Day 1Bamberg
Arrive in Nuremberg, then transfer to your ship in Bamberg.* Once on board, you can relax, explore a bit on your own—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)
Day 2Bamberg
Today enjoy a walking tour of Bamberg’s beautifully preserved Old Town area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then take time to explore, or perhaps sample the town’s famous locally brewed smoky beer, Rauchbier. Lunch aboard before we depart this afternoon, and begin cruising along the scenic Main River, which winds its way from east to west through the Franconia region of Germany. (B, L, D)
Day 3Würzburg
Disembark in Würzburg, a Franconian wine town, and tour the Bishops’ Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace with many paintings and frescoes. After lunch on board, enjoy some free time in Würzburg—or you may choose to participate in an optional excursion to the charming medieval town of Rothenburg. Back on board, dine and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 4Heidelberg
Sail through the early morning, arriving in Wertheim after breakfast. Disembark for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, an ancient city that is home to Germany’s oldest university. Tour the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, originally built in the 12th century but twice destroyed by lightning. A guided walk through Heidelberg’s Old Town and marketplace is included, as is lunch is in a local restaurant. Return to your ship at dinnertime; we sail through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 5Mainz & Rüdesheim
Arrive in Mainz during breakfast then disembark and take a guided tour of a city that boasts over two thousand years of history. Walk the picturesque streets of Old Town and stop by the Gutenberg Museum. Founded in 1900—500 years after the birth of Johannes Gutenberg—the museum covers the history of the printed word and displays many beautiful books and fascinating printing technologies, including a replica of Gutenberg’s workshop. Return to your ship for lunch and scenic afternoon cruising on the Rhine. Arrive in Rüdesheim midafternoon. You have time at leisure to enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops that line Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse, or you may choose to join an optional wine tasting experience. Dine aboard and remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 6Cochem
Cruise this morning through the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine, lined with castles on both sides. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch aboard, arrive in the quaint Moselle town of Cochem. Take a walking tour of the city and visit the imposing Reichsburg Castle. Return to your ship before dinnertime; we sail through the night.
(B, L, D)
Day 7Bernkastel & Trier
After breakfast, an optional guided walk through the 700-year-old town of Bernkastel is available, replete with narrow cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. Return to your ship for lunch and enjoy lovely unspoiled scenery as we cruise along the Moselle River toward Trier. We arrive this afternoon and will have time for a tour of Germany’s oldest city. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Dine aboard. We remain docked here tonight so you may wish to take an evening stroll in town. (B, L, D)
Day 8Trier
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the Frankfurt airport for your return flight.* (B)