Scenic director of trade sales Joseph Grimley outlines why this lesser-known river packs quite a punch, and not just in the wine-making department.

Flowing through Germany, Luxembourg and France, the Moselle joins the Rhine at Koblenz. While it may not be as world-renowned as the Danube or its sister river, the Rhine, the Moselle has plenty to offer along its banks, including historic castles, steep vineyards and picturesque medieval villages.

Celebrated as one of the top white wine-producing regions in Europe, the Moselle Valley is said to produce some of the best Rieslings in the world, which guests can sample on their river cruise.

However, there’s much more than to try and experience. Guests can visit three medieval gems on their voyage: Cochem, a charming city with the fairytale featuring the Reichsburg Castle; Bernkastel, for an opportunity to see Luxembourg, one of Europe’s smallest counties, and Trier, a hidden treasure full of Roman influence.

Guests can enjoy the Moselle as part of a Rhine river cruise on most itineraries. A great choice for first-timers, the Rhine includes iconic ‘city-break’ European cities such as Amsterdam and Basel.

Then, for those regular river cruisers who may have already ticked off the Rhine, the Moselle delves a little deeper into the lesser-known destinations, with quaint villages for culture-vultures, plus some fantastic wines.

The local buzz

Travelling to the Moselle couldn’t be easier, as guests can embark and disembark in Amsterdam or Basel – there are also flights available (and included) from up to 16 UK airports with Scenic and Emerald Waterways.

When to visit? River itineraries take place from May to October, with the warmest temperatures in July and August. Wine festivals take place in the warmer months and there’s a real buzz with plenty going on, including fireworks, concerts and fairs. September and October is also a great time to visit, as it’s still warm and the forests along the riverbanks turn orange as autumn settles in.

Emerald Waterways offers an eight-day Legendary Rhine & Moselle cruise from Frankfurt to Bernkastel, with the option to add a city stay in Prague. Guests can also push the boat out with Scenic on the 15-day, all-inclusive and five-star Romantic Rhine & Moselle itinerary.