Magic of Advent on the Rhine & Main

Embarkation from 4:00pm

Begin your festive advent journey in the city which is the official seat of the European Parliament – Strasbourg. After embarking in the afternoon, spend some time relaxing on board, enjoying the Welcome Cocktail and meeting your fellow travelers at the celebratory Welcome Dinner.

Visit to Heidelberg

Your first stop is in Speyer, one of Germany's oldest towns, situated in the beautiful Rhineland-Palatinate region. During the course of the morning's guided tour, uncover Speyer's secrets and history, which goes back to the Romans. The tour includes a visit to the imperial Speyer Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before lunch, your vessel will leave Speyer and head for Mannheim.

If you choose to join the afternoon tour, you will pay a visit to the nearby university town of Heidelberg, picturesquely nestled among the forested slopes of the Neckar and Rhine valleys, visit the ruins of Heidelberg castle, and soak in the festive atmosphere of the Heidelberg Christmas market. While you wind down at a delicious evening meal, your cruise ship will continue on its way.

Visit to the Gutenberg Museum

You are spoilt for choice this morning with two fascinating tour options: explore Mainz with a visit to one of its bakeries, famous for local delicacies such as Christstollen and Bethmännchen. Alternatively, after a stroll through Mainz, visit the Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest printing museums in the world, where you can delve into the fascinating world of printing and literacy.

Return to your vessel for a tasty lunch while you head to one of Germany's most populous cities and an important commercial hub – Frankfurt. In the evening, why not join us as we tour a traditional apple farm and taste the apple cider for which the region is known. In the evening, while you enjoy the company of your fellow travelers at dinner, your vessel will continue its journey down the Main River.

Medieval flair and half-timbered houses

Spend the morning at a leisurely breakfast and enjoy the amenities of your floating hotel. After lunch, you can choose to continue relaxing on board or join one of two available excursions. You can take part in a guided stroll through the romantic town of Miltenberg, full of medieval flair and half-timbered houses, followed by a visit to the nearby town of Wertheim, where you will discover the seemingly magical art of glassblowing at the local glass museum.

Alternatively, explore Miltenberg, taste some festive Lebkuchen (a kind of gingerbread), and then make your way to Wertheim to learn more about its romantic alleyways and ruined castle. After you rejoin your ship in Wertheim, it will set sail again while you spend the evening in style and comfort.

Cobblestone lanes of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The Bavarian town of Würzburg is known for its Baroque and Rococo architecture as well as its picturesque location in the midst of the Franconian wine-growing district. In the morning, discover more about this architecturally magnificent town, including the imperial palace known as the Würzburg Residence, one of the foremost examples of the southern German Baroque style. Your visit to the Residence will conclude with a tasting of typical Franconian wine in the time-honored cellar of the palace.

In the afternoon, two optional excursions await you. One takes you to the unforgettable little town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns in Europe. Don't miss the chance to try the local sweet treat known as Schneeballen (snowballs). The alternative excursion takes you to Marienberg Fortress, an imposing structure on the left bank of the Rhine with a spectacular view over Würzburg.

Captains Gala Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely morning on board, admiring the passing Main riverscape. In the afternoon, discover Bamberg, a former imperial city. It is considered one of Germany's most beautiful cities and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its medieval layout, many historic buildings and imposing Baroque facades. Bamberg was founded in 1007 and is surrounded by the famous seven hills of Bamberg, each topped with a church. Back on board in the evening, drink a toast to your successful cruise, your fellow guests and the hospitable AMADEUS crew at the celebratory Captain's Gala Dinner.

Disembarkation after breakfast

Don't miss out on one final, delicious breakfast on board before disembarking. The AMADEUS team wishes you safe travels and hopes to welcome you back soon.