Situated on the Rhine River in the centre of the Rhine-Rhur region, charming Cologne is the beating heart of the beautiful Rhineland. Originally founded over 2,000 years ago by the Ubii tribe, Cologne was once the largest city in the Holy Roman Empire and served as a major trade route throughout the Middle Ages. In recent years the city has been extensively rebuilt and restructured, and is now one of the most important historical and cultural centres in Europe.

With such a rich history and heritage, Cologne is a picture book of fascinating highlights and experiences. The city’s most iconic site is without doubt the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathedral, which has long been considered Germany’s single most popular attraction. The soaring gothic spires of this incredible 13th century structure can be seen from all over the city, however visiting the cathedral is a must to marvel at its spectacular architecture up-close and uncover the treasures within.

The city’s many other must-visit sights and attractions include the impressive Hohenzollern Bridge, which spans the Rhine near the cathedral; a collection of 12 glorious Romanesque churches including St Kunibert, St Severin and St Andreas; the beautiful Forstbotanischer botanical garden; and several galleries and museums such as the Fragrance Museum and Museum Ludwig, which boasts one of the Europe’s finest Picasso collections. For a taste of the local culture – and of the local brew – be sure to stop by Altstadt district, where bustling pubs and beer halls serve the city’s famous sweet pale ale, Kölsch.

Although small, the fairytale-esque German town of Cochem is sure to make a big impression. Situated within the breathtaking Moselle Valley on one of the winding Moselle River’s seemingly endless hairpin bends, Cochem is amongst Europe’s most charming and picturesque locations. Sailing here is always simply unforgettable, with views of unspoilt lush-green countryside to enjoy from your riverboat, while in the town itself there are plenty of eye-catching sights to discover too.

Tucked away within the town’s narrow streets and twisting, maze-like alleys you can uncover a jumble of restored and remarkably well-preserved half-timbered houses; remains of the old town walls and fortifications such as the Endert Gate Tower and the Guard House, which date back to the 14th century; and the baroque-style, early-18th century Town Hall. A walk along the Moselle promenade is highly recommended too; while it is also well worth stopping by one of the friendly pubs or restaurants to try Riesling wines which are produced from grapes sourced at nearby vineyards.

Literally unmissable is the magnificent Reichsburg Castle. Towering above the town atop a 330-foot-high hill, Reichsburg is one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable landmarks seen anywhere on the banks of the Moselle. The climb to this centuries-old structure is steep, but it’s well worth making the effort, if you have time, to admire the castle’s interesting mix of architectural styles, learn more about it’s fascinating history and capture a glimpse of the beautiful surrounding valleys, vineyards and towns.  

It’s no surprise that Germany’s oldest city is full of fascinating ancient sites, many of which date back to Roman occupation from 17 BC, and helped give Trier the nickname of ‘Rome of the North’.[ReadMoreMob] Close to the border with Luxembourg, Trier sits on banks on the Moselle and at the foothills of the Eifel, Hunsrück and Mosel mountains.

Among Trier’s ancient marvels are many well-persevered Roman monuments, including the outstanding Porta Nigra city gates, amphitheatre, Moselle Bridge and Barbara Baths, all of which have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites. In addition, the city is home to Germany’s oldest cathedral, the High Cathedral of Saint Peter in Trier, and the remarkable gothic Church of our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche).

Aside from the city’s architectural delights, Trier falls within the Moselle wine region, with vineyards lining the steep banks of the river and used to grow Riesling grapes. The grapes are used to produce the famous wine of the same name, known the world over for its sweet and fruity flavour.

A small tourist town, hidden amongst vineyards on the banks of the Moselle River in Luxembourg; Remich is not only an important wine centre, but captivates visitors with its promenade of birch and cherry trees and picturesque lanes alluding to a great historic past.

Be sure to visit the Bacchus fountain, offering coolness on warm summer days, or wander to St. Nicolas Gate, built to honour the patron saint of fishermen and sailors; before stopping to sample the famous wine in one of the many taverns located in the myriad of tiny streets and squares of the town. Do take a tour of a wine cellar to discover how the delicious nectar is produced.

Remich has an old-fashioned appeal, lending itself perfectly to leisurely lunches on beautiful terraces, romantic strolls along the river or exploring small, local museums. It’s not difficult to see why it’s known as the ‘Pearl of the Moselle’.

The attractive town of Grevenmacher is located on the left bank of the beautiful Moselle River in Luxembourg, close to the border with Germany, and is now an important vine-growing and commercial centre, having previously been a fortified town.

The Roman heritage is still felt in the town, coupled with many medieval sites. The Medieval Tower is part of the walled city but is now a hugely popular holiday rental. Contrasting with this, the Butterfly Garden is well worth a visit, and transports visitors into a tropical oasis, where hundreds of butterflies flutter around. The stunning flowers and idyllic atmosphere of the garden must also be explored.

