Wines of the Rhine & Moselle

Wines of the Rhine & Moselle

About This Cruise

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    Emerald Sun is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

Emerald Sun

Departure Date

22 July 2028

Cruise Line

Emerald Cruises

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Germany

Mainz

Welcome to Germany. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at Frankfurt Airport and then transfer to your award-winning Emerald Star-Ship in Mainz. Here, you’ll be welcomed on board by your friendly captain and crew. Later, enjoy dinner on board with your fellow guests.Please book your flight to arrive into Frankfurt prior to 03:30 PM.

Germany

Rüdesheim

Your first port of call is Rüdesheim, a delightful small town that’s the gateway to storied German wine culture and Rhine Valley history. A blend of medieval architecture and a lively, tourist-oriented atmosphere, Rüdesheim is celebrated for its fine wines, especially Riesling and Sekt (sparkling wine). Wine-making traditions here date back over a thousand years.EmeraldPLUSVisit to Schloss Johannisberg WinerySavour a refined wine experience at Schloss Johannisberg, one of the Rheingau’s most historic estates overlooking rolling vineyards and the Rhine. During a guided tasting, you’ll sample a selection of the château’s wines while learning about the region’s winemaking traditions and the estate’s pivotal role in Riesling history. With elegant surroundings and expert commentary, this experience offers a memorable connection to Germany’s celebrated wine culture. EmeraldACTIVEHike to NiederwalddenkmalEnjoy an active hike through verdant vineyards to the Niederwalddenkmal, a stunning monument located in the Niederwald, near Rüdesheim am Rhein, in the German state of Hesse. This historical landmark overlooks the scenic Rhine Valley and was built in the late 1800s to commemorate the Unification of GermanyDiscoverMORERüdesheim walk with specialty coffee (extra expense)Take a ride on a mini train before sampling the specialty coffee of the region. Observe a traditional Rüdesheim coffee presentation followed by a tasting. This specialty coffee drink with Asbach is a delicious indulgence for wine lovers and coffee fans alike.Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Germany

Bernkastel-Kues

Founded around 3,000 BC, the charming town of Bernkastel nestles along the banks of the Moselle River and is home to beautifully preserved buildings that date back to 1416 AD and a historic medieval Old Town. Nestled in the Moselle wine region, Bernkastel is another major centre for wine production, especially Riesling and is also well-known as a health resort and birthplace of the philosopher, Nikolaus von Kues.Included ExcursionMoselle vineyard hike with wine tasting Experience Bernkastel-Kues from a new perspective on a scenic vineyard hike above the Moselle. Starting in the charming old town, pass through the historic Marktplatz Bernkastel before ascending gently into the surrounding vineyards. Follow panoramic trails overlooking the river and steep slopes, including views toward the renowned Bernkasteler Doctor. EmeraldACTIVEGuided hike to Landshut RuinsAlternatively, join an active hike up to the Landshut Castle Ruins, majestically resting atop a rocky ledge, behind Bernkastel. In its current form, Landshut Castle dates back to the 13th century, though its origins are said to be even older. Join your local guide and learn about this fascinating history, as well as admire the magnificent views from the castle and hilltop. DiscoverMOREWine Experience in Bernkastell (extra expense) Complement your included excursion today with an exclusive wine tasting on the fertile banks of the Moselle River – a wine-making paradise. Bernkastel's charming setting is an inspiring location to sample local wines while learning about wine growing stories of the region.

