Come aboard with me on Uniworld’s Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery — a 15-day river cruise from Basel to Brussels. Sailing on the beautiful S.S. Victoria, we journey through Switzerland, Germany, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
00:01 Intro
01:03 Day 1 Basel, Switzerland (Embark)
02:59 Day 2 Basel, Switzerland
05:38 Day 3 Strasbourg, France
07:55 Day 4 Speyer, Germany
12:28 Day 5 Rüdesheim, Germany
16:32 Day 6 Koblenz, Germany
18:22 Day 7 Bernkastel, Germany
21:02 Day 8 Trier, Germany
24:21 Day 9 Cochem, Germany
27:18 Day 10 Cologne, Germany
30:30 Day 11 Düsseldorf, Germany
32:56 Day 12 Roermond, The Netherlands
35:40 Day 13 Maastricht, The Netherlands
38:29 Day 14 Antwerp, Belgium
41:09 Day 15 Brussels, Belgium (Disembark)
📧 Contact us: kengraham@travelonly.com
🌐 Visit our website: https://kengraham.travelonly.com
📲 Instagram: www.instagram.com/travelonly_with_ken
#Uniworld #RiverCruise #ssvictoria #europetravel #rhineriver #moselle
Some images courtesy of Viking Cruises.
In this video, we will take you to Rhine River Mosel River, and a network of canals and inland waterways in the Netherlands and Belgium, a fascinating river cruise itinerary through the the heart of Europe This video unfolds in three parts First, we cruise the Rhine from Basel to Boppard Then we follow the Moselle from Koblenz to Trier Finally, we returned to the Rhine to visit Cologne and Düsseldorf before continuing through the inland waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium ending in Brussels For seasoned river cruisers, this itinerary proves there’s always something new to discover For first time river cruisers, it offers a taste of the very best each river region has to offer And at the end of each day’s program, we’ve included a travel tip just for you Wherever you are in your travel journey, we hope this video inspires your own European river adventure Our journey began in Basle Embarkation aboard the Super Ship Victoria set the tone for the luxurious journey ahead From the moment we stepped on board, it was clear this ship isn’t just transportation It’s a floating boutique hotel The S.S. Victoria accommodates just 110 guests served by a crew of 41 One standout feature of this ship: it has no lower deck staterooms Every guest stays on either the middle or upper decks in spacious cabins with panoramic views and abundant natural light Public spaces include a stunning main lounge with a glass ceiling and floor to ceiling windows multiple dining venues, including the main restaurant and a private dining room, reserved for special occasions or exclusive experiences a spa, fitness room, heated pool and even a self-service laundry, a rare feature on river ships Our stateroom was a 253 square feet Signature French Balcony with the bed facing the river, an enclosed balcony with floor to ceiling windows that lower with the touch of a button, a generous walk in wardrobe, and a spa-inspired double vanity bathroom Embarkation day is all about settling in unpacking once, enjoying a welcome drink, and meeting your fellow guests a peaceful and elegant start to a richly immersive 15-day journey Tip of the Day: staterooms on river cruises are like hotel rooms, and often come equipped with a small built-in fridge, typically located beneath the desk These mini fridges can generate residual heat which may warm the surface directly above them If you’re traveling with temperature sensitive items like medication, it’s best to store them elsewhere For everything else, the warmth is minimal and shouldn’t be a concern After an overnight stay, we spent day two continuing our exploration of Basel Switzerland’s third largest city It is renowned for its rich cultural heritage historic architecture, and global prominence in the pharmaceutical industry Excursion options for the day included Hike the Swiss Alps with Picnic Lunch This full day excursion to Mount Rigi featured a guided alpine hike and a picnic lunch with sweeping mountain views Note that space for this excursion was limited and tended to fill quickly Alternatively, join the Lucerne walking tour a scenic and cultural experience through this postcard perfect city Space for this tour was also limited and filled up quickly We opted for the Basel Walking Tour with Local Treats Having previously visited the city during Christmas we were eager to experience Basel again, this time in summer’s golden light Basel is often referred to as Europe’s Pharma Valley, home to industry giants like Roche and Novartis Our guide, who happened to be a neuroscience student, shared a fascinating fact: It was here in 1938 that Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann first synthesized LSD at Sandoz Laboratories He later accidentally discovered its psychedelic effects in 1943 Today, research into LSD’s potential for treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD is once again gaining momentum, including here in Switzerland Another fun fact, because of Basel’s unique tri- border location, many people work in Switzerland shop in Germany and live in France It makes sense Swiss jobs often pay twice as much as in Germany while goods are cheaper across the border in Germany, and housing costs are lower in nearby French towns