From Prague, the “City of Spires,” to the heartland of Germany along the Rhine and Main rivers and to cosmopolitan Amsterdam, you’ll get an up-close look at the magnificent castles, medieval towns and forever-inspiring cities. Experience Prague’s eclectic mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Get lost in the medieval chivalric atmosphere of Nuremberg’s Kaiserburg Castle, representative of the thousands of fortresses that dotted Germany’s landscape in the Middle Ages. Marvel at an immaculate example of Baroque architecture at the designated UNESCO World Heritage Würzburg Residenz, a reminder of life lived on a grand scale. Savor the storybook atmosphere of some of Europe’s most charming towns, Wertheim and Rüdesheim; and along the way, get swept up in the many treasures just waiting to be discovered along the Rhine and Main rivers.
From Prague, the “City of Spires,” to the heartland of Germany along the Rhine and Main rivers and to cosmopolitan Amsterdam, you’ll get an up-close look at the magnificent castles, medieval towns and forever-inspiring cities. Experience Prague’s eclectic mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Get lost in the medieval chivalric atmosphere of Nuremberg’s Kaiserburg Castle, representative of the thousands of fortresses that dotted Germany’s landscape in the Middle Ages. Marvel at an immaculate example of Baroque architecture at the designated UNESCO World Heritage Würzburg Residenz, a reminder of life lived on a grand scale. Savor the storybook atmosphere of some of Europe’s most charming towns, Wertheim and Rüdesheim; and along the way, get swept up in the many treasures just waiting to be discovered along the Rhine and Main rivers.
COUNTRIES:
Germany, NetherlandsGermany, Netherlands, Czech Republic
RIVERS:
Rhine, Danube, Main
Treasures of the Main & Rhine
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
| Day 1 | Nuremberg | EMBARKATION |
|
Embark the ship in Nuremberg for your Treasures of the Main & Rhine cruise. (D)
| Day 2 | Bamberg | UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
| | OR Bamberg Specialties tasting |
|
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 city’s 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 you’ll enjoy a free evening strolling along the streets and visiting shops and cafes. (B,L,D)
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
Visit Würzburg, nestled along the “Romantic Road” in the middle of Germany’s 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 | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
| | OR “The Pearl of the Main” walking tour |
|
| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
|
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. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour through the medieval town of Miltenberg where you’ll see you will see the Schnatterloch (old market square) and one of the oldest inns in Germany, the Hotel Zum Reisen. Or, opt for a hike up into the surrounding hills to Miltenberg Castle. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Rüdesheim | Gondola Ride and wine tasting |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Unique Lahneck Castle visit |
|
Cruise from the meandering Main River to the captivating Rhine River en route to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once there, you will have a choice of two excursions. Take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola. Afterwards, wine connoisseurs will want to go on a wine tasting with a local vintner. Alternatively, visit hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard or take a bike ride through the Rheingau wine region. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Cologne | "Holy City" tour and cathedral visit |
|
Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue on to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Heumarkt and the Alter Markt. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch 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 | Canal cruise |
|
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the magic of its iconic bridges. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homebound
flight. (B)
| Day 1 | Amsterdam | EMBARKATION |
|
Embark the ship in Amsterdam for your Treasures of the Main & Rhine cruise. (D)
| Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the magic of its iconic bridges. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Cologne | “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit |
|
Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch 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 through Cologne Old Town. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Cruise from the meandering Main River to the captivating Rhine River en route to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once there, you will have a choice of three excursions. Those who fancy a more whimsical adventure will want to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. For an adventure of a different kind, soar over the vineyards of Rüdesheim on a gondola to the Niederwald Monument; or opt to take a hike through the vineyards. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Miltenberg | “The Pearl of the Main” walking tour |
|
| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
|
| Freudenberg | Wertheim walking tour |
|
| Wertheim | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.” While on your walking tour, you’ll 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. Or you can taste local specialties on a “Flavors of Miltenberg” tour. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river. Later in the day, set sail for Freudenberg to explore the idyllic German town of 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. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle or take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley from Freudenberg to Wertheim. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Würzburg | Würzburg Walking tour |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Würzburg countryside bike tour |
|
| | OR Full-Day Rothenburg excursion |
|
Visit Würzburg, nestled along the “Romantic Road” in the middle of Germany’s 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 7 | Bamberg | Bamberg walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
| | OR Eltmann to Bamberg bike tour |
|
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 city’s 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your homebound flight. (B)
| Day 1 | Prague | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore this beautiful city.
