Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Frankfurt, Germany.
Welcome to Germany. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at Frankfurt Airport and then transfer to your award-winning Emerald Star-Ship in Mainz. Here, you’ll be welcomed on board by your friendly captain and crew. Later, enjoy dinner on board with your fellow guests. Please book your flight to arrive into Frankfurt prior to 03:30 PM. Meal: D
Your first port of call is Rüdesheim, a delightful small town that’s the gateway to storied German wine culture and Rhine Valley history. A blend of medieval architecture and a lively, tourist-oriented atmosphere, Rüdesheim is celebrated for its fine wines, especially Riesling and Sekt (sparkling wine). Wine-making traditions here date back over a thousand years. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Schloss Johannisberg Winery
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Niederwalddenkmal
DiscoverMORE: Rüdesheim walk with specialty coffee (extra expense)
Founded around 3,000 BC, the charming town of Bernkastel nestles along the banks of the Moselle River and is home to beautifully preserved buildings that date back to 1416 AD and a historic medieval Old Town. Nestled in the Moselle wine region, Bernkastel is another major center for wine production, especially Riesling and is also well-known as a health resort and birthplace of the philosopher, Nikolaus von Kues. Moselle vineyard hike with wine tasting Experience Bernkastel-Kues from a new perspective on a scenic vineyard hike above the Moselle. Starting in the charming old town, pass through the historic Marktplatz Bernkastel before ascending gently into the surrounding vineyards. Follow panoramic trails overlooking the river and steep slopes, including views toward the renowned Bernkasteler Doctor. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Landshut Ruins
DiscoverMORE: Wine Experience in Bernkastell (extra expense)
Step into the rich wine heritage of Trier, where viticulture has flourished for over two millennia. Introduced by the Romans, wine became an essential part of daily life, trade, and culture—traces of which can still be seen today at sites such as the Porta Nigra. During today’s guided tour, Discover the rich history of Trier, Germany’s oldest city, on a guided tour through its remarkable Roman heritage and charming old town. Stroll past iconic landmarks, including the Porta Nigra, the Cathedral, and the Main Market Square, while learning about over 2,000 years of fascinating history. The tour concludes with a visit to Germany’s oldest wine cellar, where you’ll experience the region’s long-standing winemaking tradition and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic underground treasure. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Guided tour of Luxembourg (extra expense)
Welcome to Cochem, a delightful town in Germany’s Moselle Valley, known as the ‘Pearl of Moselle’ and celebrated for its wine industry, particularly Riesling wines. As well as brimming with many local vineyards and wineries, Cochem also delights with its well-preserved Old Town, striking medieval architecture and half-timbered houses, along with beautiful river scenery. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldPLUS: Tastes of Moselle
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided e-bike tour around Cochem
DiscoverMORE: Wines of the Moselle (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Grand-Prix backstage experience (extra expense)
Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany, steeped in history and brimming with fascinating landmarks. Discover the charm of Koblenz on a relaxed walking tour through its historic old town, where narrow streets, lively squares, and centuries of history meet at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Stroll past highlights of the city’s heritage before ending your experience in a traditional wine tavern, where you’ll enjoy a glass of regional wine in a warm, authentic atmosphere. Surrounded by local character and Rhine wine culture, this is the perfect way to experience Koblenz at a slower, more flavorful pace. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided e-bike tour in Koblenz
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Marksburg Castle (extra expense)
Welcome to Mainz, a city that impresses with its stunning Old Town, home to a central sandstone cathedral, medieval market squares and well-preserved, half-timbered houses. Visit Eberbach Abbey, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the Rheingau Region and regarded as one of Europe’s most important monasteries. Founded in 1136 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, this was once one of the most active monasteries in Germany, boasting the nation’s largest medieval vineyard. As a key filming location for the 1986 film, ‘In the Name of the Rose’ (adapted from Umberto Eco’s thrilling novel), Eberbach is a must-see. Today, the abbey continues its winemaking tradition, producing exquisite wines. During your visit, enjoy a Riesling wine tasting, savoring the region’s vibrant flavors. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Gutenberg Museum visit & workshop (extra expense)
This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to Frankfurt airport, leaving with cherished memories of the wondrous treasures of the Rhine and Moselle. Meal: B
