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. Later, enjoy free time in Volkach.

Enjoy a walking tour of Volkach 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 1300s. 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 can go on a city tour or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. If you prefer a more active adventure, take a guided bike ride from Volkach to Kitzingen.

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 from Mainz to Rüdesheim. During the afternoon, you’ll travel by motorcoach to Rüdesheim, where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, 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. Cap the day off with a visit to Lahneck Castle.

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. (B,L,D)

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

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

Trier is 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 hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. Later in the day, sail to Bernkastel, Walk through its colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour and hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century.

Head to 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 hike to Reichsburg Castle and enjoy a visit or take a walking tour through nearby Koblenz. Later in the day, set sail for Rüdesheim, where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or enjoy the town’s iconic Rüdesheimer coffee, served ceremoniously with whipped cream and brandy.

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 or join a guided bike tour of the scenic Rheingau wine region. As an alternative, head to the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers to Mainz, where you’ll enjoy a walking tour of its Old Town, brimming with quaint narrow streets, Baroque churches and half-timbered houses. You’ll also have a chance to visit the Collegiate Church of St. Stephan, best known for its blue Chagall windows

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

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. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Later in the day, 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.

After breakfast, disembark the ship.

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”. Prices from £845 per person

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. Prices from £592 per person