Legends of the Rhine and Moselle

Welcome to Frankfurt, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your award-winning Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Mainz. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.Please book your flight to arrive into Frankfurt prior to 02:00 PM.

Start your day with a visit to Eberbach Abbey. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries 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. Today, the abbey continues to make exquisite wines and offers guided tours, enabling everyone to enjoy its history and architectural splendour. It is even the setting for the season five trailer of the popular television series Game of Thrones.Alternatively, enjoy an active hike to the Niederwalddenkmal, a monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein in Hesse. It overlooks the Rhine Valley and was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the Unification of Germany.Included ExcursionVisit to Eberbach AbbeyEmeraldACTIVEHike to Niederwalddenkmal

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 on a active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins.EmeraldPLUSWine experience in BernkastelEmeraldACTIVEActive hike to Landshut Castle RuinsIncluded ExcursionWalking tour of Bernkastel

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, a hive of activity during ancient times, and the Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps.Included ExcursionGuided tour of Trier

Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You’ll see the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, as well as the town hall and its many other gems.In the evening, enjoy a visit to the Imperial castle which stands majestically over the Moselle River valley. A wonderful invitation for every history and culture enthusiast to enjoy one of the highest hill castles on the Moselle 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 the German castle Romanticism of the 19th century.EmeraldPLUSCochem Castle visit with entertainmentEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour near CochemIncluded ExcursionGuided tour of Cochem

Wonderfully maintained inside and out, Marksburg Castle boasts a selection of typical interiors including the castle kitchen, the knight’s hall, the armoury and an inviting wine cellar. The attractive light-stoned walls of the castle are protected by an outer fortress and, with a single tower peering over the turrets and castle walls, it looks not unlike something you would find in a Brothers Grimm tale.EmeraldACTIVEGuided hike to Marksburg CastleIncluded ExcursionVisit to Marksburg castle

Famous for its mineral springs dating back to Roman times, your morning guided tour of Wiesbaden will pass by the Russian Chapel. Visit the old town, the castle and the Kurhaus, and enjoy the magnificent view over the city and the Rhine Valley. Witness some fine examples of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wilhelmine architecture on the way to the Kochbrunnen hot spring, where you can take a sip of hot water.Included ExcursionWalking tour of WiesbadenDiscoverMOREWine tasting at Schloss Johannisberg (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport. Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday.Please book your flight to depart out of Frankfurt after 12:00 PM.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.