Delights of the Rhine & Moselle

Welcome to Dusseldorf! Your Delights of the Rhine and Moselle cruise begin here. Dusseldorf is an engaging mix of ancient and modern, with medieval history and urban trendiness. As you take in the sites of this one-time small fishing village, you will understand why it is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s top vacation destinations. Begin your exploration on the waterfront street Rheinuferpromenade (“Rhine promenade”), which connects the historic Old Town with the MedianHafen (i.e. the modern harbor). Visit landmarks like the Rathaus (City Hall), Burgplatz, St. Lambertus Basilica, and Rheinpark. Stroll the luxurious shops along the renowned Konigsallee, Germany’s most elegant avenue. With its beautifully restored houses, bridges, and fountains; the promenade is more than just a shoppers’ paradise but also an attraction itself. At the end of Konigsallee, you will find yourself in the tranquil Hofgarten, Dusseldorf’s version of New York’s Central Park. The park is home to the spectacular Schloss Jagerhof palace, a stunning reproduction of 18th century Rococo architecture. Complete the day in Old Town, locally nicknamed “the longest bar in the world”, with a glass of the local specialty Altbier. After settling into your cabin, which will be your floating hotel room for the duration of the cruise, a mandatory Safety and Information Briefing will begin at 6 PM.

Once a Roman settlement, Bonn is a very relaxed city considering it was once the German Capital.  Full of attractions such as the Fine Arts Museum, the German museum, the Natural History Museum, most of which are contained in the museum mile, Bonn will truly delight. Bonn is also the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven and is therefore devoted to his music and life works.  A visit to his house is a must! The Romanesque medieval cathedral towers over the city and is a delight. The university city of Bonn is a must see.

Konigswinter is a popular resort in the Seven Hills mountain range topped by the ruins of Drachenfels castle, a national park. The Drachenfels(“Dragon’s Rock”), a hill 1,053 feet (321 meters) high, is crowned by the ruined castle built in the 12th century by the archbishop of Cologne and destroyed by the French in the 17th century. According to the Nibelungen legends, the Drachenloch (“Dragon’s Cave”) in the hill sheltered the dragon slain by the hero Siegfried.  Travelers can either hike up the mountain to savor the views across the Rhine Valley or travel the railway to the top with a stop at the fairy tale Drachenburg castle in the clouds which has been likened to a medieval castle, Gothic Cathedral, and Big Ben. All in all, visitors are enchanted with the folklore and fabulous views of this sleepy little town.

Koblenz truly is a feast for the eyes with its backdrop of vineyards, forests and mountains. Snap a photo as you lean on the giant bronze thumb sculpture at Koblenz’s famous German Corner (Deutsches Eck), where the Rhine meets the Moselle River.  After leaning on the “thumb”, lean into history as you wind your way through the Old Town. Explore the French influence and ancient remnants of Roman walls. Stroll along the river promenade and roam the town’s romantic narrow streets, where you might encounter flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes or possibly a weinstube (wine tavern). Sample a Moselle Riesling while drinking in the amazing atmosphere of the oldest wine region in Germany.

In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between two hiking paradises – Eifel and Hunsrück – lies the old town of Cochem. Even the Romans sang the praises of this remarkable landscape. It is true, a few things have changed since then, but the attraction has remained because the past centuries, above all the Middle Ages, have left their marks here. The magnificent Reichsburg, the big castle, situated on a precipitous rock high above the town, dominates the landscape. as it is one of the few castles in Germany, which was rebuilt in its original style after its complete destruction. The town of Cochem itself is a sight worth seeing, not only because of its narrow streets and twisty alleys, the restored half-timbered houses with the typical slate roofs, the historical market-place but also because of its medieval town gates, churches and walls. Added Bonus! On the last weekend of August, Cochem celebrates its wine festival, which is one of the largest and most beautiful on the Moselle. It is extensively celebrated on the Moselle promenade and in Cochem’s market place, with numerous wine stalls, bands and of course, wine tastings.

Zell is a small picturesque wine town that sits on the edge of the stunning Moselle river.  Originally founded by the Romans nearly 2000 years ago, this sleepy town has had quite a violent past due to the French and Prussian wars.  These days Zell is quiet and well known for its parish churches and famous Schwarze Katz, (Black Cat), wine.  Zell is one of the most important of the many winemaking towns in the Moselle region with around 330 hectares of vineyards.  Traditionally the Riesling grape is mostly grown here. Hiking is popular here if you wish for something more active than sipping the famous fruity wines and watching the world go by.

Traben-Trabach is the largest town on the Moselle and overlooked by the ruins of Grevenburg Castle.  A hike up the slopes will reward you with stunning views over the river and valley.  Rich in wine and healing warm springs, this town attracts visitors from all over the world. High-quality Rieslings are evident due to the maze of underground vaulted cellars.  The wine trade made this town very prosperous resulting in an abundance of Art Nouveau style architecture. Take a stroll along the long, romantic promenade or visit the Middle Mosel Museum for a step back in time.

Bernkastel-Kues is actually twin villages separated by the Moselle river in the heart of the Middle Moselle and is known as ‘the ‘Pearl of the Moselle’. From the bridge connecting the two villages, you will discover perfect photo opportunities where you will find views of the villages and the steep, vine clad slopes.  Above the town you find the ruins of Landshut Castle, a former summer residence of the Archbishops of Trier; from here you have breathtaking views over the valley. Bernkastel has a pretty market square with lopsided Half-timber houses which take you back to medieval times. Wine shops and taverns are in abundance – the most famous wine is the “Bernkasteler Doktor”. On the other side of the river you will find Kues where you can visit the Moselle Wine museum and walk in the footsteps of the famous theologian and philosopher Nicholas of Cusa.

Your cruise comes to an end in the picturesque city of Trier. Depart after breakfast, with the freedom to explore this world-class city on your own. Trier was once a city which thrived as one of the four important cities of Roman rule.  Step back 2000 years as you explore the well preserved Roman ruins and medieval lanes.  Visit the huge Basilica which is now the Protestant church of Trier, where it was used as the throne room of Emperor Constantine. Another important landmark is the ‘Porta Nigra’ which is the only remaining city gate, once one of the four gates. While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Delights of the Rhine and Moselle cruise. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.