From the Danube to the Rhine Gorge: Vienna to Koblenz

This excursion begins with a panoramic coach tour past some of Vienna’s most famous sights, such as the 212-feet tall Riesenrad Ferris wheel and the Ringstrasse where you can see the State Opera House.

You will then travel into the oldest part of Vienna, where you will have the opportunity to join a short guided walk to the St Stephen's Cathedral, or if you prefer, enjoy some free time to gently browse the shops or treat yourself to a Viennese coffee, before returning to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over flat terrain. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

3½ hours

This sightseeing tour will start by coach and reveal the elegant architecture and major sights of this historic Bavarian city – from its medieval beginnings, to the present day. Once famous for the manufacture of toys, it became known, in the 20th century, as the tragic setting for the notorious Nazi rallies, and later for the war crimes trials of 1945 to 1946.

After disembarking your coach, you will reach Nuremberg Castle for a short photo opportunity before strolling downhill with your guide to the old town nestled within the city walls. Passing the Dürer-Haus and St. Sebald’s Church, you will reach one of the largest Renaissance town halls in Germany. From here, venture into the market square to the Frauenkirche, before it’s time to return to your awaiting ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately one mile over varied terrain which will often be cobbled and includes some steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 90 minutes.

3 hours

Disembark the ship and board your coach to the city centre of Bamberg where your guided tour will begin. You will be shown what makes this city so unique as you get ready to explore the historical heart. Wander past churches and monasteries, narrow lanes and squares within the centre. You can also admire the half-timbered houses and baroque facades that reveal some of the city’s past.

Continue to Cathedral Square to be greeted by more historical buildings, such as the Old Court and the New Residence with its Rose Garden lined by fruit trees. Finally, pass by the Old Town Hall, which is situated on an island in the middle of the river, and take in its timbered facades and medieval style along with the former fishing hub of Little Venice. Then it’s time to return to your awaiting ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately two miles over varied terrain which will often be cobblestones and include some gentle inclines. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours with regular stops. Some steps are likely but alternate sloped routes are possible in most cases. If time allows, there will be an opportunity to explore independently at the end of the tour before returning to the ship.

3½ hours

The highlight of this contrastingly young, yet historical city is the UNESCO World Heritage Residence Palace which you will have the chance to explore with your guide. Maria Theresia once slept here and referred to the building later as ‘the Palace above all Palaces’. Admire the grand staircase where the artist, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, painted the world’s largest ceiling fresco above. You can also venture into the mirrored room where 600 painted mirrors and kilos of gold leaf may remind you how wealthy the taxpayers once made the ruler of the city. There’s also time to pause and digest all the opulent sights by unwinding in the UNESCO-listed Court Gardens.

Afterwards, join your guide for a walk through the Old Town to see one of the most sought-after sights of the city centre: the Old Bridge across the Main. Continuing your stroll, hear about some of Würzburg’s history, learning about the opera composed here by Wagner. Also find out about the resident physicist, Röntgen, who discovered X-Rays and Tilman Riemenschneider, known for his carved wooden sculpture museums all over the world including the large workshop he used to run within the city. After passing more sights in the Old Town, it’s time to return to your awaiting ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately half a mile over flat terrain inside the palace and one mile over cobbled terrain during the guided walk. There is a total walking and/or standing time of two-and-a-half hours. On departure dates where this tour is Included only there will be an option for those unable to walk longer distances to return to the ship by coach after the palace visit rather than joining the guided walk through the Old Town if preferred.

3½ hours

This guided tour takes you to Melk Abbey, one of the most famous Baroque buildings near the Danube sitting on a rocky outcrop. The abbey was founded in 1089 when Leopold II, Margrave of Austria gave one of his castles to Benedictine monks. Following this, a monastic school, the Stiftsgymnasium Melk, was founded in the 12th century – boasting the monastic library which soon became known for its extensive manuscript collection.

After a short bus journey from your ship, you’ll reach the Benedictine monastery. Accompanied by your guide, learn more about why this site was rebuilt in the 18th century and what remains in the tombs of the abbey below. See the church frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr, the marble hall and of course, the world-famous library. Housing more than 80,000 books and adorned with a detailed ceiling mural by Paul Troger, you’ll find out more about the members of the House of Babenberg and their tribute to this library. After your tour, there’s some free time to explore independently. Perhaps walk through the abbey gardens or enjoy a refreshment in the restaurant nearby before re-joining your coach back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over flat terrain inside the abbey with some uneven terrain in the gardens, should you choose to explore them during your free time. Walking is at your discretion during free time, although we suggest you should expect to walk an additional half a mile. There are steps inside the abbey for the Imperial Staircase but a lift is also available if required. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half to two hours.

