AmaWaterways Sails 2 Rivers to Help You See the Best Castles in Europe
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist
While all 7 river cruise companies we follow sail on the Rhine and through the Middle Rhine or, as it is more popularly known, the Rhine Gorge with its 40 castles, they usually sail from Amsterdam to Basel (or reverse) on a 7-day route. But expanding the usual Rhine route by blending this more traditional 7-day route of these awesome castles with a cruise on the winding Moselle in a 10-day cruise and suddenly this becomes the best castle watching opportunity on Europe Rivers. The result is the best castle experience in Europe on the rivers.
The added bonus is a combination of small, charming villages, cool castles, the oldest city in Germany and finally the canals of Amsterdam. Add a visit to Lucerne and Zurich, for a taste of Alpine German speaking Switzerland on a land extension and this becomes an epic journey.
So, let’s explore together and learn about the port stops of 2 great routes—Rhine and Moselle Delights (starting in Basel) and the reverse right the Rhine and Moselle Fairytales
Rhine and Moselle Fairytales (Amsterdam to Basel)
Since the routes are so similar, I will report on the port stops of just the Rhine and Mosel Fairytales. I hope by the time I finish you will want to go on this route.
There are only 6 sailings on this route in 2023—so after reading this you should quickly reach out to us (sailing dates are at the end of April, 2 dates in May, 1 in June, 1 in August and 1 in October). Space fills up quickly and some dates have the special free land extension promotions going on right now but please remember they are capacity controlled and have limited space.
Map from AmaWaterways
Amsterdam, Netherlands. This ringed city of canals is unique to say the least. A land of bikes, canals, and a free-wheeling culture, we have visited Amsterdam several times and escorted folks there. This is a city of 165 ringed canals, a population of 750.000 (it has as many bikes as people) and always full of tourists.
It is the capital of the Netherlands, with two world class art museums. It is a major port; once the wealthiest city in the world; and residents and visitors live with a tolerant atmosphere.
The tour today is a view of Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise—it is a neat experience.
Canal Boats
Gabbles are unique architecture in Amsterdams
Cologne, Germany. The huge Cologne Cathedral, with its twin pointed towers, is the best-known landmark in Cologne. Construction of the cathedral begin in 1248 and took the next 600 years to complete.
The huge Cologne Cathedral
Next door to the Cathedral Romano-Germanic Museum which has artifacts from the old Roman town, including part of an old Roman villa.
Hohenzollern Bridge--This is one of the 7 bridges that cross the Rhine in Cologne. About 1200 trains pass over this bridge daily in route to the main train station.
The Hohenzollern Bridge
The old town square is also another good site to visit.
There are 3 tour options today. They are: Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue on to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, and take in other local sights.
For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce.
Or, take a Cologne Bike Tour.
Lahnstein is a port near the Moselle and Koblenz. Here you will get the chance to tour Lahneck Castle, either by tour or take a hike up the castle. Lahneck castle was built in the 13th century above the confluence of the Lahn River. It was heavily damaged during the Thirty Years war in 1633 by Swedish soldiers. Later it passed in private ownership and has been family owned since 1907. The tour is an exclusive feature of the tours offered by AmaWaterways. The next 8 pictures are about this wonderful tour:
Anne took this photo in 2013 of Lahneck Castle on a gloomy day in March
A portrait of Queen Elizabeth
For the slightly more daring adventure, take a cable car ride from Koblenz across the Rhine River to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress is the 2nd largest preserved fortress in Europe. It stands 120 meters (360 feet) above the Rhine River.
The Deutsches Eck (the German Corner) is located at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers
For the more active, there is a “Two Rivers” bike tour.
Cochem, Germany, on the Mosel River, is a former walled city. It has a population of about 5,800 and is a traditional old German town. The town has many fine buildings, quaint cottages, guild houses, and winding cobblestone streets. The town square, lined with half-timbered houses, is a wonderful, scenic area of this small town.
