Mosel River Valley Vineyards & Castles

Germany/Luxembourg

Mosel River Valley: Vineyards, Castles & Culture by Barge

Adventure Afloat Study Cruise

Barge

Small Group

Wishlist Start

By private barge, voyage the Saar and Mosel rivers for an in-depth perspective on the timeless villages, medieval castles, ancient vineyards and Old World traditions of Western Germany.

Rating (4)

Activity Level

Program No. 11951RJ

Length

10 days

Starts at

2,995

Flights start at

950

10 days

9 nights

18 meals

8B 2L 8D

In Flight

Koblenz

Cochem

Zell

Bernkastel-Kues

Trier

Saarburg

Merzig

Luxembourg City

In Flight

Getting There

See travel details and required documents

At a Glance

Follow the picturesque Saar and Mosel Rivers through Western Germany on a barge chartered exclusively for Road Scholar. Learn about ancient Roman history at medieval stone castles and fortresses, venture to lush vineyards and underground wine cellars, and stroll the cobblestone streets of charming villages, where architectural jewels create a fairytale setting.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

These programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking at a leisurely pace with plenty of stops through a city, and standing in a museum for a few hours; uneven terrain, stairs and cobblestones common. Embark/disembark barge via ramp. Cabins located on lower deck and reached by steep, narrow stairs with hand rails. Barge does not move at night and only motors during the day.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Explore castle ruins and lush vineyards on a private charter to the Mosel River Valley.
In historic Cochem, discover a mustard mill and the medieval Reichsburg Castle.
Learn about the striking Art Nouveau architecture of Traben-Trarbach on a walking excursion with a local expert.

General Notes

While you are taken by bus to the various sites outlined in the program’s itinerary, the barge makes its way to the next port, and meets you there at the end of the day. (No barging during the night).

Featured Expert

All Experts

Annelie Servatius

Annelie Servatius was born in Bernkastel and attended school in Salzburg, where she studied tourism and economics. Since 1988, she has returned to her hometown of Bernkastel and has been leading educational excurisons ever since.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Annelie Servatius

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Wiebke Heitmann

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Ulla Schnitzius

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M. Mulloy

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Helga Hemmering

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Suggested Reading List

View 17 books

The Tin Drum

by Gunter Grass

Probably the best German novel written since the end of World War II, this is the surreal story of a mute dwarf named Oskar who lives through Nazi Germany and finds himself in a mental institution.

Germania, In Wayward Pursuit of the Germans and Their History

by Simon Winder

Winder's witty, entertaining and opinionated portrait of German culture is both an illuminating history and a wonderfully digressive exploration of the powerful and often confounding nation.

When in Germany, Do as the Germans Do

by Hyde Flippo

A humorous and helpful guide to getting along in Germany, informing travelers on everything from proper restaurant etiquette to how to behave in social situations and how best to appear like a local.

Germany Adventure Map

by National Geographic

A double-sided full color map of Germany at a scale of 1:825,000. Printed on waterproof, tear-resistant paper.

Prost! The Story of German Beer

by Horst D. Dornbusch

The Munich-based aficionado weaves history and culture with the marvels and mysteries of German beer in this brief, authoritative guide.

The Rhine, Culture and Landscape at the Heart of Europe

by Roland Recht

This beautifully illustrated, oversized survey of the history, geography and culture of the Rhine shows cities, villages and sights along the river from its source in the Alps to the North Sea.

The Germans

by Gordon A. Craig

A gifted historian, Craig explores the paradoxes of German identity in this masterful portrait of German life, past and present, with chapters on religion, money, Jews, women, literature and society, Berlin and language.

The Blue Flower

by Penelope Fitzgerald

Set in the Age of Goethe, this exquisitely written short novel is a fictional account of the life of the Romantic poet Novalis. It paints a vivid picture of German intellectual and mercantile life in the late 1700s.

Lonely Planet German Phrasebook

by Lonely Planet

A palm-sized handy guide to pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.

Eyewitness Guide Germany

by Eyewitness Guides

Featuring color photography, excellent local maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions.

The Cathedral Builders of the Middle Ages

by Alain Erlande-Brandenburg

This pocket-size encyclopedia of the art, architecture and culture of the Middle Ages features hundreds of drawings, color illustrations and a brief chronology.

