Bernkastel panorama train

Relax on board the Bernkastel panorama train as it passes sights such as the wine museum, St Nikolaus Hospital, the parish church of St Michael and the historic market square with its centuries-old half-timbered houses.

Walking Grade 1

Two 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

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

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 (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

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

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

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

Ahr Valley and Ahrweiler

Take a scenic coach ride, journeying through the wild and romantic Ahr Valley, Germany’s largest red-wine producing district. Savour the landscape, a pretty patchwork of vineyards peppered with dramatic rock formations, castles, ruins and wineries.

Ahrweiler lies at the heart of the valley and has a beautifully preserved medieval district with alf-timbered houses ringed by old town walls. You’ll see the market square and the parish church of St Laurence, one of the oldest and loveliest Gothic churches in the Rhineland. There will be free time for you to further explore as you please.

Walking grade 2

Four hours