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Moselle River Cruises

Lose yourself in the wonderful landscapes of Germany ’s vineyards located along the Moselle River or relax in the picturesque French countryside . Plenty of river cruise adventures provided by the best river cruise companies in the world are now available.

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209 moselle cruises with 86 reviews.

4 Rivers: The Moselle, Sarre, Romantic Rhine, and Neckar Valleys (port-to-port cruise)

Destinations were good. Staff were very nice and helpful. Cabins clean and tidy. Showers only for the slim and agile. Wifi was OK. Food was OK, with no choices. Wine etc was plentiful. English definitely at a disadvantage with some guides and only two TV channels.

The Valley of the romantic Rhine, the Moselle and the Main (port-to-port cruise)

Booking through TourRadar was easy and convenient. This was our third European river cruise with three different cruise lines ( Gate 1 and A-Rosa were the others). We sailed on the Lafayette. The best thing about this cruise was the staff. They were all excellent. Special mention to Eniko, Anna, Mailyse, Isabella, and Katia. The cabin was a fair size and the bathroom was large. Water pressure in the shower was excellent. The dining room was rather small and cramped. The breakfast was buffet while lunch and dinners were set menus of French cuisine. There was no choice of menu items (other than vegetarian meals arranged in advance). Breakfast coffee was surprisingly average to poor. Unlike our previous cruises there was no self-serve specialty coffee machines on board. As previous reviewers have mentioned most of the passengers speak French and there is little English translated even when the tour is advertised as being in both languages. My biggest complaint woul be the lack of food choices at dinner. While I’m in the minority of people who don’t appreciate French cuisine exclusively I believe the cruise experience would have been better if we were given some choice each night for meals.

Holland & Belgium Tulip River Cruise (Amsterdam - Brussels - Amsterdam)

This was my first canal tour so was not really sure what to expect. I enjoyed the experience although I was not anticipating only 4 English as a first language speaking people on the tour.

The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards and Castles 2024

This simply has to be the most relaxing and enjoyable way to see Europe from its magnificent waterways. First class accommodation, food and service. No packing and unpacking. A wonderful experience of a lifetime, all round. Just do it - the memories will last forever.

Magnificent Moselle & Rhine (2024) (Frankfurt to Frankfurt, 2024)

NEW: Moselle Romance 2024 (18 destinations)

NEW: Moselle Romance 2024 (16 destinations)

Europe's Rivers & Castles 2024 Start Luxembourg, End Nuremberg

Beautiful Moselle

Amsterdam with Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards (Start Amsterdam, End Zurich)

Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards (Start Amsterdam, End Basel)

The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards & Castles 2024

Rhine & Moselle Fairytales 2024

Landscapes of the Rhine and Moselle Dutch Symphony Main

Moselle Trail

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Reviews of Moselle Cruises

The ship itself was great, rooms and bathroom were a good size for a smaller ship. The food and dining room staff were excellent. Entertainment and on board communication was poor only in French. Need to do a better job it ensure that customers that don’t speak French are informed on whats going on and are seated together in the dining room! The excursions that were provided were good but some were only with a French speaking guide. Overall we had great time on this Cruise!

Food was lovely and almost central to the trip. Took some beautiful photos and enjoyed the explorations on land (esp. Rudesheim where I found the St. Hildegard church). Interesting to talk to our table-mates about history and politics. Beds were too soft. Staff was very helpful and friendly.

The tour was an absolute dream. The itinerary was perfect and the ports were great. What made it extra enjoyable was the crew upon the MS Cruisivista. Especially Jessica, our cruise director. Already looking at other river cruises we can go on next year and bringing my mom. Thank you!

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Best Day-Trip Boat Cruises on the Moselle River in Germany

The best sightseeing day-trip cruises on the Mosel River (Moselle) in Germany are from Cochem, Koblenz, Trier, and Bernkastel-Kues.

The meandering Moselle River ( Die Mosel ) is one of the most popular rivers for day-trip sightseeing cruises in Germany. Internationally less famous than the Rhine, many consider the Moselle Valley more beautiful and a more relaxed destination to visit. The Moselle cruise season is long with day-trip excursions and panorama cruises departing from Easter to October and also during the advent season over Christmas. Gebr. Kolb is the main cruise line on the Moselle with KD currently only having a presence in Cochem — buy KD tickets online . The area around Bernkastel-Kues is probably the most beautiful and best part of the Moselle for day cruises but many boats operate also from Cochem and Trier. Combining a bike ride, boat cruise, and wine tasting is a popular day-trip tour on the Mosel.

Cruising on the Moselle River in Germany

The Mosel (Moselle in French and English) flows from France (Epinal, Nancy, Metz), and forms the Luxembourg-German border (Schengen, Remich), before meandering through Germany towards its confluence with the Rhine River at Koblenz. Traditionally, it was a major transportation link for French mining and industrial products meaning water levels are controlled to make year-round cruising possible.

For pleasure cruises, the constantly meandering river with steep vineyards, picture-perfect villages, and castles is perfect for sightseeing but progress is slow. The Moselle valley is narrower than the Rhine with steeper slopes and more curves to make the landscape more interesting. Although the Loreley Valley of the Middle Rhine remains the most popular stretch of river for excursion cruises in Germany, many consider much of the Moselle more beautiful.

Moselle River Boat Cruises and Cruise Lines

Multiple-day cruises on the Moselle River are popular but less common than on for example the Rhine or the Danube Rivers. Day-trip excursion cruises usually operate within small regions, especially around Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues, and Trier where panorama cruises and excursions are possible. From Koblenz , riverboats mostly cruise up the Rhine rather than up the Mosel.

