Arrive in Dusseldorf, where you will be met by a representative from Vantage Explorations and transferred to the ship. After embarkation and completing mandatory safety procedures, we throw the lines and depart at approximately at 4:30 pm. Please arrange your flight to arrive no later than 1:00 PM. Explore the vessel and settle into your cabin, your home for the next eight days, before meeting the crew and fellow travelers. Â
Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle, Koblenz offers a harmonious mix of French and German cultures and is one of Germany’s oldest cities with a history spanning 2,000 years. The town is surrounded by vineyards and forests and is the gateway to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley - UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Excursion: Koblenz City tour Â
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Koblenz on a city tour. Our guides will lead you through the charming streets, sharing stories and anecdotes about Koblenz's past and present. You will discover the historical treasures of Koblenz including impressive monuments, well-preserved buildings and hidden gems. Enjoy a stroll through lively neighborhoods and along the scenic banks of the Rhine, passing majestic landmarks.  Â
Along with the city of Bordeaux, the lesser-known Art Nouveau town of Traben-Trarbach was one of the most important wine trading towns in Europe due to the great demand for Riesling wines. This resulted in the establishment of over 100 wine companies, and the town center is filled with wine cellars. Our city tour includes a visit to an underground cellar to learn about the production of the town’s famous Riesling wine. Â
Today’s excursion also includes a visit to the Grevenburg Castle ruins, which was built round 1350 by Count Johann III, and destroyed by the French in 1734. Take a stroll around the atmospheric site and enjoy the stunning views over the Moselle valley and Traben-Trarbach town. Â
Founded during the reign of Roman Emperor Augustus in 16 BCE, Trier is Germany’s oldest city. On a guided city tour of Trier, learn about the city’s fascinating history, discover its medieval splendor and picturesque landscape. Visit the ‘Porta Nigra’, one of the city’s most famous sights and one of the world’s best-preserved Roman city gates. In the Old Town, we visit a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites including Trier Cathedral and the Basilica of Constantine. No visit to Trier is complete without seeing the impressive ruins of the Imperial Baths, once the largest Roman baths north of the Alps.Â
Nestled along the Moselle, Cochem is a charming medieval town that offers fairytale-like vistas and scenery. In minivans, enjoy a ride to the majestic Reichsburg Castle, perched high above the town and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and river valley. On a guided tour of the castle, learn about its fascinating history as you wander through its grand halls, ancient towers, and lush gardens. Learn about its origins dating back to the 11th century and its restoration in the 19th century. Â
Afterwards, we descend from the lofty heights of the castle to Cochem’s Old Town to explore its charming streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses, quaint shops, cafes and the historic Market Square, where bustling markets and lively festivals have been held for centuries.Â
Soak in the scenery as we sail to Rudesheim, nestled in the vineyard-covered hills. Discover the charming Drosselgasse, where there are numerous wine bars, but also a castle and a torture museum, where medieval torture instruments and the history of the Inquisition are exhibited. Â
Included excursion: Pilgrimage to the Abbey of Hildegard von BingenÂ
Embark on the 10th stage of the Hildegard von Bingen Pilgrims' Way. Walk from the banks of the Rhine, along idyllic vineyards, to the pilgrimage church finishing at the abbey. Explore the abbey, then make your way back to Rüdesheim.Â
On our way to Bonn, we sail past the Rock of Lorelei – a tall slate cliff that rises from the Rhine River. The rock is a natural wonder that is steeped in myth and legend, telling a story of a beautiful siren named Lorelei that once inhabited the rock, enchanting sailors with her mesmerizing song and causing them to lose their way in the treacherous currents below.Â
Join us on a fascinating walk through Bonn's historic Old Town, past the former Elector's Palace of the Archbishop of Cologne, which today is the Bonn Friedrich Wilhelm University. Marvel at the magnificent old buildings along Poppelsdorfer Allee, said to be the most beautiful street in Bonn, stroll through ‘the Markt’, a stunning square in the heart of the Old Town, and listen to the guides tell stories about Ludwig van Beethoven, the city’s most famous resident, as they lead you through his birthplace.Â
Farewell the crew and fellow passengers and disembark the vessel for a transfer to the airport or to continue your onward journey. Â
Note: While we make every effort to offer you the excursions mentioned in the itinerary, please note that changes may occur with little or without notice that are outside of our control, and we thank you in advance for your understanding.Â
