Rhine and Moselle River Elegance

Welcome to Mainz! As we embark on our journey aboard the splendid MS Crucevita 4* (or a similar vessel), your adventure begins. From 4:00 p.m., transfers will escort you from Frankfurt Airport to our awaiting river cruise. Whether you arrive early or just in time, you'll have the option to leave your luggage at reception while you explore Mainz at your own pace. A city enriched with history, it's a perfect place for your first taste of German culture. Come evening, we'll host a warm welcome reception and dinner on board as we set sail towards the mysteries of the night. As we progress through the trip, our group may see changes in membership, but rest assured, our maximum group size will always be maintained. Prepare for an evening filled with new friendships and exciting experiences as we navigate the beautiful waterways of Europe. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

As dawn breaks, we find ourselves in Mannheim, a lively university town nestled where the Rhine and Neckar Rivers meet. This city holds a special place in automotive history, being the birthplace of Karl Drais’s two-wheeled invention in 1817 and Carl Benz’s pioneering automobile in 1886. Today, we'll venture to nearby Heidelberg, famous for its prestigious 14th-century university and the majestic castle overlooking the town. As the evening sets in, we'll continue our journey, gliding gently into the night.

Today, we'll find ourselves in the captivating city of Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region. By morning, our cruise will have taken us into the historic heart of this vibrant city. Strasbourg’s Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, offers a perfect example of a medieval city. This area includes La Petite France, a charming neighbourhood once bustling with fishermen and millers that now enchants visitors with its scenic canals. You’ll have the opportunity to explore Strasbourg’s remarkable landmarks, including the city's magnificent cathedral, an emblem of its rich history. As the day winds down, we'll enjoy another night aboard our comfortable vessel.

In the morning, we reach Worms, a city steeped in history as the ancient capital of the Germanic peoples, celebrated for its impressive Romanesque architecture. Our exploration centres on the magnificent 11th-century St. Peter’s Cathedral, an architectural gem of the High Romanesque period, recognised for its four striking towers and dual domes. Along with the cathedrals of Speyer and Mainz, it stands as a crowning achievement of its era. Worms also serves as a gateway to the Deutsche Weinstrasse, a 50-mile trail famed for winding through picturesque wine-producing villages.By afternoon, we set anchor in Rüdesheim, one of Germany’s most frequented villages. Here, you can wander among historical landmarks such as the medieval Klunkhardshof, the fortified Adler Tower, the thousand-year-old Brömser Castle, and the remnants of Ehrenfels Castle, each offering a glimpse into the town's vibrant history. We will settle in for the night on board, surrounded by the delightful ambience of Rüdesheim.

By midday, we’ll arrive in Koblenz, one of Germany’s most picturesque cities. Nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, this enchanting city is celebrated for its scenic beauty at the renowned Deutsches Eck, or German Corner. Set against a backdrop of vibrant vineyards, lush forests, and majestic mountain ranges, Koblenz boasts a history spanning over 2,000 years. We will remain on board overnight, allowing you to absorb the allure of this remarkable city.

On the sixth day of our journey, we start early by arriving in Cochem, a delightful town nestled within the Moselle wine region, celebrated for its exceptional wines and stunning scenery. The focal point of our visit is Cochem Castle, which boasts over a thousand years of history and has been carefully restored over the past century. After soaking up the charm of Cochem, we continue our voyage to Alken in the afternoon. This quaint village, sitting along the scenic banks of the Moselle, invites you to enjoy a leisurely wander through its picturesque streets. Tonight, we’ll remain on board, resting in this serene setting aboard our cruise.

As we sail into Boppard around midday, you'll find a town rich in both history and natural allure. Spend your afternoon exploring landmarks such as Sterrenberg Castle and Liebenstein Castle, or take a moment to appreciate the architectural grandeur of the Church of St. Severinus. Boppard Bay offers a serene backdrop for a leisurely stroll or simply soaking in the scenery. In the evening, we will gather for the Captain's Dinner, an occasion to look forward to as we enjoy a delightful meal together. We'll spend the night on board, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences.

As the day begins, we find ourselves back in Mainz, the city celebrated for being the birthplace of the movable-type printing press, a groundbreaking invention by Johannes Gutenberg. The historic heart of Mainz, with its magnificent thousand-year-old cathedral, sits harmoniously alongside the energetic atmosphere of this thriving university city. By 9:00 a.m., you'll need to vacate your cabin, but rest assured, you can store your luggage at reception until your departure. After enjoying breakfast, we have arranged a guided tour of Mainz to further explore its rich heritage. Be sure to plan this with your flight schedule in mind. Our journey concludes thereafter, leaving you with fond memories of an unforgettable voyage.