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The area is best known for its vast wine producing roots, home to some of the best German Rieslings. 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. 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.
Best Time for Moselle River Cruises
Although the weather is cooler, fall brings colorful foliage on trees and grape vines, a beautiful sight to see. In the winter, German Christmas markets go into full swing, which is undeniably a unique thing to experience. Following the Mosel River, the Mosel Valley runs through western Germany, eastern Luxembourg, and northeastern France, meandering through the picturesque landscapes of the Rhineland Pfalz region. Nestled in central, western Germany near the Belgium, Luxembourg, and French border, The Mosel River Valley is a region unlike any other.
Moselle Romance 2024
Towering over Cochem, the Gothic Revival castle has a long history tied closely to the town. Much like a fabled damsel in distress, the castle was saved from ruin by Louis Ravené who rebuilt the castle in under ten years. Because this landmark endures, Cochem is known as the Neuschwanstein of the Lower Mosel. Stroll the quaint streets or enjoy local wines, or tour the castle, open between April and November. Take a cruise along the Moselle River and glide through the lovely landscape of sunlit vineyards and idyllic villages.
Moselle River Cruises
In between, it flows through Lorraine, one of France's most historic regions and the homeland of Joan of Arc. The Moselle also forms an aquatic border between Luxembourg and Germany and passes Alpine valleys, medieval towns, verdant vineyards and fairytale castles. 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. As previously mentioned, one of the best ways to get around and explore the Mosel River Valley is on a river cruise! It’s an exciting activity and a way to see these charming towns from a new vantage point.
Moselle river cruises
Henk Bekker is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing online. 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. A few times per week, it is possible to cruise upriver from Cochem to Traben-Trarbach — around four hours each way. Both cruises allow for some sightseeing at the destination before returning.
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. In some places, the views were so accessible I didn’t even have to leave my room — or my bed, for that matter.
The Beauty of the Moselle River
So, perhaps it's less like a fairy tale, and more like a choose-your-own-adventure book. You can of course also spend a whole day on board and discover other views. Day trips to Trier, Bernkastel and Saarburg in Germany, as well as to Thionville in France give you a closer look at these cities and their highlights, allowing you to explore an entire region in the most relaxed of ways. The holidays on this website are operated by Emerald Cruises, a division of ST Touring Canada Ltd. Consumer Protection BC #40178The Government of Canada may have issued information about your cruise/tour destination. You are advised to check this information at /travelling/advisories ©2024 Emerald Cruises.
Experience unrivaled holiday cheer at a Mosel Valley Christmas market
Why You Should Cruise Europe's Moselle River - Travel + Leisure
Why You Should Cruise Europe's Moselle River.
Posted: Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
We recommend a walking tour of this town -- which straddles both banks of the Moselle, linked by one of the first bridges to be constructed across the river -- and a wine tasting at one of the many cellars. Trier, Germany's oldest city, is next, followed by Traben-Trarbach, gateway to Luxembourg. From there, riverboats head back to Koblenz via Cochem, with side trips to the vineyards of Winningen and medieval Lahneck Castle. May to September are generally the warmest months for a Moselle cruise, with peak temps in July and August when riverside towns like Traben-Trarbach, Bernkastel and Winningen hold their annual wine festivals.
Moselle Panorama Cruises in Cochem
Famous for its Zeller Schwarze Katz wine, Zell is a charming town with a lively market square. This small town features all the hallmarks of a Mosel Valley small town, including scenic vineyards, quaint wine bars (weingut), and half-timber homes. Burg Eltz is one of Germany’s most beautiful places, and I highly recommend it to anyone in the Mosel Region. This medieval castle has stood the test of time, and has been owned and lived in by the same family since the 12th century. As another tiny Mosel town, Bremm’s main draw is its exciting hiking trail where you can climb through Europe’s steepest vineyard.
You can easily combine hiking with a relaxing river cruise and, after a tour through the hilly landscape and its natural treasures, end the day comfortably on deck with a glass of Crémant, the sparkling wine from the region. For those with a bit more time, the delightful Moselle can be incorporated into longer, day cruises that allow you to take in as much or as little as you desire beginning in Amsterdam and traveling down to Budapest. So come and enjoy a cruise on the Rhine’s “little sister.” The summer days of July and August can be a bit warm, but if travel with layerable clothing, you’ll be just fine.
While in Trier, I recommend having a glass of wine at the stand in the main square and taking advantage of the city’s many great places to eat. By water is probably one of the most scenic and exciting ways to explore the Mosel River Valley. There are a variety of Mosel cruise options that range from day trips to week-long getaways and are an experience in and of themselves. Germany’s Mosel River Valley is a magical destination home to medieval small towns, scenic vineyards, and plenty more unique things to do and beautiful places to see.
If you enjoy taking a restful and relaxing vacation surrounded by stunning views everywhere you look. If you're a wine novice or a wine connoisseur and enjoy visiting quaint medieval towns. And, if the weather is good (as it usually is), most of the river cruise lines do a deck-side barbeque complete with fresh lobster and other local seafood’s. We suggest leaving the doors to your balcony open in the spring and early summer evenings to allow the delightful aromatics of the grape blossoms and the fields of lavender to drift in – life is good! You may find yourself missing sleep on a river cruise down the Moselle as you will not want to miss anything, not the quaint hillside town such as Cochem, nor the castles riding high above the river.
Here, witness nature’s wonder as the Moselle's pale green waters mingle with the dark blues of the Rhine. For a more dramatic view, hop a cable car to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress high above Koblenz and gaze upon the entire landscape. With VIVA Cruises you enjoy the feeling of being in the best hands from the very beginning. That's why our service is not limited to life on board, but begins with the preparation of your trip.
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