AmaWaterways™ River Cruises

Overview Rhine & Moselle Splendors (Wine Cruise)

CRUISE FROM : Luxembourg to Basel

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.

COUNTRIES:

RIVERS:

Rhine & Moselle Splendors (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.

Luxembourg to Basel

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Day 1

Luxembourg

EMBARKATION

Welcome Aboard Wine Toast

Embark your ship in Luxembourg. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. The ship departs very late tonight for Germany. (D)

Day 2

Trier

“Rome of the North” tour

OR Petrisberg Hill hike

Bernkastel

Walking tour and wine tasting

OR Landshut Castle hike

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. During the afternoon, sail the Moselle River 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. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Cochem

Reichsburg Castle and walking tour

OR Reichsburg Castle hike

OR Bundesbank Bunker vault tour

OR Cochem bike tour

Moselle Valley

Scenic cruising

Lahnstein

Exclusive festive celebration

History comes to life in Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle, situated high above the town, 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 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 of Europe’s steepest vineyards before arriving in Lahnstein where you’ll enjoy an exclusive festive celebration. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Rhine Gorge

Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Rüdesheim

Gondola ride and wine tasting

OR Vineyard hike

OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

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 Music Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; 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 Mannheim Baroque Palace

OR Schwetzingen Gardens

OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Hike path

Discover a grand Baroque palace, one of Mark Twain’s favorite European towns or one of the most whimsical gardens in the Europe on choice of excursions. Relive a bygone era on an excursion to the glorious Mannheim Baroque Palace. Tour this splendid palace furnished with over 800 exhibits, including 21 large tapestries, ornate furniture, priceless paintings, valuable porcelain and costly silverware. Prefer to visit the town Mark Twain fell in love with, then join on a tour to Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. You'll see the red-walled castle with its Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask and the old city. Alternatively, visit Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, a cultural heritage site of European significance. Wander through the gardens with more than 100 sculptures and admire an assortment of whimsical buildings. The Apollotempel, houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; the Badehaus, a summerhouse modelled on an Italian villa; and the most spectacular, the Türkischer Garten with a mosque designed by Nicolas de Pigage, the largest structure of its kind in a German garden— are a few of the many highlights you will see. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Strasbourg

“The Gem of the Alsace” tour

OR Strasbourg bike tour

Alsatian wine tasting

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, has flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location, 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 afternoon, be treated to a special Alsatian wine tasting of some of the region’s most delicious and notable wine. Discover how the Vosges Mountains provide the Alsace with ideal wine making conditions, and as such, Alsatian wines are not only delightful on the palate, but they’re also highly praised for their fragrant aromas, ranging from bright and fruity to crisp and spicy. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Breisach

Riquewihr walking tour and wine tasting

OR Freiburg excursion and wine tasting

OR Breisach wine country bike tour

Basel

OR Black Forest* excursion

Overnight in Basel

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. While there, enjoy a visit to a winery for a tasting of locally produced Alsatian 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 visit a winery where you will have the opportunity to taste their locally produced wines, and then continue with a walking tour. Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside; or go to the Black Forest*, a magical land full of cultural traditions, as well as home to elaborate cuckoo clocks, striking half-timber houses, ruined castles and quaint towns. (B,L,D)

*Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

Day 8

Basel

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark after breakfast. (B)

Luxembourg to Basel

Expand All

Day 1

Luxembourg

EMBARKATION

Welcome Aboard Wine Toast

Embark your ship in Luxembourg. Tonight, gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. The ship departs very late tonight for Germany. (D)

Day 2

Trier

“Rome of the North” tour

OR Petrisberg Hill hike

Bernkastel

Walking tour and wine tasting

OR Landshut Castle hike

Day 3

Cochem

Reichsburg Castle and walking tour

OR Reichsburg Castle hike

OR Bundesbank Bunker vault tour

OR Cochem bike tour

Moselle Valley

Scenic cruising

Lahnstein

Exclusive festive celebration

Day 4

Rhine Gorge

Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising

Rüdesheim

Gondola ride and wine tasting

OR Vineyard hike

OR Schloss Johannisberg bike tour

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum

OR Rüdesheimer Coffee

Day 5

Ludwigshafen

“Romantic Heidelberg” excursion

OR Mannheim Baroque Palace

OR Schwetzingen Gardens

OR Heidelberg Philosopher's Hike path

Day 6

Strasbourg

“The Gem of the Alsace” tour

OR Strasbourg bike tour

Alsatian wine tasting

Day 7

Breisach

Riquewihr walking tour and wine tasting

OR Freiburg excursion and wine tasting

OR Breisach wine country bike tour

Basel

OR Black Forest* excursion

Overnight in Basel

*Please Note: Black forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.

Day 8

Basel

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark after breakfast. (B)

Included Features Rhine & Moselle Splendors (Wine Cruise)

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom
Computer for internet access
Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck whirlpool and walking track
Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Special Interest Tours
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

Exclusive Wine Cruise Rhine & Moselle Splendors Jul 23 - 30, 2020

Hosted by Markus Niggli, Winemaker, Markus Wine Co. Lodi, CA

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

About the Wine Region – The Moselle, Main and Rhine

Rhine & Moselle Splendors (Wine Cruise) At A Glance

Thank you for your interest in our Rhine & Moselle Splendors (Wine Cruise) itinerary! The 2020 season for this program has ended. For 2021 dates and prices click here.