Europe's Rivers & Castles - Cruise Only

Embark your cruise in Nuremberg. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. 

Bamberg has been referred to as “Franconian Rome” as like Rome, it was built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church graces each one. Bamberg’s medieval and Baroque architecture has withstood the test of time with one of the largest intact centers in Europe; it even survived WWII bombings, and as such, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions, and afterwards indulge in the town’s famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. 

Located in lower Franconia lies Volkach. Enjoy a walking tour of this quaint town with many historic sites such as the church of St. Bartholomew built 700 years ago, the Maria Immaculata Well built in 1480, and the Maria im Weingarten, a pilgrimage church built in the 1300’s. If you prefer a more active way to explore the town, join the guided bike tour. Alternatively, you can go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. Later in the day, and for those not going to Rothenburg, visit Würzburg, a beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor. While here, you have a choice to join a city tour or visit the city’s crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a treasure trove of magnificent art, including Tiepolo’s fresco ceiling. Following both the city tour and the palace visit, you’ll be treated to wine tasting in one of the world’s most beautiful wine cellars located beneath the Residenz. Wander through the atmospheric candlelit corridors and vaults of the cellar as you as you taste the wine of Franconia. Later in the day, enjoy a walking tour Kitzingen as you listen to the enduring legends that make visiting this town extra fun, especially for Dracula followers. 

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. 

Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. 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. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour. During the afternoon, sail to Rüdesheim, where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to one of the greatest collections of self-playing musical instruments; or take a ride over the vineyards of Rüdesheim in a gondola to the Niederwald Monument, and then afterwards be treated to a wine tasting. Later in the day, set sail towards Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles and legendary Lorelei Rock. Cap the day off with an exclusive festival celebration in Lahnstein. 

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. 

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moselle to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, renowned for its rich ancient Roman past, and as such has been referred to as the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Join a guided tour of the city, including the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths and Basilica of Constantine. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate, dating back to 180 A.D. on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. 

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