Wine Cruise on the Rhine

Cologne is a city with a history spanning over 2,000 years, and traces of its rich past can be seen throughout the Rhine region. On this walking tour, explore the Cologne Cathedral and the charming old town. As you wander through the narrow cobbled streets and lively squares such as the Alter Markt and Heumarkt, you’ll get a true sense of life in Cologne, both past and present.

Step inside the cathedral (subject to opening hours and religious services) to admire its stunning Gothic architecture. With its twin towers soaring 157 meters, the Cologne Cathedral has been the city’s iconic landmark since its completion in 1880 and remains Germany’s most-visited attraction. At the end of the tour, enjoy a refreshing glass of Kölsch, the signature beer of Cologne and the surrounding Rhineland, as you soak in the atmosphere of this historic city.

From Cochem, venture into the heart of the Moselle wine country and visit Treis Winery, where more than 400 years of winemaking tradition continue at the historic Boos von Waldeckhof estate. Built in 1580 as the summer residence of Count Boos zu Waldeck, the estate has been home to generations of winemakers, with the Treis family carrying the tradition into its twelfth generation.

Surrounded by steep, south-facing vineyards and rugged slate soils, the estate offers a glimpse into the character of the Moselle terroir and the craftsmanship behind its wines. Explore the historic winery and enjoy a tasting that brings centuries of tradition together with a modern approach to winemaking.

The harmonious combination of the unique Moselle landscape, centuries-old vineyards, and rich cultural heritage makes Cochem a particularly popular destination. Explore the town on a walking tour through its narrow, winding streets and soak up its charming atmosphere.

During the excursion, you will also have the opportunity to visit Cochem Castle. Perched high on a rugged cliff, this impressive fortress dominates the town’s skyline. From the castle, enjoy breathtaking views of the Moselle Valley, with its dreamy mixed forests and terraced vineyards – a truly unforgettable sight.

Please note: Visit to Cochem Castle is subject to availability.

Follow the Moselle through one of Germany’s most celebrated wine landscapes, where steep slopes, slate soils and varied microclimates shape the character of its Rieslings. At Markus Molitor, a family winery with roots in the Moselle dating back generations, each wine is made to reflect its vineyard, vintage and stage of ripeness.

Since taking over the estate in 1984, Markus Molitor has focused on meticulous vineyard work and careful selection, inspecting grapes berry by berry to preserve the character of each site. Visit Klosterberg House, the winery’s ancestral home, and enjoy a tasting while taking in the setting where Molitor’s approach to Moselle winemaking comes to life.

The unique Winzerexpress train takes you from the dock of the ship to the "Siegfried Mechanical Music Cabinet" for a musical adventure with historical self-playing instruments. Continue your guided tour with a walk through the picturesque town. Explore the heart of the old town of Rüdesheim - the Drosselgasse - where wine houses and garden taverns invite you to linger. Immerse yourself in the history of the city and visit the Eagle Tower, a part of the city wall, and the fortifications from the 15th century.

The Rheingau is one of Germany’s best-known wine regions, where the Rhine shapes a landscape of sun-drenched vineyards and elegant Rieslings. Just beyond Rüdesheim, visit the historic Wegeler estate in Oestrich-Winkel and discover the wines and traditions of this storied region.

Founded in 1882 by wine merchant and sparkling wine producer Julius Wegeler, the family-run winery was built around a belief that great wine begins with exceptional vineyards and the luxury of time to mature. While the region is world-famous for its crisp, elegant Rieslings, Wegeler also stands out for its distinctive Pinot Noirs. Explore the estate, then settle in for a tasting of six wines.

A comfortable coach will take you to Heidelberg, the world famous University City on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. Heidelberg was discovered quite early by romantics to use for diverse literature, songs and paintings. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone has been a ruin, maybe the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads also into the castle garden. From the Grand Terrace you will have a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late-gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall.

Speyer, the time-honored imperial city on the Rhine, looks back on a rich and eventful past. Historic testimonies of ecclesiastical architecture, façades of different building epochs, winding alleys and romantic squares characterize the face of the city today. On today’s walking tour, pass by the Romanesque Imperial cathedral with its striking twin-towered portal, the Old Gate of Speyer and passy by the revered baroque Church of the Holy Spirit. Continue with a visit to the medieval Judenhof, one of the most important Jewish medieval sites in Germany. The Jewish community had a storied history in Speyer reaching back over 1,000 years. View the remains of the Jewish courtyard, which was the central area of the Jewish quarter and consisted of the synagogues, and a ritual bath (Mikveh). Speyer calls itself the “Brezelstadt” or “Pretzel Town”, at the end of your walk make a stop at a local shop for a pretzel to snack on as you explore the town on your own before returning to the vessel.

Cross the border from Strasbourg into the heart of the Alsace wine region and arrive in the picturesque town of Ribeauvillé, nestled along the famed Alsatian Wine Route. Here, vineyards flourish across a remarkable mosaic of soils and microclimates, creating the ideal conditions for the region’s seven traditional grape varieties.

Visit Domaine Bott Frères, a family estate founded in 1835 and now led by its seventh generation. The estate cultivates vines across three prestigious Grands Crus and has embraced organic farming, bringing together generations of winemaking knowledge with a commitment to the land. Take a guided tour of the estate before enjoying a tasting that showcases the variety and character of Alsace, from crisp Riesling to aromatic Gewurztraminer.

Enjoy a discovery tour through the beautiful city of Strasbourg. After a short coach trip through the city, the tour continues with a walk through the lovely, historic old part of the town and includes a visit to the famous cathedral Straßburger Münster (not possible on Sundays and public holidays, sometimes with security check). During a boat cruise on the river, discover the famous quarter, “Petite France”. This former mill and tanner district still maintains its medieval charm. Some of the beautiful, half-timbered houses on the banks of the river Ill are up to 500 years old. You will enjoy Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, the Council of Europe and all the other wonders that Strasbourg holds in store for you.