The Burgermeister's Daughter, Scandal in a Sixteenth-Century German Town

by Steven Ozment

Meticulously researched and absorbing, this narrative by a Harvard historian traces the legal battle of the daughter of a well-to-do family who was thrown out of her home and disinherited in 1525.

The Gothic Enterprise, A Guide to Understanding the Medieval Cathedral

by Robert A. Scott

An enthusiast, Scott delves into the history, design, architecture and wonder of Europe's medieval cathedrals and great Abbey churches.

A Concise History of Germany

by Mary Fulbrook

This essential short history of Germany -- a whirlwind survey in less than 300 pages -- explores the relationships between social, political and cultural factors in this land located in the center of Europe.

A Traveller's Wine Guide to Germany

by Kerry Brady Stewart, Robert Dieth

A slim, informative and well-illustrated guide to the vineyards, wine cellars and wineries in all 13 wine regions of Germany, invaluable to the independent traveler looking for the best wines.

Atlas of Wine Cultures, Germany

by Kalimedia

Packaged in a protective sleeve, this one-sided map color-codes Germany's wine regions, districts and vineyards and sets them atop a shaded relief map with major cities and roadways. A handy portal to the German wine world. Scaled at 1:525,000.

Stones from the River, A Novel

by Ursula Hegi

Rich in details of daily life in Germany in the first half of the 20th century, this ambitious novel illuminates the impact of Nazism and complicity of townsfolk through the eyes of Trudi Montag, librarian, storyteller and testimony to difference (she's a Zwerg or dwarf).

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10 days

9 nights

18 meals

8 B 2 L 8 D

Getting There

See travel details and required documents

DAY

In Transit

In Flight

DAY

Arrival Frankfurt, Transfer to Koblenz, Orientation

Koblenz

L,D

Allure

Activity note: The transfer from the airport to Koblenz and the barge is approximately 75 miles; about 1.5 hours.

Morning: Join the Group Leader and your fellow Road Scholars at Frankfurt Airport to board the motorcoach and transfer to Koblenz. Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers, the city’s name was derived from the Latin word for confluence. Founded by Nero’s grandfather Nero Claudius Drusus, Koblenz celebrated its 2,000th anniversary in 1992. The picturesque, historical timber-framed houses are representative of this region’s wine-growers’ homesteads. On arrival in Koblenz, we will drop our luggage on the Allure before continuing by motorcoach to a local restaurant.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in the historic Weindorf (Wine Village) of Koblenz, enjoy a plated meal featuring local specialties, plus a soft drink, mineral water, beer, or wine.

Afternoon: Orientation: The Group Leader, barge captain and crew will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. All barging during this program takes place during the day with the barge moored at port during the night. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to settle into your cabin and relax or explore independently.

Dinner: Aboard the barge, enjoy a three-course set menu featuring tasty local cuisine with coffee, tea or water. Other beverages are available for purchase that can be charged to your tab and settled prior to departure with cash (in Euros only) or credit card (Visa or MasterCard) on the last night on board. Dinners aboard the barge will fit this description.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY

Koblenz, Fortress Ehrenbreitstein, Mustard Mill, Reichsburg

Cochem

B,D

Allure

Activity note: Walk up to 1 mile and stand for up to 1 hour on flat terrain in Koblenz. Ride to Cochem is approximately 1 hour. Stand for up to 1 hour at the mill.

Breakfast: Aboard the barge, we will have a buffet offering a variable hot entrée each day as well as meats, cheeses, eggs, yogurt, cereals, breads, plus coffee, water, tea, and juices. Breakfasts aboard the barge will fit this description.

Morning: Disembarking the barge, we will join a local historian on a walking field trip of Koblenz for an introduction to one of the oldest towns in Germany. As we walk through the historic quarter, discover the charming and romantic streets and their rich history. Hop aboard a cable car to cross the river to Fortress Ehrenbreitstein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to enjoy panoramic views of Koblenz, as well as the Rhine and Mosel Rivers from the fortification. Though the current fortress was built between 1817 and 1828, the site has been fortified since the 9th century BCE. Transfer to Cochem via motorcoach.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy the food of your choice in Cochem. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Choose from one of the many local restaurants to sample some sausages and sauerkraut.

