If you’re looking for a cruise but don’t like the sound of a mega-ship, river cruises offer more intimate, handcrafted experiences, taking guests to parts of the world inaccessible to larger vessels. There’s a bunch of luxury river cruise companies providing five-star service, dining, and accommodation. One of the better in Europe is Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours. With nearly 40 years of experience, Scenic’s routes range from an architectural journey through the Douro Valley in Portugal to the French vineyards and romantic towns in Budapest. They offer a range of routes, but one of the most popular is the 15-day Romantic Rhine and Moselle itinerary. It explores two of Europe’s most enchanting river valleys, lesser-known historical sites, and includes a classical concert in a UNESCO-listed church in Trier, Germany.
Luxury on the Rhine: This Scenic Cruise Features a Classical Concert in a UNESCO-Listed Church
Photo: Scenic
Embarking from Amsterdam, the cruise begins with a leisurely exploration of the Netherlands’ capital, its intricate canal network, iconic architecture, and art scene. The ship then navigates the Rhine, passing through a tapestry of landscapes. The Dutch polderlands, with their flat expanses and windmills, gradually give way to the heartland of Germany.
Photo: Scenic
The cruise progresses to the Rhine Gorge, a dramatic stretch of the river characterized by steep cliffs, imposing castles, and vineyards that cling to the slopes. Rather than simply visiting iconic landmarks, Scenic’s cultural excursions aim to connect travelers with the heart and soul of a place. What’s more, the cruise is all-inclusive, meaning flights, transportation, guided excursions, and dining are included in the price. Of course, you can opt in or out of tours, but the option is up to you.
Photo: Scenic
From the Rhine, the ship continues onto a tributary of the waterway, The Moselle River. The Moselle Valley is magnificent. It’s one of Germany’s finest wine regions, and picturesque towns like Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues, with their half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, offer a glimpse into traditional German life.
The cultural highlight of the cruise is a classical concert held within the UNESCO-listed Liebfrauenkirche (German for Church of Our Lady) in Trier. The church is renowned as one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture north of the Alps. Constructed between 1227 and 1307, its interior is characterized by a spacious, six-part hall with slender columns and pointed arches, and the exterior, dominated by four slender spires and intricate stonework, is a hallmark of early Gothic style. This magnificent building provides a breathtaking setting for a musical performance — an experience not open to the general public.
Scenic’s river cruises are all-inclusive. Airfare, ground transportation, gourmet dining, premium beverages, and unforgettable experiences are all included in the cruise fare. The 15-day Romantic Rhine and Moselle itinerary is priced from $4,490 per person. 