Cologne city tour

Discover the city’s historic attractions beginning with a scenic coach trip in the company of a knowledgeable guide who will point out the highlights. See the pretty Altstadt, or old town, which has been sensitively restored to it's pre-World War II glory, the awe-inspiring towers of Gross St Martin, the elaborate town hall and mighty Gothic cathedral. Then set off on foot to get a closer look as you stroll along the cobbled lanes and lively squares, such as the Alter Markt.

Walking Grade 4

Three hours

Bonn: Birthplace of Beethoven

The centre of Bonn has more than 2,000 years of history. This tour will encompass some of the spectacular highlights of this town, visiting such places as the Beethoven monument, the Romanesque Minster Cathedral, the University of Bonn, which was formerly the Electoral Palace – with its elegant Hofgarten – and the grand City Hall. The tour takes you to the banks of the Rhine near the Bonn Opera House to see the imposing view of Germany‘s oldest nature park, Siebengebirge and seven hills.

Walking grade 3

Two hours

Drachenfels Castle

"The castled crag of Drachenfels Frowns o’er the wide and winding Rhine…” Lord Byron immortalised this location in his poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. Follow in his footsteps and journey to the fabled ruins that teeter on the summit of Dragon’s Rock. According to legend Siegfried slew the dragon Fafnir, who lived in a cave on the hill, and bathed in its blood to acquire special powers. The ruins can be reached via Drachenfelsbahn – Germany’s oldest rack and pinion railway – which dates back to 1883. The train takes eight minutes to climb one mile and travels at an angle of 20 degrees. At the top you can view the ruins of the 12th-century castle, enjoy the lovely landscape below from a viewing platform and perhaps enjoy a slice of pie and a drink.

Walking grade 2

Two hours

Andernach Geyser

This startling natural phenomenon is the world’s highest cold-water geyser and sends jets of water shooting upwards to an astonishing 60 metres in height, with accompanying noisy burps and gurgles. At the Discovery Centre you’ll learn about the science behind this geological wonder, and what happens 4,000 metres below the earth’s surface to drive and power this natural fountain. A boat will take you out to the Namedyer Werth peninsula, a nature reserve, to witness the geyser and taste the water for yourself. Take advantage of the free time to explore all the wanders and natural beauty that Andernach has to offer.

Walking Grade 3

Three to five hours

Rudesheim Wine Tasting

Board a tourist train and travel into the centre of Rudesheim to Weingut Adolf Storzel. Located just a few steps from the famous Drosselgasse, this family owned winery dates back to the 16th century. Your knowledgeable host will introduce you to 3 different white wines from the winery. A pretzel is served alongside to neutralise the taste of the different wines.

After the wine tasting you will have the possibility to taste and purchase other white and red wines and different liquors and brandies. A small glass decorated with the coat of arms of the family is yours to take away as a souvenir. Afterwards, the tourist train will take you back to your ship, unless you decide to stroll back at your leisure; perhaps via the Drosselgasse!

Walking Grade 2

One-and-a-half hours

Siegfrieds Museum of Mechanical Music

Siegfried Wendel’s eccentric collection of 350 self-playing instruments is a veritable treat for eyes and ears. In this whimsical museum you’ll find a fantastical, nostalgic and joyous cacophony of beautiful music boxes, barrel organs, hand-cranked carnival machines and early jukeboxes, all in full working order. High points include the ‘Puppet Orchestrion’, a huge cabinet containing puppet musicians from 1888 and the later ‘Phonoliszt Violina’ a blend of piano and violins that plays in perfect harmony.

Walking Grade 2

One-and-a-half hours

Boppard wine tasting

Sniff the bouquet of local wines in one of the most delightful parts of the Rhine Gorge. Boppard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, is a classic Rhineland wine town where the pretty waterfront is overlooked by wooded gorges and rolling vineyards. The cobbled streets are home to extensive Roman remains, medieval fortifications and half-timbered buildings. Your wine tasting takes place in one of Boppard’s historic towers, which has been converted into a winery – a word of warning, there are nearly 40 steps to climb to the tasting room. Sample four wines and a liqueur, each wine will be introduced by your host. If you wish, you will be able to purchase wine to take home with you.

Walking Grade 2

Two hours

Wine Tasting in Traben Trabach

Enjoy a taste of wines from the Middle Moselle with a visit to a local vineyard. See the charming historic twin towns of Traben and Trarbach, regarded as the wine capitals of the Moselle Valley. It is the slate-based soil, which holds daytime heat and helps the fruit to ripen, that is believed to imbue the grapes with their distinctive characteristics or terroir. Enjoy a tasting, and perhaps purchase a bottle or two of your favourite tipple.

Walking Grade 2

One-and-a-half hours

Cochem, Reichsburg Castle and Wine tasting

Visit fairy-tale Reichsburg Castle to learn about its colourful history and see magnificent views of the Moselle. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle, which was rescued and restored in the 19th century in neo-Gothic style. Today it is a fabulous showcase for Renaissance and baroque furniture. Later head to a local vineyard and winery for an introductory talk, and a tasting of four regional white Rieslings. There'll be the chance to purchase some wine before returning to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Three-and-a-half hours

Cochem Noddy Train

From the pier you'll be met by the Cochem land train, which will take you on a 25-minute guided tour around the town. Starting at the old Mosel Bridge, you'll be taken through the old town and will then cross the new bridge into the Cond district, from where you'll have great views of Cochem and Reichsburg. The land train then takes you to the Moselstrabe and alongside the vineyards which ascend up the valley. After your sightseeing tour you'll have some free time to spend in Cochem, before being collected by the land train and taken back to the ship.

Walking Grade 2

Two-and-a-half hours

Koblenz and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

Immortalised by Byron and Herman Melville, lofty fortifications have glowered over Koblenz since 1,000AD and changed faces over the centuries. The Prussians constructed Festung Ehrenbreitstein in the early 19th century, when Rhineland became a Prussian province. Despite being Europe’s second largest fortress, after Gibraltar, it played no part in either WWI or WWII. Enjoy a panoramic cable car ride from Koblenz up to the fortress, the views are astounding and you’ll learn about the history of the site. There will be a guided walk around the historic city of Koblenz, and you can admire the elegant architecture.

Walking Grade 4

Three hours