Walk through thousands of years of history in the medieval towns of Rothenburg, Bamberg and Miltenberg. Revel in the architectural gems on display—the Würzburg Residenz and Mannheim Baroque Palace. Indulge your inner child with a visit to the Speyer Technik Museum. Discover the Alsatian capital of France, Strasbourg, and savor local flavors like rich Rüdesheimer coffee and hearty Bamberg smoked beer. All this and more awaits you as you experience the many medieval treasures of Europe.
Zurich and Lake Lucerne provide the perfect starting point to this incredible cruise along the romantic Rhine and peaceful Main rivers. Walk through thousands of years of history in the medieval towns of Rothenburg, Bamberg and Miltenberg. Revel in the architectural gems on display—the Würzburg Residenz and Mannheim Baroque Palace. Indulge your inner child with a visit to the Speyer Technik Museum. Discover the Alsatian capital of France, Strasbourg, and the fairytale capital of Europe, Prague. All this and more awaits you as you experience the many medieval treasures of Europe.
Medieval Treasures
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.
Board the ship in Basel for your Medieval Treasures cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour |
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Capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is beloved for its wine culture and enchanting 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered houses, which line La Petite France quarter on the banks of the Grand Île (Grand Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a tour of the city that takes you past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République and then walk through the iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can go on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Ludwigshafen | Mannheim Baroque Palace |
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| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
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| | OR OR Speyer Technik Museum |
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Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit the Mannheim Baroque Palace—one of the largest palaces in Europe, which is furnished with over 800 exhibits, recreating its bygone grandeur. Alternatively, join a walking tour of one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its crypt contains the tomb of eight German emperors and kings. Speyer is also home to the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Or, if you prefer a more modern view of Speyer, you can visit the intriguing Speyer Technik Museum. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim, where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting. (B,L,D)
| | OR Frankfurt tasting tour |
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Enjoy a guided tour of Frankfurt, which offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness and modern infrastructure. Alternatively you may explore with your tastebuds with a guided tasting tour highlighting Hessian cuisine. For a more active excursion, join a guided bike ride along the Main River. In the afternoon, venture to Limburg, where you will see the iconic Limburg Cathedral, stroll the medieval Old Lahn Bridge, admire St. Georg’s Fountain and discover the quirky Katzenturm. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Miltenberg | “The Pearl of the Main” walking tour |
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| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
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| | OR Miltenberg to Wertheim bike tour |
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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, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Later in the day, set sail for Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers with precious half-timbered houses, which you may explore on a guided walking tour. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
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Explore Würzburg, a beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor, on a guided walking tour. Or venture to the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Those looking for more active exploration can hike up to the Würzburg Castle. Alternatively, you can take a trip through a thousand years of history while in Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. Interestingly, the imagery of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of this charming city.
Day 7 | Eltmann | UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
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| | OR Eltmann to Bamberg bike tour |
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Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla pastry, a local favorite dating 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 from Eltmann and to Bamberg’s quirky quarters beyond the town center. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
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Bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Zurich | Hotel check-in |
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Arrive in Zurich and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | Zurich | “Little Big City” tour |
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Set alongside a glistening lake and framed by the Alps, Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future—all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)
Day 3 | Zurich | Transfer to Lake Lucerne |
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| Lake Lucerne | Hotel check-in |
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After checking out of your Zurich hotel, board the iconic cogwheel train to ascend to the summit of Mount Rigi, often referred to as the "Queen of the Mountains." Enjoy panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, Lake Lucerne, and surrounding valleys as you make your way up to the top. Once at the summit, take in the breathtaking vistas and explore the mountain's walking paths before descending to Vitznau. Here, you’ll have free time for lunch in the charming lakeside town. Afterward, continue your journey with a scenic cruise across the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne, taking in the breathtaking views along the way. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel.
Day 4 | Lake Lucerne | Lake Lucerne walking tour |
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Discover Lake Lucerne's unrivaled beauty on a walking tour that includes the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century, as well as a visit to the iconic Lion Monument, sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. (B)
Day 5 | Lake Lucerne | Depart Hotel |
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| | Transfer to Basel and Basel city tour |
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Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Before boarding the ship, you’ll go on a highlights tour of the city. (B,D)
Day 6 | Strasbourg | “The Gem of the Alsace” tour |
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Capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is beloved for its wine culture and enchanting 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered houses, which line La Petite France quarter on the banks of the Grand Île (Grand Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a tour of the city that takes you past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République and then walk through the iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can go on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Ludwigshafen | Mannheim Baroque Palace |
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| | OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour |
|
| | OR OR Speyer Technik Museum |
|
Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit the Mannheim Baroque Palace—one of the largest palaces in Europe, which is furnished with over 800 exhibits, recreating its bygone grandeur. Alternatively, join a walking tour of one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its crypt contains the tomb of eight German emperors and kings. Speyer is also home to the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Or, if you prefer a more modern view of Speyer, you can visit the intriguing Speyer Technik Museum. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim, where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting. (B,L,D)
| | OR Frankfurt tasting tour |
|
Enjoy a guided tour of Frankfurt, which offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness and modern infrastructure. Alternatively you may explore with your tastebuds with a guided tasting tour highlighting Hessian cuisine. For a more active excursion, join a guided bike ride along the Main River. In the afternoon, venture to Limburg, where you will see the iconic Limburg Cathedral, stroll the medieval Old Lahn Bridge, admire St. Georg’s Fountain and discover the quirky Katzenturm. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Miltenberg | “The Pearl of the Main” walking tour |
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| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
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| | OR Miltenberg to Wertheim bike tour |
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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, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Later in the day, set sail for Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers with precious half-timbered houses, which you may explore on a guided walking tour. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
|
Explore Würzburg, a beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor, on a guided walking tour. Or venture to the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Those looking for more active exploration can hike up to the Würzburg Castle. Alternatively, you can take a trip through a thousand years of history while in Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. Interestingly, the imagery of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of this charming city.
Day 11 | Eltmann | UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
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| | OR Eltmann to Bamberg bike tour |
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Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla pastry, a local favorite dating 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 from Eltmann and to Bamberg’s quirky quarters beyond the town center. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
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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 13 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
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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 National Museum, Wenceslas Square, the 1,000 year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, home to the Astronomical Clock. (B)
Day 14 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
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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 15 | Prague | Return flight home |
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Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)