Rhine, Moselle & Blissful Baden-Baden

Choice of  Baden-Baden city tour with casino Join a local guide for a walking tour of enchanting Baden-Baden, which will bring you past two thermal baths and the city’s famous Casino. Gain further appreciation for the Romans and their love of natural spa facilities as you pass by the Fettquelle, a public thermal fountain where it is believed that the water is health-promoting. After learning about the curative powers of Baden-Baden’s water sources, explore the Casino Baden-Baden, and let its ambiance, architecture and atmosphere enthrall you. You’ll enjoy a tour of this grandiose building, complete with a walk through the gambling halls, which offer a look at the casino’s fascinating history dating back to 1855 and Dostoevsky’s novel “The Gambler”—written in Baden-Baden and based on this casino. or  Festspielhaus guided visit Immerse yourself in the melodies of Baden-Baden on a guided visit to the Festspielhaus, the 2,500-seat Opera House. Festspielhaus is Germany’s largest opera house and the largest classical music venue in Europe. Its architecture is particularly unique, as it sits on the trackbed of a former railway station with a neo-classicist structure that serves as the main entrance. The Opera House was reconstructed in the mid-1990s by Viennese architect Wilhelm Holzbauer in accordance with the ideal acoustic values calculated by physicist Karl-Heinz Müller. or  Caracalla Thermal Bath Perhaps Baden-Baden’s most notable attraction, the Caracalla Spa features countless opportunities to enjoy the mineral-rich waters of the thermal baths. This large facility offers a soothing atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world, from its two marble pools and grottos to whirlpools and sun-bathing lawns. It was here that the thermal water’s healing powers were discovered by the Romans some 2,000 years ago, creating a bathing culture for the very first time under Emperor Caracalla. With plenty of room to relax and unwind, your time at the Caracalla Spa will rival experiences at some of the nicest spas in the world. or  Sea Salt Grotto Experience the benefits of Dead Sea and Himalayan salts in the Salina Sea Salt Grotto of Baden-Baden. The grotto’s walls are dressed in all-natural salt bricks, while the floor is blanketed with a thick layer of salt—working together to provide a microclimate that allows you to breathe in valuable materials and trace elements that strengthen the immune system, enhance the ability to concentrate, and provide physical and mental rejuvenation as well as optimal deep relaxation.

Choice of  “Do as the Locals Do” Strasbourg walking tour Climb aboard your coach for a short ride across the Rhine en route to enchanting Strasbourg. Teeming with narrow cobbled streets, timber-frame houses, town squares and stately patrician homes, this city is the launching pad for today’s journey. Experience local places, traditions and cuisine as you stroll through “Petite France,” along its canals and to the imposing Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. Stop for a bite to eat and enjoy a delicious tasting of local eats. Admire the city square’s famous Maison Kammerzell and the numerous winstubs (wine lounges) and shops before enjoying free time to explore on your own. or Strasbourg panoramic tour with Cathedral and Old Town walk Controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, Strasbourg—cross-cultural and bilingual—offers a delightful combination of old and new, as well as French and German characteristics. You’ll see all the highlights on a city tour before venturing inside the cathedral, one of the city’s most famous sites. The same craftsmen who built Chartres worked on it, and the rose window may be Chartres’s equal. Don’t miss the astronomical clock or the truly remarkable statuary and carvings.

Choice of  Private Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate visit and tasting  For a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Weinessiggut Doktorenhof estate for a special vinegar tasting. Yes, you read that right—a vinegar tasting. Founded by Georg Wiedemann some 30 years ago, Doktorenhof produces vinegars from premium wines, rather than inexpensive ones. Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Riesling and Pinot Noir are aged with a century-old vinegar “mother,” as the bacteria that makes vinegar is known, and flavored with a variety of herbs and fruits. The results make complex and elegant aperitifs, intended to be sipped from a specially designed long-stemmed glass between courses or after a meal. The atmospheric tasting room (think candles, cloaks and choir music) is like no other you’ll ever experience.   or Speyer Walking Tour Speyer—“spire” in English—is well named, since the four red towers of the UNESCO-designated Romanesque cathedral dominate the Old Town just as the medieval bishops dominated the town itself. Though the bishops ruled the town, Speyer also had a special relationship with the Holy Roman emperors: Conrad II ordered the cathedral’s construction around 1030, and eight emperors are interred in its crypts. Your walking tour will take you along the pedestrian-only Maximilian Street—first laid out by Roman soldiers—from the last remaining gate of the medieval wall toward the great church. Near the church you’ll see remnants of a Jewish community established around 1090 under the auspices of the Bishop of Speyer. Though the synagogue is long gone, the vaulted ritual baths have been beautifully preserved. (The area is popularly known as the Jewish Courtyard.) Notice the former mint and the Holy Trinity Church, which were built in the 18th century, following a devastating war, and stand as masterful examples of late-baroque style.

