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Rhine and Moselle Discovery Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Trier (Germany)
Arrive in Trier today and transfer to your ship. One of Germany’s most treasured cities for its rich history, Trier was once the regional capital of the Holy Roman Empire. After Emperor Constantine the Great had a vision of Christ, he and his mother Helena built great churches and cathedrals here. A few still stand, the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral of Trier among them. The 20,000-seat amphitheater, the Roman Bridge and the massive Porta Nigra, the ancient city gate, are further relics of that time. Today, Trier is a picturesque town surrounded by forests and vineyards, known also as a vibrant university town.
Day 2 - Trier - Berkastel
Enjoy a morning tour of Trier, Germany’s oldest city, set on the banks of the Moselle River. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra gate, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Lunch is served on your ship as we depart. Enjoy scenic cruising along the Moselle this afternoon. We dock in Bernkastel around dinnertime. After your evening meal you can take a walk through the town’s cobblestone streets, or join an optional wine-tasting excursion in this famous wine region. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 - Cochem
Disembark in the quaint town of Cochem for a tour of this stunning medieval town and its millennium-old Reichsburg Castle perched on a hill. Visit the scenic Moselle wine country, where some of the finest Rieslings in the world are produced along terraced slopes. During your tour, delve into a wine-making history that dates back nearly 2,000 years to Roman times. Stop at a local winery for a tour and tasting before returning to your ship for Moselle cruising this afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 - Koblenz
Sail along the Middle Rhine today and enjoy scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore historic Koblenz and stroll through the romantic town as you witness where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet. Pass the sleepy town of Sankt Goar, home to Rhinefels Castle, the largest fortress on the Rhine, and see Lorelei Rock, named after the fabled figure who once lured sailors to her shores. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 - Mainz
Arrive in Mainz today in the heart of the Rhine wine region. Visit one of the Upper Rhine’s most dramatic cathedrals here: Mainz Cathedral, with its six towers reaching toward the heavens. Browse the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the inventor of movable type and book printing. The collection includes many beautiful books and fascinating printing technologies, including a replica of Gutenberg’s workshop. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 - Speyer
Explore the quiet German town of Speyer, on the west bank of the Rhine. Visit its stunning Romanesque imperial cathedral, considered a pivotal structure in the evolution of European architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the burial place of eight emperors, including some of the most famous Holy Roman Emperors. Stroll Speyer’s charming, shop-lined main street and see the impressive clock tower of its Altpörtel, the Old Town Gate. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 - Strasbourg (France)
Visit Strasbourg today, the cultural center of France’s Alsace region. Thanks to its location at the border of France and Germany, it boasts a convivial mix of cultural influences. See its well-preserved Old Town, or Petite France, enclosed on all sides by the little Ill River. Stroll the cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and intersected by picturesque canals, pausing to visit the cathedral. Indulging in Alsatian café culture is central to any visit here. You might join an excursion to sample Alsatian wine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 - Basel (Switzerland) - UK
Disembark in Basel, a fascinating blend of modern and traditional with a thriving arts scene. Get acquainted with its Market Square of guild houses and Gothic, Renaissance and baroque splendor. (B)
Due to navigational reasons, the Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary.