Rhine and Moselle Explorer 2027

Travel to Mainz and embark Spirit of the Rhine. Your all-inclusive cruise begins with dinner tonight.

Mainz is known for its medieval market squares, half-timbered houses, Romanesque sandstone cathedral and St Stephen’s church, which features stained glass windows by renowned artist Marc Chagall. Behind the cathedral in Gutenbergplatz square is a statue of the father of modern printing Johannes Gutenberg, who was born in Mainz in the 14th century.

Included excursion

Join a walking tour into the Old Town of Mainz, which is home to one of the city’s most famous landmarks Mainz Cathedral. Continue past medieval houses to view the exterior of the Gutenberg Museum, a building dedicated to the work of Johannes Gutenberg. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles to two miles over two hours, however a shorter included walking tour is also available.

Depart Mainz, 0800.
Scenic Cruise, Rhine Gorge.
Arrive Boppard, 1200.

The waterfront of this classic Rhineland wine town is overlooked by the twin towers of St Severus Church and vineyards. There are extensive Roman remains, medieval fortifications and half-timbered buildings.

Included excursion

Enjoy an included walking tour of Boppard, uncovering a wealth of Roman history. Accompanied by a guide, walk to the Gothic-style Carmelite church, dating back to the 14th century. Enjoy a view of the two-towered church of St Severus, home to painted wall scenes built over the Roman military baths in the 13th century. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles, however a shorter included walking tour is also available.

Depart Boppard, 0500.
Arrive Treis-Karden, 1300. Depart 1900.
Arrive Cochem, 2100.

Following a leisurely morning admiring the riverside scenery along the Moselle arrive in the charming twin towns of Treis-Karden, which enjoy a peaceful riverside setting backed by rolling hills and terraced vineyards. The pristine towers of St Castor’s church dominate the skyline of Karden.

Included excursion

Join an orientation walk to see some of the local area or opt to visit the nearby Moselland Museum, which offers an insight into the life of Mosellans in days gone through carefully-curated exhibits.

Depart, 1600.

The small town of Cochem is overlooked by the hilltop, neo-Gothic Reichsburg Castle, and although most of the castle was rebuilt in the 19th century, the original 11th-century keep still survives. The town’s other historic architectural gems include a baroque Town Hall backed by a maze of streets and a quaint market square overlooked by timber-framed buildings. Continue to Winningen, where your ship will moor overnight.

Included excursion

Sample locally-produced wine at a nearby venue.

Arrive 1400.

Depart from Winningen and enjoy a scenic morning sailing along the Moselle and onto the Rhine to visit picturesque Königswinter. The town nestles on the banks of the Rhine and is overlooked by the ancient castle ruins of Drachenfel, the supposed location where Siegfried slayed the dragon in German mythology and used by Wagner in his Ring Cycle.

Included excursion

Step aboard the Drachenfelsbahn – Germany’s oldest rack and pinion railway, dating back to 1883. Enjoy a scenic journey to the summit of Drachenfels Mountain, as your guide shares information about the area, the rail and its history. You will have some free time to view the ruins of 12th-century Drachenfels castle from the top or perhaps treat yourself to a slice of pie and a drink at the hill-top cafe.

Depart Königswinter, 0800.
Arrive Koblenz, 1300. Depart 1800.

Koblenz sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. At the exact point where the two rivers meet, the Deutsches Eck, there is a monument with a huge equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. Above the town sits the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a citadel built by the Prussians between 1816 and 1832.

Included excursion

Join a local guide for an included walking tour of Koblenz, taking in highlights such as the Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, the Old Town and the Schängel fountain, which stands in the courtyard of the Town Hall. This excursion covers approximately one-and-a-half miles, however a shorter included walking tour is also available.

Arrive 0400.

Disembark Spirit of the Rhine after breakfast and begin your return journey.