European Sojourn

Visit the only castle in the Rhine Valley to have never been destroyed. You will drive with your guide to Braubach, where the incredible Marksburg Castle watches over the town as it has since the 13th century. Because this magnificent structure was built with strong fortifications, it was never besieged by enemies. Upon arrival on its lofty grounds, enjoy spectacular views of Braubach, the Rhine and the surrounding countryside from its 300-foot perch. Tour the citadel, see the impressive kitchens in the Gothic Hall building and study the Gimbel Collection, including its life-size figurines detailing changes to armor and weaponry through the ages. The distinct butter-churn tower, so named because the upper reaches have a smaller diameter than the lower, is a beloved landmark of the town with its distinct profile. Today, Marksburg Castle is home to the German Castles Association, which works to preserve medieval fortifications all over Germany.

Ascend to Ehrenbreitstein, set high on a hill with magnificent views of Koblenz and the Eifel Hills. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress has long enjoyed a strategic locale, built on the site of a previous fortress whose history stretched back to 1100. The citadel you see today was constructed in the early 19th century to protect against the French. You will ride a gondola to the hilltop, then enjoy a fun and informative tour with our costumed and colorful actor/guide who takes on the persona of John Humfrey, a lieutenant colonel in the British Corps of Royal Engineers. Accompany him as he guides you through this excellent example of Prussian military fortifications. After, you will have some free time to take in the fantastic views and explore on your own, perhaps lingering at a small café before returning to your ship.

Explore the small villages and steep hillsides that produce some of the finest Rieslings in the world. Head up the winding Moselle River by motor coach, delving into a wine-making history that dates back nearly 2,000 years to Roman times. All around you, terraced vineyards climb dramatic slopes, the walls of a deep valley cut by the river. During your journey, you will pass through typical Moselle landscapes, with some vineyards squeezed in small spaces between cliffs. The south-facing slopes along the valley store the sun’s warmth in slate soil. This, along with a warm overall climate and abundant sunshine, makes the Moselle Valley an ideal grape-growing region. Along the Moselle’s shores, lovely riverside villages are home to half-timbered houses and to wineries that produce the sweet white wines for which this region is known. During your excursion, you will stop at a local winery for a tour and tasting.