Germany

Trier

Step into the rich wine heritage of Trier, where viticulture has flourished for over two millennia. Introduced by the Romans, wine became an essential part of daily life, trade, and culture—traces of which can still be seen today at sites such as the Porta Nigra. Today, this legacy lives on in every glass—where ancient techniques meet modern expertise. A wine experience in Trier is not just a tasting, but a journey through history, connecting Roman origins with the vibrant wine culture of the present.Included ExcursionTrier’s Wine StoriesDuring today’s guided tour, Discover the rich history of Trier, Germany's oldest city, on a guided tour through its remarkable Roman heritage and charming old town. Stroll past iconic landmarks, including the Porta Nigra, the Cathedral, and the Main Market Square, while learning about over 2,000 years of fascinating history. The tour concludes with a visit to Germany's oldest wine cellar, where you'll experience the region's long-standing winemaking tradition and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic underground treasure. DiscoverMOREGuided tour of Luxembourg (extra expense)Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of nearby Luxembourg. Bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany, this small, landlocked country is the world's only remaining Grand Duchy. Resting on the crossroads of Germanic and Latin traditions, Luxembourg is known for its rich history, beautiful castles, delicious local cuisine and viticulture. The capital, Luxembourg City, is home to known for its World Heritage-listed historic Old Town and fortifications, as well as modern-day European Union institutions.Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

Germany

Cochem

Welcome to Cochem, a delightful town in Germany’s Moselle Valley, known as the ‘Pearl of Moselle’ and celebrated for its wine industry, particularly Riesling wines. As well as brimming with many local vineyards and wineries, Cochem also delights with its well- preserved Old Town, striking medieval architecture and half-timbered houses, along with beautiful river scenery.EmeraldPLUSTastes of MoselleExperience the flavours of the Moselle with a delightful journey through Cochem. This relaxed tour invites you to discover regional specialties, including a visit to the historic Cochem Mustard Mill, where artisanal mustard is still crafted using time-honoured methods. Continue with a stop at a local bakery to sample freshly baked treats, offering a taste of everyday Moselle life. The experience concludes with a refreshing stop at a local brewery while taking in the charming surroundings. A perfect blend of tradition, flavour, and local culture—this tour offers a true taste of the Moselle. EmeraldACTIVEGuided e-bike tour around CochemAlternatively, if you feel more active, join a guided e-bike tour around Cochem, cycling through picturesque landscapes, verdant vineyards, and charming riverside pathways that reveal the breathtaking natural beauty of this region. DiscoverMOREWines of the Moselle (extra expense)Following your included morning tour, you’re invited to a family-run winery for a tasting of the local wines, while admiring the beautiful views of Cochem and the Moselle River. During your visit, you’ll learn about the esteemed viticulture of the region and what inspired many generations of wine-makers.Activity level: Moderate Duration: 1.5 hoursDiscoverMOREGrand-Prix backstage experience (extra expense)Step behind the scenes of the legendary “Green Hell” and uncover fascinating trivia and entertaining stories from more than 95 years of racing history. During guided experience, you’ll explore the historic paddock, the start & finish building, and the Media Centre. The highlight: an exclusive rooftop view from the pit building, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Grand Prix Track. Go beyond the grandstands and become a true Nürburgring insider. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

Germany

Koblenz

Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany, steeped in history and brimming with fascinating landmarks. It’s also renowned for its World Heritage-listed landscapes and rich culture.Included ExcursionWalking tour with traditional wine tavern visitDiscover the charm of Koblenz on a relaxed walking tour through its historic old town, where narrow streets, lively squares, and centuries of history meet at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Stroll past highlights of the city’s heritage before ending your experience in a traditional wine tavern, where you’ll enjoy a glass of regional wine in a warm, authentic atmosphere. Surrounded by local character and Rhine wine culture, this is the perfect way to experience Koblenz at a slower, more flavourful pace.EmeraldACTIVEGuided e-bike tour in KoblenzAlternatively, if you’re feeling active, join today’s guided e-bike tour amid beautiful riverscapes beyond Koblenz. After crossing the Rhine River twice on different bridges, you’ll leisurely cycle along the picturesque riverbanks. At certain spots along the way, your local guide will stop for a few minutes to provide fascinating insight into the area. DiscoverMOREVisit to Marksburg Castle (extra expense)Soaring above the town of Braubach, magnificent Marksburg Castle ranks as one of the principal sites of the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Regarded as the oldest intact castle on the Rhine River, you’ll discover this strikingly designed castle is wonderfully maintained inside and out. Explore within a series of typical interiors that include the castle kitchen, knight's hall, armoury and even an impressive wine cellar. The castle’s light-stone walls come protected by an outer fortress, with a single tower peering over the turrets and walls – resembling something out of the pages of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Activity level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 3 hours

