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
As the morning light dances across the water, you awaken to the gentle arrival of your ship in Koblenz, a timeless city where the Rhine and Moselle embrace. Here, French elegance meets German tradition, and more than two millennia of history whisper from cobblestone streets and weathered façades. Vineyards cascade down the surrounding hillsides, forests frame the horizon, and the city opens as a gateway to the storied Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
Step ashore and follow our expert guides into the heart of Koblenz, where every corner holds a story. Wander past centuries-old buildings, graceful monuments, and hidden courtyards that seem untouched by time. The air is rich with tales of emperors and merchants, poets and artisans, each having left their mark on this riverside jewel. Along the scenic banks of the Rhine, you will pass grand landmarks and bustling squares, feeling the pulse of a city that has thrived at the crossroads of culture and trade.
By midday, you return to the welcoming embrace of the ship, where lunch awaits. Soon after, the journey continues with an afternoon and evening devoted to scenic cruising. As you glide along the river, the landscapes unfurl like a living tapestry, each bend revealing yet another chapter in the story of the Rhine.
After breakfast, your day begins with an exploration of Traben-Trarbach, a jewel of Art Nouveau architecture and once one of the most prominent wine trading towns in Europe. Around 1900, it stood alongside Bordeaux as a center of fine wine commerce, driven by the soaring demand for Riesling. Exports flowed to Great Britain and far beyond, inspiring the growth of more than one hundred wine companies.
Beneath the charming streets, an extraordinary secret awaits. Vast networks of wine cellars, some several stories deep and stretching more than one hundred meters in length, form the hidden heart of the town. On an underground tour, you step into the cool, mystical semi-darkness of the Traben-Trarbach underworld. Here, vaulted chambers and old cellar technology tell the story of historic viticulture and the artistry behind producing the world’s finest Riesling.
By midday, you return to the ship for lunch, just as the river beckons for an afternoon of scenic cruising. The landscapes unfold along the water’s edge, offering views that inspire and soothe in equal measure. Later in the day, you arrive in Bernkastel, where cobbled lanes, medieval squares, and inviting wine taverns await your own unhurried exploration. As evening settles over the Moselle, the ship departs, carrying you onward to your next unforgettable destination.
As dawn breaks, your ship glides quietly into Trier, a city where the echoes of antiquity still linger. You awaken to a leisurely breakfast on board, watching the morning light illuminate a skyline shaped by centuries of history. Soon, you set out to explore Trier, once known to the Romans as Augusta Treverorum.
Though the Roman Empire has faded into history, its spirit remains vividly alive here. In Trier, the grandeur of the ancient world still greets you in soaring architecture and enduring monuments. Imagine walking the same streets as citizens who lived under the reign of Constantine, when imperial vision transformed the city with monumental works such as the grand Cathedral, the Basilica, and the Imperial Baths.
Our guide will lead you through the city, speaking as though the centuries have fallen away. Their stories bring to life the pride, splendor, and daily rhythms of this once-mighty outpost of the empire. Stand within the vast spaces of the Basilica, feel the stone beneath your fingertips, and listen as ancient voices describe how Rome’s influence endures even in the smallest details of modern life.
By midday, you return to the ship for a relaxing lunch, the memories of Trier still unfolding in your mind. In the afternoon, as the ship departs, settle into a comfortable spot on deck. The river carries you onward, and the landscapes drift by in quiet beauty as you sail toward your next destination.
After breakfast, embark on a captivating journey to Eltz Castle, an enchanting jewel nestled in the heart of the picturesque Moselle Valley. Surrounded by lush forest, Burg Eltz stands as one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved medieval castles. Step inside to discover centuries of history brought to life through its remarkable architecture, historic chambers, and treasured artifacts. Wander through the medieval armory, admire the glittering Eltz family treasury, and take in sweeping views of the valley from the serene castle grounds. The charming chapel and engaging exhibits offer something for history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and dreamers alike.
Following your visit, return to the ship for a leisurely lunch as we set sail toward our next destination. In the afternoon, we make a brief operational stop in Treis-Karden before continuing our scenic voyage along the Moselle and Rhine rivers, bound for tomorrow’s arrival in the delightful town of Rüdesheim.
After breakfast, set out on a memorable journey along the 10th stage of the Hildegard von Bingen Pilgrimage Trail. Beginning on the banks of the Rhine in the charming town of Rüdesheim, the trail winds through rolling vineyards and picturesque landscapes toward the historic Abbey of Hildegard von Bingen. Along the way, pause to view the beautiful pilgrimage church from the outside, and enjoy a taste of tradition with herbal liqueur crafted from an age-old recipe.
Upon arrival at the abbey, you will be welcomed with a sampling of late harvest wine from the abbey’s own vineyards. Explore the abbey’s rich history and spiritual heritage before making your way back to Rüdesheim. For this invigorating walk, comfortable and sturdy shoes are essential, along with weather-appropriate clothing and refreshments for your personal needs.
Back on board, enjoy a leisurely lunch as the ship sets off for an afternoon and evening of scenic cruising. Be sure to have your camera ready as we approach the legendary Lorelei Rock, a dramatic slate cliff rising high above the Rhine. Shrouded in myth, it is said to be the home of Lorelei, a beautiful siren whose song once lured sailors into the river’s treacherous currents. Late in the evening, we make an operational stop in Königswinter, where the ship remains docked overnight.
As morning breaks, you enjoy breakfast on board while the ship departs Königswinter for a short, scenic cruise into Bonn. Upon arrival, your day’s adventure begins with a nostalgic journey through Bad Godesberg aboard a beautifully preserved 1980s historic bus. This captivating tour reveals the district’s legacy as a diplomatic hub on the Rhine, bringing to life five decades of international history. Learn why this charming riverside quarter became the center of diplomacy, discover the story behind its embassy district, and see what traces remain of its distinguished past.
Step off the bus for a stroll along the elegant Kurfürstenallee, where you will pass notable landmarks such as the stately Redoute and the former Chinese embassy. Continue to the serene park of Villa Camphausen in Mehlem, once the residence of the South Korean ambassador, and gain a glimpse into the refined lives of former diplomats. A final stop at the storied Rheinhotel Dreesen offers a taste of its history, filled with moments that have shaped the city’s identity.
By midday, you return to the ship for lunch as your voyage continues downstream. The afternoon carries you toward Düsseldorf, arriving just before dinner. This evening, gather with fellow travelers for the Gala Farewell Dinner, a celebration of the journey you have shared. Your ship will remain docked overnight, ready for tomorrow morning’s disembarkation.
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