For art lovers, Basel is a dream We visited the Kunstmuseum Museum Basel in the afternoon It houses the world’s oldest public art collection and features an impressive selection of Picasso’s work, including the Two Brothers, Seated Harlequin, and many others There’s a fascinating story behind how Picasso came to donate his works to this museum See if you can uncover it during your visit Tip of the day: some excursions have limited space and can fill up quickly While some cruise lines allow advanced online registration others require you to sign up on board Either way, decide early and register as soon as possible Day three brought us to Strasbourg, a beautifully cross-cultural city perched on the French-German border Over centuries, it has shifted between both nations, giving it a unique bilingual charm Strasbourg isn’t just beautiful It’s politically significant It hosts the European Parliament, which meets here every month Excursion options included a guided walking tour of the old town, with highlights like the charming La Petite France district, the city’s iconic canals and half timbered houses, the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral one of the finest examples of late Gothic architecture in Europe Having visited Strasbourg before, we opted for a different kind of experience: a memorable escape to Baden-Baden, Germany, just over an hour away Nestled at the edge of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden is one of Europe’s premier luxury spa towns, celebrated for its elegant hotels, curated gardens, and wellness heritage We walked along the Lichtentaler Alley, a beautiful landscape promenade lined with more than 300 species of exotic and native trees and flowers A particularly intriguing stop was the Fettquelle, which means “fat source” This historic thermal fountain emits mineral-rich water that’s surprisingly hot to the touch It’s a publicly accessible hot spring, though not for drinking, and serves as a gentle reminder of the town’s healing water heritage We also visited the legendary Casino Baden-Baden set in a stunning neoclassical building often called one of the world’s most opulent gaming halls offering a real step back into old world glamour After lunch on board, the ship’s shuttle took us back to Strasbourg, where we spent the afternoon browsing local shops and soaking in the old town’s timeless charm Tip of the Day: many cruise lines offer shuttle buses to the city center on a fixed schedule If you plan to use one, note or photograph the timetable To easily find your pickup point later, mark it on a city map from reception or drop a pin in your phones map app We arrived in Speyer, Germany, on day four a city best known for the Speyer Cathedral This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Romanesque cathedral in the world Excursion options included a full day trip to Heidelberg often called Germany’s most romantic city, with its hilltop castle ruins, Philosopher’s Walk, and charming old towns inspiring poets for centuries But we chose something truly unique, a visit to the Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate Tucked away in the countryside near Speyer in the village of Venningen, this family-run estate has been producing gourmet drinking vinegars for a few decades These are not the vinegars you drizzle over a salad They are crafted from premium wines, such as Gewürztraminer Sylvaner, Riesling, and Pinot Noir then aged with a century old vinegar mother and infused with herbs, fruits, or flowers The result is a complex, elegant aperitif meant to be sipped slowly between courses or after a meal, from a long stem tasting glass, or added as a final flourish to enhance a dish’s flavor Our visit began with a warm welcome in the garden followed by dawning long robes as soft choral music played We stepped into the candlelit vinegar cellar, where barrels quietly ferment and mature, and then into the fragrant herb chamber The experience felt part ritual, part theater Before the tasting began, we enjoyed a short rest outdoors sipping ice cold water delicately infused with vinegar the perfect refreshment for a summer’s day We began our tasting with “Ficus-the fig”, mild, fruity, and balsamic It set the tone for what was to come Next came “Aperitifum romanticum” , herbal and exotic It carries a touch of Mediterranean romance alongside seafood, soft cheeses, or pâtés Our third sip was “Tears of Kleopadra”, dark and balsamic, rich and luxurious It pairs beautifully with foie gras, oysters, or ripe cheeses We ended on “Angels Kissing the Night”, aged for six years in barrique barrels, and kissed with wild cherries, apricots, figs and vanilla Soft, elegant, and fruity, an unforgettable finish to the tasting The culinary delights continued into the evening when we joined Uniworld’s signature Progressive Dinner our group of 10 was led by the head butler through a series of behind the scenes areas with each course served in a different location We began in the wheelhouse after a glass of champagne where the captain himself explained how the equipment operates and how the ship is navigated Next, we descended to the galley Impressively spacious for a river cruise ship Here, the chef showed us how meals are prepared and explained