Choice of Cochem walking tour  Set out on foot on a delightful walking tour of Cochem, a hilly small town on the riverbanks of both sides of the Moselle. As you walk through the charming town, you’ll pass by half-timbered homes straight from the pages of a storybook, medieval gates, the city’s walls, Imperial Estate and the historical Marktplatz. or The Secrets of the Cold War Today, you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets in Germany: a hidden underground bunker where Germany’s Central Bank stored currency worth billions during the Cold War. Disguised by two residential houses, the massive bunker was concealed by heavy steel doors and a corridor that appears to stretch into infinity. Enter the corridor and descend into the vault, where you’ll learn what measures would have been taken during the Cold War in case the East Germans and Russians flooded West Germany with counterfeit Deutsche Marks. Wind your way through former offices, the kitchen and communication quarters, and learn how those working there were prepared to survive for 14 days in case of an emergency.  or “Let’s Go” Active on the Moselle Make your choice of one of three equally invigorating ways to explore the Moselle: take part in mountain golfing on the slopes of a former vineyard that has been transformed into a hillside course. Grab a bike and head out on a leisurely ride along the riverbanks; there’s quite the array of routes and courses, which means you’ll have plenty of options on how you want to cycle the Moselle. Or for a particularly active jaunt, enjoy a hike in a vineyard overlooking the river.

Choice of  Bernkastel village and vineyard walk with Riesling tasting  A leisurely walk around the romantic village of Bernkastel awaits today. Wander through the town’s idyllic cobbled streets that are lined with half-timbered houses and secluded courtyards, and pass by beautiful marketplaces and open air cafés. During this proud winemaking town’s summer harvest, winemakers and residents open their houses throughout the many festivals so you can come in and taste the fruits of their labor. Take note of the lovely Market Square and its remarkably well-preserved buildings clustered around the 17th-century St. Michael’s Fountain. or “Let’s Go” biking the scenic Middle Moselle Follow the serene 14 miles of riverside bike paths along the Moselle. As this gentle pathway twists and turns, you’ll cross over two bridges and enjoy numerous stops for pictures and refreshments. You’ll even enjoy a tasting of three outstanding wines (including the unique Eiswein, a wine produced from grapes frozen while still on the vine) at a wine estate, which boasts immaculately kept vineyards and handpicked grapes.