For a museum with a difference, visit the Kulturhuef Museum, featuring two permanent exhibitions. The first of these is a ‘Print and Playing Card Museum’ retracing the history of playing cards, where they were produced in the town for five generations; and the other focuses on the many forms of printing through history.

No visit to Grevenmacher is complete without visiting the Domaines Vinsmoselle Caves de Grevenmacher, the oldest wine cellar of the Luxembourg Moselle.

The attractive town of Grevenmacher is located on the left bank of the beautiful Moselle River in Luxembourg, close to the border with Germany, and is now an important vine-growing and commercial centre, having previously been a fortified town.

The Roman heritage is still felt in the town, coupled with many medieval sites. The Medieval Tower is part of the walled city but is now a hugely popular holiday rental. Contrasting with this, the Butterfly Garden is well worth a visit, and transports visitors into a tropical oasis, where hundreds of butterflies flutter around. The stunning flowers and idyllic atmosphere of the garden must also be explored.

For a museum with a difference, visit the Kulturhuef Museum, featuring two permanent exhibitions. The first of these is a ‘Print and Playing Card Museum’ retracing the history of playing cards, where they were produced in the town for five generations; and the other focuses on the many forms of printing through history.

No visit to Grevenmacher is complete without visiting the Domaines Vinsmoselle Caves de Grevenmacher, the oldest wine cellar of the Luxembourg Moselle.

Known as the 'heart of the Middle Moselle', beautiful Bernkastel-Kues is an enchanting twin-town spread along both the east and west banks of the River Mosel at the centre of the picturesque Moselle Valley. Set amongst a backdrop of stunning lush-green scenery and world-famous vineyards, including the revered Berkasteler Doctor, Bernkastel-Kues is best known for producing some of Europe's finest and most expensive wines.

As you might expect, many consider Bernkastel-Kues' plethora of wineries and taverns – there are around 100 here serving various types of Mosel and Riesling wines – as the main attraction, however the town has much more to recommend it than just the delicious local tipples.

The charming Old Town of Bernkastel-Kues is a gem, with its medieval market square, collection of well-preserved historic monuments and landmarks, and rows of gabled half-timbered houses which date back to the Middle Ages. The 15th century Spitzhauschen (Pointed House), the Renaissance-style Town Hall built in 1608 and Graach Gate – the only original town gate still standing today – are among the most popular attractions.

Take time to venture away from the historic heart of the town and you can uncover the pretty squares of Platz am Barenbrunnen and Karlsbader Platz too, as well as the ruins of Landshut Castle and the birthplace of Nicholas of Cusa – one of the earliest German humanists. Alternatively you could choose to simply indulge in a rewarding and relaxing walk along the river banks, taking in the scenic surroundings at your leisure.

Known as the 'heart of the Middle Moselle', beautiful Bernkastel-Kues is an enchanting twin-town spread along both the east and west banks of the River Mosel at the centre of the picturesque Moselle Valley. Set amongst a backdrop of stunning lush-green scenery and world-famous vineyards, including the revered Berkasteler Doctor, Bernkastel-Kues is best known for producing some of Europe's finest and most expensive wines.

As you might expect, many consider Bernkastel-Kues' plethora of wineries and taverns – there are around 100 here serving various types of Mosel and Riesling wines – as the main attraction, however the town has much more to recommend it than just the delicious local tipples.

The charming Old Town of Bernkastel-Kues is a gem, with its medieval market square, collection of well-preserved historic monuments and landmarks, and rows of gabled half-timbered houses which date back to the Middle Ages. The 15th century Spitzhauschen (Pointed House), the Renaissance-style Town Hall built in 1608 and Graach Gate – the only original town gate still standing today – are among the most popular attractions.

Take time to venture away from the historic heart of the town and you can uncover the pretty squares of Platz am Barenbrunnen and Karlsbader Platz too, as well as the ruins of Landshut Castle and the birthplace of Nicholas of Cusa – one of the earliest German humanists. Alternatively you could choose to simply indulge in a rewarding and relaxing walk along the river banks, taking in the scenic surroundings at your leisure.

Affectionately known as the ‘Jewel of the Central Moselle’, Traben-Trarbach was once a busy wine trading port, a town of great wealth at the turn of the last century. Today visitors can still uncover the large underground wine cellars and outstanding art nouveau villas on guided tours, sample the local wine or stay in one of the magnificent houses. [ReadMoreMob]

Take time to explore the vine-bordered amphitheatre, woods and vineyards of this picturesque town nestled on the Moselle, before discovering a wealth of attractive buildings and architectural treasures.