the protocols in place to prevent cross contamination for guests with special dietary needs Our tasting featured a trio of spring rolls, vegetable, chicken, and fish, with a wine paring We passed through the crew dining room and down the hallway lined with crew cabins before reaching the laundry room a surprisingly efficient space where linens for the entire ship are processed daily Here, we were served carrot-ginger soup topped with orange zest We then visited the engine control room, where the ship’s technical systems, such as engines, generators, HVAC fuel, water, and waste are monitored We also stepped into the engine room, a fascinating area normally off limits to guests No food was served in these technical spaces Our next stop was the gym and pool area, where the well-being coach introduced the morning mobility exercises and massage services available on board Here, we were served crispy panko prawns with garlic-lemon aioli We concluded our culinary journey in the vintage room where the main course, sirloin steak, and dessert were served It was the perfect ending to a day filled with exceptional experiences Tip of the Day: Pay attention to special onboard programs, whether a ship tour, a wine or spirit tasting, or a unique dinner event Capacity is often limited, and these experiences are well worth signing up for In the morning of day five, the ship docked in Rüdesheim a picturesque riverside town is rich in history as it is in wine Once a northern frontier of the Roman Empire, Rüdesheim now charms visitors with cobblestone streets and scenic vineyards Excursion options included the Rüdesheim min itrain Guests could board a cheerful little train directly from the ship for a narrated ride through the town After the ride, there was free time to explore Rudesheim’s shops, cafés, and the famous Drosselgasse, a historic alleyway on foot We chose the alternative option, which is a visit to RheinWeinWelt, meaning Rhine Wine World RheinWeinWelt is set inside a historic cellar complex and features 14 creatively designed wine caves each dedicated to a different winemaker or theme On arrival, we received 10 tokens to exchange for tastings from a selection of over 160 wines, including crisp Rieslings, bold reds, and sparkling varieties The visit was self-guided, with tasting notes and background information in each chamber, allowing us to explore at our own pace For many travelers, RheinWeinWelt is more than a fun detour It’s often described as the Las Vegas for Wine lovers thanks to its playful tasting system and glittering historic settings The ship set sail around lunchtime for Boppard, where we docked overnight During this leg of the journey, we pass through one of its most iconic stretches the upper Middle Rhine Valley 31 mile section of the river recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site As the Rhine wound and twisted through the valley, each turn reveals another breathtaking view: steep terraced vineyards, half timbered villages, and hilltop castles that seem lifted from a fairytale Among the many castles in this region, here are a few examples Reinstein Castle, built in the early 14th century, now houses a museum and serves as a wedding venue Stahleck Castle ating back to the 12th century, and today operates as a youth hostel overlooking Bacharach And the Rhine Gorge Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a 14th century toll castle on a rocky island near Kaub, is accessible only by boat and preserved today as a museum and Marksburg Castle, a 12th century fortress it is the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine never destroyed It serves as the headquarters of the German Castles Association and is open year-round for tours Tip of the day: For travelers seeking an in-depth castle experience some cruise itineraries, such as Uniworld’s Remarkable Rhine include guided visits inside at least one castle Many other castles along the Rhine are not open for tours They may be private residences, hotels, event venues, or closed for safety, preservation, or seasonal reasons Always check your specific cruise program to see which castles are open for exploration during your trip with the majestic castles and vineyards of the Rhine behind us, our journey turned toward one of Europe’s most enchanting waterways, the Moselle River celebrated for its winding curves, storybook villages, and world-class Riesling The river’s meanders create steep south-facing slopes that capture maximum sunlight in this cool climate Combined with heat retaining slate soils the Riesling grape develops vivid acidity, delicate fruit, and a distinctive mineral character Fine Riesling can range from bone dry to lusciously sweet And a well-made sweet Riesling is every bit as complex ageworthy and food friendly as a dry one, sometimes even more so Day six marked the beginning of our Moselle adventure with a stop in Koblenz where the Moselle meets the Rhine This town blends Roman origins, medieval charm, and modern life at every corner Excursion options included a 12 mile guided bicycle ride, but we chose the Koblenz walking tour to explore the old town Highlights included the German Corner, the confluence of the Moselle in Rhine, crowned by the statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I, symbolizing German unity the History Column, 10 sculpted scenes illustrating over 2,000 years of Koblenz’s history from Roman settlement to the present day The Spitting Boy Fountain, a quirky old town landmark. Its unpredictable sprays of water, are meant to surprise passers by, reflecting the city’s playful spirit and sense of humor After lunch back on the ship, we explored further on our own and took the scenic cable car ride, gliding 890 meters across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Perched high above the rivers, this vast 19th century Prussian stronghold was never attacked, making it one of Europe’s best preserved fortresses Today, it houses museums, cultural exhibitions, and offers sweeping panoramic views of Koblenz the rivers, and the surrounding valleys Tip of the Day: many river cruise lines provide bicycles for guided tours or independent use Helmets are always included and required, and a waiver must be signed acknowledging the risks of cycling, a standard safety measure if you haven’t cycled in a while, be aware that even gentle rides can leave you with sore muscles the next day Burncastle was our next stop, right in the heart of the Middle Moselle wine region The town charms visitors with its medieval market square and half timbered houses It feels like a village frozen in time Excursion choices included a leisurely 14 mile bike ride along the riverside path but we opted for a guided village walk through Bernkastel followed by a tasting of regional Moselle wines As we followed our guide through the winding streets, we came to an unexpected highlight the legendary Doctor Seller, standing directly beneath one of Germany’s most famous vineyards The bronze door of the Doktorkeller tells the legend In the 14th century, the Archbishop of Trier was gravely ill. Doctors and medicines failed, but after drinking Riesling from this very slope, he recovered He called the wine his true doctor, and ever since the vineyard has been known as the Bernkasteler Doctor The vines above are part of that legendary site It’s tiny Just 3.25 hectares, less than eight acres which makes every bottle rare At one time, this was the most expensive vineyard land in Germany, rivaling even Bordeaux and Burgundy at auction Owning a piece of this hillside was like holding liquid gold The Dr. H. Thanisch family has been producing Riesling here for more than two centuries Their wines from the Doctor Vineyard remain among the most sought after in Germany, celebrated for their ability to age gracefully for decades Standing there felt like standing at the foot of one of the world’s great wine legends, a vineyard born from a miracle treasured for its rarity, and still producing Rieslings worthy of its name: The Doctor Tip of the Day: River cruising, like all forms of travel, can be affected by unexpected conditions Water levels that are too high or too low may prevent ships from navigating certain stretches of the river Locks can sometimes cause delays, and river traffic or limited docking space may also change the schedule The key is to stay flexible and embrace the moment For example, if your ship can’t dock at a scheduled port but you still want the river experience, local excursion boats often operate nearby For just a few euros, you might enjoy a short regional cruise instead Think of it not as a disruption, but as an opportunity to experience the river from a new perspective Our journey continued to Trier, often called Germany’s oldest city, where history is etched into every stone Founded by the Romans in 16 B.C., Trier grew into one of the great cities of the empire Today, it offers a striking mix of Roman ruins, medieval cathedrals, and lively modern streets On the Trier walking tour, guests could explore Porta Nigra, the massive Roman city gate, built around 170 A.D., still standing nearly 2,000 years later Imperial Baths, an ambitious but unfinished Roman bath complex that reveals the scale of imperial engineering Karl Marx’s house, birthplace of Karl Marx, whose writings, including The Communist Manifesto, shaped modern political thought Instead of exploring Trier, we chose another path, crossing into the small yet remarkable nation of Luxembourg Though modest in size, Luxembourg has long stood at the crossroads of Europe Our first stop was the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial Across 50 acres of immaculate lawns lie more than 5,000 U.S. service members, most of them young men, who lost their lives during the Battle of the Bulge At the center rests General George Smith Patton, commander of the U.S. Third Army, whose troops liberated Luxembourg in 1944 Walking among the white marble crosses and Stars of David is profoundly moving It is a place of solemn silence, where the weight of history and sacrifice is deeply felt From this quiet ground, we continued into Luxembourg City for a panoramic tour Rising above dramatic cliffs, the city presents a striking contrast with medieval fortifications alongside modern towers of glass and steel We explored Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the early 1600s the Grand Ducal Palace, still the residence of Luxembourg’s royal family The Golden Lady monument, a gilded statue atop an