Detailed Itinerary Europe's Rivers & Castles

CRUISE YEAR

7- Night Cruise


Day 1

EMBARKATION – LUXEMBOURG CITY, LUXEMBOURG
Board your ship in Luxembourg for your Europe’s Rivers & Castles cruise. (B,D)

Day 2

SCHWEICH, GERMANY – TRIER – BERNKASTEL, GERMANY
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. Those seeking an active adventure can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. (B,L,D)

Schweich

Day 3

ALKEN, GERMANY – COCHEM – RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY
Head to fairytale Cochem and visit the Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour. Or, enjoy a guided walking tour of Koblenz, a historic town located at the northern end of the Rhine Gorge where you will visit the town’s famous Clock Tower. 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. (B,L,D)

Alken

Day 4

RÜDESHEIM
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 above the Rhine River. 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. (B,L,D)

Rüdesheim

Day 5

WERTHEIM, GERMANY
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. (B,L,D)

Wertheim

Day 6

WÜRZBURG, GERMANY
Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, 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. Alternately, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)

Würzburg

Day 7

ELTMANN, GERMANY
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. (B,L,D)

Eltmann

Day 8

NUREMBERG – DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to the ship in Nuremberg as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Day 1

EMBARKATION – NUREMBERG, GERMANY
Board the ship in Nuremberg for your Europe’s Rivers & Castles cruise. (D)

Day 2

BAMBERG
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. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour through Bamberg and follow your knowledgeable guide along the river to the enchanting winemaking town of Eltmann. (B,L,D)

Bamberg

Day 3

WÜRZBURG
Go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. For those not going to Rothenburg, 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. As an alternative to the walking tour and the palace visit, the more active guest may choose to venture high above the town for a hike to Marienberg Fortress, which dominates the city. (B,L,D)

Würzburg

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. 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. (B,L,D)

Wertheim

Day 5

RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – LAHNSTEIN
Arrive in 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. You may also hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard. Another choice today is to take a guided bike tour along the Rhine Valley, riding between the Rheingau hills and the Rhine River. 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. (B,L,D)

Rüdesheim

Day 6

COCHEM – ZELL
Wake up in fairytale Cochem and visit the Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour. You may also opt to take a guided bike tour along the captivating Moselle River or a hike to Reichsburg Castle. Later, cruise to Zell, famous for its 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. (B,L,D)

Cochem

Day 7

TRIER
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moselle to Trier, 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 bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)

Trier

Day 8

LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARKATION
Bid au revoir to Luxembourg as you prepare for your journey home.

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