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Luxembourg to Basel: Rhine & Moselle Splendors

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Mary Beth Lynn, Travel Agent in Overland Park, KS

Mary Beth Lynn

Overland Park, KS Travel Agent
Super Agent

Mary Beth Lynn

Overland Park, KS · 8 Years of Experience

Your Vacation Plan, an independent agent with Cruises & Tours, Unlimited, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience! We had such an amazing trip and everything went so smoothly thanks to all of the amazing... Read More >
DESTINATIONS VISITED:On the River
PLACES VISITED:Moselle River, Rhine River
SUGGESTED DURATION:8 Days
This 7-night river cruise begins in Luxembourg and traverses the scenic Moselle and Rhine Rivers, weaving through fairytale castles, vineyard terraces, medieval towns, and iconic river gorges. You’ll begin with Luxembourg’s historic charm, then sail toward Trier (Germany’s “second Rome”), Bernkastel’s wine country, Cochem’s half-timbered architecture, and the scenic Moselle Valley. Through the Rhine Gorge, you’ll stop in Rüdesheim for wine, gondolas, or vineyard hikes, and explore Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. Expect excursions to Heidelberg, Schwetzingen Palace, or castles along the Neckar. The journey concludes in Basel, Switzerland, offering a final touch of Swiss elegance. Every day presents choices: walking tours, hikes, biking, castle visits, and tastings. This itinerary blends local flavor, architectural history, and natural beauty into a memorable flow. Luxembourg introduces you to Moselle’s secrets; Basel bids farewell in style.
Close All Days
DAY1
Moselle River
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Rhine River
Close Day
Embark in Luxembourg City: beginning of your Rhine & Moselle river passage
Embark in Luxembourg City as the adventure begins through Moselle & Rhine landscapes Board your ship in Luxembourg City and meet your fellow travelers. Settle into your cabin and begin your journey downriver. Tonight, enjoy your first evening aboard as the ship prepares to sail toward Germany.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Luxembourg: Embark and ease into river rhythm
DAY2
Moselle River
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Rhine River
Close Day
Trier’s Roman legacy, Moselle cycling or castle hikes, then Bernkastel wine stroll
Visit Trier’s Roman treasures, then sail to wine country in Bernkastel for tastings or hikes Dock near Wasserbillig and transfer to Trier. Tour the Imperial Baths, Porta Nigra, and Constantine’s Throne Room. Active travelers may cycle along the Moselle or hike to castle ruins. Later, sail to Bernkastel and explore its charming Old Town and local winery for a tasting.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Trier / Bernkastel: Roman ruins, wine, hikes, cycling
DAY3
Moselle River
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Rhine River
Close Day
Cochem’s castle, vineyard hikes or bike tours, finishing in evening-lit Koblenz
Cochem’s Reichsburg Castle visit, biking or hiking options, and an evening in Koblenz Arrive in Cochem and explore the half-timbered streets and Reichsburg Castle. Choose a walking tour, a hike to the castle, or a guided bike route through vineyards. In the afternoon, sail scenic Moselle waters to Koblenz and take an evening walk through its historic quarters.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Cochem / Koblenz: Castle tours, biking, scenic sail
DAY4
Moselle River
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Rhine River
Close Day
Rhine Gorge cruise followed by Rüdesheim: gondola, wine, hiking or music museum
Cruise the Rhine Gorge and enjoy Rüdesheim’s wine, gondola ride, vineyard hikes or museum Float through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, with castles perched overhead. In Rüdesheim, choose a gondola ride over vineyards, a wine tasting, a hike through vineyard slopes, or a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum and enjoy Rüdesheimer coffee.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Rhine Gorge / Rüdesheim: Castles, vineyards, gondola & wine
DAY5
Moselle River
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Rhine River
Close Day
Heidelberg or Schwetzingen excursions: castle, gardens, paths, and river views
Explore Heidelberg, Schwetzingen, or hike Philosopher’s Path with castle vistas Dock near Ludwigshafen. Options include touring Heidelberg’s castle and Old Town, visiting Schwetzingen Palace and its gardens, hiking the Philosopher’s Path, or biking to Ladenburg, a medieval riverside town.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Heidelberg region: Castle visits, garden, hike or ride
DAY6
Moselle River
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Rhine River
Close Day
Explore Strasbourg’s canal quarters, cathedral, or take a guided bike tour
Discover Strasbourg’s “La Petite France,” cathedral, or opt for a guided bike tour Sail into Strasbourg and stroll through the enchanting La Petite France district. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and its astronomical clock. Active guests may join a guided bike tour through the old town and Parc de l’Orangerie.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Strasbourg: Half-timbered canals, cathedral, bike tour
DAY7
Moselle River
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Rhine River
Close Day
Breisach launch: Riquewihr, Freiburg, forest hikes or vineyard cycling
Breisach base for Riquewihr, Freiburg, Black Forest hikes, or wine country cycling Dock in Breisach. Options include a walking tour of Riquewihr (a preserved Alsatian town), visiting Freiburg’s Münster, hiking through the Black Forest, or cycling through the vineyards of the Kaiserstuhl region.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Breisach: Alsatian village, forest walks, vineyard rides
DAY8
Moselle River
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Rhine River
Close Day
Basel disembarkation: conclude your scenic voyage through Moselle & Rhine
Disembark in Basel and say farewell to your river journey through Europe’s heart After breakfast, disembark in Basel. Reflect on castles, riverside towns, wine regions, and historic cities as you prepare for your onward travel.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Basel: Disembark, depart, and reflect
FINAL THOUGHTS
This cruise threads together Moselle wine villages and Rhine castles in one breathtaking sequence. Luxembourg opens the tale, Basel closes it. Between them lie vineyards, cathedrals, gardens, and landscapes that etch Europe’s story into your heart.