Gebr. Kolb operates most Mosel excursions and panorama cruises in Germany. The main departures are from Cochem, Bernkastel, and Trier. Köln-Düsseldorfer ( KD ), the largest operator of pleasure boats on the Rhine River , currently limits its activities on the Mosel to sightseeing panorama cruises in Cochem — easily booked online .

Moselle River Cruise Prices

Return tickets for Moselle River cruises are only marginally more expensive than one-way fares. On long cruises such as Cochem to Koblenz or Traben-Trarbach, the one-way fare is around €28 (return €39). Panorama cruises are usually around €13 for one-hour cruises or €20 for two-hour cruises. Children under 14 pay half the price.

On some cruises, two may cruise for half price on an exact birthday. Students usually receive some discount, seniors mostly not. Dogs usually go for free, bicycles may add €3-4 depending on the cruise. KD has a long list of special fares but these are more useful on Rhine cruises.

Tickets for the panorama cruise of KD in Cochem are easy to buy online (and usually a bit cheaper). However, for other cruises buy tickets from kiosks at major stops or directly on the boat. Tickets may be bought online too but for Kolb it is still a cumbersome process.

Trains are often not an option to return from a cruise on the Moselle River. Koblenz, Cochem, and Trier are linked by frequent trains but the railways are not in the river valley and many of the smaller towns are only sporadically reached by public transportation. Buses are rare at night.

Best Times to Cruise on the Mosel

Boat cruises are available most days on the Mosel from early April (or Easter if it falls in March) to late October. Weekends usually have more cruises while the lowest number of cruises are on Mondays. During the main season from May to September, cruises depart every day of the week. More interesting options, including biking and wine tastings , are also only available in the main season.

Longer cruises such as Cochem to Koblenz are usually done only once or twice a week while shorter cruises may depart several times per day. Cochem has the highest number of options, although cruising in the region between Bernkastel-Kues and Traben-Trarbach is probably the most spectacular.

The Moselle Valley in Germany is beautiful year-round but autumn, when the vines turn yellow and red, is probably the most beautiful time of the year to visit and cruise on the Mosel.

Cruises in winter are limited but some are available during the romantic Advent and Christmas market seasons, especially in Bernkastel and Trier. Don’t expect any cruises in January, February, or March.

Moselle Panorama Cruises in Cochem

Cochem, where the beautiful Reichsburg (Imperial Castle) towers over the city and Moselle Valley, is one of the best Mosel towns for day trips and sightseeing riverboat cruises. Gebr. Kolb and Köln-Düsseldorfer (KD) both have several sightseeing panorama cruises per day. Kolb further has excursion tours from Cochem to many Moselle towns.

The panorama excursion cruises are usually an hour with up to 12 departures per day. These panorama cruises are very similar and the best choice is usually simply the next boat to depart. Prices, around €12 for the one-hour cruise, are the same for both cruise lines. Buy KD cruise tickets online or simply from the kiosk or when boarding.

Mosel Excursion Cruises from Cochem

Kolb offers a variety of excursion cruises from Cochem to other popular Moselle destinations. Cruises downriver to Koblenz or to visit Burg Eltz are classics but the views are better upriver from Cochem. These riverboats call frequently at stops along the route, where it is possible to join the cruise or to disembark for sightseeing.

The most frequent excursion on the Moselle from Cochem is to Beilstein (via Ernst , Bruttig, and Schleuse Frankel) — around an hour each way. This is the only routing on this part of the Moselle where it is possible to interrupt a cruise and continue with a later boat.

A few times per week, it is possible to cruise upriver from Cochem to Traben-Trarbach — around four hours each way. An alternative is a cruise from Zell to Cochem — three hours each way. Both cruises allow for some sightseeing at the destination before returning.

The classic cruise from Cochem to the confluence with the Rhine in Koblenz is done only on Fridays. Cruising time is around four hours each way with more than two hours allowed for sightseeing before turning back. Trains are an easy alternative to return to Cochem from Koblenz.

Boats also cruise several times per day from Cochem to Karden — from here, it is a two-hour hike to beautiful Burg Eltz .

The Goldstück often arrives from Alken while a fun combination is a bike ride and wine tasting .

Moselle River Cruises from Bernkastel-Kues

Beautiful, romantic Bernkastel-Kues is one of the most picturesque Moselle wine towns. It is a popular departure point for Mosel cruises but is also frequently the destination. Not only is Bernkastel-Kues a particularly beautiful town but the meandering Moselle is at its most beautiful in this region.

Popular excursion cruises connect Bernkastel-Kues and Traben-Trarbach several times per day. Although the flight distance between these two towns is only around 3 miles, the meandering river needs around 15 miles with cruises taking around 2 hours (with stops). Boats also frequently arrive in Bernkastel from Alf, Bully, Zell, Leiwen, Piesport, and Trier.

One-hour panorama cruises depart several times per day from Bernkastel from Easter to October. Panorama cruises are also offered in advent — the beautiful Christmas Weihnachtsmarkt in Bernkastel-Kues attracts visitors from many parts of Europe.

Moselle River Cruises from Trier

Trier, famous for its Roman monuments and as the birthplace of Karl Marx, is also a popular departure point from Moselle River cruises.

Panorama cruises — one or two hours — depart frequently. Seniors (60+) should check the times for Seniorenfahrten when a coffee and waffle add only €1 to the regular cruise price!

Excursion cruises from Trier go downriver to Bernkastel-Kues (over four hours each way) or upstream and into the Saar River to Saarburg (two hours).

Trier also has many Christmas markets and event cruises in winter.

