Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery

Arrive at EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg. For those with a group or private arrival transfer included in the cruise package, a Uniworld representative meets you at the airport and provides transportation to the ship.

Basel is a city in Switzerland known for its mix of historic and modern elements. Its Old Town features preserved buildings, and the city includes public art, varied architecture, and local cuisine. Choose between a walking tour with a local guide or an optional visit to Mount Pilatus for a broader view of the region.

This evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner is prepared for you.

Choose between:
Basel Walking Tour with Local Treats
Basel is a moderately sized city with a population of just 170,000 and only a couple small skyscrapers to its name, but don’t let its size fool you—Basel is a thriving trade hub with a markedly international feel. It’s position at the borders of France and Germany makes it a popular place to work for commuters from three countries.

Start your local discovery with a unique ferry trip across the Rhine to Kleinbasel. The ferry works by natural current only. Take a scenic walk along the Rhine promenade for the best views of the Patrician houses and historic facades on the opposite Grossbasel side. Once you pass Mittlere Brücke and stop briefly for Basler Läckerli (a gingerbread cookie), you board the ferry again to cross over to Grossbasel.

You land at the famous Basel Münster and climb the stairs to the Münster terrace, where you’ll find a wonderful panoramic view of the city and its bridges, squeezed between the Black Forest and Jura Mountains.

Afterward, you’ll weave your way through cobbled streets and narrow alleys to see a variety of beloved local spots. Along the way, you’ll taste authentic regional treats.

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Let's Go: Hike the Swiss Alps with Picnic Lunch
Want to appreciate Switzerland’s natural wonders the way the locals do? Set out on a classic Swiss leisure day activity: an alpine outing. The destination, Mt. Rigi, sits between three lakes in the center of Switzerland and is affectionately known as the “Queen of the Mountains” for its beauty and popularity with the locals. You’ll start by taking a train up the mountain before setting off on a picturesque hike, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. At the end of your hike, you’ll make your way back down the mountain by train and hop on a cruise across Lake Lucerne.

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Lucerne Walking Tour
Perched on the edges of its eponymous lake, Lucerne is the perfect Swiss town. Historic buildings crowd around pretty waterways, cobbled alleyways wind through a charming old town center, and snow-capped peaks tower in the background. Embark on a walking tour of the city's highlights with a local guide. You'll admire the contemporary architecture of the KKL (Culture & Convention Center), cross the famous Chapel Bridge, and much more.

Strasbourg is invariably described as quaint, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests, and impossible-to-resist pastry shops. You can take a stroll through town with a local guide today, or alternatively, join on a day trip to the blissful spa town of Baden-Baden.

Choose between:
Baden-Baden City Tour with Casino
Join a local guide for a walking tour of enchanting Baden-Baden, which brings you past two thermal baths and the city’s famous Casino. Gain further appreciation for the Romans and their love of natural spa facilities as you pass by the Fettquelle, a public thermal fountain where it is believed that the water is health-promoting. After learning about the curative powers of Baden-Baden’s water sources, explore the Casino Baden-Baden, and let its ambiance, architecture, and atmosphere enthrall you. You’ll enjoy a tour of this grandiose building, complete with a walk through the gambling halls, which offer a look at the casino’s fascinating history dating back to 1855 and Dostoevsky’s novel “The Gambler”—written in Baden-Baden and based on this casino.

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Strasbourg Walking Tour
Controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, Strasbourg is both cross-cultural and bilingual. Old and new, French and German all blend together in this wonderful city, which is also considered the legislative and democratic capital of the European Union. Get a feel for the history and culture of this Alsatian town on a walking tour through its enchanting streets, during which you’ll visit Strasbourg’s gorgeous Cathedral, a peak example of French Gothic architecture. You’ll also stroll by the half-timbered buildings of La Petite France, the most traditional and charming neighborhood of Strasbourg’s historic quarter, before enjoying a little bit of free time to explore on your own, grab a bite, or do a bit of shopping.

