Moselle
France, Luxembourg & Germany
A tributary of the Rhine, the Moselle winds through steep, terraced vineyards on its way from France through Luxembourg into Germany, where it joins the Rhine at Koblenz. Its tight bends and slate-covered slopes make it one of the most scenic detours a Rhine river cruise can take, and it's a favorite of Riesling drinkers in particular.
Moselle cruises are almost always add-ons or diversions from a longer Rhine itinerary rather than a river cruised start-to-finish, since the Moselle itself is short enough to cover in just a day or two — a good way to trade the Rhine's bigger crowds for a quieter, more purely scenic stretch of vineyard and castle without giving up any convenience.
Ports of Call
Trier, Germany
Germany's oldest city, Trier was founded by the Romans and still holds the Porta Nigra, the largest Roman gate north of the Alps, along with an amphitheater and bath complex. It's also the birthplace of Karl Marx.
Bernkastel-Kues, Germany
One of the Moselle's prettiest wine towns, Bernkastel's half-timbered market square is surrounded by steep vineyards on both banks, with wine tastings a highlight of most stops here.
Cochem, Germany
Overlooked by the fairy-tale Reichsburg castle on a hilltop above town, Cochem is a classic Moselle wine village of narrow lanes and riverside promenades.
Koblenz, Germany
The Moselle joins the Rhine at Koblenz, at a point known as the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), making it a natural embarkation or turnaround point for cruises combining both rivers.