About the author:

Henk Bekker

Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing online. He is particularly interested in history, art, and culture. He has lived most of his adult life in Germany, Switzerland, and Denmark. In addition to European-Traveler.com , he also owns a travel website on the Lake Geneva region of Switzerland and maintains statistical websites on car sales and classic car auction prices . Henk holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and an MSc in Development Finance from the University of London.

Home » Germany » Best Day-Trip Boat Cruises on the Moselle River in Germany

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Moselle River Cruises

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• Strasbourg , France and the Roman ruins at Trier, Germany
• Cochem & the Appolloweg 
• Rudesheim & Boppard

How to choose a Moselle River cruise

Moselle river faqs, top moselle river travel destinations, moselle river trips by departure date.

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7 Night European River Cruise on The Moselle With Avalon Waterways – Expert Review

Explore the stunning Moselle River with Avalon Waterways on the Imagery II during an 8-day active and discovery cruise. Enjoy guided hikes and bike tours, wine tastings, and cultural experiences while cruising through picturesque towns and charming villages. Read our expert review for more details.

Europe is one of my favorite destinations in the world. I love the history, culture, art, music, food, wine, and the plethora of outdoor activities. But, while we often travel to Europe and have explored cities, villages, towns, and hidden gems of many countries by land and sea, this time around, I wanted to experience traveling entirely differently. So, I brought my husband along for an 8-day, 7-night active, and discovery Moselle European River cruise with Avalon Waterways in May 2022. Our trip on the Avalon Imagery II started in Luxembourg and ended in Frankfurt, Germany. Throughout our time, we explored ancient fortresses and wine and dined in beautiful vineyard towns. We also enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors and spent several days hiking on the hillsides and running and biking along the river.

Our overall experience aboard the Avalon Imagery II was fantastic. The service we received was terrific, and the level of attentiveness the staff demonstrated made our trip both relaxing and enjoyable. Every single staff member we encountered on the journey, from the servers in the restaurants to the housekeepers to our fantastic trip conductor, exuded excitement, attentiveness, and true love of their job.

Day 1 – We Begin Our European River Cruise on The Moselle 

After a long travel day, we arrived in Luxembourg (one of the easiest and smallest airports in Europe), met our driver, and headed to the ship, docked in Remich. The town is small compared to others in the area and is home to around 3,000 citizens, making up the border between Luxembourg and Germany. However, once you walk a few blocks from the river, you’ll start to notice the town’s character and underrated charm. Remich is filled with small markets, social events celebrating culture, and many nature parks and vineyards.

We arrived at the boat around 11 am, and although our room was not yet ready, the crew onboard the Avalon Imagery II welcomed us with drinks and appetizers. They hurried to prepare our room and allowed us to check in early. One of my favorite parts of the trip was staying in our beautiful Panomara Suite, which gave us a gorgeous floor-to-ceiling view of the river and the towns we were slowly moving by. In addition, I was impressed with the size of the bathroom, the quality of the amenities, and twice-daily housekeeping. We spent a relaxing first evening getting to know the staff and catching up with fellow travelers. After that, we could not wait for our European Moselle river cruise to begin.

Day 2 – Exploring Luxembourg

On the first full day of our Avalon river cruises trip, we took a guided excursion to explore the city of Luxembourg, which has been on my list of places to visit for many years. I’ve always known it to be a tiny country with a lot to offer, from unspoiled hiking trails to fairy-tale castles and proximity to many beautiful European cities. We walked through charming town squares, explored small shops and cafes, and took in the magnificent scenery.

We returned to the ship to enjoy another gourmet meal and sample delicious local wines while the boat sailed. That evening we opted for a walking tour of Trier, a town known as Germany’s oldest city, which houses the landmark Porta Nigra , a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 2nd century as a magnificent Roman gate. Other treasures we witnessed were the Trier Cathedral treasury which houses St. Andrew’s altar, and the “Holy Nail” reportedly used during Christ’s crucifixion. We also walked through the market square, where we explored more historical medieval attractions, local living, and city center culture.

The town of Tier was one of the stops where I wished we’d had more time. The central squares come alive in the evening and nighttime, with local musicians, beer gardens (biergartens), and tourists and locals enjoying the carefree summer nights. Unfortunately, the town center was about 20 minutes from where our boat was docked for the night, and we were not confident we would find a taxi service if we stayed out too late. This is one challenging thing about European river cruises… you can never predict where they will dock overnight.

Day 3 – Lovely Bernkastel

On the morning of our third day, we found ourselves in another charming town, Bernkastel.

We opted to get active and signed up for a short hiking adventure that took us up to the castle. After burning a few calories, we spent some time exploring the quaint streets of Bernkastel and enjoying a quick beer in the square. The town is filled with half-timbered houses built centuries ago, so wandering around through cobblestones streets and historical landmarks was thoroughly enjoyable. Taking a European river cruise allowed us to see so many different towns and villages we would have otherwise missed.

That evening we docked in Traven-Trarbach and headed out with our group for a fun, wine-tasting adventure. We toured a local winery and cellar and learned much about the region’s traditions and wine production. It was the perfect way to end a lovely day.

Day 4 – Biking The Moselle and Reichsburg Cochem Castle

The following morning, we were up early again for a fun-filled 27 km (16.7 miles) biking excursion along the Moselle river. While we chose the ‘Active’ category for our activity, the bike ride with our adventure host was not overly challenging (although you should be comfortable riding in varying terrain). The tour took about 3 hours, and we feel like we truly saw the best of what this region had to offer. Passing charming villages, quaint towns, and miles of rolling hills covered in vineyards, we felt like we were stepping back in time. At the end of the ride, we hopped on a ferry, crossed the river, and met up with our boat.

