Our Long-Awaited Journey Part 8: Cochem, Reichsburg, the Moselle Valley, and Trier, Germany

October 09, 2022

If only these days could last forever...

On our last two days aboard the ship, we would travel up the Moselle River ending our journey in Trier, Germany. Beautiful scenery, wine tasting, a tour of Cochem, and sailing overnight to Trier for another day of sightseeing.

As the ship sailed up the Moselle for Cochem, we would be greeted by breathtaking scenery along the riverbanks. The valley's famed Riesling is showcased in the nurtured vineyards that are blanketed across the slopes. Quaint German villages with half-timbered buildings beckon you to come and explore. It would be easy to get lost for several days slowly cruising up the river.

We arrived in port at Cochem early afternoon. Cochem is surrounded by steep vineyards, guild homes and winding streets, and is known as one of the Moselle River's prettiest villages. On a hilltop high above the city is Cochem Castle, a 1,000-year-old imperial castle. With its large rectangular keep and many towers, it leaves a very strong impression sitting above the city.

The afternoon tour started with a trip to a Moselle winery to partake in tasting some local wines. Of course, this stop would not be complete without trying the Riesling famous in this region of Germany. Although some of the wines were a bit sweet, we did enjoy trying these local wines. Back in Cochem, I chose to remain in the Old Quarter to explore on my own, while he joined the tour going to Cochem Castle. The market square is filled with old timber-framed houses, shops filled with local fare and souvenirs, and wine taverns along the river that offer a "green wine", which is a very young wine. It was fun to wander alone and take in what the Old Quarter has to offer. While I enjoyed some peace and solitude, he spent a few hours exploring the castle and was impressed by its size and beauty.

We sailed overnight and arrived in Bernkastle the next morning. While others went on a short shore excursion, we enjoyed a peaceful morning on the upper deck. From Bernkastle the ship departed for Trier with a brief stop in Wintrich to allow guests to depart for a tour. We traveled by bus to Trier, and after an afternoon of exploring we would rejoin our ship.

Trier is the oldest city in Germany, founded in 16 BC as a Roman colony by Emperor Caesar Agustus, and it once rivaled Rome in size and influence. The most famous relic of Trier, exhibited only once every few decades, is the Holy Tunic, said to be worn by Jesus when he died. The Porta Nigra, a giant gray sandstone 2nd century gate, remains as evidence of Trier's former strength. One of Germany's most famous sons, Karl Marx, was born in Trier in 1818.

We decided to do our own tour of Trier with another couple we met on the cruise. It was nice to go at a leisurely pace and take in the beauty and history of this old city. Trier was built on a rectangular plan, bisected by two main avenues. At the end of each road was a city gate, and today only the northern Porta Nigra still stands. Our walk took us to Konstantine Basilica, Roter Turm (Red Tower), Electoral Palace, Cathedral St. Peter, and so many other architectural marvels. We stopped at a small restaurant along the way and had a wonderful mid-day meal. Seated in a quiet secluded patio enjoying local wine, a memory to cherish and take with us. At the end of the afternoon, we met the rest of our tour at Porta Nigra. It truly is a sight to see as it towers above its surroundings.

Once again, we board our ship. This will be our last night aboard; tomorrow we will debark and move on to the last leg of our journey.