Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle River Cruise

Arrival in Cologne - Welcome to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities!

Board your five-star ship and meet the friendly English-speaking crew who will be looking after you for the next week. They will welcome you and help you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and well-equipped accommodation, it’s time to familiarise yourself with this floating boutique hotel that will be your home for the next seven nights. 

Cochem - The first morning on board a river cruise is always a thrill, awakening to the peaceful lapping of the water outside as the scenic valley sides slip past your cabin window – there’s no other holiday experience quite like it.

This morning, you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. You’re cruising some of Europe’s most dramatic and romantic waterways – the mighty River Rhine and its tributary the Moselle - so there are endless beautiful views to enjoy, as picture-postcard villages with slanting timber-framed houses pass by. After a leisurely breakfast, get a cup of tea or coffee and take it to the Sun Deck, or head to the lounge and simply watch the scenery slip by.

We'll begin our gastronomic adventure by tucking into some traditional cuisine. As we glide along the Rhine, we'll gather in the ship's restaurant for a delicious German buffet. It's a great opportunity to try local favourites, like lye bread, leberkäse, sauerkraut and much more.

This afternoon, we’ll glide into our mooring at Cochem, where we'll have a guided tour. This is the traditional centre of the Moselle wine trade, so dominating the scene is a multi-turreted castle crowning a vineyard covered hillside, but Cochem’s real charm is its jumble of narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings and peppered with quirky shops and wine cellars.

There’s ample time to explore here, experience the relaxed ambience of this quintessential riverside town, before stepping back on board to enjoy a five-star dinner, served in the ship’s restaurant. Then delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance on traditional instruments.

Trier - Leaving Cochem, we pass through an impressive series of four locks allowing passage further upstream, through meanders in the river against a backdrop of green valley sides. All around are steep, tree-crested slopes covered in a patchwork of vineyards, crisscrossed by narrow tracks and roads giving workers access to the vines – it’s a miracle that anything can be cultivated on such terrain. The Romans first planted vines in the Moselle during the second century AD and today white varieties such as Riesling thrive in the flinty soils. Before long we approach the town of Zell, where we'll moor temporarily.

After lunch on board, we board the coaches for the drive to Trier, where we'll enjoy a guided tour. This is Germany’s oldest city, and ergo one of its most fascinating. Your local guide will take you on a tour around the city to explain its intriguing history.

Founded by the Romans, it was the capital of much of their empire, encompassing present-day Spain, France, Britain and parts of Germany. The city had a population of 80,000 people – an enormous number in ancient times – and the Emperor Constantine lived here. Many of its Roman monuments, including the amphitheatre, baths and bridge, have survived surprisingly intact, but most impressive is the Porta Nigra, a fortified gate made of huge stone blocks that towers above the surrounding medieval buildings.

This is the largest and best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps and stands as testimony to their architectural genius. Such is the significance of Trier’s Roman heritage and its other buildings, including its Cathedral, the oldest bishop’s church in Germany, that together they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After some free time in Trier, you'll take the coaches back to our ship, which is now moored in the charming town of Bernkastel, in time for another exquisite meal.

As we're moored in Bernkastel overnight, you'll be able to go ashore if you'd like, to see the town at night. 

Bernkastel - After breakfast on board, it's time for a walking tour of Bernkastel with an expert local guide.

Sitting on the banks of the Moselle, Bernkastel is a huddle of pointy roofs and spires, tall timber framed treasures and intriguing alleys hiding a host of wineries and cosy taverns. We'll stroll the cobbled lanes, pausing to admire the famous Pointed House, the perfect example of a Moselle vintner’s traditional dwelling, its ancient timber frame bedecked with colourful window boxes. Look out for the Graacher Tor, the last remaining gate dating from 1300 now housing a local history museum. If you're feeling energetic, take a walk up to the old castle for amazing views.

The Moselle is of course synonymous with wine production. One of thirteen wine-growing regions in Germany, it is the third largest yet most famous wine producing area. Mainly cultivating grapes for white wines, the Rieslings crafted from the Moselle's vineyards are considered some of the finest in the world. Enjoy a visit to a local cellar to learn more about this ancient process, followed by a wine tasting of some of their best produce.

There should be time to explore Bernkastel at your leisure before you head back to the ship. 

As we sit down to a delicious lunch on board, the ship will slip its moorings and cruise back downstream.

This afternoon, enjoy some free time on our ship. Sit back on one of the comfortable deck chairs on the Sun Deck and soak up the atmosphere of this magical river, breathing in the clean air, listening to the rippling water and absorbing the scenery.

A gourmet experience awaits this evening in the ship’s restaurant, possibly followed by a nightcap in the company of newly made friends. 

Koblenz - Early this morning, we reach Koblenz, which sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

In this 2,000-year-old city, around half a million vines are currently cultivated. The Romans introduced vines to the region in the 5th century, and Koblenz has been a wine city ever since. The city's vineyards cover around 40 hectares, including almost 10 hectares on the famous Middle Rhine. The steep slopes of the Middle Rhine Valley and Moselle region make them ideal for wine cultivation - and one of its most popular offerings is the region's sparkling Rieslings.

