Nuremberg’s Christmas Market
Bamberg Town Hall
Historic Würzburg
The illuminations of Schweinfurt
A French Balcony Cabin
A Standard Cabin
The speciality restaurant, Beilstein
The Beilstein speciality restaurant
The Panorama Restaurant
The Panorama Restaurant
The Turner Lounge
The Turner Lounge bar
The Library
The Lobby
The Lobby
Christmas Markets of the Main 2026 (Nuremberg to Würzburg)
The Main
Experience the festive traditions of Germany
Germany is renowned for its Christmas markets and you can visit some of the country’s most popular venues on this all-inclusive river cruise in 2026 aboard Spirit of the Moselle. Take your time to browse illuminated stalls offering an array of handicrafts, traditional decorations and culinary delights, from gluhwein to lebkuchen, while enjoying the festive atmosphere and historic setting.
In the medieval city of Nuremberg head to the main square to explore the Christmas market before returning to the comfort of your ship and sailing overnight to UNESCO-listed Bamberg. During Advent, Maximiliansplatz square in Bamberg houses a large Franconian nativity scene alongside its market stalls. Next, following an overnight and leisurely morning sailing the Main River, you arrive in the Bavarian city of Schweinfurt where the Christmas market is centred around a huge Christmas tree. Continue overnight to Würzburg and look forward to visiting the Christmas Market held on Market Square, with Marienkapelle Chapel providing a historic backdrop.
Included excursion in every port
Itinerary
Spirit of the Moselle
Travel to Nuremberg and embark Spirit of the Moselle.
Depart 2300.
The Imperial Castle, Kaiserburg, dominates the skyline of this medieval city, which has undergone a great deal of restoration since it was heavily bombed in World War Two.
Sail overnight.
Included visit
Take our included coach transfer into the centre of Nuremberg where the main square or Hauptmarkt, will be hosting its renowned Christmas market, which you can explore independently. Browse little wooden booths for handmade Christmas decorations and tempting sweet treats, including lebkuchen and spekulatius cookies.
Arrive 1200. Depart 0100.
Bamberg was, like Rome, built on seven hills and because of its mixture of imposing architectural styles and baroque town houses is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Imperial Cathedral is set on Cathedral Hill and Altenburg Castle is located at the town's highest point. Sail overnight.
Included visit
Head into Bamberg to look around its Christmas market independently using our included coach transfer to the town centre. The market is held in Maximiliansplatz square in the pedestrianised area and features a selection of individual stalls selling a variety of produce.
Arrive 1200. Depart 1900.
Following a leisurely morning cruising the Main River, arrive at the Bavarian city of Schweinfurt where you can experience the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market. Sail overnight.
Included visit
Visit the Christmas market, which is centred around a huge Christmas tree. Enjoy the aromas of roasted almonds, mulled wine and other Franconian specialities as you shop for festive handicrafts at your leisure.
Arrive 0900.
An important city in the Middle Ages, Würzburg features numerous baroque buildings erected by the prince-bishops of the Schönborn family in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Residence Palace, one of Europe’s most renowned baroque castles, was built here between 1720 and 1724 for the prince-bishop Johann Philipp Franz.
Included visit
Look forward to visiting the Christmas market held on Market Square with Marienkapelle Chapel providing a historic backdrop.
Disembark Spirit of the Moselle and begin the return journey to the UK.
Including...
Nationwide shared chauffeur service
All Inclusive†
Cruise Director
Plus…
- Drinks reception and Gala dinner
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- All gratuities on board
- Return flights and transfers
Included excursion in every port
Find out more about when excursions are available to book.
Interactive maps and audio headsets are available for independent exploration.
†The included drinks are available on board from 9am to midnight and include non-branded alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Excludes branded spirits.