christmas is located here, offering handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and other seasonal wares. If you prefer to relax in the afternoon, choose to remain on board as the ship cruises to Kitzingen. This evening the town’s Historic Court Council and honorary Wine Queen will escort you to Germany’s oldest wine cellar to sample regional wines. Later tonight, the ship sails towards Bamberg. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Bamberg | Walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
| | OR Bamberg Specialties tasting |
|
After arriving this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll have a guided walking tour of this medieval gem. Admire the town’s breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the serpentine streets lined with lovely houses and 18th-century mansions. You will also sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer. This evening, we cruise to Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
After breakfast, disembark the ship. (B)
Day 1 | Luxembourg | EMBARKATION |
|
Board your cruise in Luxembourg. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
| | OR Secrets of the Porta Nigra |
|
| | OR Petrisberg Castle hike |
|
| Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
After breakfast, a guided walking tour of Trier, Germany’s oldest city, will introduce you to its rich Roman past. You will see the Roman Baths, Trier Cathedral, Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate that dates back to 180 A.D. Continue on to Bernkastel, strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, an area that’s been cultivating wine for over 500 years. A guided walking tour through the old town center this afternoon will take you past many medieval and Renaissance buildings. You will also enjoy a winery visit to sample several different regional vintages. The ship departs later this evening and cruises overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Alken | Cochem Walking Tour and Reichsburg Castle |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Cochem that takes you to the spectacular hilltop Reichsburg Castle, offering fantastic views of the river valley below. Or, opt to take a walking tour of Koblenz and explore its charming town square and quaint shops. Return to the ship for a scenic afternoon cruise along the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine, with castle ruins, fortresses and the legendary Lorelei Rock. We arrive in Rüdesheim this evening and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rüdesheim | Walking tour |
|
The ship departs Rüdesheim this morning and cruises to beautiful Mainz, arriving after lunch. Your guided walking tour includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, home to two copies of the world’s first printed Bible and centuries-old manuscripts and printing presses. Alternatively, travel by motor coach to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. You will visit the red-walled castle and see its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask), and also enjoy gorgeous views of the Neckar Valley and city below. Later this afternoon, the ship departs Mainz and cruises overnight to Wertheim. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Wertheim | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike ride along the Mainr |
|
Welcome to Wertheim, a quaint German town known for its intricate glassworks and charming medieval architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the city followed by free time to explore on your own afterwards. Reboard your ship this evening and cruise overnight to Würzburg. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
|
| | Würzburg to Kitzingen bike tour |
|
Head off on a guided tour of Würzburg’s major sights this morning, or visit the Residenz Palace and gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best examples of Baroque architecture. This afternoon, you may take an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg for a walking tour and free time to explore on your own. A famous shop completely dedicated to Christmas is located here, offering handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and other seasonal wares. If you prefer to relax in the afternoon, choose to remain on board as the ship cruises to Kitzingen. This evening the town’s Historic Court Council and honorary Wine Queen will escort you to Germany’s oldest wine cellar to sample regional wines. Later tonight, the ship sails towards Bamberg. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Bamberg | Walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
| | OR Bamberg Specialties tasting |
|
After arriving this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll have a guided walking tour of this medieval gem. Admire the town’s breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the serpentine streets lined with lovely houses and 18th-century mansions. You will also sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer. This evening, we cruise to Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
After breakfast, disembark the ship. (B)
Day 1 | Luxembourg | EMBARKATION |
|
Board your cruise in Luxembourg. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
| | OR Secrets of the Porta Nigra |
|
| | OR Petrisberg Castle hike |
|
| Bernkastel | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
After breakfast, a guided walking tour of Trier, Germany’s oldest city, will introduce you to its rich Roman past. You will see the Roman Baths, Trier Cathedral, Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate that dates back to 180 A.D. Continue on to Bernkastel, strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, an area that’s been cultivating wine for over 500 years. A guided walking tour through the old town center this afternoon will take you past many medieval and Renaissance buildings. You will also enjoy a winery visit to sample several different regional vintages. The ship departs later this evening and cruises overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Alken | Cochem Walking Tour and Reichsburg Castle |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Cochem that takes you to the spectacular hilltop Reichsburg Castle, offering fantastic views of the river valley below. Or, opt to take a walking tour of Koblenz and explore its charming town square and quaint shops. Return to the ship for a scenic afternoon cruise along the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine, with castle ruins, fortresses and the legendary Lorelei Rock. We arrive in Rüdesheim this evening and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rüdesheim | Walking tour |
|
The ship departs Rüdesheim this morning and cruises to beautiful Mainz, arriving after lunch. Your guided walking tour includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, home to two copies of the world’s first printed Bible and centuries-old manuscripts and printing presses. Alternatively, travel by motor coach to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. You will visit the red-walled castle and see its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask), and also enjoy gorgeous views of the Neckar Valley and city below. Later this afternoon, the ship departs Mainz and cruises overnight to Wertheim. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Wertheim | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
| | OR Guided bike ride along the Mainr |
|
Welcome to Wertheim, a quaint German town known for its intricate glassworks and charming medieval architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the city followed by free time to explore on your own afterwards. Reboard your ship this evening and cruise overnight to Würzburg. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
|
| | Würzburg to Kitzingen bike tour |
|
Head off on a guided tour of Würzburg’s major sights this morning, or visit the Residenz Palace and gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best examples of Baroque architecture. This afternoon, you may take an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg for a walking tour and free time to explore on your own. A famous shop completely dedicated to Christmas is located here, offering handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and other seasonal wares. If you prefer to relax in the afternoon, choose to remain on board as the ship cruises to Kitzingen. This evening the town’s Historic Court Council and honorary Wine Queen will escort you to Germany’s oldest wine cellar to sample regional wines. Later tonight, the ship sails towards Bamberg. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Bamberg | Walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
| | OR Bamberg Specialties tasting |
|
After arriving this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll have a guided walking tour of this medieval gem. Admire the town’s breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the serpentine streets lined with lovely houses and 18th-century mansions. You will also sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer. This evening, we cruise to Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
After breakfast, disembark the ship. (B)