Speyer—“spire” in English—is well named, since the four red towers of the Romanesque cathedral dominate the Old Town. It’s the largest of its kind in the world and an icon of Speyer’s characteristic beauty. The city also sits a little ways off the Pfalz wine route, where many of the country’s best wine grapes are cultivated.

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Secret Garden & Collections
Drive out to the forest for a private tour at a unique old flour mill. Though the silos here are still used to store grain—and the delicious bread you’ll get to sample at the end of your visit is evidence of that—the mill itself is no longer active. Instead, it has been transformed into a beautiful little sanctuary by the owner. An avid world traveler and collector, the owner has filled the inside of the mill with mementos from his expeditions (not trinkets, either, but life-sized Buddha statues, gorgeous photography, and much more). The highlight though, is the award-winning garden he has curated.

Note: Lunch is on your own today.

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Private Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate Visit and Tasting
For a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Weinessiggut Doktorenhof estate for a special vinegar tasting. Yes, you read that right—a vinegar tasting. Founded by Georg Wiedemann some 30 years ago, Doktorenhof produces vinegars from premium wines, rather than inexpensive ones. Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Riesling and Pinot Noir are aged with a century-old vinegar “mother,” as the bacteria that makes vinegar is known, and flavored with a variety of herbs and fruits. Most importantly, Wiedemann and his family run their farm and vineyards with the utmost care, tending to them with natural materials only.

The results make complex and elegant aperitifs, intended to be sipped from a specially designed long-stemmed glass between courses or after a meal. The atmospheric tasting room (think candles, cloaks, and choir music) is like no other you’ll ever experience. You’ll have plenty of time to explore their enticing gift shop, too.

Note: Lunch is on your own today.

Please note: In the event that this tour falls on a Sunday, when the estate is closed, an alternative tour is offered instead.

Rudesheim, like many cities along the Rhine, dates back to Roman times, when the Rhine was the northern border of the empire. Today, Rudesheim is famous for its beauty and its entertaining alley of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse.

Featured Excursion:
Boppard Village Stroll
Join the Cruise Manager on a walk through this attractive town with a long and surprising history; the Cruise Manager points out its highlights and recommends a host of activities. Take a chairlift to the top of the hill for a great view of the valley and the river (you can hike the return route, if you’re up for it); enjoy a glass of wine at a local tavern and watch the water traffic on the river; or ride a bicycle along the Rhine promenade. You might also visit Saint Severus Church, whose twin towers dominate the waterfront, or explore the remains of a fourth-century Roman fort. If you’re interested in design and the decorative arts, stop by the Museum Boppard to see the exhibit on native son Michael Thonet, who developed the technique of bentwood furniture in the 1840s. His iconic, lightweight chairs are still popular in cafés throughout Europe. Or simply stroll beneath the trees along the city’s scenic riverside promenade, which is lined with the gorgeous villas of 19th-century entrepreneurs.

Choose between:
The Rüdesheim Mini Train
Board a little train for a charming ride through Rüdesheim. The train picks you up outside the ship and begins a comprehensive drive through town, passing the famous Drosselgasse and other must-see sights along the way. Take note of your favorite spots as you go, because you’ll have free time to explore on your own at the end of the ride.

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Rheinweinwelten Visit - The Best Rhine Rieslings
Enjoy a wine tasting at your leisure with a visit to Rheinweinwelten in Rüdesheim. This local treasure trove of wines is sure to impress, with 14 different wine caves to explore. This experience can be enjoyed at your own pace and is not guided. There is, however, ample literature and information in each room about every one of the 160 distinct wines. You’ll receive 10 tokens at the start, with which you can choose to sample whichever vintages appeal to you most. Prost!​

Today, get to know Koblenz, a historic town with a colorful past and eclectic architecture. As you come upon picture-perfect Koblenz, you’ll sail past Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with its historic monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I.

