Cruising Through History and Beauty on the Rhine & Moselle Rivers

The Magic of the Rhine

Cruising the Rhine and Moselle with Emerald Cruises is more than a vacation—it’s a sensory journey through Europe’s most romantic landscapes. It’s the echo of church bells across quiet river towns, the taste of a perfectly chilled Riesling on a warm afternoon, and the sight of castles silhouetted against a golden sunset. Whether it’s your first river cruise or your fifth, the Rhine and Moselle offer something timeless and unforgettable—a perfect blend of history, beauty, and indulgence, all experienced from the comfort and elegance of an Emerald Cruises ship. Their 11-day Rhine Castles and Moselle Vineyards itinerary highlights the best of the region, as you travel between Amsterdam and Basel. 

The Rhine River has long been Europe’s beating heart. Stretching from the Swiss Alps through Germany and the Netherlands, it has inspired poets, painters, and travellers for centuries. Cruising this river feels like paging through a beautifully illustrated history book: medieval fortresses perched on steep hillsides, half-timbered villages nestled along the banks, and legendary castles guarding the waterway.

The section between Rüdesheim and Koblenz, known as the Rhine Gorge, is particularly breathtaking. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a stretch where fairy tales seem to come alive—castles like Marksburg, Rheinstein, and Pfalzgrafenstein rise dramatically above vineyards and misty cliffs. As your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship glides past, you can sip a glass of crisp local Riesling on the Sun Deck and imagine the legends that once echoed through these valleys—like that of the siren Lorelei, whose song was said to lure sailors to their doom.

While the Rhine impresses with its grandeur, the Moselle River charms with intimacy. Winding gracefully between Luxembourg, France, and Germany, it’s a region of picturesque villages, romantic ruins, and terraced vineyards that cling to impossibly steep hillsides. Towns like Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues, and Trier (Germany’s oldest city) invite you to wander cobblestone streets, explore medieval marketplaces, and sample wines that reflect centuries of winemaking tradition. The Moselle is famous for its Riesling, considered among the best white wines in the world. Emerald Cruises guests can enjoy curated wine tastings at family-run vineyards, where vintners share their craft and passion passed down through generations. Pair these wines with local specialties—think hearty German sausages, spätzle, and creamy cheeses—and you have a feast that perfectly complements the journey.

Must-try local dishes & specialties:
•    Flammkuchen – a very thin crust tart with crème fraîche, bacon and onions, common in Alsace/Moselle border regions
•    Zwiebelkuchen – a seasonal onion tart, often served in wine-regions during harvest time
•    Spundekäs – a creamy cheese spread, often paired with local wine and pretzels
•    Rheinischer Sauerbraten – marinated roast beef served with red cabbage & dumplings, a hearty regional classic
•    Don’t miss local liquid specialties: on the Moselle you’ll find things like locally made peach liqueur and on the Rhine (in Rüdesheim), try a “Rüdesheimer Kaffee” (brandy-spiked coffee)
•    Many of the places you visit—like Bernkastel-Kues—are wine-villages, with local wineries and “wine taverns” (Weinstube or Straußwirtschaften) open during the season for informal tastings and regional fare. If you cruise in September/October, you’ll also catch harvest time & entertaining wine festivals.

Why Cruise with Emerald Cruises
An Emerald Cruises river cruise isn’t just about the destinations—it’s about how seamlessly you experience them. Their contemporary Star-Ships combine modern luxury with relaxed comfort. Spacious suites, panoramic windows, and elegant lounges ensure that the scenery is always centre stage. Emerald Cruises' Excursions and EmeraldPLUS experiences take guests deeper into the culture: guided walking tours of storybook towns, visits to ancient castles, and exclusive onboard performances celebrating regional music and traditions. For those seeking a more active approach, EmeraldACTIVE options—like guided hikes through vineyards or cycling along the riverbanks—offer a refreshing way to connect with the landscape. Bring comfortable walking shoes as many towns and villages have cobblestones and uneven surfaces. After a day of exploring, unwind in the heated pool (which transforms into a cinema at night), enjoy gourmet dining inspired by local flavours, or simply relax with a glass of wine as the ship gently drifts toward the next magical port.

Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards
11-days Amsterdam to Zurich (Basel)
2026: May 31, June 10 & August 15
2027: May 31, June 10, July 16 & July 18

11-days Zurich (Basel) to Amsterdam
2026: March 25, May 31, June 10, July 18, August 13, September 22, October 11, November 2
2027: May 31 & June 10

Your Emerald River Cruises Inclusions
• Stylish accommodation onboard a fleet of Star-Ships
• All meals on board
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch and dinner
• Complimentary bottled water and state-of-the-art coffee machines and tea stations
• An included excursion in every port of call escorted by knowledgeable local guides
• EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences and activities
• Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
• All airport taxes and port charges
• All gratuities onboard
• Airport transfers

Save up to 40% on 2026 itineraries with Emerald Cruises' Black Friday Sale (excludes Portugal/Douro river cruises) when you book by December 5'25!

Contact your Travel Professional for details or visit here.