Rising in the Vosges mountains of France, the Moselle river winds through the north-east of the country before cutting through Luxembourg and into Germany, where it joins the Rhine at Koblenz. On its way, it meanders through the pretty Moselle Valley. Famous for its charming hotels and medieval towns, the valley is prime wine-producing country. Spend this relaxing six-day cruise on board the four-star A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts all of the comforts of a modern hotel. Enjoy the spectacular scenery through her panoramic windows or sip a cooling drink while on the spacious sundeck.
Your cruise begins in Cologne, where you'll board your vessel and cruise overnight to Cochem. In the heart of Rhineland, the town boasts listed buildings and monuments dating back to the 12th century. Much of the city wall remains, including three 14th-century gates, and overlooking Cochem is the magnificent Reichsburg Castle, straight out of a fairy tale, its rooms are full of tapestries, Louis XIV-style furniture, Baroque paintings and suits of armour. For those who don't suffer from vertigo, there is a gondola chair-lift that travels from the Endert Valley to the Pinnerkreuz lookout point, 255m above the river, where you can enjoy stunning views.
You will explore the town of Bernkastel- Kues, taking in this charming town's beautiful sights. Well-known for its wine growing, the town offers up some of the best scenery along the Moselle River. Bernkastel-Kues is watched over by the ruins of Landshut Castle and is also home to a medieval marketplace with gabled timber-frame houses, including the Spitzhäuschen or Pointed House.
Spend a day in one of Europe's smallest countries taking in its museums, quaint streets, cosy cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. One of its most popular attractions is the majestic Grand Ducal Palace. Home of the Grand Duke, it was built as the town hall for Luxembourg City in around 1572, and became the official residence of the Grand Dukes in 1890.
The town of Koblenz has something for everyone - from churches, castles and historic buildings to winding streets and squares to stroll through. One of the oldest cities in Germany, the highlight of your visit will perhaps be a breathtaking cable-car trip up to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which offers incredible views of the Rhine Valley.
Travel by luxury coach to Calais and then onwards to the Northern France/Belgium border for dinner and an overnight stay.
Join the MS A-ROSA FLORA in Cologne, a landmark of High Gothic architecture, and commence your overnight sailing to Cochem, the heart of Rhineland.
Start the day in Cochem, known as 'The Pearl of the Moselle'. There will be time to explore the town that is home to the famous Reichsburg Castle, an iconic landmark standing guard above the banks of the Moselle. After lunch your cruise continues to Bernkastel-Kues.
Reach Bernkastel-Kues with the opportunity to visit its medieval square containing 400 year-old half-timbered houses and a 17th-century renaissance town hall. This afternoon enjoy an included transfer to Idar-Oberstein, known for its natural gemstone deposits, spit roast dinners and great hiking trails.
Idar-Oberstein
Discovering the old centre of Idar-Oberstein, a town set at the
foot of cliffs on the Nahe River. You'll be able to see classic
overhanging buildings and a number of medieval fortifications,
reflecting the town's history as a garrison. The town's symbol is
the famous church Felsenkirche, built into a cliff and more than
500 years old. Not only is the position of the church impressive,
but the architecture inside is quite amazing as well. The gothic
winged altar dates from 1410, while the ornate church organ is more
than 250 years old.
Following an overnight cruise, arrive at Mehring in time for breakfast. A day of history and culture awaits after your included transfers to Trier and Luxembourg. This evening you'll leave Mehring to cruise to Koblenz.
Trier
Trier is the oldest city in Germany and a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Founded by the Romans in 15 BC, Trier became the capital of
the Western Roman Empire by the 3rd century AD. Our guided walking
tour takes us to Porta Nigra (Latin for 'black gate') due to the
darkened colour of its stone. Porta Nigra is the largest Roman city
gate north of the Alps, designated a World Heritage Site.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe and is now
the world's only remaining sovereign grand duchy. The Notre Dame
Cathedral is an example of late Gothic Architecture consecrated as
the Church of Our Lady and in 1870, the Grand Ducal Palace, the
official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, where he
performs most of his duties as head of state of the Grand
Duchy.
After a morning cruising, you'll arrive at Koblenz in the mid-afternoon. This city is situated in the most breathtaking location at the northern end of the Rhine Gorge. You'll have some time here to explore Koblenz's charming medieval centre. A cable car connects the town to the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress on the opposite side of the river.
You'll disembark the MS A-ROSA FLORA today in Cologne, before continuing on to France for dinner and an overnight stay.
Depart France this morning and return to the UK on your luxury coach, via Calais.
Panoramic views and contemporary decor
The four-star MS A-ROSA FLORA boasts all of the comforts of a modern hotel. Enjoy the spectacular scenery through her panoramic windows or sip a cooling drink while on the spacious sundeck. Settle into the spa with its organic sauna or enjoy a dip in the outdoor heated pool. There are a range of tempting buffets to choose from, as well as expertly-crafted four-course sit-down meals, and if you feel like doing some cardio, the on-board gym offers a wide range of equipment.
