Emerald Cruises
Legendary Rhine & Moselle: Photography Cruise
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.
This sailing takes you deep into one of Europe’s most scenic waterways — the Rhine and its tributary, the Moselle — where fairytale castles perch above rolling vineyards and charming riverside towns reflect centuries of history. Between captures of dramatic river bends and historic architecture, Juano Abreu provides approachable guidance on framing, light, and creative storytelling, helping guests transform everyday scenes into compelling imagery. As the ship glides past legendary landscapes, each day offers new inspiration for both novice and experienced photographers alike.
| Day 1 |
A charming city nestled on the banks of the Rhine, Mainz, Germany lies southwest of Frankfurt and is replete with historic buildings and famous museums. The city's Altstadt district meets the river's edge and boasts a variety of beautiful and fascinating landmarks. Birthplace of famous printer Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz's most notable attraction includes the highly-revered Gutenberg Museum, home to the iconic Gutenberg Bibles and the printing press of Gutenberg's own invention. The city's other museums are well worth a visit, including the Natural History Museum of Mainz, the Museum of Ancient Seafaring, and the Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum. Marvel at the vibrant stained glass windows of nearby St. Stephan's Church, or explore the Mainz's impressive fortresses, including the Holzturm Tower and the Mainz Citadel. A quick trek up the city's verdant hills will lead you to the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre. |
| Day 2 |
This city in the Rhine Gorge is known for its winemaking, dramatic landscapes and 15-minute cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument (celebrating the German victory over France in 1871). Don't miss the Bavarian buildings and Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet, which houses automated musical instruments. Wine lovers will also appreciate the Rheingau Wine Museum, where the exhibits focus on the craft of winemaking through the ages. |
| Day 3 |
Timbered homes and winemaking are some of the defining characteristics of Bernkastel-Kues. |
| Day 4 |
Trier, Germany’s oldest city, is a living museum nestled in the Moselle Valley, where Roman ruins rise beside medieval churches and bustling market squares. Founded by the Romans in 16 BCE, Trier was once known as “Roma Secunda,” the second Rome, and still boasts the largest collection of Roman architecture north of the Alps. The Porta Nigra, a massive sandstone gate from the 2nd century, stands as Trier’s most iconic landmark and a striking reminder of its imperial past. Visitors can climb its ancient stairways for sweeping views of the city’s rooftops and spires. Beyond its Roman legacy, Trier offers a wide range of cultural experiences. The Trier Cathedral (Dom St. Peter), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest church in Germany and houses a relic said to be the Holy Robe of Christ. Just steps away, the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) showcases early Gothic architecture in its purest form. For a more personal glimpse into history, the Karl Marx House, birthplace of the famous philosopher, offers exhibits that explore his life and legacy in the context of 19th-century Europe. A fun fact: Trier’s Roman Bridge (Römerbrücke), which is still in use today, dates back to the 2nd century and is the oldest bridge in Germany. Legend has it that Roman travelers would toss coins into the Moselle River to appease the goddess Mosella — a tradition that echoes in the fountains of modern-day Trier. So whether you're drawn by its ancient stones or its vibrant street life, Trier offers a journey through time that’s both surprising and unforgettable. |
| Day 5 |
Along the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem is a charming village known for Reichsburg castle as well as its old town, with its half-timbered houses. |
| Day 6 |
This 2,000-year-old city, where the Teutonic Order founded one of its first commanderies in the 13th century, lies on the convergence of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers. Hop on a cable car, one of the city's most popular attractions, for stunning city-wide views, or cruise down the Rhine to spot some of Koblenz's magnificent fortresses and castles, including the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and Schloss Stolzenfels. Stroll the cobbled streets from the Deutsches Eck statue to the city center, and you'll likely pass by a variety of historic buildings and monuments. |
| Day 7 |
A charming city nestled on the banks of the Rhine, Mainz, Germany lies southwest of Frankfurt and is replete with historic buildings and famous museums. The city's Altstadt district meets the river's edge and boasts a variety of beautiful and fascinating landmarks. Birthplace of famous printer Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz's most notable attraction includes the highly-revered Gutenberg Museum, home to the iconic Gutenberg Bibles and the printing press of Gutenberg's own invention. The city's other museums are well worth a visit, including the Natural History Museum of Mainz, the Museum of Ancient Seafaring, and the Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum. Marvel at the vibrant stained glass windows of nearby St. Stephan's Church, or explore the Mainz's impressive fortresses, including the Holzturm Tower and the Mainz Citadel. A quick trek up the city's verdant hills will lead you to the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre. |
| Day 8 |
A charming city nestled on the banks of the Rhine, Mainz, Germany lies southwest of Frankfurt and is replete with historic buildings and famous museums. The city's Altstadt district meets the river's edge and boasts a variety of beautiful and fascinating landmarks. Birthplace of famous printer Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz's most notable attraction includes the highly-revered Gutenberg Museum, home to the iconic Gutenberg Bibles and the printing press of Gutenberg's own invention. The city's other museums are well worth a visit, including the Natural History Museum of Mainz, the Museum of Ancient Seafaring, and the Mainzer Fastnachtsmuseum. Marvel at the vibrant stained glass windows of nearby St. Stephan's Church, or explore the Mainz's impressive fortresses, including the Holzturm Tower and the Mainz Citadel. A quick trek up the city's verdant hills will lead you to the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
09/01/26 - 09/08/26 |
Starting At $4,595 |
Get A Quote | |
|
09/01/26 - 09/08/26 |
Starting At $6,585 |
Get A Quote |
All our holidays are subject to availability. The prices shown are correct at the time of going to print – with all prices and upgrades per person for twin share (excluding ES Single Stateroom) in US$. Please call for details on single supplements (there is no supplement for ES Single Stateroom). The deposit required is $500 per person, with full payment required 90 days prior to departure. Itineraries, inclusions and ships operating a particular cruise are subject to change.