Splendours of the Middle Rhine and Moselle: Schweich to Düsseldorf

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

Wine has been grown at Johannisberg Castle for over 1000 years, and Riesling has been the only wine since 1720. This is the cradle of one of the oldest and noblest grape varieties in the world. The long history of Schloss Johannisberg reflects the passion, responsibility and pride in producing an outstanding Riesling.

The vineyard covers 124 acres, facing exactly south, on a quartzite hill in front, with a slope of 45 degrees, the mountain rises over 500 feet above sea level – all of these factors combined provide the grapes with the perfect growing environment

Following a short coach transfer from your ship, you will tour the castle with a guide to learn more about its history and meticulous wine making processes. Finally, sit back and relax as you sample some for yourself.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which may be uneven in places and will also include some steps. There is a standing and/or walking time of approximately two hours.

3½ hours

The small, attractive town of Oberwesel sits beside the River Rhine and is framed by the natural beauty of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. First inhabited by Celtic tribes and later by Romans, Oberwesel has preserved its medieval townscape.

On this guided walk with a local expert you will set off on foot from your ship to discover the age-old monuments and museums sheltered by the Old Town fortification. Enjoy interesting anecdotes from your guide about the town's long history.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which may be uneven and cobbled with some steps and slight inclines. The total walking and/or standing time is 90 minutes.

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

Preserving history with a passion, The Moselland Museum started with a Fendt (Dieselross) F15G tractor, built in 1951. A beautiful agricultural vehicle, it was the first item that the founders of the museum, the Pollmanns family, kept for display following some restoration work.

Other historic tractors and pieces of agricultural machinery have followed. All of them very much at home working the land of the Moselle Valley.

During your visit to this quaint museum a resident guide will take you on a tour into the past as they share with you the history of these machines as well insights into life of Mosellans in days gone by, all bought to life by carefully curated exhibits.

Walking Grade 3

Please note:Expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which will predominately be flat. Inside the museum there are numerous steps between each floors, however, a lift is available if required. There is a standing and/or walking time of approximately two hours.

Image credit © Moselland Museum

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

On this tour you will be introduced to the Prussian Koblenz of 1870, when the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein was under siege due to the Franco-Prussian War and just 10 valiant night watchmen looked after the safety of all the citizens of the city. Immerse yourself in history and accompany a 'watchman' on the nightly patrol of his precinct around the Church of Our Lady as he shares the intriguing tales of the city during this turbulent time.

Walking Grade 4

Please note:Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be cobbled, and there may be some steps to climb. There is a standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes.

1½ hours

Depart the ship by coach for your journey to the fairytale Eltz Castle, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Germany, partly due to its hillside setting surrounded by woodland.

The 850-year-old castle is now in the possession of the 34th generation of the von Eltz family and is one of the only complexes in Germany that has never been conquered in conflict and was able to survive the wars of the 17th and 18th centuries and the social upheavals of the French Revolution unscathed.

The treasure chamber in the cellar vaults houses more than 500 masterpieces of art from the 12th-19th centuries. You will explore the castle and discover more about its unique history in the company of an expert guide.

Walking Grade 5

Please Note: As Eltz Castle has an elevated position there is a moderately steep downhill walk of approximately half a mile on arrival and half a mile uphill on your return via a tarmac path. Inside the castle there are frequent steps, no lifts are available, and you should expect to walk approximately 550 yards. The terrain can be uneven in places and during wet weather some of the stone paths can also be very slippery, so we recommend that sturdy footwear is worn. This tour has a total walking and/or standing time of approximately two hours. This tour is not suitable for those with limitedmobility.

4½ hours

Straight from the disembarkation of your ship, the tour begins as you join a knowledgeable guide on foot, to explore some of the town’s main attractions. One of the first sights you’ll see is the Beethoven monument, overlooking the city as a proud reminder of the iconic composer that was born here. Next, you’ll pass the Romanesque Minster Cathedral and the University of Bonn, which was formerly the Elector’s Palace and the grand baroque City Hall.

The tour then 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, or Seven Hills in English. After enjoying the mountainous greenery, your tour ends with a visit to the Beethoven House Museum. Here, you’ll learn more about the composer himself, along with his work and early life in this charming German city.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over mainly flat terrain with the possibility of cobblestones. The Beethoven House Museum, whilst compact, is split across several floors with some steep stairs in between. This tour has a total standing and/or walking time of approximately two-and-a-half hours.

2½ hours