Schloss Reichsburg stands watch over the village of Cochem
The town hall of Cochem
In Cochem, if you go on an AmaWaterways cruise, you will enjoy a guided tour of Cochem that takes you to the spectacular hilltop Reichsburg Castle (also known as Cochem Castle but the correct name is Schloss Reichsburg). It has fantastic views of the river valley below. Touring inside the castle is great!
Schloss Reichsburg as we viewed it during a walk down to the village of Cochem.
There are two other options here—a visit to Cochem Mustard Mill and, for the more active, a Cochem bike tour.
On the way sailing to Trier, there are 10 wonderful castles, most that are visible from the Moselle River. One of my favorites is Thurant Castle with its twin castles. Here are 2 pictures to show you how scenic and beautiful this route is:
The ruins of Thurant Castle on the hills. The village in the foreground is Alken with an estimated population of 640
Trier was an old Roman outpost which was first settled by the Roman in 17 BC. It is the oldest city in Germany, and is near the Luxembourg border—in fact, one side of the Moselle River is Trier, Germany and the opposite other side is the tiny country of Luxembourg. Anne & I first visited here in 1989.
Important Roman sights include the Roman Baths, an amphitheater, Basilica of Constantine (it was the throne room of Emperor Constantin), and the huge city gate, the Porta Nigra gate, that dates back to 180 A.D. It has earned the nickname of “the Rome of the North.”
Porta Nigra, Trier
Other sights are the Trier Cathedral (it is the oldest Cathedral in Germany) and the ornate Trier Electoral Palace and gardens. Also worth a visit is the old town area of the main market (Hauptmarkt)—besides people watching, the backdrop is the Porta Nigra and the large square is lined with a variety of architectural styles and is quite colorful.
Market Square Trier
There are three tours at this port stop. First is the “Ancient Tales of the Porta Nigra” and for the active, two options--a Petrisberg hike or a Trier Bike tour.
Bernkastel is a wonderful town of around 8000. It is located about halfway between Cochem and Trier on the Mosel River. There are many half-timbered buildings, especially around the market square. Easily seen from market square is St Michael’s church, built in the 14th century that had a dual purpose— it served as a house of worship and its tall bell tower served as a watch tower in the old city ramparts. The city has some wonderful fountains—they include St. Michael's fountain on the Market Square, the bear's fountain, and the doctor's fountain. Overlooking the town is the Landshut Castle ruins. It was first built in 1277 but was ruined by fire in 1692.
When sailing from Trier, the Castle and bridge are a dramatic introduction to Bernkastel!
Bernkastel is located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region. This area has been producing wine for over 500 years. You will get to experience a guided walking tour through the old town center and a winery visit to sample several different regional vintages are scheduled for this portion of your cruise if you go on an AmaWaterways cruise.
Not to be overlooked, there are two active tours—a hike up to Landshut Castle or a Moselle bike tour.
Landshut Castle ruins.
Rhine Castles. Prior to arriving at Rüdesheim, you will marvel at the Rhine Gorge. Long before modern river cruising, in 1971, I first sailed this route on a day cruise on a KD ferry ship. After maybe 7 or 8 times cruising this stretch of the Middle Rhine, it still holds the wonder it had for me back in 1971.
Photo Anne Schrader of Katz Castle in the Rhine Gorge
A photo from 2015 during a cruise through the Rhine Gorge
Stahleck Castle in the Rhine Gorge. Photo Anne Schrader
Rüdesheim, Germany. The town of Rüdesheim is a charming wine village.
It is famous for the great white wines grown in the region, along with a special coffee drink, aptly named Rüdesheimer coffee (Flambé Asbach brandy, sugar cube, coffee garnished with whipped cream).
A lively lane, the Drosselgasse, is lined with taverns and wine-cellars.
The tours here are a Gondola ride and wine tasting, a vineyard hike, a Schloss Johannisberg bike tour, a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or tasting Rüdesheimer coffee. There are certainly a lot of options here!
Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Hank and Jim drinking Rüdesheimer coffee—it is awesome!
