Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards: 11 days Amsterdam to Basel

This morning you will have the chance to find out more about Rotterdam during a walking tour of this unique example of a Dutch city. Following the air raids of WWII, reconstruction efforts utilised a patchwork of architectural styles, forever altering the city’s skyline. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore contemporary Rotterdam, which currently boasts the tallest commercial and residential buildings in the Netherlands. The reputation as the city of high rises has historical roots, beginning with the construction of the 45-metre-high office building, the Witte Huis, which, for quite some time, was the tallest office building in Europe. Afterwards you will be sailing to Dordrecht, where you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager for a walk into town.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rotterdam

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk to town with Activity Manager in Dordrecht

Welcome to Nijmegen, the Roman settlement of Noviomagus and the oldest town in the Netherlands. Join a walking tour through its centre, exploring its architectural wonders and learn more about the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen that takes place every year, welcoming tens of thousands of people. If you are feeling more active, join a bike ride along the river, embracing the unique countryside features along the Waal river.

Included Excursion
Nijmegen Walking tour

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Nijmegen

This morning you will arrive in Bonn – the former capital of West Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. During your walking tour you will have the opportunity to know more about Bonn Minster, known for its Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements. Its old town is also quite a gem of historical buildings and quaint streets. Landmarks like the Altes Rathaus and Beethoven House will be some of the many architectural highlights.

Alternatively, join a bike tour in Bonn and unveil some of the city’s secrets off the beaten track. This afternoon – enjoy a smooth sailing on board your Star-Ship and relax with a view of the peaceful landscapes of the Rhine and the Moselle river.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bonn

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Bonn

Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River. Home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416.During your EmeraldPLUS you will have the opportunity to wander through some of the peaceful Moselle vineyards that compose this bucolic landscape and have a taste of the famous Riesling wine produced in this region. . Or get a different perspective of the region when you take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle.

EmeraldPLUS
Moselle vineyard hike & wine tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike to Landshut Castle Ruins

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, alongside the town hall and its many other gems.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cochem (Please note: Select dates will also include a visit to Reichsburg Castle)

EmeraldACTIVE
Cycling along the Moselle

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German Beer Garden Experience (extra expense)

In the morning, you will have the opportunity to join your Activity Manager on a hike in Sankt Goar. Although a small town, it holds the magnificent Rheinfels Castle ruins that gaze over the Moselle. Enjoy the serene sailing through the Rhine river towards Rüdesheim, where you will have the opportunity to visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery as part of your EmeraldPLUS program. Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1000 years. The first Riesling winery in the world, at Schloss Johannisberg, discover a unique wine culture and fabled history during this exclusive tour. Set over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus mountains, the onsite 300-acre forest grows native oak to make the wooden barrels used for producing this exemplary wine. These extra-special barrels are then kept in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, known as ‘Bibliotheca Subterranea’, where over 25,000 precious wines are stored. Alternatively, participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.

EmeraldPLUS
Wine Visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg (Please note: If Schloss Johannisberg is not available, it will be replaced with Castle Vollrads)

EmeraldACTIVE
Active Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument

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Rüdesheim with specialty coffee (extra expense)

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. The town is famous as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg who invented the first printing press and manufactured his first books in the 15th century, including the Gutenberg Bible.

Included Excursion
Guided Tour of Mainz

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Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)

This morning, we’ll dock in Strasbourg, the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is via its quaint waterways.

Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals and narrow lanes. Witness the covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Included Excursion
Canal cruise Strasbourg

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Alsatian Wine Route (extra expense)

Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, façades adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine to experience the destination from another perspective.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine