Detailed Itinerary Treasures of the Main & Rhine (Christmas)

CRUISE YEAR

7- Night Cruise


Day 1

NUREMBERG, GERMANY - EMBARKATION
Embark the ship in Nuremberg for your Treasures of the Main & Rhine cruise. (D)

Day 2

BAMBERG
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)

Nuremberg

Day 3

WÜRZBURG
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)

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. 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)

Wertheim

Day 5

RÜDESHEIM
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)

Rüdesheim

Day 6

COLOGNE
Join a guided tour through the Old Town. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, plus see other historic sites. As an alternative, explore the historic and modern architectural styles on display across Cologne on a guided tour, including a special visit inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)

Cologne

Day 7

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

Amsterdam

Day 8

AMSTERDAM – DISEMBARKATION.
Bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homebound flight. (B)

Experience More Connections

What better city to visit on a river cruise than stunning Amsterdam?
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“Drinking a Kölsch beer is more than just drinking a beer: it’s like drinking an entire culture.”
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Painter, printmaker, theorist: Nuremberg’s most famous artist-in-residence was Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528).
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