Explore Germany’s oldest city on a guided tour that threads past the colossal Porta Nigra, the amphitheatre, and the Imperial Baths. Wander medieval lanes that sit atop Roman foundations and admire the cathedral complex whose age and scale anchor Trier’s role within a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Learn how Emperors once governed from Trier, a metropolis of around 80,000 in late antiquity. Massive sandstone blocks, triumphal arches, and layered streetscapes tell a vivid story of frontier Rome—and the centuries of faith, trade, and scholarship that followed.

Walk Bernkastel’s cobbled lanes on a guided walk past crooked vintners’ houses, the storybook Pointed House, and the town gate at Graacher Tor. Those seeking a little elevation can follow your guide up to the ruins of Landshut Castle for sweeping panoramic Moselle views across ribbons of hillside vines.

Hear how medieval trade enriched these timbered facades, and how Landshut—once a summer seat of the Archbishops of Trier—rose from Roman foundations. The castle’s rugged walls and breezy terrace frame a classic Moselle tableau of terraced vineyards, slate roofs, and languid river bends.

Uncover Koblenz on a guided walk through elegant squares, narrow lanes, and lovingly restored facades. Stand at Deutsches Eck, the dramatic headland at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, where river panoramas and city landmarks trace two millennia of history.

From Roman outpost to Prussian stronghold, Koblenz has guarded these waters for centuries. Your guide highlights hidden courtyards, sculpted fountains, and stonework that reveal a city shaped by trade, defense, and the ever-present rhythms of its twin rivers.

Cruise the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as castle-topped ridges slide by and vineyards stripe the steep hills. Listen for legends at the Lorelei rock and photograph the castle-topped hillsides guarding meanders and village spires along this storied reach of river.

Medieval toll castles, watchtowers, and riverside hamlets—Saint Goar, Bacharach, and Kaub—reveal the Rhine’s role as a lifeline of commerce and culture. The scenery gathers like a pageant, best appreciated from the open deck with the breeze carrying the scent of pines and slate-warmed vines.

Explore Rudesheim on a guided tour through crooked lanes and vineyard-backed alleys. See the riverfront Market Place, the medieval Bromserburg Castle, and the grand Klunkhardshof, then step into the atmospheric Bromserhof, whose arcaded courtyard speaks to centuries of wine-town prosperity.

Learn how Rheingau wines and river trade shaped Rudesheim’s architecture and traditions. Your guide weaves tales of patrician families and vintners’ guilds, pointing out sculpted beams, slate roofs, and courtyards that make this town a perennial favorite for lovers of history and Riesling country atmosphere.

Join a guided tour through Cologne’s riverfront alleys and leafy squares before standing beneath the twin spires of the mighty Cologne Cathedral. Inside, stained glass shimmers across lofty stonework, while outside the Old Town squares bustle with cafés and centuries-old brewpubs.

Hear how a 600-year building effort created one of Europe’s greatest Gothic churches and how Roman, medieval, and modern eras overlap along the Rhine. Your guide shares insights into craftsmanship, pilgrimage, and city life that keep Cologne’s spirit vibrantly contemporary.

Settle into the ship’s lounge for a convivial evening of live performance, where musicians bring Rhenish folk music to life on traditional instruments. Lively rhythms, rollicking choruses, and gentle ballads evoke vineyard slopes, timbered villages, and riverside festivals.

Between melodies, hear anecdotes about the Rhine and Moselle’s musical heritage—songs once carried by boatmen, vintners, and townsfolk. The intimate setting and regional repertoire create a warm, story-rich atmosphere to cap a day of sightseeing on the water.

Savor the Chef’s Dinner, a multi-course showcase of the galley’s signature dishes, thoughtfully presented in the elegant onboard restaurant. Expect seasonal ingredients and refined technique that nod to Rhine-Moselle terroir, delivered with polished service.

This celebratory evening invites unhurried conversation as courses arrive with gleaming cloches and aromatic sauces. It’s a culinary pause in your voyage—an occasion to appreciate craftsmanship, hospitality, and the convivial spirit of dining at the heart of river cruising.

Indulge in a presentation and Q&A hosted by the Lindt Chocolate Museum, then sample fine chocolates while learning about the bean-to-bar craft. Guided tastings highlight texture, aroma, and flavor—from bright cocoa notes to silky finishes.

Discover Cologne’s sweet connection to chocolate and the innovations behind its celebrated Schokoladenmuseum. This engaging session blends confectionery heritage with sensory exploration, leaving you with new appreciation for tempering, terroir, and the art of pairing cacao profiles with your favorite beverages.

Visit Reichsburg Castle by transfer for a guided exploration of lavish interiors—the heraldic Knight’s Hall, the trophy-lined gallery, and the ornate Neo-Renaissance dining room. This experience is at additional cost, bookable on tour, and can be selected instead of the included Cochem walking tour.

Perched high above the Moselle, the castle was razed during the Nine Years’ War and later revived by industrialist Louis Ravené. Today it commands magnificent views over vineyards and river bends—the most dramatic vantage point in the Cochem landscape.

Glide by cable car across the Rhine to commanding Ehrenbreitstein Fortress for sweeping panoramic views of the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. This excursion is at additional cost, bookable on tour, and can be enjoyed in free time or instead of the Koblenz walking tour.

Raised 118 meters above the river, the Prussian-era citadel guarded trade routes and borders. Explore exhibitions, battlements, and terraces that look over Koblenz’s rooftops and river traffic far below—a spectacular perspective on the city’s strategic setting.

Ride the Winzerexpress road train to the Bromserhof and step inside Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet. A guided visit reveals antique music boxes, barrel organs, and a towering orchestrion springing to life. This is at additional cost, bookable on tour, and may be taken instead of the included Rudesheim walk.

Whirring cogs, punched rolls, and polished wood cabinets trace the ingenuity of pre-digital entertainment. The collection’s craftsmanship and playful spectacle offer a charming counterpoint to Rudesheim’s wine culture and medieval streetscapes.

Discover Cochem as you join a guided tour through pastel facades and steep-gabled, half-timbered houses beside the Moselle. Gaze up to Reichsburg Castle crowning the vine-clad slopes, step into the quiet nave of St Martin’s Church, and emerge onto the historic Market Square, where fountains sparkle and café parasols brighten the cobbles.

Hear how Celtic roots, Roman occupation, and later Prussian rule shaped this wine-trading town. Your guide reveals stories behind the ornate guild signs and slate roofs, and points out the lanes once lined with cooperages and cellars—an evocative window into Moselle life and craftsmanship.