Rhine and Moselle Explorer

Cruise Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Mainz, Germany

  Travel to Mainz and embark Spirit of the Moselle

• Day 2: Mainz, Germany

  Mainz is known for its medieval market squares, half-timbered houses, Romanesque sandstone cathedral and St Stephen’s church, which features stained glass windows by renowned artist Marc Chagall. Behind the cathedral in Gutenbergplatz square is a statue of the father of modern printing Johannes Gutenberg, who was born in Mainz in the 14th century.

• Day 3: Mainz, Germany to Rhine Gorge to Boppard, Germany

  The waterfront of this classic Rhineland wine town is overlooked by the twin towers of St Severus Church and vineyards. There are extensive Roman remains, medieval fortifications and half-timbered buildings.

• Day 4: Boppard, Germany to Treis-Karden, Germany to Cochem, Germany

  Following a leisurely morning admiring the riverside scenery along the Moselle arrive in the charming twin towns of Treis-Karden, which enjoy a peaceful riverside setting backed by rolling hills and terraced vineyards. The pristine towers of St Castor’s church dominate the skyline of Karden.

• Day 5: Cochem, Germany

  The small town of Cochem is overlooked by the hilltop, neo-Gothic Reichsburg Castle, and although most of the castle was rebuilt in the 19th century, the original 11th-century keep still survives. The town’s other historic architectural gems include a baroque Town Hall backed by a maze of streets and a quaint market square overlooked by timber-framed buildings. Continue to Winningen, where your ship will moor overnight.

• Day 6: Königswinter, Germany

  Depart from Winningen and enjoy a scenic morning sailing along the Moselle and onto the Rhine to visit picturesque Königswinter. The town nestles on the banks of the Rhine and is overlooked by the ancient castle ruins of Drachenfels, the supposed location where Siegfried slayed the dragon in German mythology and used by Wagner in his Ring Cycle.

• Day 7: Königswinter, Germany to Koblenz, Germany

  Koblenz sits at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. At the exact point where the two rivers meet, the Deutsches Eck, there is a monument with a huge equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I. Above the town sits the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, a citadel built by the Prussians between 1816 and 1832.

• Day 8: Koblenz, Germany to UK

  Disembark Spirit of the Moselle after breakfast and begin your return journey.