Rhine & Moselle Splendors

Day programme:

WASSERBILLIG, LUXEMBOURG. In Trier, ancient stone arches and timeworn baths stand as reminders of Rome’s enduring presence, woven into a town that still hums with everyday life. Cobblestone streets and hidden courtyards invite discovery at every turn. The blend of historic grandeur and quiet riverbank views creates a uniquely reflective atmosphere.

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COCHEM – LAHNSTEIN. Half-timbered houses, vine-clad hills, and castle towers rise above the Moselle, creating scenes that feel lifted from the pages of legend. The river’s gentle curves mirror the tranquil rhythm of the towns along its banks. Winding streets and charming squares offer moments to pause, enjoy the scenery, and soak in the local culture.

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum and wine is a crucial part of Rudesheimer culture. The town is surrounded with vineyards and wineries, as well as many local wine bars and seasonal wine taverns. Wine tasting is a must do in Rudesheim and dining out is a great accompaniment. The local cuisine is seasonal and is closely intertwined with the wine growing traditions together with soups such as Zwiebelkuchen, Handkäs mit Musik and Spundekäs. Nordic Walking is popular around town, with five adventure trails around the vicinity, as well as many popular cycling routes. Great views of the town can be found from the water, the cable car to Niederwald Monument and the Monument itself. Old Town has the best examples of the town’s architecture with Eagle Tower, Oberstrasse and Rheinstein Castle some key sites to visit.

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RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Sheer cliffs, storied castles, and sun-drenched vineyards unfold along the gorge, where the river carries centuries of myth and timeless beauty. Small towns nestled among the hills exude warmth and charm, perfect for slow walks or quiet reflection. From the vineyards to the riverbanks, every view highlights the harmony of nature and tradition.

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LUDWIGSHAFEN. Red sandstone ruins, winding cobblestone streets, and scenic river paths offer a glimpse into a world where history and poetry intertwine. The atmosphere is both serene and inspiring, encouraging leisurely exploration. Small squares, quiet corners, and hilltop views invite visitors to pause and appreciate the enduring beauty of the region.

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STRASBOURG, FRANCE. French charm and German tradition blend seamlessly in Strasbourg, where timbered houses, Gothic towers, and flower-lined canals create a storybook setting. Narrow streets, timbered facades, and canal-side walkways invite leisurely discovery, creating a welcoming atmosphere at every turn.

Breisach is a town located in Southwest Germany on the French border. The town is situated in the Rhine Valley on the banks of the river Rhine and dates back over four thousand years. Breisach and its history can be experienced through the City History Museum, which houses a permanent exhibition taking you from Stone Age through the Celtic, to the Romans and Middle Ages, right up to modern day. St Stephen’s Cathedral is home to the city’s famous art treasures, the wheel wells, which are housed in the neighbouring Radbrunnenturm with the forty one metre deep water well. The cathedral is also home to many other treasures including the High Altar of Master HL and wall paintings by Martin Schongauer as well as High Gothic and Roman architecture. A visit to the Blue House, the former Jewish Community Centre, is highly recommended. Now owned by the Friends of Former Jewish Community House Breisach it exhibits memorials to Breisach’s Jewish heritage.

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BREISACH – BASEL, SWITZERLAND. Pastel-colored villages and rolling vineyards capture the essence of Alsace, a region that seems untouched by time. Quiet lanes, charming squares, and scenic paths encourage wandering at your own pace. The surrounding hills and countryside provide a sense of calm, inviting connection with the land and its heritage.

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city’s Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland’s largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

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BASEL – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark and begin your journey home. (B)