Rhine River Valley

Bamberg Walking Tour

Now a pleasant city with a lively student population and a world-famous symphony orchestra, Bamberg was the center of economic and political life for a huge swath of Central Europe in the Middle Ages. Spared WWII bombing, the entire heart of historic Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval layout of the city remains intact, along with 2,000 historic buildings; it is yours to explore today.

In the splendid late-Romanesque Imperial Cathedral you will find the only papal tomb in Germany, that of Pope Clement II (who was the bishop of Bamberg before he became pope), as well as the tomb of Emperor Henry II (who established the bishopric). Cross the cobblestone footbridge to the Old Town Hall, which is adorned with colorful frescoes, and ramble along the narrow lanes lined with picturesque half-timbered houses.

Let’s Go: Treetop Hike

Venture into the Steigerwald Nature Park to experience the forest from a completely different perspective—high up in the treetops. A wooden pathway winds around the trees, then spirals upwards to culminate in a 41-meter tower.

Along the way you’ll pass a deer park, live camera feeds into birds’ nests, learning stations and a petting zoo. When you reach the top of the walkway, you’ll find yourself high above the forest, enjoying spectacular views of the countryside.

Bamberg Beer Experience

Bamberg draws beer lovers from all over the world. Ten local breweries produce more than 50 distinctive styles, including Rauchbier, the famous smoked beer. Walk with your guide to a family-owned brewery that opened in 1533, where the brew master will explain the brewing cycle before you sample three different beers: dark, brown and pilsner. Afterward, head to an Old Town brewpub to indulge in traditional Franconian fare with Rauchbier.

*Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be added to a booking up to 6 days prior to the cruise/tour start date if space allows. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 48 hours prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 48 hours they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change.

Village Day: Heart of Franconian Wine Country

This picture-perfect region is cradled in the curve of the Main’s breathtaking horseshoe bend, wrapping itself around sprawling vineyards, rare wildflowers, countless fruit trees, verdant landscapes and quaint villages. There is a plethora of wonderful ways to explore here, and you’ll have the option to choose your favorite.

Perhaps you’d like to get acquainted with the village of Volkach, meeting local vintners and sampling their house wines along the way. Or maybe you’d rather take in panoramic views of the wine country before participating in a chocolate-paired wine tasting at the “Art of Chocolate” factory.

And if active exploration sounds more enticing, you can choose to bike past the many vineyards of Volkach on your trip to “Wine Island”, stopping for some refreshments before ending your tour with a nostalgic ferry ride. Alternatively, embark on a canoe ride through the Mainschleife nature reserve to experience the landscapes of wine country from a new angle.

Romantic Rothenburg Express

Travel by Motorcoach from Volkach to Rothenburg via the Romantic Road, a gorgeously vivid scenic route that connected the south of Germany to the center during the medieval period. The Romantic Road features absolutely stunning medieval scenery and German culture, passing through numerous quaint towns including the well-preserved Rothenburg. Join your guide as you venture beyond the timeless Medieval wall that encircles the city and stroll past old monasteries and half-timbered houses, brought to life by the stories told by your guide along the way. You will pass the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum, where you can hear tales of jurisdiction and witchcraft. The Renaissance style facade of City Hall is sure to impress, as it stands out as one of the highlights of the city. Conclude your walking tour at the market square where you can enjoy a traditional Bratwurst tasting, admire the many fountains throughout the market square and shop the local stores.

*Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences can be added to a booking up to 6 days prior to the cruise/tour start date if space allows. Some venues are limited in the number of guests they can accommodate. Guests can book onboard (space permitting) and pay in Euros. Pre-booked Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are refundable up to 48 hours prior to the cruise/tour start date; if inside of 48 hours they are non-refundable. Select Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation (with full refund) if minimum is not met. Masterpiece Collection Optional Experiences are non-commissionable. Prices are subject to change.

Würzburg Residence Visit with Court Gardens

This incredibly lavish 18th-century palace was created under the auspices of two Schönborn prince-bishops, Lothar Franz and Friedrich Carl, who brought enormous knowledge and passion, as well as a budget for the best, to the project. Over the course of 60 years, they fostered the creation of a 300-room palace that contains jaw-dropping baroque art. The magnificent grand staircase boasts the world’s largest ceiling fresco, painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Portions of the building were damaged by Allied bombing in 1945, but, fortunately, most of the historic furnishings had been stored off-site and key rooms were unharmed, so you can see the original—and matchless—artwork, gilding and statuary. Check out both the spectacular Hall of Mirrors and the imposing Imperial Hall, which boasts a large oval dome and 20 half-columns. Even the gardens have been restored, right down to the topiary fruit trees in the kitchen garden, which are re-creations of the trees grown there in the 18th century.

Note: Visitors may not take photos or videos or carry backpacks inside the Würzburg Residence.

Let’s Go: Hike to Festung Marienberg

Perched on a hilltop high above the city of Würzburg, Festung Marienberg is visible from seemingly every direction. Lace up your sneakers and wind your way up to this beloved landmark. As you make your way to the top, you’ll enjoy the scenery of the Main’s left bank and views of enchanting Würzburg below. It was here that the first church north of the Alps was built in 704 AD, followed by 13th-century fortifications and several additional structures. The fortress was expanded and renovated numerous times during the Renaissance and baroque periods, giving it its own unique flair.

Miltenberg Walking Tour with Brotzeit

Nestled between the Rhine and the mountains along its banks, Miltenberg has changed little since the 17th century. Explore its iconic half-timbered architecture as you roam the town with your local guide, taking some free time to shop.

When our time in Miltenberg ends, we’ll move on to Bürgstadt, a winegrowing community about an hour’s walk away. You’ll have the opportunity to either hop on a bus or join a nature walk to reach this town, where you’ll be welcomed with a drink and traditional Brotzeit snack.

Frankfurt City Tour

Meet your local guide outside the ship and get ready for an active jaunt around Frankfurt. First, you'll head to the Römerberg plaza in Old Town, a medieval square in which several coronation ceremonies for German Emperors. Continue your tour to see other highlights of the Old Town, including the medieval city hall, and Paulskirche. Your walk will come to an end at the Zeil, a popular street in Frankfurt's city center. If you'd like to continue exploring on your own, check in with your guide for a local's recommendations on what to see next!

Baden-Baden Walking Tour

Join a local guide for a walking tour of enchanting Baden-Baden, which will bring you past two thermal baths and the city’s famous Casino. Gain further appreciation for the Romans and their love of natural spa facilities as you pass by the Fettquelle, a public thermal fountain where it is believed that the water is health-promoting. After learning about the curative powers of Baden-Baden’s water sources, explore the Casino Baden-Baden, and let its ambiance, architecture and atmosphere enthrall you. You’ll enjoy a tour of this grandiose building, complete with a walk through the gambling halls, which offer a look at the casino’s fascinating history dating back to 1855 and Dostoevsky’s novel “The Gambler”—written in Baden-Baden and based on this casino.

Strasbourg Panoramic Tour with Cathedral and Old Town Walk

Controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, Strasbourg—cross-cultural and bilingual—offers a delightful combination of old and new, as well as French and German characteristics. You'll see the city's highlights on a panoramic drive before disembarking the coach for a walking tour through the towns famously idyllic streets with your local guide.