obelisk, symbolizing freedom and resilience Later, we enjoyed lunch and shopping at our own pace, surrounded by the hum of daily life The atmosphere felt light and relaxed, a fitting balance to a day that began with solemn remembrance Tip of the Day: on luxury cruises Dining is more than a meal It’s a five star experience from the artistry of presentation to the richness of flavor Menus are a guide, not a limit You’re welcome to mix and match Order more than one appetizer Try two entrés in smaller portions, or enjoy several desserts If you’d like your entree served as a starter or a favorite sweet in a smaller size, the galley will gladly adjust This flexibility extends to beverages as well If the wine pairing doesn’t appeal, the sommelier will offer alternatives from the celler And when it comes to cocktails, don’t hesitate to specify your preferred ingredients For instance, request a gin and tonic made with a particular gin or brand of tonic Waking up in Cochem feels like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale Pastel-colored buildings line the riverbank Vineyard draped hills rise on every side, and high above it all stands the imposing Reichsburg Castle, watching over the Moselle Valley This is truly one of Germany’s most picturesque small towns Among the excursion choices was a walking tour of Cochem, yet we decided to venture further afield on a hike to the Geierlay Suspension Bridge Step by step across the bridge, we were surrounded by sweeping views and a quiet remoteness that made us pause, breathe, and feel utterly alive Later that day We still made time for the castle on our own terms A local Reichsburg shuttle picked us up from the bus station and carried us up the steep hill to the castle gates For just a few euros, we joined the English language guided tour Reichsburg’s story stretches back to the 12th century when it stood as a fortified toll station overlooking Moselle River traffic In 1689, it was destroyed by French troops only to be brought back to life in the 19th century as a Neo-Gothic masterpiece, an expression of romantic architecture and imagination Outside, the reward was even greater sweeping views of the Moselle, winding like a silver ribbon through vineyard covered hills Tip of the Day: Be curious, be adventurous Don’t be afraid to use local transportation and explore independently A simple city map from reception desk is always helpful And if language feels like a barrier, your smartphone can be your best companion Translation apps today work remarkably well from reading a street sign to translating museum descriptions For example, when we bought our shuttle ticket up to Reichsburg Castle, we weren’t entirely sure the driver understood that we wanted a one-way ticket rather than round trip A quick check in the app translated Einzelfahrschein as one-way journey ticket, giving us peace of mind With the Moselle behind us, we returned to the Rhine following its broad course north toward Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities and the largest along the river Excursions here included a walking tour with beer tasting But since we’d been to Cologne a few times before, we decided to try something different We followed our local guide, boarded tram number 9 and stepped off at Kalk Post station What most commuters don’t realize is that behind these ordinary subway walls lies one of cologne’s most unusual secrets, a Cold War nuclear bunker hidden in plain sight beneath the station Built in 1979, they were designed to seal off thousands of people from shockwaves, radioactive dust, or chemical attack This bunker could hold exactly 2,366 people Each person had their own bunk, crammed side by side with just 1.7 square meters of space per person To keep everyone alive for up to 14 days, there was a kitchen and food storage Meals would have been basic, but rationed carefully to stretch the supplies The bunker had its own deep well and water treatment system completely independent of the city’s supply Washrooms and toilets were simple, but they allowed for basic hygiene during two weeks underground air filters were among the most critical systems They could block fallout particles, chemical agents, and even biological threats From the control room, staff monitored airflow, water, and power to keep everyone alive This bunker was one of 10 planned for Cologne but the only one actually completed It was decommissioned in 2005. Today It survives as the Cold War Documentation Center, a hidden reminder of a world that once lived under the shadow of nuclear war In the evening, Uniworld treated us to a special nights out excursion at the Cologne Triangle Observation Deck From nearly 100 meters above the city, we enjoyed sweeping 360-degree views The final highlight of the day came just before midnight when the ship set sail from Cologne It was a chance to watch the city sparkle against the dark sky Tip of the Day: In Europe, public washrooms often charge a small fee usually between 50 cents and one euro Facilities aren’t always easy to find, so ask your tour guide or look for restrooms in fast food restaurants or coffee shops If you don’t have coins ready before departure, check with your ship’s reception desk On day 11, we arrived in Düsseldorf, the final