Magical Christmas Markets of Germany

FRANKFURT – DISEMBARKATION. Board your ship for you Magical Christmas Markets of Germany river cruise.

FRANKFURT. Enjoy a guided tour of Frankfurt, which offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness and modern infrastructure. After your time, enjoy time in the city’s historic Christmas Market. Alternatively, you may explore with your tastebuds on a guided tasting tour highlighting Hessian cuisine. For a more active excursion, join a guided bike ride along the Main River.

MAINZ. Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid­15th century Gutenberg Bibles. As an alternative, join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including the gleaming Old University and grand Staatstheater. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. Later in the day, arrive in Koblenz where you can enjoy an evening walk through this charming town.

RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Cruise through the captivating UNESCO­-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. In the afternoon, join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas markets. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal and with free time visiting the Christmas markets. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards.

WERTHEIM. Wertheim’s old town center still features half­timbered 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, with free time after your tour to visit the local Christmas Market. 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.

WÜRZBURG. Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor, along with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Alternately, go on a full­day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best­preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road and home to one of the country’s most charming Christmas Markets.

BAMBERG. Built on seven hills, this city is known as “Franconian Rome,” but in Bamberg, a church graces each hill. 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, visit its distinctive Christmas Market. Alternatively, indulge in the culinary specialties of Bamberg, including licorice root, Hornla pastries, traditional German sausage and smoked beer. As a more invigorating option, join a guided bike tour.

NUREMBERG – EMBARKATION. Bid farewell to your ship and prepare for your return flight home.