Romantic Franconia & Bavaria & The Majestic Rhine

Munich, the capital of Germany's enchanting Bavarian region, awaits your arrival. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history, evident by its legacies of centuries-old buildings, delicious Bavarian cuisine, and lively atmosphere: Munich is world-famous for its annual Oktoberfest and heritage beer halls.

On a day trip from Munich, today, you'll get the opportunity to experience first-hand the striking grandeur of world-renowned Neuschwanstein Castle. Explore the exquisite halls of this fairytale-like, 19th century castle and marvel at its breathtaking surroundings, perched atop a rugged hill in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. (B)

• Included Excursion Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle

This morning after breakfast, you'll be transferred to Bavaria's historic city of Nuremberg. Here, you'll join your Tour Director on a fascinating guided walking tour through this charming city.

Today you will also discover the secrets of the Holy Roman Empire at Nuremberg Castle, a must-see landmark dating back to the medieval era that reveals captivating exhibits and stunning architecture. (B)

• Included Excursion Guided city tour of Nuremberg

Today after breakfast, you'll be transferred from Nuremberg to Mainz, where you'll embark your luxury Star-Ship. (B/D)

Rüdesheim is a charming town that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Germany. Here, in the home of cuckoo clocks, oompah bands, and Bavarian beer, the Rhineland's charm is found around every corner.

Today, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. Located in a 15th-century knight’s tower, the vaulted ceilings and painted frescoes are home to exhibits of rare music boxes.

During your EmeraldPLUS experience, discover the fascinating legends of the Rhine in this engaging lecture that delves into the region's rich history and mythology. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Legends on the Rhine
• Included Excursion A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

The ancient city of Koblenz is the gateway to the Rhine Gorge. Once a Roman stronghold, today, the area is full of postcard-worthy parks and flowers. Explore the picturesque surroundings during a guided tour of the city, including the German Corner, where the Moselle meets the Rhine. Absorb the panoramic views of the confluence during a cable car ride across the water to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Valley. Later, sail through the Rhine Gorge and soak in the breathtaking vistas along the way. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Koblenz
• EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour in Koblenz
• DiscoverMORE Eltz Castle visit (extra expense)

German Romanticism often depicts idealistic cityscapes and fairy tale-like scenes, full of Baroque buildings and charming narrow streets. It’s easy to see why so many of the most notable poets and composers of the era lost themselves to the beauty of Heidelberg.

Your guided tour of the historic university town will start in the grounds of Heidelberg Castle, once a royal residence. Visit some of the town’s main highlights or, alternatively, hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg for awe-inspiring panoramas. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Heidelberg
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg
• Discovery: Vineyards hike and wine tasting in Bad Durkheim

This morning, you'll be transferred from your Star-Ship docked in Rastatt to the charming spa town of Baden-Baden, frequented by celebrities and royalty for centuries. If you’re feeling active, you can embark on a guided hike to Altes Schloss, a fascinating castle ruin full of hidden dungeons and winding staircases. Enjoy panoramic views of the Black Forest and the Rhine Valley as you trace the footsteps of former residents. Tonight, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an exclusive private concert in a historical venue. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Baden-Baden
• EmeraldPLUS Evening Concert on the Rhine
• DiscoverMORE Entrance to the Casino (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Baden Baden Spa experience (extra expense)
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Altes Schloss

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg.

Strasbourg is a city best explored via its quaint waterways, so today we’ll embark on a traditional canal boat

tour. Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Witness the covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of the

city's administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, where half-timbered façades are adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Breisach to Colmar. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Colmar
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Colmar
• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Freiburg with market tasting (extra expense)

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the picturesque Rhine Gorge with you.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)