Afternoon: Visit a historic Cochem mustard mill where an expert mustard miller will provide insight into the production of his gourmet mustard, a family recipe that has been passed down through generations. Our exploration continues with a shuttle ride to Reichsburg Castle, a fairy tale castle sitting above the town where we will enjoy an introduction by a local expert. Dating to the 12th century, the castle was almost leveled by Sun King Louis XIV during the Nine Years' War but was purchased by a wealthy Berlin businessman in 1868 who financed the castle’s reconstruction. Following the visit to the castle, board the shuttle train to return to the barge, which will be docked in Cochem for the night.

Dinner: Aboard the barge.

Evening: Aboard the Allure and under the illuminated castle, learn more about your fellow participants at group introductions.

DAY

Beilstein, Zell's Black Cat Wine

Zell

B,L,D

Allure

Activity note: Barging time is approximately 5 hours throughout the day. Walk up to one mile on cobblestone streets; stand for up to 1 hour.

Breakfast: Aboard the barge.

Morning: As we barge along the winding Mosel River, admire the forested and castle-laden riverbanks, with historic ruins, small villages, and Germany’s most prestigious vineyards. Disembark the barge in Beilstein for an opportunity for independent exploration of one of the best preserved towns on the Mosel. This idyllic town with a population of less than 200 is known for its narrow streets, the ruins of Castle Metternich, and ancient wine cellars. Returning to the barge, we will barge to Zell, home of the Zeller Schwarze Katz (Zell Black Cat) wine.

Lunch: Aboard the barge, a light lunch will be served consisting of soup and a salad or a sandwich, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Arriving in Zell, we will learn about the regions famous Riesling wine and the legend of the Schwarze Katz from a local expert during a visit to a local vineyard. Return to the barge in the late afternoon.

Dinner: Aboard the barge.

Evening: Enjoy your meal aboard the barge while listening to a lively local music performer.

DAY

Traben-Trarbach, Jugendstil, Wine Cellar Visit

Bernkastel-Kues

B,D

Allure

Activity note: Ride to Traben-Trarbach is approximately 1 hour.

Breakfast: Aboard the barge.

Morning: Board the motorcoach in Zell and travel to the Traben-Trarbach, which was once the second largest wine-trading city in Europe after Bordeaux, France. Using this wealth, wine merchants built in the style of Art Nouveau to display their wealth. Attend an introduction to the town's Jugendstil architecture before setting out with a local historian on a walking field trip.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Traben-Trarbach.

Afternoon: With a local expert, delve further into the town’s winemaking history by discovering the underground resources that allowed a small town of about 5,000 to become one of the largest wine-trading cities in Europe. We will then return to the barge and motor to Bernkastel-Kues.

Dinner: Aboard the barge.

Evening: Enjoy an independent walk along the river after dinner.

DAY

Bernkastel-Kues, Trier, Mosel Valley History

Trier

B,D

Allure

Activity note: Ride to Trier is approximately 1 hour. Walk up to 1 mile; climb steps; stand for up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard the barge.

Morning: Disembarking the barge, we will have an expert-led walk though Bernkastel’s old town, located in the heart of the Mosel River Valley. We will then board the motorcoach to transfer to Trier, one of the oldest cities in Germany and the oldest seat of a Bishop north of the Alps.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Trier.

Afternoon: Established by the Romans in 16 BCE, join a local historian for a walk through the city from the viewpoint of a Roman patrician. We will visit the Church of Our Lady, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to celebrate Constantine’s twentieth year as emperor. Following the walk, return by taxi to the barge. A lecture aboard the barge before dinner will enlighten you on the history of the Mosel River Valley.

Dinner: Aboard the barge.

Evening: Relax aboard the barge while enjoying a beautiful sunset over the Mosel River.

DAY

Barge to Saarburg, Economics Lecture, Historical Walk

Saarburg

B,D

Allure

Activity note: Barging time is approximately 3.5 hours. Walk up to 1 mile; climb steps; stand for up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard the barge.

Morning: From Trier, we will barge a short distance and divert into the Saar River, barging between forested cliffs and quaint villages. En route to Saarburg, enjoy a lecture on German Economics. Located in the hilly country on the banks of the Saar River, Saarburg grew from the castle of Siegfried, Count of the Ardennes and the first person to rule Luxembourg. Taking advantage of the city’s natural hills, a roaring waterfall powered three separate water mills as early as 1657 and still provides some power to the city. A wide variety of skilled workers and craftsman settled in Saarburg and their quarters can still be found in the lower town.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy the food of your choice in Saarburg.

