Romance on the Rhine and Moselle

Lined with a bustling wide promenade and criss-crossed with bridges, your first glimpse of the mighty Rhine in Cologne is destined to be a memorable one as you arrive in this historic trading hub. You'll find ancient walls and medieval churches rubbing shoulders with modern quarters, a fantastic selection of quality museums and the calling card of the city, its famous cathedral.

The Lorelei Valley is Rhine River scenery at its most romantic, so this morning's sailing is sure to be one of the highlights of your cruise. We recommend letting one of our waiters bring you a coffee as you sit on the Sun Deck of your elegant A-ROSA SILVA and let the views unfurl in front of your eyes.

In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the town of Rüdesheim marks the end of several old merchants’ routes and is renowned for its wine. Drosselgasse, an alleyway with half-timbered facades, known as ‘The World’s Longest Wine Bar’, is one of Germany’s principal attractions and the perfect place to sample some of the region’s best vintages.

At the very heart of the Rhineland's wine growing region, sophisticated Mainz is the perfect mix of history, culture and high-living. Why not spend an evening here by wandering the cobbled streets of the Old Town, as you lose yourself among half-timbered buildings housing colourful bars, traditional shops and great eateries where you can enjoy a glass of the regions famous Riesling and Silvaner wines.

Make the most of your morning in Mainz by catching the sunrise over the beautiful Rhine before heading into the Old Town. Here, you’ll find the impressive 1,000-year-old Mainzer Dome, a masterpiece of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles, as well as the fantastic Gutenberg Museum which is named after Johanes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, and houses two over 500 year old Gutenberg Bibles.

Soak in even more spectacular vistas as you’re A-ROSA SILVA ship elegantly glides through the valley.

Located on the confluence of the Lahn and Rhine Rivers, Lahnstein is a scenic small town with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Many of these ancient ruins can still be visited today, as well as Lahneck Castle, Martinsburg Castle and St John’s Abbey. 

The first stop on the Moselle, is the stunning town of Cochem. This rural riverside town with its colourful, timber-framed houses and imposing fairy-tale-like Reichsburg Castle set amongst rolling verdant hills, will undoubtedly be the scenic highlight of A-ROSA river cruise. Spend the day here soaking up its charm as you take a relaxed stroll on the waterfront.

Today, you arrive in Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Founded by the Romans in 15 BC, their mark here is unavoidable. Trier’s incredible UNESCO-listed roman gate, Porta Nigra, is a real highlight. So, too, is the Trierer Dom – Germany’s oldest Cathedral. Why not try dinner at Zum Domstein where you’ll have the opportunity to sample traditional Roman dishes.  Reservations are a must.

A mecca for wine and nature-lovers, pretty Bernkastel is one of the Moselle Valley's most popular spots. Enjoy some time soaking in the history of this colourful, picturesque town and if you're feeling a little more active, take to the well-signposted hiking trails through the superb surrounding countryside. The Moselsteig wine trail is one of our favourites.

Where the mighty Rhine meets the Moselle, Koblenz is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the gorgeous scenic surrounds and rich history of the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. We recommend taking in the Baroque town hall, colourful Alstadt and the impressive hilltop Ehrenbreitstein fortress. A trip over the Rhine via cable car is a must, too.

Today you’ll wake up in the city of Cologne. Bid a fond farewell to your ship and her crew at the end of a marvellous cruise, as you begin your journey home.