Over the Rhine, Moselle and Saar to Saarlouis

Day 1: Arnhem - Cologne

You are warmly welcome on board from 5pm. During dinner, we set sail and leave Arnhem behind us. In the evening, you can get acquainted with your fellow passengers in the lounge as we sail on to Cologne.

Day 2: Cologne - Bonn

We will arrive in Cologne around noon. You have the whole afternoon to visit this beautiful bustling city full of sights. Whether you choose to visit the Cologne Cathedral or spend your afternoon in one of the many museums, time will fly. During the course of the evening, whilst enjoying a glass of Sekt (sparkling wine) on the sun deck, we’ll set sail towards Bonn.

Day 3: Bonn - Andernach

There are various monuments to see in the centre of Bonn. One such monument stands on the market square, the pastel-coloured Rathaus (Town Hall) built in Rococo style. In the vicinity of the market you will find a number of beautiful old churches. And in the house where Ludwig van Beethoven was born, now a museum, you will find the largest Beethoven collection in the world. We sail on to Andernach in the afternoon. The backdrop along the river slowly changes and the first vineyards appear on the horizon.

Day 4: Andernach - Koblenz - Cochem

Early in the morning we arrive in Koblenz, where we will moor near the Deutsche Eck in the mouth of the Moselle. Here you will find lovely walking promenades on the banks of the Rhine and Moselle. Across the city of Koblenz, we can see the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress; it’s one of the most impressive forts along the Rhine. In the afternoon, we follow the Moselle all the way to what is probably the most famous town on this river: Cochem. The romantic Reichsburg towers high above the city and determines the appearance of this classic among the Moselle cities. Once arrived, you will first notice the beautifully planted pedestrian promenade. There is also a beautiful old town with half-timbered houses, nice shops and cosy cafés.

Day 5: Cochem - Traben-Trarbach

After breakfast, the city train is ready at the ship to take you to this beautiful centre by a short tour (*).We continue our cruise on the enchanting Moselle. From now on we will pass many locks and bridges on the Moselle and later on the Saar. It sometimes means we will have to wait to pass through a lock. Depending on the water level, we may have to lower the sundeck canopy to sail under the low bridges. After countless bends and picturesque villages, we will reach Traben-Trarbach by the end of the afternoon. Around 1900, this city was the most important centre of the wine trade in Europe after Bordeaux. This enchanting location is still known for its many wine cellars and wine farmers.

Day 6: Traben-Trarbach - Schweich

Trier, the oldest city in Germany, is on the itinerary today. After lunch the busses (*) will be ready to take you there. There are many sights from the time when Trier was one of the emperor’s residences in the Western Roman Empire. The old Roman city gate Porta Nigra is definitely worth seeing. Besides all the antiquity, Trier has ample possibilities for taking a leisurely stroll to look at the shops or to relax on a pavement café.

Day 7: Schweich - Saarlouis

The Saar, the third river on our trip, makes its entrance today. The narrow Saarschleife will leave an unforgettable impression on you. In Saarlouis, the city of the Sun King, there is still much that reminds of the past. The most important sights are without doubt the striking remains of the former defensive bastion of Louis XIV.

Day 8: Saarlouis - Saarburg

Early in the morning we set sail for Saarburg, the city of wine and bell founders. The medieval Saarburg has a romantic inner city and it’s often called the ‘Venice of Germany’ due to the small river with a waterfall in the centre of the city. A little train will take you on a short tour(*) to the picturesque centre. A relaxed way to enjoy this beautiful city.

Day 9: Saarburg – Bernkastel

We can once again fully enjoy the beautiful Moselle Valley. We arrive in Bernkastel at the end of the afternoon. Here you will find narrow cobbled-streets, a lovely market, St Michael’s Fountain and a pink and white city hall in Renaissance style. Burg Landshut (Landshut Castle) towers high above the city.

Day 10: Bernkastel - Zell

Early in the morning we leave Bernkastel behind us and set course for Zell. This capital city of the Zeller Hamm wine region is situated on the narrow part of a remarkably even bow of the Moselle. Enjoy a good glass of Zeller Schwarze Katz (Black Cat wine) in one of the wine bars. Or walk through the centre of Zell with its small boutiques and lovely timber-framed houses. There is even a monument to the Black Cat on the market square.

Day 11: Zell - Alken - Koblenz

Before we arrive in Alken for a brief stop, we can already see Thurant Castle dominating the mountain top. In the afternoon, you have the option of taking a bus excursion(*) through the lovely region. The ship sails further to Koblenz where the participants of the excursions will come on board again. In the evening, you have the time to take a walk through this lovely city.

Day 12: Koblenz - Düsseldorf

We arrive in Düsseldorf during lunch and you have the whole afternoon to explore this bustling metropolis with cosy Altstadt (old town). A bus tour(*) through the city you’ll show you the highlights. Tonight you can enjoy the Farewell Dinner followed by a festive evening in the lounge.

Day 13: Düsseldorf - Arnhem

This beautiful journey also comes to an end. In the course of the morning, a delicious breakfast awaits you. We will arrive back in Arnhem at 11am and say goodbye to you.