Afternoon: Join a local historian for a walk through historic Saarburg and a visit to a bell foundry. Free Time: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Saarburg. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets teaming, or hike up to the castle ruins which offer wonderful scenic views of this charming town.

Dinner: Aboard the barge.

Evening: At leisure to continue enjoying Saarburg.

DAY

Barge to Mettlach, Villeroy & Boch, Merzig

Merzig

B,D

Allure

Activity note: Barging time is approximately 2.5 hours. Walk up to 1 mile; climb steps; stand for up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard the barge.

Morning: At leisure while we barge up the Saar to the village of Mettlach. Disembarking, we will visit the discovery center of Villeroy & Boch, located in an old abbey on the riverbanks. Here, a docent will offer insight into one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers in Europe. Founded in 1748, we will be introduced to the 250 years of history and marvel at the largest ceramic puzzle ever made: The World Map of Life by Stefan Szczesny.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Mettlach.

Afternoon: We will board the motorcoach and transfer to Merzig, the final destination of the Allure.

Dinner: Celebrate the end of your barging excursion aboard the Allure tonight with your fellow travelers and the crew at dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY

Transfer, Luxembourg City, City Walk & Tram Excursion

Luxembourg City

B,D

Hotel Novotel Luxembourg Centre

Activity note: Ride to Luxembourg City is approximately 1 hour. Walk up to 1 mile; climb steps; stand for up to 2 hours.

Breakfast: Aboard the barge.

Morning: Saying goodbye to the captain and the crew, we will board the motorcoach and transfer to Luxembourg City, the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. When we arrive, we will drop our luggage at the hotel and return to the coach to meet with a local historian for a walk though the old town of Luxembourg.

Lunch: On your own in one of the charming cafés where there are plenty of local delicacies: try the kachkéis (soft cheese melted and served on bread), or a gromperekichelcher (a fried, shredded potato cake containing onions, shallots, and parsley), or a tarte aux quetsches (a plum tart).

Afternoon: Rest your feet aboard a tram excursion through the Pétrusse Valley. We will be provided with audio guide headsets describing points of interest along the excursion.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, enjoy a three-course set menu consisting of an appetizer, entrée, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase. Recap your adventures and share your favorite memories with your fellow participants tonight.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY

Program Concludes

In Flight

Activity note: Hotel check-out time is 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. Transfer from the hotel to the airport is about 5 miles; approximately 20 minutes.

Breakfast: In hotel dining room, we will have a buffet featuring meats, cheeses, eggs, yogurt, cereals, and breads, plus juice, milk, coffee, tea, and water.

Morning: From the hotel, we will transfer to Luxembourg Findel Airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

18 Meals

8 Breakfasts

2 Lunches

8 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Display

Sep 28, 2018 - Oct 07, 2018 (Koblenz to Luxembourg City)

Aug 31, 2018 - Sep 09, 2018 (Koblenz to Luxembourg City)
Sep 28, 2018 - Oct 07, 2018 (Koblenz to Luxembourg City)

Allure

7 nights

XXXX-XXXX

The Allure was built in 1908 as a cargo ship and converted into a passenger boat in 1998. A total renovation was completed in 2012. The barge is 138' x 22' wide. Chartered exclusively for Road Scholar participants, the Allure is a comfort class barge, with a salon where meals are served, a sitting area, a reading-corner, flat-screen TV, sun deck and a small bar.

Hotel Novotel Luxembourg Centre

1 night

Luxembourg

The Novotel Luxembourg Centre is a four-star hotel located in the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic center of Luxembourg, three minutes from the train station connected by the TGV high-speed train services. It features 150 modern and comfortable rooms, a bar and a restaurant.

TripAdvisor Reviews

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4 Average

Annette

Class of 2017

Mishicot, WI

(4) 6 months ago

The Mosel River Valley Tour is wonderful! You will enjoy the picturesque villages and fascinating ancient local history. The food and wine allows you to taste global cuisine, especially in Luxembourg City. Don't forget to have your fill of Wine, French Pastries, and Apfulstrudel before you return home!

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