Rhine and Moselle River Cruise - MS Riviera Rhapsody
Holiday Highlights
- Enjoy guided tours of Cochem, where a multi-turreted castle crowns the vineyard covered hillsides and Bernkastel, wandering the market square of this beautiful town.
- Discover Trier, one of Germany's oldest cities, and visit Porta Nigra as part of our guided tour.
- Explore Koblenz through its patchwork of cobbled streets and wander along the river promenade of Boppard.
- Cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to reach the atmospheric streets of Rüdesheim.
- Enjoy a fascinating tour of Cologne, taking in the magnificent twin-spired cathedral and the beautifully restored old town.
What's Included
- Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of sole occupancy cabins available, at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
- Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day
- Free drinks package
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
- All visits and excursions as mentioned
- Return flights or Eurostar
- Coach travel as mentioned
- Transfers from the airport or station to and from the port of embarkation
- English-speaking expert guides
- The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Cologne - Welcome to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities! Arrive in Cologne and board your ship in the late afternoon. If you're here before then, enjoy free time in Cologne. Board your five-star ship and meet the friendly English-speaking crew who will be looking after you for the next week. They will welcome you and help you to your cabin. After settling into your spacious and well-equipped accommodation, it’s time to familiarise yourself with this floating boutique hotel that will be your home for the next seven nights.
Day 2
Cochem - The first morning on board a river cruise is always a thrill, awakening to the peaceful lapping of the water outside as the scenic valley sides slip past your cabin window – there’s no other holiday experience quite like it. This morning, you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. You’re cruising some of Europe’s most dramatic and romantic waterways – the mighty River Rhine and its tributary the Moselle - so there are endless beautiful views to enjoy, as picture-postcard villages with slanting timber-framed houses pass by. After a leisurely breakfast, get a cup of tea or coffee and take it to the Sun Deck, or head to the lounge and simply watch the scenery slip by. After a delicious lunch onboard, we glide into our moorings at Cochem, where we'll have an afternoon guided tour. This is the traditional centre of the Moselle wine trade, so dominating the scene is a multi-turreted castle crowning a vineyard covered hillside, but Cochem’s real charm is its jumble of narrow streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings and peppered with quirky shops and wine cellars. Inhabited since Celtic times and once a part of the Roman Empire, this city has seen the struggles of occupation, including from the French and Napoleon’s army in the 18th century, before eventually coming under Prussian rule. The scars of World War II linger, as much of the city was devastated due to its connection to the subcamps of the Natzweiler concentration camp. As you stroll through this remarkable town, you can marvel at the beauty of St Martin’s Church, a true landmark, and wander through the historic Market Square, where the echoes of the late Middle Ages reverberate, all while admiring the charm of the city’s picturesque half-timbered houses. There’s ample time to explore here, immersing yourself in the relaxed ambience of this quintessential riverside town, before stepping back on board to enjoy a five-star dinner, served in the ship’s restaurant. Then delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance on traditional instruments. Personalise Your Holiday - Cochem guided tour including Reichsburg castle Duration: 2.5hrs Price: £43pp (2026) and £46pp (2027) Join us for a guided tour of Cochem's old town, before joining a transfer to visit Reichsburg Castle. Perched atop a stunning crag, this fairytale castle is the largest along the Moselle River. It can be seen from the river, its four turrets stretching into the sky above, serving as an ancient symbol of power and prestige. Although it was destroyed by the French in the Nine Years' War, it was lovingly restored by Louis Ravené, a Berlin Councillor of Commerce, who envisioned the castle as a fitting residence while constructing the Koblenz-Metz railway line. Thanks to his efforts, it still remains a well-preserved medieval castle today. During our guided tour, you will have the opportunity to explore within its walls. Marvel at the intricately painted wall panels and carvings of the Neo-Renaissance dining room. Visit the Knight's Hall, the largest room in the castle, as well as the Trophy Room, which features a wide array of taxidermy specimens - 'trophies' from the hunt. Optional excursion can be selected instead of the walking tour of Cochem. Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run. Please note that this excursion is only available on selected dates.
Flooded with natural light, the ship's bright, open interiors will create an effortless sense of space, while floor-to-ceiling French balconies in over 80% of cabins and suites will bring the ever-changing river scenery closer than ever.
For those seeking even more room to unwind, the Diamond Deck's Grand Suites will offer an impressive 32 square metres of beautifully designed living space, complete with separate lounge and sleeping areas and a private balcony. At 24 square metres, our Superior Suites will be equally generous, providing some of the most spacious accommodation in our fleet.
Dining promises to be every bit as memorable as the destinations themselves. Alongside the main restaurant, where elegant lunches and expertly prepared dinners will be served, guests will find two additional speciality venues. The Riverview Kitchen will offer a relaxed alternative inspired by classic grill dining, while our signature Mosaic restaurant will present an imaginative culinary journey showcasing flavours and influences drawn from Europe's great rivers.
Throughout the ship, thoughtful design details, attentive service and refined surroundings will create the atmosphere of a premium boutique hotel. Whether you're relaxing with a cocktail on the Sun Deck, enjoying the view from the lounge or returning to the comfort of your suite, every space has been designed with comfort and contemporary luxury in mind.
When complete in 2028, Riviera Rhapsody will have enhanced sustainability features to minimise its environmental impact, helping preserve the landscapes, waterways and communities that make river cruising so rewarding.
A small number of bicycles will be available on board for guests wishing to explore independently. Please enquire at reception for further information.