Germany

Mainz

Welcome to Mainz, a city that impresses with its stunning Old Town, home to a central sandstone cathedral, medieval market squares and well-preserved, half-timbered houses. The town is well-known as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the first printing press and manufactured his first books in the 15th century, including the Gutenberg Bible, revolutionising the way books were produced in this period.Included ExcursionEberbach Abbey with wine tastingVisit Eberbach Abbey, one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the Rheingau Region and regarded as one of Europe’s most important monasteries. Founded in 1136 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, this was once one of the most active monasteries in Germany, boasting the nation’s largest medieval vineyard. As a key filming location for the 1986 film, 'In the Name of the Rose' (adapted from Umberto Eco's thrilling novel), Eberbach is a must-see. Today, the abbey continues its winemaking tradition, producing exquisite wines. During your visit, enjoy a Riesling wine tasting, savouring the region’s vibrant flavours. DiscoverMOREVisit to Eberbach Abbey & wine tasting (extra expense)Founded in 1136 by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Eberbach Abbey is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the Rheingau and is home to the largest medieval vineyard in Germany. During your visit, you can indulge in a riesling wine tasting, experiencing the vibrant flavours of the region.Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hoursDiscoverMOREGutenberg Museum visit & workshop (extra expense)Gutenberg Museum, located at the heart of the Old Town, is one of the world’s oldest museums dedicated to the history of books and the printed word. On your guided tour, you’ll gain an in-depth look into the fascinating world of the printing press invented by Johannes Gutenberg in Mainz in the 15th century. The museum's precious collection includes two original Gutenberg Bibles that date back to the middle of the 15th century, widely regarded as some of the finest books of all time. You’ll also visit a workshop that offers hourly demonstrations revealing what the printing process would have been like in Gutenberg's day.Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

Germany

Mainz

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to Frankfurt airport, leaving with cherished memories of the wondrous treasures of the Rhine and Moselle.This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.
Suite

Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

The Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites boast their own separate bedroom which closes off from the rest of the suite. A dedicated lounge area and outdoor balcony, complete with open-air system, allow you to enjoy the views of your surroundings whatever the weather. They also include a selection of special features including a spacious bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and Nespresso™ machine. Your complimentary mini-bar is restocked daily and you’ll have an iPad to use throughout your cruise so you can keep up-to-date with the latest news. For a more intimate dining experience, upon request, you can also order a continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats to enjoy in the privacy of your suite.

Your suite features:

  • Outdoor private balcony with open-air
  • system
  • Separate bedroom and lounge area
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • Pillow menu
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent
  • toiletries, hair dryer, on board
  • complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Walk-in wardrobe
  • Complimentary in-suite mini-bar,
  • restocked daily with wine, beer and
  • soft drinks
  • Complimentary Nespresso™ machine
  • Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés
  • and after-dinner sweet treats served in
  • your suite
  • Four items of laundry per day
  • An invite to the top table to enjoy dinner
  • with the senior on board team
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Use of an iPad
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks

Suite

Grand Balcony Suite

Grand Balcony Suites come with an outdoor private balcony area, complete with open-air system. A pillow menu ensures you have the best night’s sleep possible, and a continental breakfast can be delivered to your room on request.

Suite Inclusions

  • Outdoor private balcony with open-air system
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • Pillow menu
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar available at own expense
  • Complimentary Nespresso machine
  • Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
  • Two items of laundry per day
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks

Balcony

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

These spacious suites are ideal for uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery passing by. The innovative all-weather balcony system allows the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window to drop down at the touch of a button and the indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables and plenty of storage.

Your suite features:

  • Indoor balcony with open-air system
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent
  • toiletries, hair dryer, on board
  • complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks
  • available to purchase
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks

Outside

Emerald Stateroom

Marrying exceptional comfort with refined and practical design, the staterooms are spacious and luxurious retreats that provide ample room to accommodate two guests. A picture window welcomes in the natural light, beautifully framing the surrounding landscape.

