Europe's Rivers & Castles (Wine Cruise)

Board the ship in Nuremberg for your Europe's Rivers & Castles cruise. (D)

Bamberg has been referred to as “Franconian Rome” as, like Rome, it was built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church graces each one. 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, indulge in the town's famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike tour through Bamberg (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting OR Bamberg bike tour

Go on an afternoon excursion to Rothenburg, Germany's best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. For those not going to Rothenburg, enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, a bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg's Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As an alternative to the walking tour and the palace visit, the more active guest may choose to venture high above the town for a hike to Würzburg Castle, which dominates the city.

Each of the Würzburg tours ends with a visit to Juliusspital wine estate – one of Germany's largest wine estates. Here, you will have a unique opportunity to visit their historic cellar and taste some of the best wine in Germany. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Wurzburg walking tour and wine tasting OR Residenz Palace visit and wine tasting OR Rothenburg excursion OR Würzburg Castle hike and wine tasting

Wertheim's old town center still features half-timbered 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. 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)

Excursions:

• Walking tour OR Main River bike tour OR Castle hike

. Arrive in Rüdesheim, where you can take a ride over the vineyards of Rüdesheim in a gondola to the Niederwald Monument, and then be treated to a wine tasting afterwards. You may also choose to visit Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet or hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard.

Another choice today is to take a guided bike tour along the Rhine Valley, riding between the Rheingau hills and the Rhine River. 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)

Excursions:

• Gondola ride and wine tasting OR Siegfried's Mechanical Instrument Cabinet OR Vineyard Hike OR Bike tour of Rheingau
• Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
• Exclusive Burg Lahneck Castle visit

Wake up in fairytale Cochem and visit the Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour. You may also opt to hike to Reichsburg Castle or take a guided bike tour along the captivating Moselle River. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Reichsburg Castle and walking tour OR Moselle bike tour OR Reichsburg Castle hike

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moselle to Wasserbillig, your gateway to Trier, Germany's oldest city, renowned for its rich ancient Roman past, and referred to as the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Join a guided tour of the city, including the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths and Basilica of Constantine. Alternatively, enjoy a wine tasting at a local establishment where you can sample a few of Luxembourg's famed wines, the most popular among them being Riesling. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “Rome of the North” tour OR Luxembourg wine tasting

This morning, bid farewell to your luxurious river cruise ship. (B)