Choice of  Boppard village stroll  Embark on a walk on your own through this attractive town with a long and surprising history. Take a chairlift to the top of the hill for a great view of the valley and the river (you can hike the return route, if you’re up for it); enjoy a glass of wine at a local tavern and watch the water traffic on the river; or ride a bicycle along the Rhine promenade. You might also visit Saint Severus Church, whose twin towers dominate the waterfront, or explore the remains of a fourth-century Roman fort. If you’re interested in design and the decorative arts, stop by the Museum Boppard to see the exhibit on native son Michael Thonet, who developed the technique of bentwood furniture in the 1840s. His iconic, lightweight chairs are still popular in cafés throughout Europe. Or simply stroll beneath the trees along the city’s scenic riverside promenade, which is lined with the gorgeous villas of 19th-century entrepreneurs. or Rheinstein visit  Perched on a rock high above the Rhine sits the quaint and romantic, Rheinstein Castle. Originally built around 900 A.D. as a customs post for the German Empire, Rheinstein Castle became home to emperors and archbishops over the course of several hundred years. In 1823, the castle ruins were purchased by the Royal Prince of Prussia and the structure was rebuilt under the direction of a famous castle architect. Note the castle’s working drawbridge, gorgeous stained glass windows, Knight’s Hall, panoramic views of the Rhine below and a 500-year-old Burgundy grape vine (that still produces grapes) in the courtyard known as “Burgunder Garden.” or “Let’s Go” hike from Rüdesheim to Assmanshausen  This fun excursion combines several of the area’s attractions. Start by hopping into an aerial cable car and soaring above the vineyards to the Niederwald Monument, which looks out over the entire Rheingau wine region. From the heights above the river, you and your local expert will hike down through vineyards to the picturesque riverfront village of Assmanshausen (which is lauded for its red wine), where a bus will bring you back to the ship in Rüdesheim. or Rüdesheim walk with local treats  The winemaking town of Rüdesheim boasts countless delights, including a slew of culinary delights that you’ll taste on today’s treat-fueled outing. Follow your guide through this quaint town and learn how the famous Rüdesheimer Coffee, a coffee infused with Asbach Uralt (a magnificent German brandy) and topped with whipped cream, is prepared. Savor the rich taste of this beloved treat as you stroll through the famous Drosselgasse, an enchanting alleyway that runs through the city’s Old Town. or “Let’s Go” Rhine biking On today’s outing, you’ll pedal through the incomparable Boppard Hamm, a loop on the Rhine and a famed wine region known for its Riesling, Rivaner and Pinot Noir grapes. The Boppard Hamm is situated between Boppard and Spray in the breathtaking Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a section of the Rhine that’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. As you bike along miles of sprawling vineyards, you’ll enjoy a stop at the Marksburg Castle. Built in the 12th century, this castle is perched high above the river and was once used as a defense fortress. Today, it still retains all of its medieval glory, complete with a drawbridge, batteries, stables, extensive gardens and more. Your second stop of the day will bring you to Schloss Stolzenfels, another stunning medieval fortress-turned-castle that sits on the Rhine’s Left Bank. You’ll want to make a stop in the castle’s courtyard for an astonishing view of the Rhine River Valley below. As you continue your cycling journey, you’ll end up at Lahneck Castle, a 13th-century fortress that sits above the confluence of the Rhine and Lahn rivers. Your reward for today’s scenic trek? A stop at the Zur Kipp beer garden. Savor a pint (or two) of a regional beer and take in beautiful views of the Rhine and Lahneck Castle. Then, it’s time to hop back on your bike and make your way back to the ship.

Choice of  Cochem walking tour  Set out on foot on a delightful walking tour of Cochem, a hilly small town on the riverbanks of both sides of the Moselle. As you walk through the charming town, you’ll pass by half-timbered homes straight from the pages of a storybook, medieval gates, the city’s walls, Imperial Estate and the historical Marktplatz. or The Secrets of the Cold War  Today, you’ll discover one of the best-kept secrets in Germany: a hidden underground bunker where Germany’s Central Bank stored currency worth billions during the Cold War. Disguised by two residential houses, the massive bunker was concealed by heavy steel doors and a corridor that appears to stretch into infinity. Enter the corridor and descend into the vault, where you’ll learn what measures would have been taken during the Cold War in case the East Germans and Russians flooded West Germany with counterfeit Deutsche Marks. Wind your way through former offices, the kitchen and communication quarters, and learn how those working there were prepared to survive for 14 days in case of an emergency. or “Let’s Go” Active on the Moselle Make your choice of one of three equally invigorating ways to explore the Moselle: take part in mountain golfing on the slopes of a former vineyard that has been transformed into a hillside course. Grab a bike and head out on a leisurely ride along the riverbanks; there’s quite the array of routes and courses, which means you’ll have plenty of options on how you want to cycle the Moselle. Or for a particularly active jaunt, enjoy a hike in a vineyard overlooking the river.

Choice of  Bernkastel village and vineyard walk with Riesling tasting  A leisurely walk around the romantic village of Bernkastel awaits today. Wander through the town’s idyllic cobbled streets that are lined with half-timbered houses and secluded courtyards, and pass by beautiful marketplaces and open air cafés. During this proud winemaking town’s summer harvest, winemakers and residents open their houses throughout the many festivals so you can come in and taste the fruits of their labor. Take note of the lovely Market Square and its remarkably well-preserved buildings clustered around the 17th-century St. Michael’s Fountain. or “Let’s Go” biking the scenic Middle Moselle Follow the serene 14 miles of riverside bike paths along the Moselle. As this gentle pathway twists and turns, you’ll cross over two bridges and enjoy numerous stops for pictures and refreshments. You’ll even enjoy a tasting of three outstanding wines (including the unique Eiswein, a wine produced from grapes frozen while still on the vine) at a wine estate, which boasts immaculately kept vineyards and handpicked grapes.