German city on our itinerary While some guests chose the bike tour, we opted for the walking tour with Altbier tasting Düsseldorf is a city of contrasts surprises It is home to the largest Japanese community in Germany and one of the largest in Europe Beginning in the 1950s, Japanese companies established their European headquarters here, drawn by the city’s industrial strength, central location, and excellent transport links. The city also enjoys a playful rivalry with nearby Cologne often expressed through football and beer The Altstadt, or Old Town, may cover only a few blocks, but with more than 300 bars and breweries it has earned the nickname “the longest bar in the world” After lunch on board, we continued exploring on our own, a walk along the Rheinuferpromenade revealed wide river views, sculptures, and lively cafés Just a short distance from the ship’s dock lies Düsseldorf’s modern architectural district, home to the striking Neuer Zollhof buildings designed by Canadian American architect Frank Gehry At 6 p.m., we gathered on the sundeck for one of Uniworld’s signature traditions, the sail away sabring ceremony It was a dramatic and elegant farewell to this vibrant city Marking the perfect close to our time in Germany Tip of the Day: a river cruise isn’t just for seniors As you’ve seen so far, it appeals to travelers of all ages who love nature, culture, and discovery Luxury river cruise lines design excursions for all paces Walking tours often split into groups for both fast and slow walkers and daily activities range from light to more active So there’s always something to match your energy Think of the ship as a moving luxury hotel It carries you from destination to destination sparing you the hassle of constant packing and unpacking Instead, you settle in once and let the scenery and culture come to you On day 12, as we sailed toward Roermond in the Dutch province of Limburgh, our crews manager delivered one of the most memorable moments of the journey, a signature talk titled “Behind the Iron Curtain: Post-War Germany” Born in East Germany, she spoke not from a textbook, but from experience Life under surveillance, moments of quiet fear and the joy when Hans-Dietrich Genscher announcedced in Prague that East German refugees would finally be allowed to leave for the West It was heartfelt and unforgettable That afternoon Instead of the bike tour along the Meuse River we join the walking tour through the historic center The city is compact and inviting, perfect for slow exploration One of the intriguing discoveries was the Het Arresthuis Hotel Built in 1863 as a prison, it closed in 2007 and has since been transformed into a luxury hotel, with former cells converted into stylish rooms, making it one of Europe’s most distinctive places to stay The city is also known for its designer outlet the largest luxury outlet center in Western Europe But the true highlight was completely unexpected From the moment we arrived until dinner, black swans glided along the river beside our ship Rare, graceful, and hauntingly beautiful they felt like a quiet gift from the universe, an unforgettable end to the day Tip of the Day: in many European cities, feeding wild animals, like swans, ducks, or pigeons is discouraged or even prohibited It may seem harmless, but it can lead to overpopulation dependency on human food, pollution, and even the spread of disease That’s why local authorities sometimes issue fines often around 50 euros, for feeding animals in parks or along waterways The best way to enjoy them is to watch respectfully Follow posted rules, and help keep these beautiful creatures healthy and wild Our next stop was Maastricht, a city that gained international fame through the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 The agreement that created the European Union in laid the foundation for the euro We joined the walking tour, beginning in the Stokstraat Quarter where boutique shops, narrow lanes, and historic facades give the city its charm Remnants of its 700 year old city walls still stand as a reminder of its medieval past One of the most memorable stops was Boekhandel Dominicanen often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world Inside a 13th century Dominican church, sunlight pours through stained glass windows Once a sacred space, it is now a sanctuary for readers, with more than 50,000 titles to explore Another highlight was the Basilica of Saint Servatius the oldest surviving church in the Netherlands Its red painted tower, colored with iron oxide pigment has been a tradition since the Middle Ages, both protecting the stone and giving the church its dramatic presence in the city skyline That afternoon, Uniworld hosted a wine tasting event on board Our sommelier guided us through a comparison of two outstanding red wines, each tasted directly from the bottle and again after decanting, to reveal how aeration changes aroma and flavor The first was a 2021 Merlot called Solus made by winemaker Gere Attila in Villány, Hungary A powerful, yet refined single varietal Merlot from one of the country’s most renowned winemakers, produced in a region often compared to Bordeaux The second was a 2022 Télégramme from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of