| Day 2 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
|
Experience the wonders of Prague and its historic city center that is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site on your city tour or you can hike to the grand castle. See Rudolfinum and the Hundertwasser Dancing House. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the romantic Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square, where you will find the capital’s famous Astronomical Clock. (B)
| Day 3 | Prague | Czech Beer tasting |
|
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
| Day 4 | Prague | Transfer to Nuremberg |
|
Depart Prague after breakfast and drive through the scenic countryside to Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. (B,D)
| Day 5 | Bamberg | UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
| | OR Bamberg Specialties tasting |
|
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 city’s 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 you’ll enjoy a free evening strolling along the streets and visiting shops and cafes. (B,L,D)
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
Visit Würzburg, nestled along the “Romantic Road” in the middle of Germany’s 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 7 | Wertheim | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
| | OR “The Pearl of the Main” walking tour |
|
| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
|
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. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour through the medieval town of Miltenberg where you’ll see you will see the Schnatterloch (old market square) and one of the oldest inns in Germany, the Hotel Zum Reisen. Or, opt for a hike up into the surrounding hills to Miltenberg Castle. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Rüdesheim | Gondola Ride and wine tasting |
|
| Rhine Gorge | Castles scenic cruising |
|
| Lahnstein | Unique Lahneck Castle visit |
|
Cruise from the meandering Main River to the captivating Rhine River en route to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once there, you will have a choice of two excursions. Take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola. Afterwards, wine connoisseurs will want to go on a wine tasting with a local vintner. Alternatively, visit hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard or take a bike ride through the Rheingau wine region. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Cologne | "Holy City" tour and cathedral visit |
|
Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue on to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Heumarkt and the Alter Markt. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch 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 10 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the magic of its iconic bridges. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homebound
flight. (B)
| Day 1 | Amsterdam | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
| Day 2 | Amsterdam | Walking tour |
|
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
| Day 3 | Amsterdam | Zaanse Schans visit |
|
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, where you can observe life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18-th century village. (B,D)
| Day 4 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the magic of its iconic bridges. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Cologne | “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit |
|
Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch 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 through Cologne Old Town. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Cruise from the meandering Main River to the captivating Rhine River en route to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once there, you will have a choice of three excursions. Those who fancy a more whimsical adventure will want to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. For an adventure of a different kind, soar over the vineyards of Rüdesheim on a gondola to the Niederwald Monument; or opt to take a hike through the vineyards. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Miltenberg | “The Pearl of the Main” walking tour |
|
| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
|
| Freudenberg | Wertheim walking tour |
|
| Wertheim | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.” While on your walking tour, you’ll 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. Or you can taste local specialties on a “Flavors of Miltenberg” tour. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river. Later in the day, set sail for Freudenberg to explore the idyllic German town of 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. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle or take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley from Freudenberg to Wertheim. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Würzburg | Würzburg Walking tour |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Würzburg countryside bike tour |
|
| | OR Full-Day Rothenburg excursion |
|
Visit Würzburg, nestled along the “Romantic Road” in the middle of Germany’s 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 9 | Bamberg | Bamberg walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
| | OR Eltmann to Bamberg bike tour |
|
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 city’s 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Pilzen | Highlights tour; transfer to Prague |
|
Disembark the ship in Nuremberg and enjoy a panoramic tour of the WWII-era city before continuing on to Pilzen, where you’ll enjoy a highlights tour. Afterward, transfer to Prague. (B)
| Day 11 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
|
Discover fairytale Prague via a city tour or a hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all the key highlights, including the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, home to the Astronomical Clock. (B)
| Day 12 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
|
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, so join a tasting and discover some of the very best beer in the world. (B)
| Day 13 | Prague | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your flight home. (B)