3 hours

Once an ancient Roman colony, Passau is one of the oldest cities in Germany, sitting at the confluence of the Inn and Ilz rivers. In 739AC, Passau became governed by bishops and priests which brought fame and prosperity to the city and surrounding region. On your walking tour through this city, you’ll be able to explore some key highlights such as the late Gothic town hall and the city’s landmark, St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Accompanied by your guide, you can head inside for a short tour and hear about its importance to the residents of Passau and how it was built on the ruins of two earlier churches. With 17,774 pipes and 233 registers, this holy monument also houses the largest church organ in the world which you’ll be able to see for yourself. Afterwards, a stroll through the narrow alleys and cobbled streets of the Old Town will lead you back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over mostly level terrain which will often be cobbled. Approximately 50 steps are required. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours.

2 hours

Your tour starts when you depart the ship and set off on foot to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Regensburg Old Town. Dating back to the 14th century, this medieval area survived heavy bombing during World War Two, resulting in many of its archaeological monuments remaining untouched and well-preserved.

Accompanied by a local guide, stroll through narrow streets and into wide squares, learning about the history and stories of this two-thousand-year-old city along the way. See some of the city’s key historical and religious sites such as the Gothic St Peter’s Cathedral.

After admiring the exterior of this sixth-century attraction with its skyline spires, continue to the Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke). Here, you can take in the view of the river and hear about its debut as the first stone bridge across the Danube, along with listening to the different theories and tales of how the bridge was created over 11 years.

Then, the tour will take you to the Old Town Hall, to the patrician houses and the family towers before you walk back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over varied terrain which will often be cobbled. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

2 hours

This tour takes you to Germany’s most important breakthrough valley: the Weltenburg Narrows on the Danube Breakthrough.

First, you’ll board the bus and travel from Regensburg to Kelheim where you’ll embark on a leisurely boat trip through the Jura massif. Enjoy the scenery before disembarking your boat at the Benedictine monastery of Weltenburg. Founded around 600AD by Columban monks from Luxeuil in the Vosges, it stands as the oldest monastery in Bavaria. You’ll get to know the abbey a little better when you explore inside, hearing about the Asam brothers who built the site from your local guide.

The monastery is also known for the traditional beer brewed inside by the resident monks; after the tour, there will be some time to taste this delicacy for yourself.

Then, board the awaiting bus for the return journey back to your ship in Regensburg.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately three-quarters of a mile over mostly flat terrain, although inside Weltenburg Abbey, the floor is uneven in places. There are several steps at both the embarkation of your cruise and inside the Abbey. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one hour.

4 hours

Journey by coach down part of Germany’s famous Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob de Tauber. The town is a striking example of a walled medieval town. In the company of a local guide you will be able to explore on foot the streets of colourful timber framed houses, which are overlooked by the ornate clock tower that appears to be plucked from a fairy tale. Rothenburg ob de Tauber is over 1000 years old and is widely regarded as the most beautiful city in Germany. After your guided walk you may enjoy some free time to explore independently before your return to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which at times may be uneven or cobbled. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 90 minutes. During your free time walking is at your discretion. Guests with mobility limitations wishing to visit Rothenburg can do so and reduce their walking by opting out of the guided walk and having additional free time instead, however guests choosing to do this will not recieve Guide commentary as this is only given on the walking tour.

4½ hours

A short walk from the ship’s berth, is the Brauhaus Faust. This is the only remaining independent brewery in the city. When you visit this authentic, German brewery, you’ll be taken on a tour and gain behind-the-scenes insights into a working brewery. Learn about the history and heritage of Bavarian beer making.

Of course, the visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling a couple of beers with a traditional Bavarian pretzel in the cool atmosphere of this traditional brewery.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which will be cobbled in parts. There are also a large number of steps inside the brewery. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately two hours.

2 hours

On this tour you will be introduced to the Prussian Koblenz of 1870, when the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein was under siege due to the Franco-Prussian War and just 10 valiant night watchmen looked after the safety of all the citizens of the city. Immerse yourself in history and accompany a 'watchman' on the nightly patrol of his precinct around the Church of Our Lady as he shares the intriguing tales of the city during this turbulent time.

Walking Grade 4

Please note:Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will be cobbled, and there may be some steps to climb. There is a standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes.

1½ hours