France, crafted by Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe elegant and approachable, it comes from one of the most celebrated Appalachians in the Rhone valley Together, these wines created four distinct tasting experiences, a perfect way to transition into the evening Tip of the day, some travelers hesitate to book a river cruise because they worry about laundry In reality, luxury lines such as Uniworld provide complementary, self-service laundry facilities on board For returning guests, the Heritage Club loyalty Program adds an extra benefit One bag of laundry per guest done through the ship’s complimentary laundry service In addition, today’s active wear and many travel friendly fabrics are designed to dry quickly, making it simple to hand wash a few items in your stateroom if needed With self-service, professional laundry service, and smart packing, staying comfortable on a river cruise is effortless Our final full day took us to Antwerp, Belgium’s bustling port city Known worldwide as the diamond capital, Antwerp is also a city of rich history, bold architecture, and irresistible flavors Rather than join the morning walking tour, we chose a different path, a visit to Chocolate Nation Inside, we followed the fascinating journey of the cocoa bean From equatorial farms in Ecuador, Brazil, and West Africa, through Antwerp’s role as the largest cocoa port in the world, to the Belgian chocolatiers who transformed this humble being into a national treasure The museum was as indulgent as it was educational We sampled our way through Belgium’s chocolate heritage and even tried ruby chocolate, a relatively new variety introduced in 2017, by the Swiss Company Barry Callebaut Made from specially processed cocoa beans that naturally yield a pink hue, it contains no dyes or fruit additives Its flavor is bright and slightly tangy with hints of red berries like raspberries and currants an unusual and intriguing addition to the chocolate world Back outside, our guide led us into the magnificent Antwerp Central Railway station Nicknamed the Railway Cathedral, it earns the title with its soaring dome, sweeping staircases, and richly detailed stonework Just beyond the station lies the diamond district where traders, cutters, and jewelers from around the globe conduct business in one of the most concentrated diamond markets on earth The afternoon was ours to wander. Antwerp hums with life, fashion boutiques, historic squares, cafes, and street energy everywhere you turn. We made time for one more Belgian specialty, the famous cherry beer that perfectly suits a summer afternoon As evening fell, we gathered one last time for the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner It was more than a formal sendoff It was a celebration of the journey itself, of the friendship’s form, and of the crew whose dedication made everyday seamless Tip of the Day: The crew are the heart of a river cruise They sail these waters week after week, often far from their families, working long hours to make your voyage special take the time to talk with them, to listen, to say thank you Years from now, you may forget the exact taste of a beer or the details of a cathedral, but the warmth of those human connections often becomes the most enduring memory of all Day 15 was disembarkation day Although our Uniworld cruise ended in Brussels that morning we chose to stay an extra day to experience this magical city recognized as the de facto capital of both the European Union and NATO We arranged a private custom walking tour with a local guide, born and raised in Brussels, who showed us the city through the eyes of a friend We stepped into hidden corners of the city, seafood and butcher shops where locals shop daily Quiet cafés and restaurants tucked into narrow alleys a legendary jazz and cocktail bar where our guide once worked Of course, we also visited some of Brussels’s most iconic sites Manneken Pis, the city’s cheeky little mascot who was regularly dressed in different costumes, today, he wore a Pierrot outfit Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries Europe’s first covered shopping arcade, lined with luxury boutiques jewelers cafés and chocolate shops In the Royal Quarter, the ceremonial heart of Belgium’s monarchy, we walked past stately landmarks and cultural institutions And no visit is complete without standing in awe at the Ground Place, surrounded by ornate guildhalls the Town Hall, and the King’s House, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe The tour concluded at the Place Poelaert elevator a free lift that connects the upper and lower parts of the city From the top, we enjoyed sweeping panoramic views over Brussels, a fitting finale to our extended stay As this river journey comes to an end, I’m reminded that travel is more than visiting new places It’s an invitation to pause, to be present, and to see the world with fresh eyes My thanks go to the crew, the bus drivers, and the guides who made this trip seamless And to our dear friends, Susan and Ken, for sharing the joy of the journey with us And thank you for watching If you enjoyed this video, please like and subscribe Please feel free to reach out with any questions about river cruising or travel planning