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Medieval Treasures

Resort:Medieval Treasures
Operator: AMA Waterways
Destination: Europe, France, Germany, Switzerland
Price From: Contact for latest offers

Overview

Walk through thousands of years of history in the medieval towns of Rothenburg, Bamberg and Miltenberg. Revel in the architectural gems on displaythe Wrzburg Residenz and Mannheim Baroque Palace. Indulge your inner child with visits to Siegfrieds Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and the Speyer Technical Museum. Discover the Alsatian capital of France, Strasbourg and savor local flavors like rich Rdesheimer coffee and hearty Bamberg smoked beer. All this and more awaits you as you experience the many medieval treasures of Europe.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Basel

Board the ship in Basel for your Medieval Treasures cruise. (D)

Day 2 – Strasbourg

Capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is beloved for its wine culture and enchanting 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered houses, which line La Petite France quarter on the banks of the Grand le (Grand Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a tour of the city that takes you past the stunning Parc de lOrangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la Rpublique and then walk through the iconic La Petite France district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathdrale de Ntre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can go on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Ludwigshafen & Rudesheim

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit the Mannheim Baroque Palaceone of the largest palaces in Europe, which is furnished with over 800 exhibits, recreating its bygone grandeur. Alternatively, join a walking tour of one of Germanys oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its crypt contains the tomb of eight German emperors and kings. Speyer is also home to the medieval Altprtel, Old Gate. Or, if you prefer a more modern view of Speyer, you can visit the intriguing Speyer Technical Museum. Later in the day, sail to Rdesheim, where youll be treated to a wine tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Rudesheim

Continue your exploration of Rdesheim with a choice of excursions. Those who fancy a more whimsical adventure will want to visit Siegfrieds Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. For an adventure of a different kind, soar over the vineyards of Rdesheim on a gondola to the Niederwald Monument; or opt to take a hike through the vineyards. Alternatively, enjoy time at the Heidelberg Castle, nestled into the hillside 300 feet above the old downtown. Gaze at the breathtaking view of the Neckar River Valley, picturesque Old Stone Bridge and Heidelberg below. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Miltenberg & Wertheim

Enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the Pearl of the Main River. While on your walking tour, youll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal Inn, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Or you can taste local specialties on a Flavors of Miltenberg tour. Later in the day, set sail for Wertheim, considered to have one of Germanys most beautiful city centers with precious half-timbered houses. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the impressive stone ruins of Wertheim Castle or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Kitzingen & Volkach

There are several choices of excursions, depending on your interests. You can go to Wrzburg, a beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor. While here, visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Alternatively, you can take a trip through a thousand years of history while in Rothenburg, Germanys best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. Interestingly, the imagery of Walt Disneys Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. Or for a more active excursion, go on a bike tour from Kitzengen to Volkach. Later in the day, everyone will be treated to an exclusive wine festival celebration in Volkach. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Bamberg

Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where youll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla pastry, a local favorite dating 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 from Eltmann and to Bambergs quirky quarters beyond the town center. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Nuremburg

Bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your flight home. (B)