Christmas and New Year on the Rhine 2024

This combined coach and walking tour of the largest city in the German state of Hesse, straddling the river Main, reveals a striking contrast of old and new. Take a guided coach tour through the modern centre with its skyline of dazzling glass skyscrapers, then enjoy a stroll in Römerberg, the central square of the historic old town where you can see the stepped gables of Römer City Hall. Other highlights include St Paul's Church, the seat of the first freely elected German parliament.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over paved terrain, which may at times be cobbled. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately 90 minutes.

2½ 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

Visit Strasbourg’s UNESCO-listed old quarter, famous for its wealth of history and graceful architecture. Take a short coach journey from your ship to embark the canal boat and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the waterways overlooked by 12 centuries of religious, civil and military architecture with commentary provided through headphones.

You disembark in the city centre just a short walk from the old town and pink sandstone cathedral. From here you will have approximately 90 minutes of free time to explore the city independently. Perhaps take a walk to the lively hub Petit-France, browse the shops for souvenirs or treat yourself to a sweet treat from one of the many tempting patisseries.

After your free time, rejoin your guide at the cathedral and walk to the Place de la Republique, one of Strasbourg’s main squares, where you will board your coach for the return journey to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: There are two versions of this tour available. The Standard Tour has approximately one hour of free time after the canal cruise before a return to your ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board. The Extended Tour has three-and-a-half hours of free time, enabling you to spend more time exploring at leisure and to enjoy lunch independently in the city before a return transfer mid-afternoon. Please ensure you book the version of the tour you wish to participate in, changes once you have arrived on board are not always possible.

Most of the walking on this tour is at your discretion however, as access to the city centre in Strasbourg is restricted for large vehicles, there will be essential walking of approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile from the centre to rejoin your coach. The terrain is cobbled in many parts of the city.

Due to large scale events taking place in both Germany and France, enhanced Border Control checks are likely. Please ensure you take your passport with you when you leave the ship to visit Strasbourg, either as part of your included tour or independently.

4 hours

Visit Strasbourg’s UNESCO-listed old quarter, famous for its wealth of history and graceful architecture. Make the short coach journey from your ship to embark the canal boat and enjoy a gentle cruise along the waterways overlooked by 12 centuries of religious, civil and military architecture with commentary provided through headphones. You disembark in the city centre just a short walk from the old town and pink sandstone cathedral.

From here you have approximately three-and-a-half hours of free time to explore independently. Take a walk to the lively hub Petit-France where you can find a selection of cafes and restaurants perfect for a relaxed lunch, visit the inside of the cathedral or browse the shops for souvenirs.

After your free time you will rejoin your guide at the cathedral and walk to the Place de la Republique, one of Strasbourg’s main squares, to board your coach for the return journey to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: There are two versions of this tour available. The Standard Tour has approximately one hour of free time after the canal cruise before a return to your ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon on board. The Extended Tour has three-and-a-half hours of free time, enabling you to spend more time exploring at leisure and to enjoy lunch independently in the city before a return transfer mid-afternoon. Please ensure you book the version of the tour you wish to participate in, changes once you have arrived on board are not always possible.

Most of the walking on this tour is at your discretion however, as access to the city centre in Strasbourg is restricted for large vehicles, there will be essential walking of approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile from the centre to rejoin your coach. The terrain is cobbled in many parts of the city.

Due to large scale events taking place in both Germany and France, enhanced Border Control checks are likely. Please ensure you take your passport with you when you leave the ship to visit Strasbourg, either as part of your included tour or independently.

4 hours

This tour will take you on a journey back in time as you combine a visit to the old town with a guided exploration through the local castle. As you set off through the winding alleys of the old town, you’ll get to know the many different faces of Heidelberg, from its shady squares to the oldest university in Germany and the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit).

Then, after a wander through the Jewish Quarter, you can head up to the castle itself. Upon arrival, look forward to a tour around the inner courtyard and the castle garden before discovering the residence ruins and the famous giant barrel.

Walking Grade 4

Please note:Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over flat ground during this excursion with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately three hours.

