Timeless Traditions of the Moselle & Upper Rhine

Wine or the Romans—which shaped Trier more? The answer is both. The Romans introduced viticulture to the Moselle Valley around 30 BC and left enduring landmarks like the Porta Nigra, a massive sandstone gate and the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, along with the amphitheater, baths, and Germany’s oldest bridge. Later centuries added the grand cathedral and baroque Electoral Palace, giving Trier a rich blend of Roman heritage, medieval power, and wine culture that still defines the city today

With just 5,000 residents, Cochem could easily be mistaken for a sleepy village, but this Moselle gem is full of surprises! From the ancient gate and old watchtower to the market square lined with half-timber houses, there's something to see in every direction! There's plenty of scenic beauty during riverbank strolls and vineyard hikes. Highlights include the hilltop castle dating back to 1000 AD and the chance to sample the red Moselle vineyard peach, the juicy "Persian apple" the Romans brought to the area in ancient times!

Deep in the heart of the Rhine Gorge is the romantic wine village of Rüdesheim, one of the river's most popular ports. Home to some of Germany's finest vineyards, Rüdesheim is particularly famous for its Riesling, as well as its signature coffee made with German brandy, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. Highlight attractions include the cable car up to the Niederwald Monument, which commemorates the unification of Germany in 1871, and the atmospheric Drosselgasse, lined with gorgeous Old World architecture, boutiques, and countless cozy wine taverns.

-

If your travel Bucket List doesn't include Strasbourg, it should! From the stunning gardens of Parc de l'Orangerie to the European Quarter, there's something to see in every direction. This is where the EU Parliament, Council of Europe, and other international institutions are based, and where the Grande Île, the Old Town island framed by two river arms, leaves an unforgettable impression. The pink sandstone cathedral with its famous astronomical clock and canal-lined Petite France district are the very definition of Old World European magic.

Situated right on the border with France, Breisach is surrounded by the beautiful hills of the Black Forest, a region of Germany known for its hand-crafted cuckoo clocks, woodcarvings, and blown glass. Breisach also sits in the heart of the Baden wine region and is home to one of Europe's largest wine cellars. Town highlights include the 13th-century St. Stephan's Cathedral, one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in the region.

There's a point where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet—that point is the Swiss city of Basel. By the Middle Ages, Basel was a center of culture and commerce, and by the 15th century, it was an epicenter for the printing industry. In fact, it was here that the world's first printed book was published. Today, Basel is known for its pharmaceutical industry, exciting art scene, impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral, and its annual Carnival celebrations that attract visitors from around the world each February.