Moselle River Discovery with Munich

The romantic Moselle River winds through an enchanting landscape of castles, picture-book villages and terraced slate hillsides that form one of the world’s most beautiful wine regions.  Rich in history that predates the Romans, spend three nights in Munich exploring  Bavaria and King Ludwig’s castles.  Travel through the Black Forest with a visit to Baden-Baden and Luxembourg.  Join us to visit the valley of kings and explore lower Germany.

AUG 30-31: MINNEAPOLIS TO MUNICH, GERMANY

Board your overnight flight to Munich, Germany.  The afternoon is free to explore on your own before joining your group for a welcome dinner at your hotel.  (D)

SEP 1: MUNICH, GERMANY                    

Join your local guide for a walking tour of historic Munich.  Admire architectural wonders like the Old Town Hall, St Peter’s Church and the Munich Residenz.  Stroll through the lively Viktualienmarkt and see the world-famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall.   The balance of the afternoon is free to explore on your own or perhaps join your local guide for an optional tour to Dachau Concentration Camp. (B)

SEP 2: FAIRY TALE CASTLES

Admire Bavaria’s magnificent scenery as you journey into the countryside of southwest Bavaria famous for it’s beauty and crazy King Ludwig II’s castles.  First stop is Linderhof, Ludwig’s rococo-style hunting lodge and last home.  The smallest of the three palaces but the only one he lived to see completed. Next stop is Neuschwanstein, a picture book clutch of turrets and chambers that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. A 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace built on a rugged hill overlooking the village of Hohenschwangau.  After your tour you’ll enjoy free time in the village for lunch on your own and time to explore Neuschwanstein’s grounds.  Return to Munich later this evening for dinner at your hotel.  (B, D)

SEP 3: BADEN-BADEN, GERMANY-REMICH, LUXEMBOURG                                                 

Travel this morning through the Black Forest historic spa town of Baden-Baden.  This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered one of the “Great Spa Towns” with baths dating back 2000 years to the Romans and popular with kings and Victorian aristocrats. Join your local guide for a stroll along the museum mile, old town district and market square.  Enjoy free time for lunch on your own before traveling into Luxembourg and your home for the next 7 days; the luxurious Imagery II. Overnight in Remich.      (B, D)

                                                                      ALL ABOARD: 5:00 PM

SEP 4: REMICH, LUXEMBOURG—TRIER           

Explore the Pearl of Moselle River with surrounding views of the forest and vineyards. This morning you can join a local guide for tour of the ancient ruins and deep gorge terrain, take a paddle canoe along the Moselle River or take a guided tour of Schengen famous as the birthplace of the European Union.  After lunch enjoy a leisurely cruise to Trier, Germany.  Trier is Germany’s oldest city with ruins dating back from 144-162 AD.  After dinner you can join your local guide for a tour through the city center.  Overnight in Trier.

(B, L, D)

SEP 5: BERNKASTEL, GERMANY                           

Spend the day among the gracious German vineyards of the Moselle Valley.  Your tour choices this morning include a walking tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel—with its medieval marketplace and 17th century gabled timber-framed houses, wine tasting at a local winery or hike to Landshut Castle.  This afternoon enjoy a relaxing sail to Traben-Trabach or an optional tour to a local brewery.      (B, L, D)

SEP 6: COCHEM, GERMANY

Todays adventures include a visit to the gorgeous Reichsburg Castle, tasting some wonderful Riesling wine, and the charm of the Moselle Valley.  Start your morning with a bike ride along the river with your adventure host or enjoy a relaxing cruise into Cochem. This afternoon choose between a visit one of the oldest mustard mills dating back to 1810, enjoy a scenic hike to Reichsburg Castle for spectacular views or a guided walking tour of Cochem. The charming town of Cochem is filled with half-timbered houses and winding streets overseen by the hilltop Reichsburg Castle. Overnight in this charming town with time to explore on your own.  (B, L, D)

SEP 7: KOBLENZ, GERMANY

Fortress Walls and Manor Halls! Spend your morning with a leisurely trip along the river into Koblenz or join a local guide for a hike from Lahn to Koblenz.  This afternoon visit a famous local brewery with a reputation for tasty beers brewed the traditional way from old recipes.  You’ll have an opportunity for a beer tasting after your tour.  Or take a guided walk with a local guide along the cities  ancient fortress walls, towers, squares and monuments. . (B, L, D)

SEP 8: RUDESHEIM-ELTVILLE, GERMANY

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country! This morning, relax on the Sky Deck while passing along the beautiful villages on the shores of the Moselle River.  Today’s choices of tours include an open-air Cable-Car ride to the Niederwald Monument.  Visit the Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience. Join your local guide for a visit to the Hildegard Abbey, with wine tasting and a walk through the vineyards.  Enjoy an afternoon trip down the river for your overnight in Eltville. (B, L, D)

SEP 9: FRANKFURT, GERMANY

Enjoy the charms of Frankfurt with your choice of tours.  Option one is a guided sightseeing tour to see the city’s cultural landmarks and gleaming financial headquarters combined with the cozy ambience of quaint neighborhoods.  Option two is a wonderful guided bike tour to discover the city from a different point of view including picturesque Nidda park, or join a local farmer for a walk through the apple orchards and learn everything about the different type of apple trees and apples or tour the famous Frankenstein castle, nestled in the hills of the Western Odenwald area with breathtaking views along the Rhine Valley.  Dock overnight in Frankfurt. (B, L, D)

SEP 10: FRANKFURT, GERMANY (DISEMBARKTION)

After breakfast this morning you’ll transfer to the airport and your return flight home .  (B)

B = Breakfast       L = Lunch             D = Dinner