That afternoon our European river cruise sailed to Cochem, one of our favorite stops on this trip. Taking in the sheer beauty of this gorgeous town and the postcard views you get from the water was an experience I will never forget. The city is surrounded by steep vineyards and is the center of the area’s wine trade. If you wander the town long enough, you will find many businesses offering daily tastings. We visited the Reichsburg Cochem  Castle  with a group tour and then walked back down to explore and wander the cobbled streets on our own.

Day 5 – Off The Beaten Path

About 79 miles from Frankfurt lies the idyllic town of Koblenz. This gorgeous waterfront city allows visitors to see incredible 17th and 18th-century architecture. The Mittelrheim Museum is where you’ll see Romanticism-era paintings that helped the nearby Rhiné Valley become so famous. You can also visit the vibrant Basilica of St. Kastor, hop on the ferry, and chairlift to Festung Ehrenbreitstein, a massive fortress overlooking the Rhine.

We opted to spend the day exploring the region on tour. At our first stop, we visited an old underground quarry where we learned about the people who worked here for centuries. We then stopped at the magnificent Maria Laach Abbey , where once again, we wished we had more time. The Benedictine abbey was built in the 11th-12th centuries and was initially called Laach Abbey (Lake Abbey). During WWII, the monastery was embroiled in controversy for collaborating with the Nazi regime.

In the afternoon, we explored the town of Koblenz and took in some of the beautiful architecture along the river. This city is a great place to begin boat rides. Explore the area along the Moselle, including Cochem, Mainz, and even Cologne. You also don’t want to miss out on one of the newest attractions in town, the Koblenz Cable car that takes travelers on an exciting aerial journey to Ehrenbreitstein castle. This town was another favorite stop on our Moselle European river cruise.

Day 6 -St. Hildegard Abbey,  Wine and Sweets

The next morning, we enjoyed a beautiful scenic ride along the river. We passed more castles than can count and relaxed on the ship for a few hours. Then we spent our afternoon exploring colorful Ruedesheim, a lovely little winemaking town on the Rhine river. While an excursion with transfers was available, we opted to walk up to Hildegard-Weg , the magnificent Benedictine Abbey on the hill. We learned that at St. Hildegard Abbey, the nuns operate an award-winning winery known for the “Best of the Riesling.” We then met up with our group for a wine tasting experience before walking back through the vineyards to town.

First, we tasted traditional Ruedesheim coffee then visited the Siegfried Mechanical Music Museum. Finally, it was time to explore the city by tasting local food and beer.

Day 7 – Frankfurt and Frankenstein’s Castle 

We explored a bit of the international town of Frankfurt on our last day, and this small city did not disappoint. In the 1950s, Frankfurt was rebuilt from the ruins following the bombings of World War II. Today, you’ll see the vibrant city thriving better than ever. Frankfurt is considered a world business and transportation hub. Its fine opera, ballet, and world-class museums continue to amaze visitors worldwide. We also took a tour of the Frankenstein Castle (Burg Frankenstein). The castle is thought to have inspired Mary Shelley’s famous novel . We ended our trip by walking around the Old Town and viewing houses dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries and sights like St. Paul’s Cathedral, 13th-century Town Hall, and a gothic customs tower.

We ended our Moselle European river cruise with a delicious breakfast before heading back to the airport and on to Phoenix.

Taking Avalon Waterways allowed us to explore a new corner of Europe differently. If there were any negatives to our trip, they were slight and didn’t affect our overall experience. First, we found the activities director to be a bit confusing. We were unsure of her role, and her participation in some activities felt disorganized. We also thought our Frankenstein Castle tour was the least interesting compared to other excursions. It was too long, and there was not much to actually see there as the castle was largely destroyed. Most of the other travelers we spoke to on this excursion also seemed exceedingly bored.

Other than a few hiccups, I highly recommend taking a river cruise with Avalon Waterways. The Panorama Suites on the Avalon Imagery II ship are lovely and nicely appointed. The floor-to-ceiling windows truly bring the outside in. Finally, I believe the Avalon river cruises staff is their “secret sauce.” Their attentiveness and attention to detail were beyond 5 stars!

A luxury travel agent can help you find off the beaten path adventures like this one!

About the Ship and Panorama Suites: Avalon River Cruises

The Avalon Imagery II ship was built in 2016. However, unlike other ships of similar age, Imagery II has not started showing her age yet. Passengers can choose from two full decks of Panorama Suites. These suites feature Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows creating a unique Open-Air style Balcony. The Panorama Suites are 200 square feet, around 30% larger than the industry standard. Cabins are configured, so the beds face the floor-to-ceiling windows, which is a huge bonus.

Onboard amenities include:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi access
• A small yet functional Fitness Center
• Alternative light dining options in the Panorama Bistro
• An expansive Sky Deck with a whirlpool, premium shaded lounge chairs and deck games.

Configuration:

Fifty 200-square-foot Panorama Suites

Two 300-square-foot Royal Suites

Twelve standard cabins that are 172 square feet and have picture windows. We do not recommend booking these as you lose out on the experience of taking in the scenery while sailing.

Be sure to properly pack for your next cruise adventure! Additionally, if ocean cruises are more your style, consider looking at our list of the 8 best luxury cruise lines for ocean cruises. 

Boutique Travel Advisors is a full-service, luxury travel agency . We specialize in creating  bespoke itineraries  for discerning clients around the world. Please visit our   website   or call 480-787-1477 to speak with a dedicated travel expert. 