Choose between:
Koblenz Walking Tour
Watch the waters of the Moselle meld with the Rhine’s as you stand on the spit of land called German Corner: It’s the perfect spot for a symbol of German unity, an equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I, who united the nation in the 19th century. (There’s another symbol of German unity here too: three panels of the Berlin Wall.) Behind it is Koblenz’s oldest church, St. Castor’s Basilica, first erected in the ninth century, and just one of the charming churches and squares you’ll encounter as you wander through Old Town. Like many Rhineland towns, Koblenz suffered at the hands of Louis XIV’s forces—that’s why you’ll see so many baroque features in the buildings you pass, since so many needed to be reconstructed after the French left. That’s also why the Church of Our Lady has twin onion domes. Despite their travails over the ages, though, Koblenz’s citizens kept their sense of humor: One example of it might catch you by surprise as you pass the fountain known as the Spitting Boy, which spits water without warning.

After the tour, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the Marktplatz (Market Square) and its bounty of shopping and wine bars.

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Let’s Go: Bike Koblenz along the Rhine
Hop on your custom Uniworld bicycle and follow your guide along 12.5 miles of scenic paths. Make your way through the Rhine promenade in Koblenz, head towards the castles of Stolzenfels and Lahneck for an incredible viewing point, and find another great view of the Marksburg shortly after. You’ll see the beautiful fishing village of Spay before turning back towards Koblenz, where you’ll take a 30-minute break at a local beer garden. While you rest, you can purchase a refreshment if you’d like, and then you’ll bike back along the Rhine Cycle Path to return to the ship.

Bernkastel sits peacefully in the Moselle Valley and is as romantic and picture-perfect as it gets. Explore by foot its scenic streets, taverns, and vineyards, and enjoy a tasting of exceptional regional wines. Aside from the medieval marketplace, a must-see is the Graach Gate, the last remaining town gate of Bernkastel-Kues. Its original purpose was that of protection, helping to ward off foreign aggression in the 1300s, but now it’s a museum of local history and a beloved landmark. If a bike is your transportation of choice, cycle along the dreamy paths of the Middle Moselle.

Choose between:
Let's Go: Biking the Scenic Middle Moselle
Follow the serene 14 miles of riverside bike paths along the Moselle. As this gentle pathway twists and turns, you’ll cross over two bridges and enjoy numerous stops for pictures and refreshments. You’ll even enjoy a tasting of three outstanding wines (including the unique Eiswein, a wine produced from grapes frozen while still on the vine) at a wine estate, which boasts immaculately kept vineyards and handpicked grapes.

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Bernkastel Village Walk with Wine Tasting
A leisurely walk around the romantic village of Bernkastel awaits today. Wander through the town’s idyllic cobbled streets that are lined with half-timbered houses and secluded courtyards and pass by beautiful marketplaces and open-air cafés. Stroll through the vineyards of a local estate for a tasting of the outstanding wines produced in this town.

Trier is no stranger to famous landmarks, stunning cathedrals, natural beauty, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and architectural treasures. See Trier’s Roman heritage and Gallic charm as you stroll to some of the city’s most notable spots. Marvel at the stone Roman gate, Porta Nigra, the Karl Marx house, Imperial Baths, and more. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the small neighboring country of Luxembourg. Experience a healthy dose of history with a visit to the expansive Luxembourg American War Cemetery and Memorial, where General George S. Patton is buried.

Choose between:
Trier Panoramic City Tour
In ancient times Trier was the largest Roman settlement north of the Alps, and six emperors ruled the Western Empire from here. Remnants of that Roman city still stand, despite taking part in centuries of warfare, earning it UNESCO protection. It’s easy to see the shape of the ancient Roman city, since the layout of the Old Town still exists. Start your visit at the Basilica of Constantine, one of two basilicas built by Emperor Constantine in AD 306. The throne room is the largest surviving single-room structure from Roman times in Germany; it features two tiers of windows with high-rising arches that even now show some of the original wall paintings. The other basilica is St. Peter’s Cathedral, home to the Holy Tunic, a sacred relic donated by Constantine’s mother, St. Helena. Your route to Porta Nigra, the great double-arched stone gate that is all that remains of the Roman wall that used to surround Trier, takes you through Market Square.

