This marvelous Central Europe river cruise introduces you to the magnificent Moselle, Rhine, and Main Rivers, as well as to the fascinating Main Danube Canal. Your vacation begins in Remich, Luxembourg, where you embark your river cruise ship. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Trier, Miltenberg, Würzburg, and Bamberg. Visit Reichsburg Castle above the little town of Cochem, Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in pretty Rüdesheim, and the Bishop’s Residenz in Würzburg. Other highlights: cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, see the legendary Lorelei rock, and attend an onboard baking demonstration in Miltenberg. Disembark in Nuremberg for the conclusion of your vacation.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Remich, Luxembourg (Embarkation). Welcome to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg! Your river cruise vessel is docked in Remich, ready for boarding between 4 pm and 5.30 pm. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)
Day #2 Trier, Germany–Bernkastel. The venerable Episcopal city of Trier is the oldest in Germany and, some claim, even older than Rome! The famous Porta Nigra is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and still gives access to the town center. See the highlights on your included tour. This afternoon, cruise downstream to the charming wine village of Bernkastel. (B,L,D)
Day #3 Cochem–Koblenz. Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, which sits atop a conical hill covered in vines. From here, the views of the little town of Cochem nestled down below and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river, it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine-growing region. Most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The Deutsches Eck, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. (B,L,D)
Day #4 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town and SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)
Day #5 Miltenberg. Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided walk. This evening, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (B,L,D)
Day #6 Würzburg. Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Bamberg. Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in the breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Nuremberg (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)