Are you planning an international or domestic trip? Check out our other articles to help you come prepared!

We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance to protect your financial investment and health while traveling internationally. To purchase a policy with our preferred travel insurance company Chubb   click here .

At this time, anyone that resides in CA, CO, KS, MN, MO, MT, NH, NY, PA, TX or WA is unable to purchase an insurance policy online. If you would like assistance purchasing a travel insurance policy, please get in touch with a BTA advisor .

About the Author: JANET SEMENOVA

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This Gorgeous River in Europe Is the Cruise Destination You've Never Heard Of

Cruising the Moselle River, through Germany, Luxembourg, and France, promises stunning vineyards and views, without the crowds.

Sarah Kuta/Travel + Leisure

I’m finishing up my lunch on the Avalon Imagery II ’s open-air bow when the ship glides around a bend in the Moselle River. Suddenly, the view before me, a small wine town in Germany , is so breathtaking I nearly drop my fork: tidy, geometric rows of grape vines — most of them riesling — cover the steep land rising up from the water. A little while later, we pass by the ruins of a 14th-century castle.

I feel like I’m floating through a fairy tale , I think to myself as I whip out my phone to take what must be my millionth photo of the day.

Sarah Kuta/Travel + Leisure

Before setting sail on the Moselle River with Avalon Waterways in July, I didn’t know quite what to expect. Though I’d been on other river cruises in Europe, the Moselle really wasn’t on my radar. 

Now, I'll never take it off my radar. From its source in the Vosges Mountains, the Moselle flows 339 miles through northeastern France and western Germany before meeting up with the Rhine River in Koblenz, Germany. Along the way, it also forms a natural border between Luxembourg and Germany.

Beautiful vineyards, historic fortresses, and quaint villages line its banks. The weather is mild, the valley’s residents are friendly, and the small towns along the waterfront are ridiculously charming. The Moselle itself snakes lazily back and forth, giving cruisers optimal time to appreciate the dramatic scenery.

And while so many European destinations have gotten a little too busy for comfort, the Moselle has remained quiet, serene. If your goal is a quintessentially European river cruise without the quintessential European crowds, the Moselle is the river for you.

What Sets the Moselle River Apart

If you’ve taken a European river cruise before, you’ve probably heard of well-known waterways like the Rhine, the Danube, and the Rhône. But Pam Hoffee, the president of Avalon Waterways, describes the Moselle as an “off-the-beaten-path gem.” 

“We consider it the Rhine’s cool little sister — a place where some of the most beautiful views in river cruising await guests without the crowds that can be found in other parts of Europe,” she says. Avalon’s new “ Active & Discovery on the Moselle ” itinerary, which launched in May 2022, traverses one of the most scenic sections of the river. The cruise begins in Luxembourg, in the small town of Remich, then whisks passengers through west-central Germany. It briefly sails on the Rhine, then on the Main River, before finishing in Frankfurt. 

The “Active & Discovery” part comes into play with the choice of included excursions, which range from adventurous hikes and bike rides to easy-going brewery tours and wine tastings. So, perhaps it's less like a fairy tale, and more like a choose-your-own-adventure book.

And Avalon isn’t the only line introducing travelers to this tranquil body of water. Viking has also rolled out two new Christmas cruises on the Moselle, and AmaWaterways , Tauck , Uniworld River Cruises , Scenic , Emerald Cruises , among other lines, are offering upcoming Moselle sailings.

Wine, History, and Views on the Moselle River

One reason the Moselle is so idyllic? It’s narrower than other European rivers, with steep valley walls, which means river cruisers get an up-close and personal view of the passing, postcard-perfect scenery. This narrowness also translates to less overall traffic on the river and in ports, Hoffee says. Avalon, for example, uses its smaller “Suite Ships” — which can accommodate just 128 guests — for its Moselle sailings. The Moselle also passes through the famed riesling region of Germany and Luxembourg, where people have been growing grapes and making wine since Roman times. This not only means gorgeous vineyard views from the ship, but also opportunities to visit family-owned wineries and sample their delicious wares. In Remich, Luxembourg, I joined a walking tour that ended with an informative wine tasting in the shady garden of Domaine L&R Kox , which grows 30 acres of grapes and produces 50 small-batch wines. Later, while docked in Bernkastlel-Kues, I visited the winery of Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler , whose family has been making wine along the Moselle since the 16th century.

One of my favorite excursions of the entire sailing was a guided evening stroll through Trier, Germany, also known as the “Rome of the North.” Though the Romans established Trier — which they called Augusta Treverorum — more than 2,000 years ago, you can still find many well-preserved examples of their sturdy buildings. As the sun was just beginning to set, our group paused to admire Porta Nigra, a Roman city gate (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) that dates back to 170 C.E. 

In some places, the views were so accessible I didn’t even have to leave my room — or my bed, for that matter. One morning, as we approached Cochem, Germany, I opened the floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows in my room, which instantly transformed the space into a private, open-air balcony. And since Avalon’s guest beds face the window (instead of the wall), I was able to curl up with an espresso and watch the storybook towns and towering castles pass by outside. 

When we finally reached Frankfurt at the end of the eight-day trip, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed — not frazzled and drained, as I sometimes do after a jam-packed summer stint in Europe. With its calm waters, dreamy landscapes, and uncrowded ports, the Moselle River re-energized me — and now I can’t wait to go back.

