Your cruise down the winding Rhine and Moselle Rivers is set against a backdrop of Medieval castles, well-preserved villages and terraced vineyards. These are fabled and distinguished wine regions, where some of Germany’s finest grapes, including the noble Riesling, are grown. Taste and compare the fuller bodied, fruitier Rieslings of the Rheingau region with the delicately light Rieslings of the Moselle Valley. Absorb the culture, meet local people and let the river and wine entice your senses.

Music and wine as you sail along the Rhine! While indulging in the fine wines of the region, you will be treated to a variety of musical styles on three separate evenings. One evening, you’ll listen to a local singing cellar master, Horst Schmidt. Not only will he serenade you, he can share insight into the wines of the region. The next night, hear the Wormser Kammerchor Choir, and on the third evening, experience Armand Jehle, a French Chansonier, as he sings romantic ballads of the region.

COCHEM
A favorite respite amid the splendor of the Moselle Valley, Cochem offers an idyllic setting amid vine-clad hills, and a neo-Gothic castle. The little town is graced by three fortified gates, quaint narrow alleys and half-timbered houses. Visit Reichsburg Castle, perched high above the town. Originally built in the 11th century, the castle was destroyed by French soldiers in 1689 and reconstructed in the 19th century.

BERNKASTEL
This wine village is strategically located in the middle of the Moselle region, which stretches from the French border to the Rhine. Bernkastel boasts more than 500 years of documented wine history. Visit the Moselle Wine Museum and join us for a special wine tasting.

RÜDESHEIM
This lovely town has been a magnet for romantics ever since the early 19th century. It is also the most famous of all the region’s many wine villages. The historical monuments, romantic winding alleyways and rolling hillside vineyards are a treat. Join us for an exceptional wine tasting at Castle Vollrads, and taste delicious wines from the famous Rheingau region.

HEIDELBERG
Situated on the banks of the Neckar River, Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most beautiful cities. The city is famous for its romantic castle, renowned university and picturesque Old Town with winding alleys steeped in history. Towering over the town are the ruins of Heidelberger Schloss, well worth a visit.

COLMAR
This pleasant town in Alsace is one of the best preserved and restored in the region. During the 16th century, Colmar was a bustling metropolis, with a flourishing wine trade. A canal system links the city with Strasbourg and Basel, and contributes to the city’s wine trading importance today. Visit Cave du Musée, a winery with perhaps the largest selection of wines and liqueurs from the region.

STRASBOURG
This cosmopolitan city is often referred to as “the crossroads of Europe.” A canal cruise along the waterways that encircle the Old Town is the best way to see bridges with medieval watchtowers and the old tanners’ district, dotted with half-timbered houses. Drive along the scenic Alsatian wine road, and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local wineries.

Included Features
Roundtrip flight to Europe (to Antwerp or Basel and from Basel or Antwerp)
8-night cruise in an outside stateroom on River Queen
All meals onboard the ship
Evening entertainment
Guided wine excursions, wine lectures and tastings
All transfers

Included Highlights
Wine tasting at Castle Vollrads in Rüdesheim
Special wine tasting at the Moselle Wine Museum in Bernkastel
Canal cruise through Strasbourg and wine tasting at the Alsatian Winery Lorentz
Beautiful Heidelberg
Charming Colmar

* Roundtrip airfare, transfers, deluxe outside stateroom, all meals and entertainment onboard and exclusive excursions are included.