Saar & Moselle Fairytales

Located along the beautiful Moselle wine valley, the harmonious triad of unique Moselle landscape, millennia-old wine culture and history makes Cochem a popular destination. Discover the town with its narrow, winding streets during a city tour. Next visit the Reichsburg castle with its imposing complex which dominates the area landscape due to its size and its location on a rugged rock high above the town.

Enjoy the impressive view from the castle of the Moselle valley with its dreamy mixed forests and vineyards, as well as the old town. Inside the castle you will find a collection of Renaissance and Baroque furniture, as well as other treasures, carefully collected by the Ravené family who owned the castle until 1978, when it was turned over to the town of Cochem, for all to enjoy.

Visit one of the wineries located directly in the town of Cochem and learn more about viticulture and wine cellar management. The Moselle region is famous for its top wines with the most traditional grape variety being the Riesling, which is also called "the queen of white wines" and is grown directly on the sunny slopes of Cochem. During the excursion you can taste different Moselle wines and learn more about the wine making process.

Get to know medieval Bernkastel-Kues during an entertaining guided tour of the old town. You will learn many endearing facts about the town as well as interesting facts about the landscape and wine culture. In front of the St. Nicholas Hospital you will receive an explanation of the famous philosopher's ball game and may also try it out yourself. 

Enjoy a short walk through the scenic Bernkastel region where vineyards cover the hillsides and join us as we taste local wine varieties. One of the wines is the world famous Bernkasteler Doctor wine. Under the motto “Wine & Health“ you will learn why not only the Doctorwine can have a health-promoting effect. 

The impressive vineyards, picturesque Moselle villages and the rocky forests of the Hunsrück are perfect for hiking tours. Your hike takes you through the vineyards to Germany's oldest castle ruins, Landshut. Take a short guided tour through the accessible keep and enjoy the sweeping views of the Moselle valley.

On your way back, make a short stop in the vineyard and taste either a Riesling or the grape juice of the region. (Please note: appropriate footwear is required).

Level: ACTIVE, Moderate
Route profile: approx. 5km
Elevation gain: 160m

Take in the numerous sights beautiful Saarburg has to offer you on a quaint yet unforgettable tour. See Saarburg's Little Venice, the Schleif lookout point, the church of St. Laurentius, the Buttermarkt and pass the whimsical castle complex on your way into the old town with its colorful fishermen's and unmistakable boatmen's houses. One of the more famous points of interest you won’t want to miss is the waterfall in the center of town where the river Leuk makes a breathtaking 60 foot drop before joining the Saar River, bisecting the enchanting city.

Allow yourself to be immersed in a whimsical locale more than 1,000 years old and discover beguiling secrets hidden throughout the alleys and corners of Saarburg.

Named for Louis XIV of France, the sixth largest city in the Saarland, Saarlouis, was considered impregnable due to its fortifications built during the 17th century. Your tour will take you from the Great Market to the casemates, over the lock bridge into the city garden, and to the remains of the fortress walls of Saaraltarm, a recreational area which also features meandering paths and charming bridges. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the old town and enjoy the charming character of the city.

Grevenmacher proudly looks back on its storied past, inviting you to unravel the richness of the fortified town before you on a cultural and historical tour. Begin at the old fortress tower, dating back to the 12th century, where you will learn about the town's 85-foot-tall landmark before making your way to the Prosteneek, where the main roads once crossed the Moselle metropolis. Of course, the 15th century nobleman Peter von Osburg’s House, the Trier Gate, and the old town house are all must sees before you return to the ship.

From Grevenmacher, a comfortable coach will take you to the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in the world and the second smallest country in the European Union. Pass the Constitution Square (Place de la Constitution), the Grand Ducal Palace, and the Kirchberg Plateau, the business district of Luxembourg’s banking and financial center. Not to be missed is the lively railroad station district, best known for its varied architectural styles.

Get acquainted with the oldest city in Germany! Pass the Porta Nigra, an unforgettable landmark and largest Roman city gate north of the Alps. Experience even more awe-inspiring Roman buildings while on your tour such as the late-Romantic Three Kings' House from the 13th century, the medieval-style Main Market Square, St. Peter's Cathedral, and the Church of Our Lady.

Your excursion ends at the Kornmarkt. A main feature of the square is its neoclassical casino where influential residents, like Karl Marx’s father, would gather. While at the Kornmarkt, don’t miss the lovely St. George’s fountain, one of the most beautiful fountains in Germany. Standing at 36 feet tall, the Rococo style structure artfully represents the four seasons. Complete your exploration with a bite at one of the numerous restaurants or by taking a stroll through the bustling, yet relaxed square.

As you make your way to the Koblenz Sekt Museum, you'll wander through charming, narrow streets, taking in the sights of the historic old town while uncovering fascinating stories and delightful anecdotes about the world of wine. The journey begins with a shared glass of wine at the Sekt Museum, housed in the former Deinhard headquarters. From there, you'll dive into the art of winemaking and the intricate process of transforming wine into sparkling wine, with a special focus on the traditional Champagne method, all explained through original, hands-on equipment. The tour wraps up on a high note, savoring the experience with a glass of refreshing sparkling wine.