Contrasts of the Rhine, Main and Moselle: Frankfurt to Schweich

This combined coach and walking tour of the largest city in the German state of Hesse, straddling the river Main, reveals a striking contrast of old and new. Take a guided coach tour through the modern centre with its skyline of dazzling glass skyscrapers, then enjoy a stroll in Römerberg, the central square of the historic old town where you can see the stepped gables of Römer City Hall. Other highlights include St Paul's Church, the seat of the first freely elected German parliament.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over paved terrain, which may at times be cobbled. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately 90 minutes.

2½ hours

Among this tour’s sights are the St Nikolaus Hospital, the parish church of St Michael with its mighty Gothic slate tower, the birthplace of Nikolaus Cusanus and the historic market square with its centuries-old half-timbered houses in the old town.

The unique vista of the Moselle cultural landscape is your constant companion on this land train journey through Bernkastel-Kues. After your tour concludes you may walk back to your ship or perhaps choose to stay for further time to explore independently.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately 550 yards over paved terrain which may at times be uneven or cobbled. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately 20 minutes. This tour includes travel by land train, which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may not be suitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

1 hour

Disembark your ship and travel by coach into central Trier, passing along the banks of the Moselle to see the ancient Roman Bridge. You will then explore further with a guided tour on foot to visit the largest Roman gate north of the Alps – the UNESCO World Heritage listed Porta Nigra – as well as the quaint Market Square, Cathedral and Church of Our Lady.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which may at times be uneven or cobbled. There is a total walking and/or standing time of two-and-a-half hours. The exact tour duration may vary depending on the mooring location of your ship.

3½ hours

Join a local guide on a walking tour exploring the city's history, from its beginnings to present today. After your walking tour your guide will leave you to explore at your own pace at the Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest book and print museums located in the heart of Mainz. Founded in 1900 by a group of citizens from Mainz, the Gutenberg Museum is dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, the man behind one of the most important inventions in the history of mankind, the printing press. Inside you will see the work of Johannes Gutenberg during a demonstration at the historic printing press and be sure not to miss the original Gutenberg Bible in the vault of the museum. After your time in the museum you return to your ship independently on foot.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk up to approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile over mostly level, cobbled terrain on the guided walking section of this tour, however in addition to this there will be a further walk of approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile from the Gutenberg Museum back to your ship at your own pace.

Inside the museum walking is at your discretion, however we suggest you should expect to walk a further 750 yards to make the most of your visit. Some steps are possible inside the museum, but a lift is available if required. This tour has a total walking and/or standing time of approximately two-and-a-half hours, however one hour of this is at your discretion inside the museum.

2½ hours

Disembarking the ship, you’ll start the day by boarding the Land Train for a relaxing journey through the streets of Rüdesheim. After enjoying the passing vistas of this small wine town, get ready for a musical tour through Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to the world's largest collection of immersive self-playing instruments.

Accompanied by a guide, you’ll be shown some of the most beautiful musical pieces spanning three centuries, from music boxes to concert piano orchestrions, all presented to you in a humorous and curious way. Finally, you will experience the ""Admiral 2"", dating back to 1910 and fully restored, it is now the largest instrument in the collection. Next, you’ll have the chance to sample three regional wines with a guided tasting before your return to the ship via the Land Train.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 250 yards in total over flat ground with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 45 minutes. This excursion includes travel by land train, which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

2½ hours

On this walking tour of Boppard, you’ll pass by historical buildings at every turn, giving you a great insight into the wealth of Roman history that lies here.

Accompanied by your guide, you’ll hear about this city’s link as one of the most important settlements during this period; then it’s time to make your way on foot to the Gothic-style Carmelite church dating back to the 14th century.

Afterwards, you can feast your eyes on the imposing two-towered church of St Severus, home to painted wall scenes built over the Roman military baths in the 13th century.

Before you return to the ship, you can trace the banks of the Rhine to explore the Roman fort of Bodobrica, passing rows of old half-timbered houses in the centre of the town.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over flat ground with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes.

2½ hours

Depart your ship by minibus and head up the hillside to Reichsburg Castle where you’ll learn about its colourful history and see a panoramic view of the Moselle valley and river below. During this castle visit, you’ll be accompanied by a guide who will delve deeper into it’s interesting past revolving around its rescue and restoration into a grand 19th-century neo-Gothic wonder. Today, it is a showcase for Renaissance and Baroque furniture which you can see for yourself as you explore the rooms before later heading down to the town for a short, guided walk. 

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk up to approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile over level but cobbled terrain. On arrival at the castle, there is a walk of approximately 220 yards on a steep incline between the minibus drop-off point and the entrance. Inside Reichsburg Castle there are frequent steps and the paths are uneven; there is no lift access. This tour has a total standing and/or walking time of approximately two hours.

2½ hours

Step aboard the land train from the pier and enjoy a guided tour around the town. Starting at the old Mosel Bridge, you'll be taken through the old town and across the new bridge into the Cond district, which offers a great view of Cochem and Reichsburg.

Then, head to the Moselstrabe and alongside the vineyards, which ascend the valley. After your sightseeing tour you'll have some free time to spend in Cochem, before rejoining the land train for your return journey to the ship.

Walking Grade 2

Please note:Walking and/or standing on this tour is during your free time only and this is at your discretion. This tour includes travel by land train which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

1½ hours

Join a leisurely walk through the traditional Moselle town of Traben-Trarbach. Stroll through the old town which is renowned for its Art Nouveau villas and Belle Epoque splendour.

In the early 1900's, the town was the largest wine trading centre in Europe after Bordeaux. Discover the town's many secluded alleys and traces of bygone days, whilst your guide highlights the historical tales and modern day life in this delightful town.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over level but cobbled terrain. Expect to be walking or standing for the full duration of this excursion.

1½ hours