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Rhine and Moselle River Cruise - River Rhine

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• River Rhine

Rhine and Moselle River Cruise

Our first ever river cruise on MV VIRGINIA with Shearing Holidays, was better than expected. MV VIRGINIA, built I believe, in the late sixties, has been refitted a couple of times; it feels more like a proper ship rather than those enormous modern sailing boxes. We decided to book a cabin for 2, on the middle deck of the ship, for an extra £ 112 each, so that we could open the window. The cabin was so small and the space between the 2 beds so narrow, that we could hardly move, unless one of the beds was raised. This type of cabin is suitable if you are relatively fit and not overweight. Best would be to book the upper deck, for and additional supplement. The friendly Slovakian staff, very attentive, caring and serving us with a smile. Not to forget the 2 shearing reps who did a good job too. We liked the concept of sailing during the day, so that we could fully enjoy the lovely scenery and the additional excursions by Shearing's own coach, to towns and castles: Koblenz, Cochem, Reichsburg Castle, Beilstein, Winningen, Eltz Castle..... The best scenery was offered by the Moselle stretch of our cruise. We were concerned about the engine noise... it could not have been quieter, during the only night travel from Cologne to Koblenz. Breakfast was excellent with a wide spread of dishes. Lunch was adequate and dinner could definitely be improved. Wi-fi was as an extra, which I found to be very mean, especially considering that reception was hit and miss. All in all, we enjoyed the experience

Hesitant to do a River Cruise as like my own space. However it was such a relaxing, enjoyable way to travel. The Ship Monarch Empress was fairly new, the crew amazing, food really really good and we met some very nice people. The section of the Rhine between Mainz and Koblenz is absolutely stunning - cannot speak highly of this experience

We did the Amsterdam to Basel Rhine River Cruise, which we chose based on all the glowing reviews. Unfortunately, i cannot be so glowing. I feel like I should be writing to separate reviews. First, the ship experience: 5 stars. The ship is beautiful and the staff friendly and professional. I spoke to the chef the first night about my dietary restrictions (vegetarian) and he could not have been more accommodating...checking with me regularly to make sure there was something on the menu for me and making a special fish meal on the “German night.” The Captain and Cruise Director were always about interacting with the passengers and ensuring that everyone was having a good time. The waitstaff and room attendants were awesome. Unlike a ocean cruise, the dress is very casual and people are in bed and up early. We made lots of new friends and had a great time on the ship. The only negative was the WiFi, which was awful...it did not bother me (I was unplugged) but many of the passengers were quite inconvenienced, so be forewarned. Now for the rest of the experience: not so good. In the past, we have used Tauck Tours, which is head and shoulders above Viking, in my opinion. We booked our airfare through Viking and booked extensions on both ends. We should have made our own arrangements. I had specifically requested an afternoon return departure and was initially booked on a 1:30pm flight out of Zurich. Months before departure, this flight was changed by the airline to 7:30am....I was told by Viking that there was nothing they could do (in terms of booking on another carrier). This meant bags out at 3am and off to the airport at 4am (as other customers had earlier flights) and sitting at the airport for over 2 hours before our flight boarded. Beware: book your flight with Viking and you have no control over changes. Our hotels for the Amsterdam and Lucerne extensions were promoted as “First Class” hotels. While the locations were great, the hotels themselves were average...nothing like the hotels we get when traveling with Tauck. Also, the Viking rep at our Amsterdam hotel was useless....we were never told that certain attractions (Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum) needed online advance tickets...so we were unable to go. I had been told that the rep at the hotel could help with other bookings; she sounded surprised and was not helpful. The add-on excursions were hit or miss...the Alsace wine tasting not worth it (although we did stop at the lovely town of Obernai), and we had a terrible experience on the Black Forest ebike tour, where the lead guide had no regard for the rest of the group. The tour guides were also hit or miss: some of the tour guides were AWESOME but others below par. So, a mixed review.

Great cruise - great staff - comfortable rooms. Well run in every area. Breakfast was above average - lunch above average - dinner just O K. Above average guides in all the included stops. Your questions (could you say a little more about it ) are idiotic !.

We just got back from our first all inclusive river cruise with UniWorld. We travelled from Amsterdam to Basel. It was fantastic. We added an extra day on the front end see Amsterdam. We were met at the airport and transported to the hotel where Muriel, our UniWorld rep, met us and took care of us. She was fantastic! no pressure. She simply wanted us to have a great time. She helped us navigate the streets, tram and restaurants. We were sad that she did not accompany us on the cruise. The stateroom was comfortable and first class. The food was well prepared with a lot of variety. There was a very good selection of liquor, wine and beer. The tours were well planned and organized. Marksburg Castle, Cologne, Strasbourg and the Black Forest tours were especially enjoyable. Service was excellent. Everyone was friendly. Because I had some work travel prior to this trip, I was rushed in my packing and forgot my dress clothes but that was not a problem. Highly recommend UniWorld for their service and quality.

This is the first time that I had encountered a Rhine cruise and after reading some of the previous posts, I was wondering whether I had made the right choice of vessel. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the vessel and especially the staff. The cabins are not overlarge but easily adequate for a cruise like this. Anyway, most of the time is spent watching the picturesque scenary go by rather than stuck in your cabin. I must mention the staff who were excellent throughout the trip. Nothing was too much trouble for them and they really made you feel welcome. The food on board was first class and very varied. We never encountered a repeat meal in the whole of the 10 days. Having done sea cruises, I would now err on the side of river cruises with the emphasis on a change of scenary around every corner. Well done to the Saga team as well and would certainly recommend Saga and the Rex Rheni to anyone contemplating a river cruise.

