Hidden Gems of the Saar

Saarbrücken can trace its roots back over 1,000 years. Baroque buildings such as the palace and the Schloss square bear witness to the city's heyday in the 18th century, while the Ludwigskirche church is considered one of Germany's purest and most beautiful baroque churches.

Other top attractions include the Neo-Gothic Town Hall, the mining headquarters and the Church of St John. The St Johanner Markt square with its boutiques, bistros and picturesque narrow alleyways is the heart and soul of Saarbrücken. You will depart from your ship by coach from Saarlouis and explore this diverse city firstly by coach and then on foot in the company of a local guide.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which may be uneven or cobbled in places. The total standing/walking time will be approximately one-and-a-half hours.

3 hours

This tour will introduce you to Luxembourg City’s Old Town, the European Quarter, the financial district and the Holy Spirit Plateau, among others. You will discover the Golden Lady, the Place d'Armes, Constitution Square, the government quarter and the Grand Ducal Palace. Over the centuries, Luxembourg was developed into a powerful fortified city by its various rulers. Its defences were secured by 24 forts and a system of casemates.

In addition to the historic buildings, there are a number of monuments in Luxembourg. The bronze equestrian statue of William II on William Square was erected in honour of King and Grand Duke William II of Orange-Nassau. He reigned from 1840 to 1849 and gave the Grand Duchy its first parliamentary constitution. Cross the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge to reach the Kirchberg and the Europe Centre. Here you will find the General Secretariat of the European Parliament, the European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank, the European Court of Auditors and the plenary chamber of the European Parliament.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately two miles over uneven cobblestones with a slight incline in places, including a walk of half-a-mile each way to/from the parking area into the city due to coach access restrictions. The total standing/walking time will be approximately two hours. During the tour, guests with limited mobility will have the option to take free of charge public transport from the coach park into the city and can also choose to explore independently at your own pace, rather than joining the guided walk.

4 Hours

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

This excursion starts with a walk through Saarburg's picturesque network of winding alleys. A key attraction for visitors is the 66-foot-high waterfall that plunges over steep rocks in the centre of the town. Afterwards, you will travel by bus through the scenic landscape of the Saar-Obermosel region. Near Orscholz you will reach the Saar Loop and enjoy the panoramic view from the ‘Cloef’ vantage point. Then return to the ship in Saarburg.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which is on an incline and cobbled. The viewing point over the Saar Loop is accessed via a sloping path, which may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two-and-a-half hours.

3½ hours

Established in 1680 by Louis XIV, Saarlouis has plenty to discover and is characterised by the ruins of a historic fortress. In the centre of this fortified town is the Großer Markt, the former parade ground. It is surrounded by the town hall, the church and the main shopping streets.

An architectural highlight in the Saarlouis townscape is the Theatre am Ring. After extensive renovation and refurbishment work, the theatre was reopened in 2016 and has since been given a new look based on designs by Luxembourg architect Francois Valentiny.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles yards over terrain which may include cobblestones, with the possibility of steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half-hours.

2 hours

In no other town along the Moselle river is viticulture as present as in the home of the famous Riesling wines of the Zeller Schwarze Katz or Zell Black Cat.

The history of the Zeller Schwarze Katz begins in 1863, when wine merchants from Aachen were on their way to Zell. After an extensive wine tasting at the Mayntzer winery, three barrels were on the shortlist, but they could not quite agree on which was the best. The winemaker's wife finally came into the cellar, accompanied by a black cat. Suddenly the cat jumped onto one of the barrels and hissed at anyone who tried to approach it.

The merchants quickly agreed and decided on the wine barrel that the black cat was guarding so doggedly. A short time later, the same merchants came back to Zell and bought all the wines from the same vineyard site as the one in the barrel so fiercely defended by the cat, because this wine had sold like hot cakes. This wine tasting experience will give you the opportunity to hear more about the history of viticulture in the area, sample the produce and perhaps even decide for yourself if the cat made the right choice.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: This tour departs directly from your ship on foot and you should expect to walk approximately three-quarter’s-of-a-mile over terrain which may be cobbled and include steps. The total standing and/or walking time is approximately 45 minutes.

2 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