Treasures of the Main & Rhine

Overview

From Prague, the City of Spires, to the heartland of Germany along the Rhine and Main rivers and to cosmopolitan Amsterdam, youll get an up-close look at the magnificent castles, medieval towns and forever-inspiring cities. Experience Pragues eclectic mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Get lost in the medieval chivalric atmosphere of Nurembergs Kaiserburg Castle, representative of the thousands of fortresses that dotted Germanys landscape in the Middle Ages. Marvel at an immaculate example of Baroque architecture at the designated UNESCO World Heritage Wrzburg Residenz, a reminder of life lived on a grand scale. Savor the storybook atmosphere of some of Europes most charming towns, Wertheim and Rdesheim; and along the way, get swept up in the many treasures just waiting to be discovered along the Rhine and Main rivers.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Nuremburg

Embark the ship in Nuremberg for your Treasures of the Main & Rhine cruise. (D)

Day 2 – Nurembrug, Bamberg & Volkach

Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions followed by a tasting of the citys famous smoked beer. Or indulge in the local flavors by sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla pastry, a local favorite whose recipe dates back to 1427. And for those wishing to explore the town more actively, hop on a bike for a guided bike tour along the Main River and to its quirky quarters beyond the town center. In the evening, sail to the Bavarian town of Volkach, where youll enjoy a free evening strolling along the streets and visiting shops and cafes. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Wurzburg

Visit Wrzburg, nestled along the Romantic Road in the middle of Germanys largest wine producing region. Join a walking tour of this beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor. Or admire its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As an alternative, hike up to Marienberg Fortress, dating back to the 13th century, and overlooking the Main. You may also head to picturesque Rothenburg on the Romantic Road, known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Wertheim

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. As an alternative to the walking tour of Wertheim, you may choose to venture high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany with a deep moat and impressive bulwark. The castle was partly destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1619, but has more recently been restored with support from the state. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Rudesheim

Cruise from the meandering Main River to the captivating Rhine River en route to the winemaking town of Rdesheim. Once there, you will have a choice of two excursions. Take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rdesheims gondola. Afterwards, wine connoisseurs will want to go on a wine tasting with a local vintner. Alternatively, visit hike through a Rdesheim vineyard or take a bike ride through the Rheingau wine region. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Cologne

Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue on to the Cologne Rathaus, Germanys oldest town hall, the Overstolzenhaus and the Festival Hall. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Klsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Amsterdam

View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the magic of its iconic bridges. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Amsterdam

Say goodbye to Amsterdam as you disembark your cruise and prepare for your flight home (B)