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The Rhine and Moselle

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Uniquely Tauck

Experience with Tauck

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Dinner at the historic Schloss Ehreshoven in Germany

Tauck value includes

Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $3,462

Insider tour of the Gothic-Renaissance Heidelberger Schloss and lunch at a popular local restaurant

Choices of bicycle excursions in Boppard and Arnhem's De Hoge Veluwe National Park

Wine tasting at a family-owned winery in Cochem

A scenic cruise along the canals of Amsterdam

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Generally easy, with occasional free time for relaxation.

Exclusively inclusive river cruising

So many delights are in store along the enchanting Moselle and Rhine on our 14-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam...

Old world europe awaits on a rhine river cruise, tauck exclusive – evening at schloss ehreshoven, enjoy an elegant dinner and tour at schloss ehreshoven.

Built in the 14th century and later expanded in the grand style of a Baroque manor house, Schloss Ehreshoven is surrounded by gracious 18th-century French gardens and a castle park. For nearly a century the castle has been the heart of a charitable foundation whose main mission includes providing a home for unmarried aristocratic ladies without means in their golden years. Frequently used as a location for movies and TV shows, the Schloss provides an elegant setting for Tauck's exclusive cocktail reception and dinner, hosted by a member of the family.

A cruise on Amsterdam's canals

A unique perspective of amsterdam as you cruise its canals.

Amsterdam is a vibrant blend of the historic and the contemporary, from its medieval core and 17th-century canals to the rich cosmopolitan life of a 21st-century European metropolis. This is never more evident than on the guided boat cruise you'll take along the network of centuries-old, flower-rimmed waterways that flow through this nearly car-free city of gracious gabled mansions, lots of people on bikes, and more canals than Venice! It all makes for a refreshing perspective on the city.

I traveled the Rhine and Moselle in Fall and it couldn't have been a more beautiful time to be on the river. Even on gray days, the sights were terrific and sometimes truly breathtaking.

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France and Luxembourg. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any country visited for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France and Luxembourg to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

Please Note: Longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour. Please refer to the Tauck Travel Protection Product section above for information on the coverage we can offer you.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no vaccinations are currently required for travel to the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France or Switzerland. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country , please contact an embassy or consulate of the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and  Switzerland to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for you to visit.

While a cruise is very relaxing and the pace leisurely, to enjoy all the cruise has to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. There There is a moderate to significant amount of walking during our excursions, often along cobblestone streets, and at many sites there are multiple stairs or steps; for the most part, however, the amount of walking you do is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Sun, Diamond, Ruby and Emerald. The elevator runs between the the Diamond Deck and Emerald Deck; there is not elevator access to the Sun Deck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor onboard the riverboat. In case of emergency we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

On board the riverboat, smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking (including e-Cigarettes) is not permitted in any cabin, the restaurant, the lounge or any other interior space.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light jacket or sweater for the sun deck is also recommended. Pack comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in, as many of the sites visited were built centuries ago and have uneven surfaces, some steep inclines and many steps.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual.  Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men.  For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable.  For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops or sneakers.  Your journey also includes one or two special occasion dinners, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested.  (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each cabin.

Valet laundry service is available on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities are available by request to the front desk. Category 7 suites feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your cruise on the Rhine and Moselle:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for onboard the ship
• Comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

The Tauck Experience

Tauck's River Cruise Guide

Rhine river facts, first timer's guide, why take a tauck river cruise, choosing the best european river cruise for you.

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TUI River Cruise - Mosel Valley

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• Mosel Valley

Being on a river cruise gives a different perspective to life and to a river and its... read more

Sailed along The Moselle on a Scenic River Cruise , together with The Rhine . The scenery is... read more

TUI River Cruise

An outstanding holiday, our first river cruise and won't be our last. But it seems quite possible that we have started our river cruising experiences on a high note, not likely to be matched by most others. That is first and foremost because the scenery is so stunning. As someone who is cautious about the taster snippets you see in adverts and brochures, it was my expectation that the pictures used in adverts would represent a fraction of the holiday experience and some mundane countryside would also be part of the package. Not so on this section of the Mosel, be prepared to be taking hundreds of photos. My rating for this holiday was tempered by a few disappointments at the hands of TUI. Poor communication prior to the holiday, or some customer indifference took a little of the shine off. We were supposed to board at Frankfurt, a 20/25 minute transfer, but we actually boarded at Boppard after a 2 hour journey and were not warned. After queueing and travelling (under current airport disruptions) already for 8 hours, that was an unwelcome surprise despite the fact that TUI knew well in advance this would happen. We can see that circumstances dictated changes and it is easy to imagine that this resulted in some creative adjustment on the fly by TUI, but we felt they could have done better. The indifference extended to not even receiving a feedback email after the holiday. HOWEVER - Our accommodation was fine, the meals average to good, the staff onboard were fantastic (if I had a hospitality business I would have tried to recruit every one of them) and the value compared to other companies seemed very good. Tip - be very subjective about booking guided walking tours, we found some of them were a long list of dates, names and facts rather than an engaging story. In every case the locations we moored at were small enough to do a self-guided tour/explore.

We traveled the length of the Mosel in our own barge, and reckon the views and scenery are best viewed from the water giving a perfectly tranquil setting to see the twists and turns of this lovely river lined with steep banks, pretty villages and vineyards everywhere. Not everyone has the luxury of their own boat but there are plenty of day trip passenger boats that will do the job just as well even if only for a few hours!

