Ted Blank

Ted Blank Luxury Travel & Adventure

Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle (Wine Cruise)

Oct 30, 2024 to Nov 6, 2024
Amsterdam to Luxemburg

Welcome!

Step aboard a luxury river cruise through the heart of Europe on one of my personal favorite journeys.  Beginning in picturesque Amsterdam, we travel south through the most scenic stretches of the Rhine River before heading west along the narrow, undulating Moselle River.  Fall is the perfect time to discover this region's rich winemaking culture as the fall harvest unfolds before our eyes.  Sample one of many local fine beverages - Kolsch beer in Cologne, rich coffee lit aflame with local brandy in Rudesheim, and the incredible wines of the Moselle Valley.  After the cruise, we travel to Reims in Champagne in France to traverse the legendary Route des Champagnes where we'll taste local bubbly, and conclude our journey on a sparkling note!
 

Why is travel with Ted Blank Luxury Travel better?

We provide an exclusive collection of carefully curated journeys, where your travel dreams become reality. Get ready to learn, to relax, to connect with other like-minded travelers, and ultimately, to enjoy the finest the world has to offer! Plus, enjoy the exclusive access and experiences I’ve created just for our groups, developed after a lifetime of traveling the world and building relationships with the best guides and best experiences.  Planning vacations can be overwhelming, so my goal is to select the most interesting destinations, the perfect cruises and tours, and to create a truly amazing experience right from the beginning…so that you can focus on anticipating and enjoying the perfect trip.  My curated, escorted group trips include all accommodations, tours, and excursions, plus exclusive activities just for our group. You can travel well and confidently, knowing that the essentials are all taken care of. Does that sound good to you?

Together, let’s discover the world!

Ted Blank

 

Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

13 Days | 2 Nights Amsterdam | 7 Night River Cruise
2 Nights Champagne | 1 Night Paris Airport
October 28 - November 9, 2024

 
 

Itinerary:

 
CRUISE FROM : AMSTERDAM TO LUXEMBOURG
Bookend your travels with stays in two incredible cities rich with history and culture: Amsterdam and Paris. Drink in the beauty, history and flavor of the Rhine and Moselle river valleys’ iconic vineyards. Begin your journey with a gentle ride through Amsterdam’s legendary canals, then head to Cologne where you can whet your palate for the wines ahead by tasting Kolsch beer. As for the vineyards, you’ll soar above them by gondola or hike among the grapes in Rüdesheim and sip wines in Bernkastel as well, learning the legend of the Bernkasteler Doctor. Discover the celebrated Champagne region of France in Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne. Whatever you choose to do ashore, the stories you’re told and flavors that grace your palate will surely transform you.

COUNTRIES: GERMANY, LUXEMBOURG, NETHERLANDS
RIVERS: RHINE, MOSELLE
 
OCTOBER 28 - ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS.
  • Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
 
OCTOBER 29 - AMSTERDAM
  • Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. 
 
OCTOBER 30 - AMSTERDAM – EMBARKATION
  • Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, observing life as it used to be in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and shops were relocated to this area, creating a typical 17th- to 18th-century village. 
 
OCTOBER 31 - AMSTERDAM
  • There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.
 
NOVEMBER 1 - COLOGNE, GERMANY
  • Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. 
 
NOVEMBER  2 -RÜDESHEIM
  • Cruise along the Rhine River and take in some of the dozens of castles that line its path before reaching Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to admire the Rheingau. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream.
 
NOVEMBER 3- MAINZ - LAHNSTEIN
  • Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including one of Germany’s most important churches, the Romanesque cathedral and the Chagall stained-glass windows depicting scriptural scenes in stunning blue, which you will get to see. As an alternative, enjoy a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid-15th century Gutenberg Bibles. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. Later in the day, cruise to Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles. Cap the day off with an exclusive visit to Burg Lahneck Castle.
 
NOVEMBER 4 - MOSELLE VALLEY - COCHEM
  • Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the Moselle on this scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can hike up to the Reichsburg Castle or go on a guided bike tour through Cochem. 
 
NOVEMBER 5 - BERNKASTEL
  • Walk through Bernkastel’s colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century and cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the Moselle.
 
NOVEMBER 6 - LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARKATION – REIMS, FRANCE
  • Disembark in Luxembourg. En route to Paris, you will stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton. Later, you will enjoy a walking tour through Luxembourg before transfering to Reims, where you will check into your hotel. Afterwards, join a guided tour through the city of Reims. Known as the unofficial capital of Champagne, Reims is home to the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Notre Dame de Reims, and many impressive wine cellars.
 
NOVEMBER 7 - REIMS
  • Explore the history behind the drink of celebration as you enjoy a scenic drive on the Routes des Champagnes. You will see some of the famous Champagne houses such as Epernay, Hautvillers and Champagne makers at the family-run Lemaire Estate and Moet et Chandon.
 
NOVEMBER 8 - REIMS – PARIS
  • Check out of your hotel in Reims. Before transferring to Paris, enjoy a highlights tour of historic WWI sites in Reims, including the Belleau Wood American WWI monument.
 
NOVEMBER 9 -DEPART PARIS
  • Bid au revoir to Paris as you prepare for your journey home.
 
 
           
 

What's included in this trip:

On this river cruise, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

DELUX ACCOMIDATIONS

  • 7 nights luxury accommodation onboard AmaWaterways' luxurious AmaPrima; 2 nights NH Collection Barbizon Palace (Amsterdam); 2 nights Hotel & Spa La Cazerne (Reims/Champagne); 1 night Pullman CDG Airport Hotel (Paris Airport)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access
  • Port taxes/fees are included

 

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Daily entertainment onboard the ship including cultural performances.
  • Expert local guides who bring each destination to life on small group tours.
  • Onboard swimming pool on AmaPrima

 

AWARD-WINNING DINING

  • Onboard the ship:
    • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
    • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
    • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
    • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
    • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
    • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drink
    • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
  • On land:
    • Deluxe breakfast daily
    • Exclusive group welcome dinner at a Michelen-starred Restaurant in Amsterdam
    • Other meals as specified in itinerary

 

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

  • Immersive tours with expert local guides in every destination
  • Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options.
 
 
       

What's not included:

  • Airfare (we are happy to arrange for you)
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature - spa, gift shop, etc
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance

 


Available Packages

Suite - Prices include port taxes and fees.
Unavailable as of June 1, 2023

$10,272.00
Deposit: $1,000.00 per person

   
 
  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair

Twin Balcony - Prices include port taxes and fees.
Unavailable as of June 1, 2023

$9,272.00
Deposit: $1,000.00 per person

 
 
  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair

Single (Window Stateroom) - Prices include port taxes and fees.
Unavailable as of June 1, 2023

$6,800.00
Deposit: $750.00 per person

  • In-room temperature control
  • Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet
  • Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads
  • Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library
  • Complimentary internet and Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
  • Desk and chair