Emerald: The Rhine Castels and Moselle Vineyards

The journey begins in the Netherlands, setting sail from Amsterdam with Dutch stops in Utrecht and Kinderdijk. In Utrecht, the day starts with a canal cruise through the old canal “Oudegracht,” the oldest in the city and older than the canals of Amsterdam. Here, you will also have the chance to admire Oudaen Castle, which boasts more than eight centuries of history. This fantastic experience is part of the EmeraldPLUS program. Additionally, you can join a guided bike tour near Utrecht as part of the EmeraldActive program. The next stop, as mentioned, will be the windmills of Kinderdijk, 19 authentic 18th-century windmills that are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The journey then continues to Germany, with the first stop in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet. Here, you can admire Marksburg Castle, which still retains typical features of the past such as the castle kitchen, the knight’s hall, the armory, and a wine cellar. The castle is protected by an outer fortress with a single tower that overlooks the turrets and walls of the castle. Alternatively, you can go hiking to Marksburg Castle as part of the EmeraldActive program.

Another German stop will be Bernkastel, situated on the banks of the Moselle and home to buildings dating back to 1416. You can explore these with a walking tour through the medieval market, timber-framed houses, castle ruins, and city gates. As part of the EmeraldActive program, you can join an excursion to the ruins of Landshut Castle. After departing Bernkastel, the journey continues to Cochem, an enchanting town rich in history with its old fortifications.

In Rüdesheim, you can visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg winery as part of the EmeraldPLUS program. Located in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, having cultivated wine for over 1,000 years. The estate spans over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus Mountains, and its 300-acre forest grows native oak trees used to produce the wooden barrels for aging wine. These barrels are then stored in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, known as the “Bibliotheca Subterranea,” where over 25,000 precious wines are kept. Alternatively, you can participate in an excursion through the vineyards to the historic Niederwalddenkmal Monument with the EmeraldActive program.