AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

AWARD-WINNING DINING

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : NUREMBERG, GERMANY - EMBARKATION
Embark the ship in Nuremberg for your Treasures of the Main & Rhine Christmas cruise. (D)

Day 2 : BAMBERG
Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions followed by a tasting of the city's famous smoked beer and a visit to Bamberg's charming Christmas Markets. Or indulge in the local flavors by sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla pastry, a local favorite whose recipe dates 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 and to its quirky quarters beyond the town center. (B,L,D)

Day 3 : WIRZBURG
Visit Wurzburg, nestled along the 'Romantic Road' in the middle of Germany's largest wine producing region. Join a walking tour of this beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor and festive Christmas Markets. Or admire its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As an alternative, hike up to Marienberg Fortress, dating back to the 13th century, and overlooking the Main. You may also head to picturesque Rothenburg on the 'Romantic Road,' known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : WERTHEIM
Wertheim's old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center and local Christmas Markets or 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. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walking tour through the medieval town of Miltenberg where you'll see you will see the Schnatterloch (old market square) and one of the oldest inns in Germany, the Hotel Zum Reisen. Or, opt for a hike up into the surrounding hills to Miltenberg Castle. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : RUDESHEIM
Cruise from the meandering Main River to the captivating Rhine River en route to the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Once there, you will have a choice of three excursions. Take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rudesheim's gondola. Afterwards, wine connoisseurs will want to go on a wine tasting with a local vintner and visit the town's fairytale Christmas Markets. Alternatively, visit hike through a Rudesheim vineyard or take a bike ride through the Rheingau wine region. 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 a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : COLOGNE
Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue on to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany's oldest town hall, the Heumarkt and the Alter Markt. During your free time, browse through the city's most impressive Christmas Markets*, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions. Here, you will have an opportunity to taste mulled wine, and watch artisans at work. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kolsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the magic of its iconic bridges. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam cafe. (B,L,D)

*Depending on docking location, A Taste of Amsterdam may not operate; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Day 8 : AMSTERDAM - DISEMBARKATION.
Bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homebound flight. (B)