Highlights

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Embarkation – Nuremberg, Germany

Embark your cruise in Nuremberg. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)

Day 2 – Bamberg – Volkach

Discover enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your guided walking tour includes: the Imperial Cathedral and the charming fishermen’s village known as “Little Venice” as well as taste the city’s famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Kitzingen – Wurzburg

Explore Kitzingen, Franconia’s wine trade center, with a city tour. Later, the Aulic (wine) Council and Wine Queen will welcome you with a special five-wine tasting in one of Germany’s oldest wine cellars. During the afternoon, you have a choice of two excursions. Join a guided bike ride from Kitzingen to Würzburg along the Main River and “Romantic Road,” or take a walking tour through Würzburg and then visit it’s Residenz Palace. The 300-room palace took nearly 60 years to complete and contains the world’s largest ceiling fresco, created by Venetian painter Tiepolo, as well as one of the most beautiful staircases in the world (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Wertheim

Wertheim’s old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center or learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley or hike high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Mainz – Rhine Gorge – Rudesheim – Koblenz

Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers, where you have a choice of three excursions. 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. Alternatively, visit Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town, where you will tour the Old Town and visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat. For a more active adventure, cycle along the Rhine River to Rüdesheim. During the afternoon, you can participate in one of three excursions while in Rüdesheim. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to one of the greatest collections of self-playing musical instruments; take a ride over the vineyards of Rüdesheim in a gondola to the Niederwald Monument; or go on a hike through the vineyards. Later in the day, set sail towards Koblenz through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles and legendary Lorelei Rock. After dinner, join a tour of Koblenz to explore its romantic narrow streets, historic squares and 12th-century churches. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Cochem – Zell

Wake up in fairytale Cochem and visit the Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour. As an alternative, visit one of Europe’s oldest working mustard mills where you will sample Cochem’s famous mustard. You may also opt to take a guided bike tour along the captivating Moselle River. Later cruise to Zell, famous for their Riesling and the well-known arched black cat icon, often seen on the labels of local German wines. Experience the hospitality of the citizens of Zell, including the local Wine Queen and Mayor, at an exclusive wine festival where you’ll sample local wines, sausages and more. (B,L,D) 

Day 7 – Zell – Trier

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moselle to Trier, Germany’s oldest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its rich ancient Roman past. Join a guided tour of the city, including the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths, Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra Gate that dates back to 180 A.D. Alternatively, you can join a tour to discover the Secrets of the Porta Nigra; or go on a hike to Trier’s amphitheater where gladiators once held contests. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Luxembourg – Disembarkation

This morning, bid farewell to your luxurious river cruise ship. (B)