Tour of the Rhine - Moselle & Western Länder 2026-27

Discovering the Western Länder.

Germany stands out for the variety of destinations it has to offer. This tour in particular is designed for those who want to discover the Frankfurt area and the region to the west, often left off the classic circuits. It is therefore aimed at visitors who wish to deepen their knowledge of distinctive regions of Germany that are still little publicised and, for that very reason, “spared” from mass tourism. We will travel through the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine Valley, one of the most evocative areas of Germany for its enchanting scenery. But also cities of great historical and artistic interest such as Mainz, clustered around its Cathedral (one of the most imposing examples of the Romanesque) and always remembered as the place where printing began, the invention that changed the cultural destiny of humanity for ever. And Cologne (Köln), whose cathedral, a marvellous Gothic construction, would alone be reason enough for a visit, and Aachen, chosen by Charlemagne as the seat of his court, with a visit to the fantastic Cathedral Treasury. The Würzburg Residence, to the east of Frankfurt, is a visit that is worth the journey in itself.

Trier, the oldest city in Germany.

Trier’s UNESCO World Heritage includes eight monuments, six of them of Roman origin, among them the Porta Nigra and the cathedral which, together with the Church of Our Lady, forms the famous architectural ensemble. A walk through Trier, founded in 16 BC, is an overwhelming journey through the millennia. No other place in Germany offers you a better chance to experience the age of the Romans. What is more, you can also discover masterpieces of the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. In the fourth century “Augusta Treverorum” - as Trier was named by its founders - was ruled by Constantine the Great, the pioneer of Christianity in the Holy Roman Empire. It is thanks to him that you can visit the “Konstantin Basilika” (Basilica of Constantine), the largest surviving single-room structure from Roman times. Yet the residence of the great emperor does not spoil you only with treasures of impressive architecture. On the “Hauptmarkt” (main market), the historic market square in the city centre, European cultures and cuisines meet. Restaurants, cafés and shops form a fine contrast with the World Heritage sites. Trier also offers you an extensive programme of cultural activities. One of the highlights is the “Mosel Musikfestival” (Moselle Music Festival). At other times of year you can enjoy numerous wine and town festivals, as well as the wonderful Christmas market. Students and visitors from different countries lend the city and its festivals an international touch. Trier’s position at the corner of four countries offers many opportunities for new experiences: Luxembourg is right on Trier’s doorstep, in just 45 minutes by car you are at the French border, and a few minutes more and you are already in Belgium.

The only city on both the Rhine and the Moselle.

Where the Rhine and the Moselle meet stands a city that pays homage to the two great rivers: Koblenz, the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The city has more than two thousand years of history and has known the rule of many armies, preserving the finest works of each conqueror. Today you can still visit the “Kurfürstliches Schloss” (Electoral Palace), the romantic Schloss Stolzenfels (Stolzenfels Castle) and the neoclassical theatre. The Prussians left behind the remarkable “Festung Ehrenbreitstein” (Ehrenbreitstein Fortress), which made the city the largest bastion on the old continent. The enormous structure high above Koblenz is well maintained. The fortress fascinates military historians from all over the world and is a site not to be missed. From the top there is an impressive panoramic view over Koblenz and its Baroque old town, over the Rhine, the Moselle and the monument to Emperor Wilhelm I at the “Deutsches Eck” (German Corner). The fortress also houses the “Landesmuseum Koblenz” (Koblenz State Museum). The former small settlement at the crossroads of old military roads and great European waterways has emerged as a modern, lively city. In 2011 Koblenz hosted the “Bundesgartenschau” (Federal Garden Show), true to the motto “Koblenz Transforms”, creating a new contrast between the historic Prussian and the contemporary. Koblenz is a delightful city that certainly deserves to be experienced. It pleasantly blends its historic heritage with the modern present. The characteristic mix of Rhineland cheerfulness, French lifestyle and Prussian virtues gives the city its distinctive charm, which inspires visitors time and time again.