The crowded Drosselgasse Lane in Rüdesheim
Ludwigshafen, Germany
You won’t really visit anything in Ludwigshafen because it is the gateway to two great tours—Heidelberg and the Mannheim Baroque Palace.
Heidelberg is a historic university town. Top sights in Heidelberg, include a visit the red-walled Castle ruins, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th century wine cask. There are beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below.
Heidelberg Castle in the Snow
The old town area is a great area to explore. Heidelberg is charming--where narrow lanes, shops and pubs housed in 17th-century structures in the Altstadt are kept lively by the cadence of student life. It also has the longest shopping street in Germany.
You can also chose an active tour in Heidelberg by hiking the “Philosopher’s Path”, where scholars at this university town have wandered when thinking about academic pursuits.
Mannheim Baroque Palace is one of the largest residences in Europe. It was built to highlight the important role of the Prince Electors to the Holy Roman Empire. In 1720 the palace replaced Heidelberg Castle as the residence of the Prince Elector.
The interiors of the palace are magnificent, especially on the main floor which you will see on your tour. The building was severely damage during WW II, but it has been restored to its former glory.
The Knight’s Room Mannheim Palace
The Music Room Mannheim Palace
There are 2 other options here—a visit to Schwetzingen Gardens or a Landenburg bike tour.
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg’s old town is a wonderful stop. After several visits to Strasbourg, it still beckons us back. Our first visit was on Bastille Day (14 July) over 30 years ago and the floodlights on the Cathedral were breathtaking.
There are several main attractions. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame is massive, and the Cathedral square always has lots of life.
Anne took this picture of the huge spire of the Strasbourg Cathedral. The spire is 142 (466 feet) meters high. It is considered one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe.
Wander down to Petite France—the home of tanners, fishermen and other artisans—the half-timbered areas are just stunning.
There are 2 options here for tours—the “Gems of Alsace” tour or a Strasbourg bike tour.
Breisach, Germany
Breisach is another gateway city—there are another two great options here—Freiburg, Germany and Riquewihr, France.
Freiburg, Germany (the official name is Freiburg-im-Breisgau) is a blend of old and new.
This city among other claims to fame is said to the sunniest city in all of Germany. Located on the southern edge of the Black Forest, and near the Rhine River, it was a good trade location and rich burghers, and the mercantile guilds were the original political force in the city.
It is a university town (started in the 1400s), once was a walled city but its number one sight is the Freiburger Münster (Freiburg Cathedral) (started in the 1300s). The cathedral was completed in 1513.
Riquewihr is a constant splash of colors, half-timbered buildings and wine shops jumbled together that just is so charming you will not know where to look next. The next 3 pictures are just some of the colorful structures in Riquewihr.
This medieval walled city still has most of its walls. There is a watch tower that today houses a museum about the defensive structures of the city, the people who manned the defensive structures and the weapons they used.
Don’t forget to shop, enjoy the food or a snack and sample the white wines this region is so famous for and brought wealth to this village!
Try some food here—the blend of German and French food results in dishes you won’t soon forget.
The regular tours are a Riquewihr walking tour, or an excursion to Freiburg. The active tours are a Black Forest hike or a Breisach wine country bike tour.
Basel, Switzerland
Basel is the 3rd largest city in Switzerland. The historic old town area, on the left bank of the Rhine, was once an old Roman citadel on the high ground. The Munsterplaz (cathedral square) hosts the large church and some wonderful Christmas Markets. There are no tours here, as it is time to disembark your wonderful cruise.
You will sail under this bridge right near the old town—perhaps now you understand why river cruise ships have only 3 decks!
Basel Town Hall
For a truly immersive experience, there is a three-day Amsterdam pre-cruise land extension and ta 4-day Switzerland post cruise land extension that spends 2 days in Lucerne and 2 days in Zurich.
Our Final Thoughts
This is an exceptional opportunity to see some of the most fascinating and interesting sights in Western Europe. We think this cruise is unique and really deserves consideration for your European travels. We hope you enjoyed this report.
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.
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Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