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Luxembourg with WWII Cemetery
Over the course of 900 years, Luxembourg grew into one of the greatest fortified sites in Europe because of its strategic geographical position and ever-changing political affiliations. Your panoramic city tour introduces you to centuries-old battlements as well as to the gleaming high-rises that denote the city’s status as a 21st-century international financial center. To best discover the heart of Old Town, though, you’ll want to walk with a local expert to Notre Dame Cathedral, a fine example of late-Gothic architecture, and the Grand Ducal Palace, where both Louis XIV and Napoleon resided. It has been the official residence of the reigning Grand Duke since 1890.

Your tour ends at Place d’Armes, “the city’s sitting room.” Surrounded by shops and sidewalk cafés, with frequent free afternoon concerts, this is the lively heart of Luxembourg. You’ll have some free time to enjoy yourself on your own there. Or choose to continue to the WWII Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, which lies just within the limits of Luxembourg City. The 50-acre cemetery was established on December 29, 1944, by General George S. Patton’s Third U.S. Army, which liberated Luxembourg. More than 5,000 U.S. military dead are buried here—many of whom lost their lives in the Battle of the Bulge—along with General Patton himself. See the beautiful grounds, white stone chapel, and monument honoring the fallen.

Perhaps one of Germany’s most colorful cities, Cochem feels just like a storybook with its dramatic castle, impressive landscapes, and pastel-colored shops, restaurants, and buildings lining the banks of the Moselle. Perched high above on a cliff sits the brilliant Cochem Castle, also known as Reichsburg Cochem.

Choose between:
Let’s Go: Hiking the Suspension Bridge of Geierlay
Walk hundreds of feet above the forest as you cross the suspension bridge of Geierlay, the longest of its kind in Germany. Take your time to absorb the beauty of nature during this approximately 2-hour hike, during which you’ll pass by various creeks, seasonal vegetation, and scenic valleys.

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Cochem Walking Tour with Reichsburg Castle
Hovering over the Moselle River, the stunningly medieval Cochem Castle dates back to 1100 and once served to collect tolls from passing ships. Since its construction, it has changed appearance and rulers many times, currently appearing in the then-popular Neo-Gothic architecture style. A popular local landmark, Cochem Castle is a highlight of your walking tour in town today.

Enjoy a delightful tour of Cologne’s Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its stunning Renaissance façade. Wander through the historical center and take in its charming atmosphere and narrow alleyways flanked by old houses.

Featured Excursion:
Nights Out: Cologne Triangle Observation Deck
After dinner tonight, enjoy the best view in Cologne from the top of the KölnTriangle, a skyscraper shaped like a rounded triangular prism with a panoramic observation deck. Here, floor-to-ceiling glass walls allow an unobstructed, 360° view of Cologne and the Rhine River. The city’s most iconic landmarks spread out below, including the famous Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern Bridge. Depending on the time of year, this view is set aglow by the setting sun or glittering with city lights.

Choose between:
Walking Tour of Cologne with Kölsch Beer Tasting
Follow your guide around some of the most popular sites of Cologne, the largest city on the Rhine. You’ll pass the old fish market, City Hall with its Renaissance façade, and the old Jewish mikvah (a bath used for ritual cleansing).

Meander through the narrow, cobbled lanes of Old Town, lined with traditional houses in every color and a plethora of restaurants and pubs. One of the city’s 12 Romanesque churches provides a castle-like backdrop to this quaint, riverside quarter of Cologne.

Your local expert take you all the way to the Domplatte, the square where you’ll find the Cologne Cathedral. Complete your tour with a tasting of Cologne's famous "Kölsch" beer, a top-fermented brew traditionally served in a tall, skinny glass.

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Cologne Walking Tour with Bunker Visit
Explore Cologne with a local guide on a tour that introduces you to the city's most iconic sites, including the Domplatte with its striking Gothic cathedral. After, your group hops aboard public transportation towards a train station that once housed a Cold War nuclear bunker. Stepping onto the subway platform, you might think it looks like any other station. Were you not part of a tour, you probably wouldn't recognize this site's historical significance—and neither do many of the commuters who pass through here every day. A closer look, however, reveals the airlock doors, first aid rooms, and several-ton steel gates built to withstand a nuclear attack.