Discover the ruins of Grevenburg Castle, which house a cosy tavern and castle garden, and offers stunning views of the Moselle River; or explore the Mont Royal Fortress Ruins, where a few remnants of the cellar vaults and casemates are still preserved. The plans of the fortress and archaeological findings are on display in the Middle Moselle Museum, along with examples of the history of Traben-Trarbach and a unique collection of furnishings from a house belonging to wealthy families in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Elsewhere in the city, there are many fine examples of ‘Belle Époque’ architecture, such as the City House and the Old Train Station. Don’t miss the Villa Huesgen, located on the Traven Mosel shore, or the Bridge Gate on the Mosel bridge in Trarbach. The mix of Art Deco, baroque, neo-classical and Moselle typical buildings sit comfortably with each other, making for a not-to-be-missed stop on your Brabant river cruise.

Situated at the famous ‘Deutsches Eck’ where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet and the magnificent Hunsrück, Eifel and Westerwald mountain ranges converge, it’s no wonder Koblenz is considered one of the most picturesque cities in Germany. The appeal of Koblenz isn’t just skin-deep however; over 2,000 years of history and an abundance of cultural and historical monuments ensure this ancient city is always a memorable and rewarding stop on a German river cruise.

While Koblenz’s beginnings date back to Roman times, the Franks, the French, the Prussians and of course, the Germans have all controlled and heavily influenced the city over the years. Many centuries-old fortifications and castles, impressive palaces and sculpted parks, which offer an insight into Koblenz’s fascinating past, highlight this rich and diverse history. The magnificent 19th century Stolzenfels Castle, watching over the Rhine on the left bank of the river; Alte Berg, the former electoral castle built in the 13th century; the Prussian Electoral Palace, where the Prussian Crown Prince and Kaiser Wilhelm I once resided; and the neo-romantic Prussian Government building are all among the highlights. Also not to be missed is the ancient Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which can be reached via the Koblenz cable car and offers stunning views of Koblenz and the surrounding river scenery from 118 metres above the city.

It’s also well worth taking the time to venture into the charming Altstadt district, where pretty squares, ornate churches such as Liebfrauenkirche and St Castor Basilica, and the iconic Vier Türme towers await. In the old town you’ll also find a number of friendly bars and restaurants serving the finest local flavours.

Situated on the Rhine River in the centre of the Rhine-Rhur region, charming Cologne is the beating heart of the beautiful Rhineland. Originally founded over 2,000 years ago by the Ubii tribe, Cologne was once the largest city in the Holy Roman Empire and served as a major trade route throughout the Middle Ages. In recent years the city has been extensively rebuilt and restructured, and is now one of the most important historical and cultural centres in Europe.

With such a rich history and heritage, Cologne is a picture book of fascinating highlights and experiences. The city’s most iconic site is without doubt the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathedral, which has long been considered Germany’s single most popular attraction. The soaring gothic spires of this incredible 13th century structure can be seen from all over the city, however visiting the cathedral is a must to marvel at its spectacular architecture up-close and uncover the treasures within.

The city’s many other must-visit sights and attractions include the impressive Hohenzollern Bridge, which spans the Rhine near the cathedral; a collection of 12 glorious Romanesque churches including St Kunibert, St Severin and St Andreas; the beautiful Forstbotanischer botanical garden; and several galleries and museums such as the Fragrance Museum and Museum Ludwig, which boasts one of the Europe’s finest Picasso collections. For a taste of the local culture – and of the local brew – be sure to stop by Altstadt district, where bustling pubs and beer halls serve the city’s famous sweet pale ale, Kölsch.

Situated on the Rhine River in the centre of the Rhine-Rhur region, charming Cologne is the beating heart of the beautiful Rhineland. Originally founded over 2,000 years ago by the Ubii tribe, Cologne was once the largest city in the Holy Roman Empire and served as a major trade route throughout the Middle Ages. In recent years the city has been extensively rebuilt and restructured, and is now one of the most important historical and cultural centres in Europe.

With such a rich history and heritage, Cologne is a picture book of fascinating highlights and experiences. The city’s most iconic site is without doubt the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathedral, which has long been considered Germany’s single most popular attraction. The soaring gothic spires of this incredible 13th century structure can be seen from all over the city, however visiting the cathedral is a must to marvel at its spectacular architecture up-close and uncover the treasures within.

The city’s many other must-visit sights and attractions include the impressive Hohenzollern Bridge, which spans the Rhine near the cathedral; a collection of 12 glorious Romanesque churches including St Kunibert, St Severin and St Andreas; the beautiful Forstbotanischer botanical garden; and several galleries and museums such as the Fragrance Museum and Museum Ludwig, which boasts one of the Europe’s finest Picasso collections. For a taste of the local culture – and of the local brew – be sure to stop by Altstadt district, where bustling pubs and beer halls serve the city’s famous sweet pale ale, Kölsch.