Classic River Cruise – Germany & Luxembourg
The picturesque Moselle region of Germany is a wine lover’s paradise and is most famous for its wines made from the Riesling grape. The river runs a steep sided valley covered with picturesque vineyards and the region is perfect for anyone wishing to experience the romantic Germany of castles, forests, vineyards, and half-timbered villages. Unlike the more heavily visited Rhine, the Moselle cruise allows visitors to meander at a more leisurely pace amongst colourful towns, markets and spectacular countryside.
Highlights
• Trier, Germany’s oldest city with roots going back to the Roman Empire
• Koblenz with its wonderful Old Town
• The 12th century Burg Eltz, “Queen of German Castles”
Guests are met in either Frankfurt or Koblenz and transferred to the hotel barge moored in the heart of Koblenz for a champagne welcome. We will take a late afternoon cruise to Winningen, one of the oldest and largest wine growing villages in the area, where we moor for the night and you’ll experience your first gourmet meal on board.
A morning cruise guides us through the lowest part of the Mosel River up to the charming town of Cochem. After lunch we drive to the castle of Burg Eltz, also called the “Queen of the German Castles” as it is one of the few that were not destroyed by the French King Louis XIV in 1689. A guided tour takes us through this fascinating 12th century castle. We return to the barge with time to stroll through this delightful little village. Dinner on board.
After breakfast we will take a leisurely cruise past numerous vineyards in beautiful scenery to Zell. This is one of the most beautiful towns on the Mosel and is famous for its wines. Visit the cellars of Dr Josef Weiss, just outside of town for our first wine tasting. Dinner on board.
We cruise up this very picturesque part of the Mosel to Bernkastel, another famous wine village. Here you’ll find the “crème de la crème” of Mosel wines. In the afternoon visit the private cellars of Pauli Bergweiler for a sampling of his superb wines. Finish our day with a stroll around the village of Bernkastel before dinner on board.
This morning we cruise to the oldest town in Germany, Trier. Trier will take you back to the old Roman times from hundreds of years before Christ. Visit the Porta Nigra, part of the old town wall and the magnificent St. Peters Cathedral, or stroll the old town to browse the shops. Dinner on board.
Enjoy breakfast as we cruise our last part on the Mosel into Luxembourg to the small village of Remich. In the afternoon, there will be time to visit the nearby capital of Luxembourg. Captains Farewell Dinner on board.
After breakfast, disembark La Nouvelle Etoile and transfer to your drop-off location in Frankfurt.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
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Cabin
Vessel Type: Hotel Barge
Length: 129 feet
Passenger Capacity: 8
La Nouvelle Etoile delivers a higher tier of comfort than a typical canal barge, balancing traditional styling with upgraded modern amenities. The saloon is fully air-conditioned and arranged like a private lounge, complete with cocktail bar, piano, and refined furnishings. An exercise room and an on-board elevator extend the vessel’s usability beyond standard barge design. The four large suites each exceed 200 square feet and include double basins and oversized showers. Outside, the sun deck provides space for open-air lounging and a spa pool, with bicycles available for use along the canalside towpaths.
The barge travels some of Europe’s most historic waterways, including the Canal de Briare, and also offers longer, more wide-ranging itineraries that cover greater distances in a week than traditional cruises. These routes link varied regions: Holland’s windmills and Keukenhof Gardens, Belgium’s historic towns, Champagne’s châteaux and cellars, Alsace’s wine villages, and the castles and river valleys of Germany and Luxembourg. Each departure combines extended cruising with curated visits, positioning La Nouvelle Etoile as an option for travellers wanting a more spacious vessel and a broader, multi-region journey.
Inclusions
• All meals catered for by our on board Master Chef
• Good regional wines served throughout the cruise
• An open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Chauffeured and guided sightseeing
• Use of all barge facilities such as bicycles
• Some barges also have an on-deck jacuzzy
• Local transfers to your barge are included and we will advise you of your meeting point at time of booking
• On our Family Charter Cruises equipment for babies and children will be included on most vessels; cribs, travel cot, high chair, car seats, toys, children bicycles and baby bicycle seats.
Exclusions
• Service charge is not included in the cruise fare
• Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you would like to acknowledge recognition for the standard of service provided. As a guideline, the recommended industry standard is between 5 and 10% of the cruise fare if you are fully satisfied with the service you have received.
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