Today, we'll explore this gastronomic legacy with a trip to the Koblenz Wine and Sparkling Wine Museum, hidden in underground vaults in the heart of the city. During our self-guided tour, we'll gain insight into every stage of the vine-growing process and discover the time-honoured techniques used in the production of wine and sparkling wine. As you explore, you'll be treated to a tasting of three exquisite varieties of sparkling wine to enhance your understanding and showcase the best of the region's offerings. (And should you find a particular variety to your liking, feel free to return for unlimited refills!)  

We'll return to our ship for lunch, during which we'll sail to Boppard, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’. Here, you'll have a guided tour of this famously picturesque town located on a long, looping bend of the river. The black and white spires of the Church of Saint Severus can be seen from a distance, but as we draw closer its bustling quayside comes into view.

Captivating cobbled streets, lined by half-timbered houses, tucked-away shops selling traditional goods and characterful restaurants, lead into the town and its main square. Like many riverside settlements in the area, the Romans founded Boppard, and their legacy remains in the superbly preserved town walls, the finest in Germany. There’s time to explore or promenade along the river, gazing at views of the vineyard-covered hillsides. Or you can simply pass time on board in anticipation of more fine dining in the ship’s restaurant this evening.

We're moored in Boppard overnight, so you're welcome to go ashore in the evening if you wish.

Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim - We'll wave goodbye to Boppard as the sun crests the surrounding hilltops. Relax this morning as we sail, but rather than relaxing in your cabin after breakfast, we recommend heading to the Sun Deck or lounge as we'll be sailing through one of the most scenic destinations in Europe - the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Find a comfy spot, sit back, and enjoy the natural beauty all around for the next couple of hours. At every dramatic turn of the river you'll see towering valley slopes, crowned by the precarious ruins of castles, and by this point you'll have lost count of the number of vineyards you pass. The Rhine Gorge is home to medieval legends, tales of mysterious happenings and dark deeds, most famously the Lorelei – or ‘murmuring rock’ – said to have lured passing boats onto the rocks with its irresistible song.

Onboard this morning, you'll also have the chance to sample Rüdesheimer coffee – an alcoholic coffee, spiked with Asbach Uralt brandy and topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of chocolate.  This warming mixture of sweet coffee was only invented in 1957, but it's already become a signature drink of our next stop - Rüdesheim - and it's a must-try for any coffee lover! During our demonstration, you’ll discover how it’s made, the correct way to drink it and why it’s so beloved.

After a beautiful morning, it's time for lunch, during which we'll arrive in Rüdesheim - perhaps the best-known of all the wine towns, and a favourite with our guests. Imagine picturesque, crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards.

To discover the town's rich wine-making heritage, we will visit a local winery, delving into the region's viticulture, the processing of its grapes, the production of local wines, and enjoy a tasting of the wines.

This evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’. Make your way to the restaurant for this special dinner - the chef has prepared their superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the ship’s restaurant.

Cologne - We’ll slip our mooring early this morning as our ship resumes its voyage downstream as you enjoy another fine breakfast with views of pretty riverside towns, backed by the rolling volcanic hills for which the area is renowned.

Passing the last vineyards and half-timbered houses around the pretty town of Linz, it’s not long before we reach the railway bridge at Remagen. It was captured intact by US forces towards the end of the Second World War, which some say shortened the war in Germany.

This afternoon, you can choose your own adventure with a choice of a guided tour to the Lindt Chocolate Museum or to explore the beer culture of Cologne on a beer and food tour.

Today, we'll ignite your senses on a delectable journey through the world of chocolate during a guided tour of the Lindt Chocolate Museum. We'll delve into the rich history and cultural significance of this enticing treat, savouring every step of this indulgent experience. With each melt-in-your-mouth chocolate sampling, you'll be transported back to the origins of cocoa and witness its delightful conquest of Europe. Learn more about the trailblazing innovations of the Swiss chocolate pioneers who have sweetened our world and taste the finished product. Get ready to awaken all your senses - this one is perfect for those with a sweet tooth!

Afterwards, you are free to explore Cologne. You could visit the cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, a miraculous survivor of Second World War bombing and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or wander around the vibrant old town, it’s beautifully restored and boasts an abundance of excellent shopping and cosy bars.

Or join a guided tour of the highlights of this historic city, including its magnificent dual-spired Gothic cathedral. It’s a monumental building, taking over 600 years to build and features myriad religious and art treasures and perhaps the most intricate stained-glass windows in Europe.

Cologne has more pubs and taverns per capita than any other major city in Germany, and as we explore its tree-lined square we'll see traditional Brauhäuser (brew-houses) and beer gardens selling cologne’s local drink of choice: Kölsch.

Like Champagne, Kölsch - is a protected brew that must be crafted by a member of the Cologne Brewers Association. It's one of the few beers in the world which has a regional appellation. On our tour, we’ll learn more about this regional beer, the city’s beer culture, the beer houses and their usual etiquette - from the ordering process to how you indicate you've had your fill. And you’ll have the opportunity to practice what you’ve learned at a couple of beer houses en route as we stop to sample some, accompanied by a selection of bar snacks and German dishes such as reibekuchen (deep-fried potato pancakes served with apple puree) or the halve hahn (while it literally translates as half chicken, it is actually a rye bread roll with cheese and mustard).

After our final dinner tonight, join us for a classical music performance in the lounge and enjoy one last drink with new-found friends.