5 hours

Straight from the disembarkation of your ship, the tour begins as you join a knowledgeable guide on foot, to explore some of the town’s main attractions. One of the first sights you’ll see is the Beethoven monument, overlooking the city as a proud reminder of the iconic composer that was born here. Next, you’ll pass the Romanesque Minster Cathedral and the University of Bonn, which was formerly the Elector’s Palace and the grand baroque City Hall.

The tour then takes you to the banks of the Rhine near the Bonn Opera House to see the imposing view of Germany‘s oldest nature park, Siebengebirge, or Seven Hills in English. After enjoying the mountainous greenery, your tour ends with a visit to the Beethoven House Museum. Here, you’ll learn more about the composer himself, along with his work and early life in this charming German city.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over mainly flat terrain with the possibility of cobblestones. The Beethoven House Museum, whilst compact, is split across several floors with some steep stairs in between. This tour has a total standing and/or walking time of approximately two-and-a-half hours.

2½ hours

Enjoy a panoramic drive through the wild and romantic Brohl valley, in the company of a local guide, to Lake Laach – the largest and oldest active crater lake in the Eifel. Next to it is situated the striking Maria Laach Abbey. At the Abbey information centre you will be able to view a short film presentation about the building’s history, before some free time to explore at your own pace with your guide remaining on hand to provide additional insight if you choose.

The monastery was founded in 1093 by Count Palatine Heinrich II von Laach and is now run by the Beuron Benedictines. Next to the impressive abbey church, is the monastery nursery nestled between the monastery wall and the basilica. After you have explored the monastery grounds, which also house a library, art smithy and furniture exhibition, there is time to visit the souvenir and organic food shop where you can purchase some of the monastery's own produce.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: On this tour you should expect to walk approximately 1650 yards over terrain which may be uneven in places, although the majority of walking is at your own discretion. We suggest a total standing and/or walking time of approximately two hours, but this is also at your discretion.

3½ 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

Situated on the banks of the Main River, the Bavarian town of Miltenberg enjoys a scenic setting and has plenty to entertain its visitors. A striking castle overlooks the town and there are traditional half-timbered buildings around every corner.

Join a local guide and explore the town on foot, learn about its beer-making history and 350-year-old brewery, as well as discovering highlights such as the Market Square and Germany’s Oldest Royal Inn – dating back to 1411.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which will include cobblestones. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately two hours.

2 hours

Join a local guide on a walking tour exploring the city's history, from its beginnings to present today. After your walking tour your guide will leave you to explore at your own pace at the Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest book and print museums located in the heart of Mainz. Founded in 1900 by a group of citizens from Mainz, the Gutenberg Museum is dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, the man behind one of the most important inventions in the history of mankind, the printing press. Inside you will see the work of Johannes Gutenberg during a demonstration at the historic printing press and be sure not to miss the original Gutenberg Bible in the vault of the museum. After your time in the museum you return to your ship independently on foot.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk up to approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile over mostly level, cobbled terrain on the guided walking section of this tour, however in addition to this there will be a further walk of approximately three-quarters-of-a-mile from the Gutenberg Museum back to your ship at your own pace.

Inside the museum walking is at your discretion, however we suggest you should expect to walk a further 750 yards to make the most of your visit. Some steps are possible inside the museum, but a lift is available if required. This tour has a total walking and/or standing time of approximately two-and-a-half hours, however one hour of this is at your discretion inside the museum.

2½ hours

In the centre of Koblenz city, underneath the main building of the former Deinhard sparkling wine cellar, is the Koblenz Wine and Sparkling Wine Museum, founded in 1969. After a walk from the ship, join a guided tour through the historic museum, stepping into the vaults to learn about how the local wine used to be made with the original equipment before being exported. Then, enjoy a tasting of three Sekt wines, giving you more of a flavour of Deinhard before heading back to the port.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile in total over flat ground with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately one hour. There are some steps to negotiate inside the venue, leading down to the vaults.

2 hours

Koblenz is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities on the Rhine. The city has a rich history spanning over 2000 years and incorporating both French and German influences.

With a local guide you will discover the city on foot, taking in highlights such as the Deutsches Eck, or German Corner on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, the quaint Old Town and the Schängel fountain, which stands in the courtyard of the Town Hall and is one of the city's main landmarks.

The fountain dates to a time when Koblenz was under French control and features a little boy who periodically spits water a surprising distance, catching passers by unaware.

Walking Grade 4

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

1½ hours