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Saar & Moselle Fairytales Itinerary
Day 1 - Cologne
Your cruising adventure begins in Cologne, where you will embark in the afternoon. Enjoy a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a delicious Welcome Dinner, which sets the mood for the exciting days to come.
Day 2 - Cochem
During the morning, your luxury vessel will take you on a scenic cruise down the Rhine’s largest tributary, the Moselle River, famous for its picturesque landscape dominated by vineyards since Roman times. After your ship docks at Cochem, you can take the guided walking tour to discover the history seeping through Cochem’s narrow alleys, medieval town gates, churches and more. You will also visit the imperial Reichsburg Castle, which towers above Cochem on an imposing crag. Alternatively, you can join the excursion to medieval Eltz Castle, which nestles in forested hills between Koblenz and Trier. Wind down at dinner with your fellow guests as your AMADEUS ship travels onward.
Day 3 - Bernkastel-Kues - Saarburg
In the morning, you will arrive at another medieval wine-growing town called Bernkastel-Kues, which is known for its medieval marketplace and its gabled houses, including the Spitzhäuschen (Pointed House). Take a trip around this charming town in the morning and enjoy the wine-tasting session, which is included in the guided tour. If you prefer a slightly more energetic excursion, you can join the trip to the castle ruins above Bernkastel-Kues instead. After a steady climb, you will arrive at the ruins, which offer a panoramic view over the surrounding area. The afternoon is yours to spend relaxing on board, and late at night, your vessel will arrive in Saarburg.
Day 4 - Saarburg - Saarlouis
Start your day by exploring of the sights of the German town of Saarburg on the banks of the Saar River. Don’t miss the impressive 60-foot-drop that the river Leuk, which flows through Saarburg, makes in the town center. Alternatively, you can visit Saarburg’s interactive bell foundry museum, the Museum und Glockengießerei Mabilon. Founded in 1770, this bell foundry produced world-famous bells until as late as 2002. You will return to your vessel in time for lunch and then enjoy a panoramic cruise along the Saarschleife, or Great Bend in the Saar River, where the Saar has carved a massive loop through quartzite rock. End this eventful day with an elegant dinner on board in the company of your fellow guests.
Day 5 - Saarlouis - Grevenmacher
During the night, your ship arrived at the fortified town of Saarlouis, which you can explore first thing after breakfast. Built as a fortress in 1680 and named after Louis XIV of France, parts of the original fortress as well as later historical buildings remain intact and give insight into the town’s history. An alternative for the morning’s program is a visit to the beautiful city of Saarbrücken, capital of Germany’s state of Saarland. With structures dating back as far as Roman times, the town boasts a storied history and many picturesque landmarks, including the stone bridge over the Saar River. After lunch on board, your vessel will take another scenic turn on the Great Bend in the Saar River before heading to Luxembourg.
Day 6 - Grevenmacher - Trier
One of the smallest sovereign states in Europe, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, awaits you today. In the morning, you can choose between a visit to the town of Grevenmacher or join the excursion to Luxembourg City. Grevenmacher is a small town in eastern Luxembourg, in a romantic wine-growing region situated along the Moselle River. Luxembourg City is the capital of Luxembourg and one of the four official capitals of the European Union. It also houses the European Court of Justice, which is the highest court of the European Union. Its sights include the charming Old Town, the Grand Ducal Palace, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and many more. At lunchtime, you will rejoin your vessel and return to Germany, where you will dock in Trier. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this beautiful city with a history that stretches back to Celtic times. In the evening, you will be treated to the festive Captain’s Gala Dinner.
Day 7 - Koblenz
Enjoy a restful morning on board your floating hotel, enjoying all the comforts your AMADEUS vessel has to offer. During mid-afternoon, you will make a stop in Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Join the guided town walk through Koblenz, during which you will learn more of its varied history, which was influenced by the Romans, the Franks, the Holy Roman Empire, the French and the Germans. As an alternative option for the afternoon’s entertainment, you can take part in the excursion to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Pass through Koblenz before heading up to the fortress, which towers above the Rhine and offers spectacular views over Koblenz. Dating back to the year 1000, it is the second-largest intact European fortress. Back on board, you will celebrate your cruise at one more fine AMADEUS dinner.
Day 8 - Cologne
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on board before disembarking. The Amadeus team wishes you a safe journey home and looks forward to welcoming you back on board again soon.