German River Cruise with Stops at Ancient Castles, Centuries-Old Vineyards, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites
During this 10-day vacation in Germany's picturesque Rhineland, you'll spend seven days cruising on the Moselle and Saar Rivers, with the opportunity to explore Gothic castles and centuries-old vineyards.
This deal includes roundtrip airfare from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Click here to see a detailed itinerary.
Days 1–4: Koblenz, Cochem's Reichsburg Castle, Gothic Churches
After touching down in Frankfurt, you'll head west to Koblenz, an ancient city set at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. With mountains on almost every side, Koblenz boasts postcard-worthy views. The 2,000-year-old city is also rife with history. Old Mint Square is lined with medieval churches and Bavarian-style buildings that house bakeries and boutiques.
In the morning, you'll make your way north to Cochem. The town’s ornate Reichsburg Castle was rebuilt in the late 19th century. Perched on the banks of the Moselle River, the stately castle features a neo-Gothic tower rumored to have been a site of witchcraft trials.
Days 5–6: Bernkastel's Vineyards
The Bernkastel-Kues region is known for its wine, and rightfully so. Vineyards have covered the area’s steep riverside slopes for more than five centuries, yielding some of the world's sweetest riesling.
Days 7–10: Trier's Ancient Relics and Saarburg’s Waterfalls
The next port of call is Trier, thought to be the oldest city in Germany. Dating back to 2000 BCE, the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s rich history and strong Roman influence is evident in its second-, third-, and fourth-century Gothic churches. Built by Emperor Constantine around 326 AD, Trier Cathedral features religious carvings, a gilded altar, and a nail believed to have been used during Christ's crucifixion.
Just south of Trier, the village of Saarburg sits along the banks of the Saar River. The omnipresence of water in the village has earned it the nickname “Little Venice.” Saarburg's Old Town area is dotted with medieval fortresses, vineyards, and colorful fishing houses. In the center of Old Town, the Lech River spills over a rock wall to form a beautiful waterfall.
After an overnight stay in Frankfurt, you'll head to the airport for your flight home.