The wonderful valley of the Mosel river delights in its entire length. A wonderful cruise on the Mosel river allowed us to see wonderful small towns, a sprinkling of castle (Burg Eltz is tops), impossibly steep huge vineyards, taste excellent Mosel wine! The most scenic piece of the valley lies between the towns of Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues. We have chosen Cochem as the handiest home base and a good port to explore the different directions for cruise down and upstream. Thanks to its many locks, Mosel cruises feel more like canal-boat rides. The Kolb Line has the most frequent departures and departs from almost any town in the entire valley, and cruises the most scenic stretch of the Mosel. A simple and fun outing is the one-hour cruise between Cochem and Beilstein, passing through the Fankel lock. By Car: Two-lane roads run along both riverbanks. While these riverside roads area delight, the river valley is very windy.

We truly fell in love with Mosel valley! The river following, beautiful, scenic drive peppered with romantic vistas and interesting, spectacular sights is unforgettable. Historic charming towns and villages. Nice local churches. Rich nature. Vineyards covering the slopes of every hill - and wine, tasty local wine! The microclimate is gentler than in neighboring provinces. You can spend a day but really you should spend a week and explore!

This area is romantic, scenic, historic, relaxed and has a few of the cutest towns and splendid panoramas. Highlights for us were Traben-Trarbach, Bernkastel, Burg Eltz and Cochem.

Mosel is a river and a district in Germany - and a must-see if you love high quality white wines. Moseltal or Mosel Valley is a beautiful area with fine old cities. You should at least visit Bernkastel-Kues, Cochem, Zell and Traben-Trarbach. There are many ways to do Mosel Valley: By car, by bike (also electrified), by foot (many, many fine trekking paths) and by boat (eat, drink, sleep on board). Most important is tasting the fine wines of Mosel. Most famous grape is Riesling, but also try Weisser Burgunder and Grauer Burgunder. If you fancy the elegant sweet dessert wine, try auslese and beerenauslese. In every little city you’ll find signs on houses saying: Weingut (vineyard). Here you can often try wine for free. ‘Probe’ or ‘probieren’ means try. ‘Verkauf’ means for sale. Of course the nice people of Mosel hope that you buy a bottle or two when you have tried their wines for free - but you don’t have to buy. Foodies will love Mosel Valley, too. Best restaurant in the area is Restaurant Schantz (2 Michelin stars). Book at least one month in advance to be sure. Prices are reasonable considering that the chef is a genious. Best wines - in Restaurant Schantz and in the Mosel Valley as such - comes from Weingut Peter Lauer. World class!

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Moselle River Cruises

The romantic Moselle winds through an enchanting landscape of castles, picture-book villages and terraced slate hillsides that form one of the world’s richest wine regions. With a settled history that predates the Romans, it is yours to discover on one of our Moselle river cruises.

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Highlights of moselle river cruises.

The Moselle River meets the Rhine at Koblenz, Germany. On the way, it weaves and twists from France, forms a natural boundary between Luxembourg and Germany and follows a sinewy path past breathtaking vistas of sloping vineyards. The Holy Roman Empire had one of its major capitals here, the magnificent city of Trier, and tidy villages emerged on its fertile shores to produce what would become some of the world’s most loved wines. Here are a few sample highlights of what awaits you on a Viking Moselle cruise:

• Trier’s fascinating ruins from its days as a Roman capital
• The fairytale charms of Bernkastel-Kues
• Luxembourg City’s elegant and stately architecture
• Wine-making traditions that date back 2,000 years
• The stunning medieval town of Cochem
• Millennium-old Reichsburg Castle, perched on a hillside
• The quaint Old Town of Koblenz, where the Moselle and Rhine meet
• The refined, sweet flavors of the world’s best Rieslings

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7 best US river cruises

W hether you're fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you've enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.

Choose from two main waterways for your U.S. river cruise: the Mississippi River — which flows through nine states from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans — or the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise lines also venture onto three smaller, lesser-known rivers: the Ohio, the Cumberland and the Tennessee. You can also explore New York's Hudson River on a fall foliage cruise.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Your choice of cruise line is equally limited. Just two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Read on for our picks of the seven best U.S. river cruises. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America's agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.

American Cruise Lines' 8-night Music Cities Cruise

From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley's "Blue Suede Shoes" to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines' eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You'll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.

In Tennessee's two famous music cities, you'll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley's Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You'll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history.

While cruising, you'll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region's musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know

Viking's 14-night America's Great River Cruise

Want the total Mississippi experience? You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing.

Available three times a year (in July, September and October), the America's Great River cruise begins in Minnesota (either St. Paul or Red Wing) and concludes in New Orleans, allowing you to experience an intricate tapestry of American history and culture.

There's eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You'll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. As you cruise the lower Mississippi, you'll delve into civil rights history in Memphis; Civil War battles and historic architecture in Mississippi's Vicksburg and Natchez; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge; and the legendary culinary treats and jazz of New Orleans.

All sailings are aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool.

American Cruise Lines' 8-Night Columbia & Snake River Cruise

If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines' eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise . You'll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa).

On the Pacific end of your voyage, you'll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.

In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown.

American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

Viking's 7-night New Orleans & Southern Charms

If you've never visited New Orleans, or it's been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city's food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking's seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.

From Darrow, Louisiana, you'll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War's most famous battlefields. Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd.

The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

American Cruise Lines' 7-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise

Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York's Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river's shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.

Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise . You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. Feel like apple-picking? That's an option here, too.

Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president's library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship.

Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

Nature-focused cruise line Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a new seven-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History cruise on multiple dates in April, September and October 2024; there are also sailings in March, April, September and October 2025. The voyages will sail between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington.

Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship's route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.

Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington.

These sailings occur on two identical Lindblad ships: the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird.

American Cruise Line's 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise

Did you know that you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You'll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail.

Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.

This itinerary is available from June to August 2024, 2025 and 2026 on the 180-passenger modern river ship American Melody and the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.