A Moselle river cruise takes you to scenes from the pages of a fairy tale, filled with romantic cobblestone villages and picturesque landscapes. Referred to as the peaceful little sister of the Rhine, the Moselle is 339 miles long (545 km) and regarded as the most beautiful of all European rivers.
Flowing from France, through Luxembourg and then meeting the Rhine in Germany, part of what contributes to the beauty of the Moselle are the steep vineyards, known for producing fine white wines. Here is where you`ll find Germany`s third largest wine producing region.
Highlights
Trier
Trier is Germany`s oldest city, and it claims to be older than Rome by 1300 years! Known as the Rome of the North, the German city boasts more preserved Roman monuments than any other city in the country. In 1986, Trier’s Roman structures as well as the Cathedral and Church of Our Lady were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Cochem
The Celtics first settled in Cochem and later the Romans. In 1332, it was granted a town charter. Commanding attention above the medieval streets of Cochem is Reichsburg Castle. Although built in the 11th century, it was destroyed in the 17th century and resurrected in the 19th century to what it seen today in Neo-Gothic style.
Bernkastel-Kues and Wine
Halfway between Trier and Cochem, in the heart of the Middle Mosel in Germany, lies Bernkastle-Kues. The castle-ruin overlooks the city centre of half-timbered buildings and cobblestone streets. The Bernkastle wine region’s climate, steep slopes and dark slate soil store heat well and provide the perfect environment for white wine production, particularly Riesling which comprises of more than half the grapes harvested along the river.