Europe’s Rivers & Castles

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

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 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.

Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour through Bamberg and follow your knowledgeable guide along the river to the enchanting winemaking town of Eltmann.

Go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road.

For those not going to Rothenburg, enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, a bursting with Baroque splendor.

Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo.

As an alternative to the walking tour and the palace visit, the more active guest may choose to venture high above the town for a hike to Würzburg Castle, which dominates the city.

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 Rüdesheim, where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, 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.

You may also hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard. Another choice today is to take a guided bike tour along the Rhine Valley, riding between the Rheingau hills and the Rhine River.

Later in the day, set sail towards Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles.

Cap the day off with a visit to Lahneck Castle.

Wake up in fairytale Cochem and visit Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour.

For an active alternative, set out on a panoramic hike leading to Reichsburg Castle. Or, embark on a bicycle tour from Cochem along the beautiful riverbanks of the Moselle to Beilstein and back.

Along the way, enjoy the sights and sounds of the historic town center, picturesque gabled houses, and beautifully preserved landscapes.

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moselle to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, renowned for its rich ancient Roman past, and 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.

Board your cruise in Luxembourg. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner.

Walk through Bernkastel’s colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting.

If you prefer a more active tour, join our guide on a cycling excursion along the picturesque Moselle River.

You may also join a guided hike up to the Grevenburg Castle ruins and through the village’s vineyards, with a tasting of local wines awaiting at the end of the trail.

Head to fairytale Cochem and visit Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour.

As an alternative, hike to Reichsburg Castle and enjoy a visit inside, or pedal through the charming town on a guided bike tour.

Later in the day, sit out on your balcony or go up on the Sun Deck to marvel at the beautiful views as we cruise to Koblenz.

There, you can join a guided evening walk through the charming historic town, perhaps stopping for photos at the Augenroller (eye roller) of Koblenz.

Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue or allow yourself to be treated to a wine tasting.

For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards above the Rhine River

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 German

Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor.

Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo.

Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle.

Alternately, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road.

Head to Bamberg, which 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 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.

Or, indulge in the culinary specialties of Bamberg, including licorice root, Hornla pastries, traditional German sausage and smoked beer.

As a more invigorating alternative, pedal from Eltmann to Bamberg, meeting the ship there later in the day.

Bid farewell to the ship in Nuremberg as you prepare for your return flight home.

Explore all the iconic sites in Paris, taking in the Eiffel Tower, arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees and Place de la Concorde.  On your tour you’ll pass the magnificent Opera Garnier, the legendary Louvre and the Pantheon.

Take a trip onboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill to Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artists enclave.  Visit Montmartre’s most recognisable landmark, the Basilica du Sacre Coeur, before enjoying an illumination tour and discovering why Paris is renowned as  the “City of Light”.

Discover Prague, where you will enjoy a city tour or a castle hike.  Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic centre that’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, so end your European journey with a tasting of some the very best beer in the world.