Choice of  Boppard village stroll  Embark on a walk on your own through this attractive town with a long and surprising history. Take a chairlift to the top of the hill for a great view of the valley and the river (you can hike the return route, if you’re up for it); enjoy a glass of wine at a local tavern and watch the water traffic on the river; or ride a bicycle along the Rhine promenade. You might also visit Saint Severus Church, whose twin towers dominate the waterfront, or explore the remains of a fourth-century Roman fort. If you’re interested in design and the decorative arts, stop by the Museum Boppard to see the exhibit on native son Michael Thonet, who developed the technique of bentwood furniture in the 1840s. His iconic, lightweight chairs are still popular in cafés throughout Europe. Or simply stroll beneath the trees along the city’s scenic riverside promenade, which is lined with the gorgeous villas of 19th-century entrepreneurs. or “Let’s Go” Rhine biking  On today’s outing, you’ll pedal through the incomparable Boppard Hamm, a loop on the Rhine and a famed wine region known for its Riesling, Rivaner and Pinot Noir grapes. The Boppard Hamm is situated between Boppard and Spray in the breathtaking Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a section of the Rhine that’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. As you bike along miles of sprawling vineyards, you’ll enjoy a stop at the Marksburg Castle. Built in the 12th century, this castle is perched high above the river and was once used as a defense fortress. Today, it still retains all of its medieval glory, complete with a drawbridge, batteries, stables, extensive gardens and more. Your second stop of the day will bring you to Schloss Stolzenfels, another stunning medieval fortress-turned-castle that sits on the Rhine’s Left Bank. You’ll want to make a stop in the castle’s courtyard for an astonishing view of the Rhine River Valley below. As you continue your cycling journey, you’ll end up at Lahneck Castle, a 13th-century fortress that sits above the confluence of the Rhine and Lahn rivers. Your reward for today’s scenic trek? A stop at the Zur Kipp beer garden. Savor a pint (or two) of a regional beer and take in beautiful views of the Rhine and Lahneck Castle. Then, it’s time to hop back on your bike and make your way back to the ship. or Rheinstein visit  Perched on a rock high above the Rhine sits the quaint and romantic, Rheinstein Castle. Originally built around 900 A.D. as a customs post for the German Empire, Rheinstein Castle became home to emperors and archbishops over the course of several hundred years. In 1823, the castle ruins were purchased by the Royal Prince of Prussia and the structure was rebuilt under the direction of a famous castle architect. Note the castle’s working drawbridge, gorgeous stained glass windows, Knight’s Hall, panoramic views of the Rhine below and a 500-year-old Burgundy grape vine (that still produces grapes) in the courtyard known as “Burgunder Garden.” or “Let’s Go” hike from Rüdesheim to Assmanshausen  This fun excursion combines several of the area’s attractions. Start by hopping into an aerial cable car and soaring above the vineyards to the Niederwald Monument, which looks out over the entire Rheingau wine region. From the heights above the river, you and your local expert will hike down through vineyards to the picturesque riverfront village of Assmanshausen (which is lauded for its red wine), where a bus will bring you back to the ship in Rüdesheim. or Rüdesheim walk with local treats The winemaking town of Rüdesheim boasts countless delights, including a slew of culinary delights that you’ll taste on today’s treat-fueled outing. Follow your guide through this quaint town and learn how the famous Rüdesheimer Coffee, a coffee infused with Asbach Uralt (a magnificent German brandy) and topped with whipped cream, is prepared. Savor the rich taste of this beloved treat as you stroll through the famous Drosselgasse, an enchanting alleyway that runs through the city’s Old Town.

