Get the chance to explore the amusing Christmas markets and explore the astonishing landmarks in the Neckar Valley and magnificent Rothenburg in this 5-day cruise aboard MS Victor Hugo. Hop on the old-time carousel like a kid, savor the scrumptious food, and enjoy a beer or sip of mulled wine. Wander through narrow, cobblestone streets, arches and fortified gates, and pastel-colored, half-timbered buildings in Rothenburg and see the UNESCO-listed cathedral in Speyer.
Highlights
Explore Heidelberg, the most romantic city in Germany
See Rothenburg ob der Tauber and its whimsical Christmas Market
Tour in historic Speyer and its Imperial Cathedral
Stroll through the vibrant, inspiring town of Eberbach
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Passengers are welcome in the ship at 1:00 p.m. and you can drop off your luggage before heading out on a panoramic tour to see the holiday decorations in Strasbourg and spend some free time at its famous Christmas markets. In the evening, passengers are welcome to (re)board at 6:00 p.m. After you’ve comfortably settled into your cabins, you'll be introduced the crew at a welcome cocktail. Tonight, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment on board. Your ship will begin to cruise to Mannheim in the evening.
Arrive in Mannheim, the starting point for the tour of Heidelberg and its castle (exterior only). Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest and most famous university town. The late 18th- and 19th-century Romanticists found quite the inspiration in this riverside setting. After a guided tour of the old town, enjoy some free time wandering through the local Christmas markets. Soak up the atmosphere, jump on the old-time carousel like a kid, enjoy the scrumptious food, and throw back a beer or sip on mulled wine*. There’s no better way to welcome the season than being at the heart of the festivities. After the tour, you’ll return on board in Heidelberg.
You’ll spend the afternoon cruising the Neckar River towards Eberbach. You’ll pass by what the Germans call the “Romantic Four”—Neckargemünd and its wonderfully decorated half-timbered homes dominated by Dilsberg Castle above the city; Neckasteinach and its four castles that form a ribbon around the river bends; Hirschhorn, its castle, and former Carmelite cloister; and lastly, the arrival point at the quaint city of Eberbach. Enjoy some free time to stroll through the vibrant, inspiring town located on what was once an old trade route linking Mannheim to Prague.
Join the cruise for dinner and an evening of entertainment.
Full-day excursion included: Heilbronn (lunch included - approximately 2.5 hours of round-trip travel).
You'll travel from Eberbach to Heilbronn, the wine capital of historic Wurtemberg—an ancient Imperial Free City sitting within beautiful forests and vineyards.
During your stroll through downtown, you'll see the astronomical clock on the old City Hall in the market square; St. Kilian's Church and its Renaissance-style belfry; and the Deutschhof, an old monastery that now houses the city museums.
At Christmastime, the city overflows with music and traditional spices such as aniseed and cinnamon. Enjoy browsing the decorated stands brimming with crafts and souvenirs around St. Kilian's Church, the City Hall, and the market square. You'll have lunch in a local restaurant.
After the excursion, you'll return on board in Heidelberg. The rest of the evening is yours to do as you please.
On arrival, join a tour of Speyer. The city is littered with impressive landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed cathedral and medieval ruins from the time when it was inhabited by one of the most important Jewish communities in Germany. Speyer also hosts a delightful and ethereal Christmas and New Year market on the famous Maximilianstrasse in front of the Alten Münze (Old Mint).
Tonight is your festive gala evening. Your ship will begin to cruise to Strasbourg.
Day 5: Strasbourg | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$1,6372-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Main Deck-Cat A
28 Cabins with high windows (27 twins, 1 double cabin) Shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe.
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Main Deck- Cat B
Shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe.
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Main Deck- Cat C
Shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe.
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Upper Deck-Cat A
17 cabins with picture windows with sliding top section (16 twins, 1 double cabin) Shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe.
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Upper Deck-Cat B
Shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe.
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Upper Deck-Cat C
Shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, safe.
Notes
20% discount on children between 2-10 years
30% discount for 3rd person in triple cabin
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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21 hours ago
Adventure Life set us up with great guides and locations, seamless transportation, and good advice. Will work with them again. Thanks
Scott Sepsy
2 days ago
Amazing trip and the best customer service
Liz
3 days ago
Hannah and Nur got the gist of what we wanted our trip to be. They got us in hotels that were located centrally to historic tours. Tours and excursions that were significant, enriching and enjoyable. We had drivers that were on time/reliable. We got from location to location with ease. I would never have been able to plan this myself. I would not have known enough to ask for what we needed. This was above and beyond what I expected. Well done!
Kelly Mattingly
4 days ago
This is at least the fifth trip we have booked with AdventureLife. Jess has always had excellent ideas.