Detailed Itinerary Magical Christmas Markets of Germany

CRUISE YEAR

7-night Cruise


Day 1

NUREMBERG – EMBARKATION
Arrive in Nuremberg, where you will board your ship. (B)

Day 2

BAMBERG
Built on seven hills, this city is known as “Franconian Rome,” but in Bamberg, a church graces each hill. 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, visit its distinctive Christmas Market. Alternatively, indulge in the culinary specialties of Bamberg, including licorice root, Hornla pastries, traditional German sausage and smoked beer. As a more invigorating option, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 3

WÜRZBURG
Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor, along with a visit to the local Christmas Market. 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 full­day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best­preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road and home to one of the country’s most charming Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

Day 4

WERTHEIM
Wertheim’s old town center still features half­timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. Join a guided walking tour through the historic city center and then learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery, with free time after your tour to visit the local Christmas Market. 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)

Day 5

RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – KOBLENZ
Explore the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Soar over the vineyards on a gondola ride, then join a wine tasting to discover the local flavors.. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. Alternatively, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you. In the afternoon, cruise through the captivating UNESCO­designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river. Arrive in Koblenz this evening, where you may join a guided stroll through this charming town. (B,L,D)

Day 6

MAINZ
Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid­15th century Gutenberg Bibles. As an alternative, join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including the gleaming Old University and grand Staatstheater. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz (B,L,D)

Day 7

FRANKFURT
Enjoy a guided tour of Frankfurt, which offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness and modern infrastructure. After your time, enjoy time in the city’s historic Christmas Market. Alternatively, you may explore with your tastebuds on a guided tasting tour highlighting Hessian cuisine. For a more active excursion, join a guided bike ride along the Main River. (B,L,D)

Day 8

FRANKFURT – DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to your ship and prepare for your return flight home. (B)

Day 1

FRANKFURT – DISEMBARKATION
Board your ship for you Magical Christmas Markets of Germany river cruise. (D)

Day 2

FRANKFURT
Enjoy a guided tour of Frankfurt, which offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness and modern infrastructure. After your time, enjoy time in the city’s historic Christmas Market. Alternatively, you may explore with your tastebuds on a guided tasting tour highlighting Hessian cuisine. For a more active excursion, join a guided bike ride along the Main River. (B,L,D)

Day 3

MAINZ
Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid­15th century Gutenberg Bibles. As an alternative, join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including the gleaming Old University and grand Staatstheater. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. Later in the day, arrive in Koblenz where you can enjoy an evening walk through this charming town. (B,L,D)

Day 4

RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO­-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. In the afternoon, join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas markets. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal and with free time visiting the Christmas markets. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. (B,L,D)

Day 5

WERTHEIM
Wertheim’s old town center still features half­timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. Join a guided walking tour through the historic city center and then learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery, with free time after your tour to visit the local Christmas Market. 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)

Day 6

WÜRZBURG
Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor, along with a visit to the local Christmas Market. 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 full­day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best­preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road and home to one of the country’s most charming Christmas Markets. (B,L,D)

Day 7

BAMBERG
Built on seven hills, this city is known as “Franconian Rome,” but in Bamberg, a church graces each hill. 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, visit its distinctive Christmas Market. Alternatively, indulge in the culinary specialties of Bamberg, including licorice root, Hornla pastries, traditional German sausage and smoked beer. As a more invigorating option, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 8

NUREMBERG – EMBARKATION
Bid farewell to your ship and prepare for your return flight home. (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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