Choice of  Private Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate visit and tasting  For a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Weinessiggut Doktorenhof estate for a special vinegar tasting. Yes, you read that right—a vinegar tasting. Founded by Georg Wiedemann some 30 years ago, Doktorenhof produces vinegars from premium wines, rather than inexpensive ones. Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Riesling and Pinot Noir are aged with a century-old vinegar “mother,” as the bacteria that makes vinegar is known, and flavored with a variety of herbs and fruits. The results make complex and elegant aperitifs, intended to be sipped from a specially designed long-stemmed glass between courses or after a meal. The atmospheric tasting room (think candles, cloaks and choir music) is like no other you’ll ever experience. or Speyer Walking Tour Speyer—“spire” in English—is well named, since the four red towers of the UNESCO-designated Romanesque cathedral dominate the Old Town just as the medieval bishops dominated the town itself. Though the bishops ruled the town, Speyer also had a special relationship with the Holy Roman emperors: Conrad II ordered the cathedral’s construction around 1030, and eight emperors are interred in its crypts. Your walking tour will take you along the pedestrian-only Maximilian Street—first laid out by Roman soldiers—from the last remaining gate of the medieval wall toward the great church. Near the church you’ll see remnants of a Jewish community established around 1090 under the auspices of the Bishop of Speyer. Though the synagogue is long gone, the vaulted ritual baths have been beautifully preserved. (The area is popularly known as the Jewish Courtyard.) Notice the former mint and the Holy Trinity Church, which were built in the 18th century, following a devastating war, and stand as masterful examples of late-baroque style.

Choice of  “Do as the Locals Do” Strasbourg walking tour  Climb aboard your coach for a short ride across the Rhine en route to enchanting Strasbourg. Teeming with narrow cobbled streets, timber-frame houses, town squares and stately patrician homes, this city is the launching pad for today’s journey. Experience local places, traditions and cuisine as you stroll through “Petite France,” along its canals and to the imposing Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. Stop for a bite to eat and enjoy a delicious tasting of local eats. Admire the city square’s famous Maison Kammerzell and the numerous winstubs (wine lounges) and shops before enjoying free time to explore on your own. or Strasbourg panoramic tour with Cathedral and Old Town walk Controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, Strasbourg—cross-cultural and bilingual—offers a delightful combination of old and new, as well as French and German characteristics. You’ll see all the highlights on a city tour before venturing inside the cathedral, one of the city’s most famous sites. The same craftsmen who built Chartres worked on it, and the rose window may be Chartres’s equal. Don’t miss the astronomical clock or the truly remarkable statuary and carvings.

Choice of  Baden-Baden city tour with casino  Join a local guide for a walking tour of enchanting Baden-Baden, which will bring you past two thermal baths and the city’s famous Casino. Gain further appreciation for the Romans and their love of natural spa facilities as you pass by the Fettquelle, a public thermal fountain where it is believed that the water is health-promoting. After learning about the curative powers of Baden-Baden’s water sources, explore the Casino Baden-Baden, and let its ambiance, architecture and atmosphere enthrall you. You’ll enjoy a tour of this grandiose building, complete with a walk through the gambling halls, which offer a look at the casino’s fascinating history dating back to 1855 and Dostoevsky’s novel “The Gambler”—written in Baden-Baden and based on this casino. or Festspielhaus guided visit Immerse yourself in the melodies of Baden-Baden on a guided visit to the Festspielhaus, the 2,500-seat Opera House. Festspielhaus is Germany’s largest opera house and the largest classical music venue in Europe. Its architecture is particularly unique, as it sits on the trackbed of a former railway station with a neo-classicist structure that serves as the main entrance. The Opera House was reconstructed in the mid-1990s by Viennese architect Wilhelm Holzbauer in accordance with the ideal acoustic values calculated by physicist Karl-Heinz Müller or Caracalla Thermal Bath Perhaps Baden-Baden’s most notable attraction, the Caracalla Spa features countless opportunities to enjoy the mineral-rich waters of the thermal baths. This large facility offers a soothing atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world, from its two marble pools and grottos to whirlpools and sun-bathing lawns. It was here that the thermal water’s healing powers were discovered by the Romans some 2,000 years ago, creating a bathing culture for the very first time under Emperor Caracalla. With plenty of room to relax and unwind, your time at the Caracalla Spa will rival experiences at some of the nicest spas in the world. or Sea Salt Grotto Experience the benefits of Dead Sea and Himalayan salts in the Salina Sea Salt Grotto of Baden-Baden. The grotto’s walls are dressed in all-natural salt bricks, while the floor is blanketed with a thick layer of salt—working together to provide a microclimate that allows you to breathe in valuable materials and trace elements that strengthen the immune system, enhance the ability to concentrate, and provide physical and mental rejuvenation as well as optimal deep relaxation.