Take a stroll through town with a local guide.

Choose between:
Düsseldorf Tour & Altbier Tasting
Düsseldorf is seven centuries old, and that history lurks around every corner, but the skyline is thoroughly modern. Within all the dazzling contemporary architecture there are excellent clubs and innovative restaurants. The traditional heart of the city, and one of Germany’s most famous nightlife districts, is the Old Town, which you explore in-depth during this walking tour, including the scenic Rheinuferpromenade along the waterfront. After your walking tour, you’ll be treated to a tasting of the city’s trademark beer, a malty brew known as “Altbier.”

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Let’s Go: Biking through Düsseldorf
Step off the ship to meet your local guide, who is waiting with a fleet of bikes ready to take you on a scenic adventure. As you pedal through the green, riverside paths of Düsseldorf, you’ll find a landscape dotted with fascinating historical sites and intriguing architecture. Pass by the ruins of the Kaiserswerth, the imperial palace of 12th-century Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Admire the sculptural forms of the Frank Gehry buildings along the harbor. Soak in the serene atmosphere of the Nordpark with its Japanese garden. Keep an eye out for the Art-Nouveau facades in the Oberkassel district. All this and more awaits your discovery on a leisurely bike ride.

Roermond is a delightful city in the Dutch province of Limberg. The historical district of the city is a protected area full of significant sites, eateries, and shopping opportunities. Because most of the historic sites are free to enter, this part of town is perfect for visitors who want to get to know the city in a day.

Choose between:
Roermond Walking Tour
Set out to explore the charming town of Roermond with a local guide. With many of the town's most intriguing sites clustered around the historic center, you'll easily get an in-depth tour of the city while noting which places you'd like to return to in your free time. Admire the towers of the Munsterkerk, meander through the Market Square, and find your way to an old, secret synagogue hidden behind an inconspicuous house.

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Let’s Go: Bike along the Meuse River

Your first stop in The Netherlands—Maastricht—is a city with more than 1,670 national heritage sites, some of which can be seen on your Old Town walking tour. Not only that, it’s also known as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities of Holland and beloved for its convivial lifestyle and historic center, which has long played a strategic role in European politics.

Featured Excursion:
Maastricht Walking Tour
Meander through the historic city center of Maastricht with your local guide and take in all of the city’s prettiest sites. During your walk, you’ll discover the picturesque streets of the Stokstraat Quarter and various charming promenades across the old and new city centers. You’ll take a peek into City Hall to see the wall tapestries, stucco, ceiling paintings, and mantelpieces inside. As you go, you’ll hear the fascinating stories and amusing anecdotes of Maastricht history, its progression from Roman settlement to early industrial powerhouse, and the Mestreechter Geis (or “the Spirit of Maastricht”, which is what they call their local way of life).

Today is all about Belgian food. Explore the highlights of the city in search of delicious treats, or visit a museum dedicated just to Belgian chocolate.

This evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner is prepared for you.

Choose between:
Antwerp Walking Tour with Belgian Treats
It may be the diamond capital of the world, but Antwerp is also known for a number of other gems—maybe just not of the rock variety. Step onto the streets of Antwerp and take in the Golden Age art, sip Belgian beer, and taste the waffles, pralines, fries, and chocolates that make Antwerp, Antwerp. This walking discovery tour takes you through the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the city. Continue on and enjoy tastings of other sorts—perhaps a local spirit or even the catch of the day as you journey past the Steen Castle, City Hall, and the Brabo Fountain.

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Chocolate Nation Visit
In the center of Antwerp, you’ll find a whole museum dedicated just to Belgian chocolate. Walk inside to discover the love story that is Belgium’s relationship with the sweet treat, follow the path of the cocoa bean from the farms of Ecuador to the world’s largest cocoa storage port in Antwerp, and of course, you’ll sample a variety chocolates during your time here.

Disembark the ship in Brussels. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you are transferred to Brussels International Airport for your flight home.