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 Christmas 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 and a visit to Bamberg’s charming Christmas Markets. 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)

Bamberg

Day 3

WÜRZBURG
Head out on a full-day excursion to picturesque Rothenburg on the “Romantic Road,” known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town. Alternatively, you may choose from a variety of other tours. 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 and festive Christmas Markets. 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. (B,L,D)

*Not combinable with other tours on this day.

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 and local Christmas Markets 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, the “Pearl of the Main,” 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)

Wertheim

Day 5

RUDESHEIM
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. 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 and visit the town’s fairytale Christmas Markets. Alternatively, hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard or take a bike ride through the Rheingau wine region. 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 an exclusive visit to Burg Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Rüdesheim

Day 6

COLOGNE
Enjoy cruising to Cologne. Join a guided tour through the Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active guests 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. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café. (B,L,D)

**May be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour based on docking location

Amsterdam

Day 8

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

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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