Medieval Germany

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Frankfurt, where a comfortable coach awaits to take you to your five-star cruise ship in Mainz. The dedicated English-speaking crew is ready to welcome you, and there’s an air of anticipation and excitement as you and your like-minded fellow cruisers acquaint yourselves with the luxury surroundings of the ship that will be your home for the next seven days.

You’ll soon be settled into your exceptionally well-equipped, spacious cabin and looking forward to a first-night dinner to start off your cruise in style.

Whether you decide to take breakfast in bed or set yourself up for the day at the plentiful buffet, afterwards you can enjoy a morning exploring bustling Mainz on our guided tour.

Dominating its skyline is the colossal six-towered 12th-century cathedral – Martinsdom – a pinnacle of German Romanesque architecture that houses a spectacular nave, many elaborate tombs and a peaceful colonnaded cloister.

Also unmissable is Saint Stephen’s Church, which features nine breathtaking stained glass windows, created by the artist Marc Chagall, that bathe the interior in magical blue light.

Today we’re moored in Miltenberg, a beautifully preserved medieval village whose labyrinth of winding alleys and lanes begs exploration.

And so, this morning we do exactly that, as our local guide shows us the highlights of this charming destination.

Admire the impressive gatehouse which stands like a proud guardian of the village, and wander across the charming marketplace, lined by traditional fachwerk buildings instantly recognisable by their grids of timber framing.

The story goes that locals were allowed free wood from the surrounding forests, hence the abundance of this architectural style. Highlights of this beautiful square include the trickling fountain, ornately carved from stone and complete with dancing cherubs, and the intricately detailed Gasthaus Zum Riesen, which claims to be Germany’s oldest tavern.

One of the delights of river cruising is indulging in complete relaxation, so this morning perhaps catch up on some reading or simply watch the world float by.

This afternoon we arrive at elegant Würzburg, which contrasts with the quaint towns and villages you’ve encountered so far. We have a guided tour of this Bavarian city sitting resplendent on the banks of the Main, founded in the 10th century as the centre of the kingdom known as Franconia. The impressive Marienberg Fortress overlooks the neat blocks of grand pastel-coloured buildings punctuated by the spires and domes of the city’s many churches.

The jewel in Würzburg’s illustrious crown is the Residenz, a magnificent Baroque palace that whisks you back to a more romantic age. Originally conceived to rival the Palace of Versailles in scale, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and features one of Germany’s most spectacularly ornate staircases and dozens of interconnecting rooms adorned with gorgeous frescoes, priceless tapestries, sculptures and paintings.

There’s ample time to explore here as you wish before returning to the ship, enjoying another evening of exceptional cuisine and a drink in the bar as the pianist works his magic at the keyboard.

After breakfast we take a drive along the Romantic Road – the perfectly named route made up of a spellbinding procession of folkloric scenery, medieval towns, lofty castles and grand palaces, so picture-perfect they could all serve as film sets.

We arrive at gorgeous Rothenburg, crowning a hill with glorious views over the meandering river below. The old town is cradled within immaculately preserved walls, and there’s time to explore its narrow, cobbled streets lined with tall gabled half-timbered houses.

A short drive takes us to Ochsenfurt, nestled on the banks of the Main where our ship and another superb lunch await. This afternoon we explore this picturesque little town on a guided tour, with its romantic, half-timbered houses and ancient ramparts.

Wander the old town, stopping to admire the façade of the town hall with its impressive mechanical clock and a lovely 13th-century church with its strikingly colourful interior before returning to the ship.

Another day dawns and this morning is free to enjoy the ship’s five-star facilities while admiring the magnificent undulating landscape. The foredeck features exquisite outdoor furnishing and there’s nothing quite as refreshing as the gentle breeze as we progress along the serene waters of the Main.

Alternatively, why not find a quiet alfresco seat at the Lido Lounge at the stern of the ship and admire one enchanting vista after another?

We moor this afternoon in Bamberg, undoubtedly one of the prettiest small towns in the whole of Europe and so precious that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Planned by Emperor Heinrich II in the 11th century as a Franconian capital, it sits on seven lush green hills, a similar setting to the city whose grandeur it was meant to equal – Rome!

Of course, this Bavarian city is intriguing for its association with the Second World War, as the site of many pre-war Nazi rallies and, later, the war crimes trials.

What’s little known, however, is that Nuremberg also captivates visitors with its cobbled streets with classic half-timbered houses, an enchanting castle (rebuilt after wartime bombings) and many historic landmarks. These include the Church of Saint Lawrence, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and the intricate Church of Our Lady, which features a working mechanical clock dating from 1506 and overlooks the bustling Hauptmarkt square, itself renowned for its intricate fountain resembling a Gothic church tower.

Amid all this splendour, spare a moment to taste Nuremberg’s famous gingerbread, perhaps stocking up with a packet to spice up the biscuit tin back home!

Afterwards you return to the ship for your final dinner on board, perhaps selecting a local white from the wine list and, later, enjoying a coffee in the lounge with your travel companions while sharing memories of your exploration of Germany’s medieval heart.

Today you return to Munich airport for your return flight.