Your suite features:

  • Picture window
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer,
  • on board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks

Outside

Emerald Single Stateroom

Select Emerald Cruises Star-Ships on the Danube, Moselle, Rhine and Rhône rivers feature Emerald Single Staterooms which are specially created for solo travellers. These tastefully appointed staterooms include a wealth of quality facilities and excellent levels of comfort for an enjoyable stay.

Your suite features:

  • Picture window
  • Deluxe single bed
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer,
  • on board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks

casual

Reflections Restaurant

Our premiere on board dining spot

With open seating and elegant design, our Reflections Restaurant sets the benchmark in on board dining across our fleet of boutique Star-Ships throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. Here, savour delightful chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes inspired by local flavours and a few favourites you may recognise from home.

casual

The Terrace

Dine alfresco

A beautifully decked area in the forward of our European Star-Ships, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a drink as the wonders of the landscape pass by.

bbq

Sky Barbecue

The Sky Barbecue can be found on the Sun Deck.
healthy

Healthy Dining

The freshest ingredients
Dine on delectable meals made with fresh, locally sourced produce.

Lunch with a view
Enjoy healthy meals while soaking in the stunning views and fresh air.

A range of dietary options
Sample amazing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options^. ^Please inform your crew of any dietary requirements.

Cinema

Daytime Pool & Bar/Evening Cinema

Pool by day, cinema by night

Exclusive to Emerald Cruises Star-Ships cruising Central Europe and France, the innovative heated indoor pool with is a tranquil haven to swim and take in the passing river views by day. As dusk falls, the floor gently rises to cover the pool, and the space transforms into an intimate cinema or Riverside Lounge – a blissful setting to enjoy magical vistas, read, or socialise to gentle music and soft lighting. Morning stretch sessions will also invigorate you, before seamlessly transforming back into a luxurious pool for the day. Enjoy a touch of innovation on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Central Europe and France with the heated indoor pool. With expansive river views, it is a tranquil setting to relax by day and on select evenings, the space transforms into a cosy indoor cinema.

Bar, Lounge

Horizon Bar and Lounge

Peruse our extensive drinks menu from the comfort of the Horizon Bar, the principal lounge area on board our boutique Star-Ships. Fitted with comfortable seating, a well-stocked bar and dancefloor and entertainment space, this is the premier spot to relax, unwind or dance the night away at the end of another exceptional day on the river. During the day, you'll also find unlimited coffee and speciality teas here

Sun Deck

Sun Deck

From the stunning rooftop deck of our Star-Ships, enjoy panoramic views of the passing landscapes and a selection of activities to keep you entertained.

Activity, Exclusive

The Wheelhouse

The wheelhouse is open for all guests to visit during a river cruise itinerary. If you have a particular interest in river navigation, the wheelhouse can provide a wonderful insight into the role of the captain and the intricacies of working through locks.

Reception

Reception

If you want to purchase a drinks package, enquire about a DiscoverMORE excursion or simply catch-up with our friendly crew, you’ll always receive a warm welcome in our on-board reception area.

Pool

Pool

Getting your laps in

Spacious on board pools provide plenty of room for swimming.

Gym, Jogging or Walking Track, Wellness, Salon

Fitness Area

Keep up your workout regime in our well-equipped, modern gym.

Jogging or Walking Track

Walking Track

Stretch your legs and take in the sights as you enjoy a stroll on our purpose-built walking track. Taking you around the outside of the Sun Deck, it’s a great addition for those who like to stay active on their travels.

Pool, Wellness

Wellness Area

A relaxing massage

Unwind with a massage courtesy of our expertly trained masseuses.

A dedicated space

Settle into a professional massage therapy room designed around serenity.

Every thoughtful detail

From soft gowns to luxurious ESPA toiletries, you’ll enjoy unparalleled comfort.

Salon

Hairdressers

You can treat yourself at any point during your cruise with our dedicated hairdressers – perfect if you’re looking to get spruced up for a special evening.