Rhine & Main Explorer

Step aboard the ship and comfortably settle into your stateroom before venturing out to discover Nuremberg. As the second-largest city in Bavaria, wander through streets beautifully lined with traditional half-timbered houses and striking Gothic churches adorned with intricate spires. Though the area suffered heavy devastation during World War II, take time to marvel at the remarkably preserved medieval city walls stretching for nearly three miles, proudly featuring original gateways and eighty historic watchtowers. Delve into a destination historically celebrated for its exceptional metalwork and toy craftsmanship. Additionally, reflect upon its infamous wartime legacy by exploring the former Nazi rally grounds at Zeppelin Field and visiting the Palace of Justice, where the landmark war crimes trials once captivated an entire generation.

As you step within the medieval walls of Nuremberg, discover an Old Town that feels entirely frozen in time. Wander past rustic half-timbered houses, admire ornate Gothic churches, and let the cobblestone lanes guide your steps through a picturesque fairy-tale scene. Look up to see the majestic Imperial Castle looming above the cityscape, a historic site that once hosted the coronations of Holy Roman Emperors alongside the exaltation and entombment of revered saints. Completed in the year 1000 AD, explore this formidable fortification that long provided a central seat of power for early German kings. Throughout your visit, learn how the city served as the unofficial capital of the empire for 600 years, regularly hosting royal courts and the Diet—periodic imperial assemblies that actively shaped historical policy and strategy.

Included Excursions:
Nuremberg Through History
Tour one of Germany’s most renowned and intriguing cities on this included excursion.

Founded in 902, Bamberg remains a medieval-looking city known for its symphony orchestra and rauchbier, specialty smoked beer. The city’s winding streets are filled with baroque patrician houses and are home to the stunning 11th-century Cathedral of Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II, housing his tomb and that of Pope Clement II. Bamberg is especially noted for its Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, situated on a twin-arched bridge over the Regnitz River, and for the old bishop’s houses: the 16th-century Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court) and 17th-century Neue Residenz (New Residence).

Included Excursions:
Bamberg Walking Tour
Delve into the history of Bamberg during an informative walk to view historic sights.

Surrounded by Franconian vineyards, Würzburg was heavily damaged during World War II, but has since been completely restored. This prestigious university city is a jewel of baroque architecture. Its most pristine example of pomp and glory is the great Bishops’ Residenz palace, built in 1744 for the prince-bishop; his unwavering support of artists is evidenced by the sweeping staircase and magnificent ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo. Other landmarks include the medieval, statue-lined Old Main Bridge and Marienberg Fortress, originally a Celtic hill fort and later residence of the bishops. The city remains a major wine-making center, hosting Germany’s oldest and largest vineyard.

Included Excursions:
Würzburg Residenz & Walk
Tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s ornate palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Marktheidenfeld is a picturesque town situated in the Lower Franconia region of Bavaria and boasts a rich heritage that dates back to medieval times. Well-preserved, half-timbered houses line quaint streets and in its heart lies a bustling Marktplatz, or market square, that exudes character and a vibrant atmosphere. Local restaurants serve traditional hearty Bavarian fare, including delicious dishes such as Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Kaiserschmarrn (scrambled caramelized pancake) and the more commonly known bratwurst.

Journey along one of Germany’s most important waterways today, passing landscapes that embody the country’s scenic beauty and storybook charm. You sail by quaint riverside villages, undulating farm country and the sylvan forests of the Spessart woodlands. Along the way, you just may lose yourself in the dreamy canvases of half-timbered houses, historic castles and splendid palaces. This is the Germany once ruled by dukes and brought to magical life by the imagination of the Brothers Grimm, who grew up in the town of Hanau and wove fantastic tales from these banks.

Included Excursions:
Marktheidenfeld & Lohr am Main
Discover the charms of Marktheidenfeld and the “fairy-tale” beauty of Lohr am Main.

Straddling the Main River, Frankfurt has been nicknamed “Mainhattan” for its skyline that resembles New York City’s Manhattan. It is a major financial center and a rich hub of culture, history and architecture. No fewer than nine museums line the Main embankment, covering everything from art to film to ethnology. In the Roman Hill district, Frankfurt’s townhall is spread over 11 conjoined patrician houses. Emperors were crowned in the Gothic St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, and remnants from Roman settlements are on exhibit in the city’s Archaeological Garden.

Included Excursions:
Frankfurt on Foot
Set out on a scenic stroll to explore Frankfurt’s highlights, from its medieval quarter to the city’s main square.

Set in southern Germany, Baden-Baden lies between the verdant Black Forest and the sun-soaked vineyards of the Rebland. With origins dating back to the Roman times—when it was known as Aquae, or “the waters”—this town has long been prized for its abundant hot springs, which rise from depths around 6,500 feet. Today, it holds UNESCO World Heritage status as a part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. Beyond its mineral-rich waters, Baden-Baden boasts historic architecture, including Roman bath ruins, and a scenic arboretum that winds through its heart.

Included Excursions:
The Spa Town of Baden-Baden
Visit the UNESCO town of Baden-Baden, renowned for its cultural splendor and thermal baths.

The largest port on the Upper Rhine, Strasbourg is the cultural center of France’s Alsace region. Thanks to its location at the border of France and Germany, it boasts a convivial mix of cultural influences. The well-preserved old town is enclosed on all sides by the little Ill River, with sites so compact that it is easy to explore the “island” on foot. And there is plenty to explore: cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses and intersected by picturesque canals. Indulging in Alsatian café culture is central to any visit here; enjoy coffee and cake amid lovely half-timbered houses.

Included Excursions:
Strasbourg Canal Cruise
Enjoy a boat ride through picturesque Petite France and discover Strasbourg’s mix of German and French culture.

Breisach is a gateway to the fabled Black Forest region, built on a basalt rock outcropping in the Rhine plain. It is located in one of the warmest parts of Germany, across the river from French Alsace, famous for its wine growing. But Breisach, too, can boast about its wine: it is home to Europe’s largest cellars, with a storage capacity of more than 160 million liters. The most prominent landmark of Breisach is the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its two towers are visible from throughout the city and from the Rhine.

Included Excursions:
Freiburg on Foot & the Kaiserstuhl
Take a trip to the southwest corner of Germany where you can visit Freiburg and the Kaiserstuhl wine region. 

Located where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel reflects a fascinating blend of traditions. The city straddles the Rhine at the river’s farthest navigable point, and an alluring cluster of old-town buildings huddles along the riverbank. Around Market Square, guild houses recall Gothic, Renaissance and baroque splendor; the red-sandstone Rathaus, or Town Hall, is the centerpiece. More than 40 museums of art and culture lend modern polish to its history-rich streets. And there is no more refined way to sample it all than over cheese fondue or croissants.

Included Excursions:
Basel Walking Tour
Tour this fascinating city where three nations converge: Switzerland, France and Germany.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of the extensions.