Christmas Markets of the Main: Würzburg to Nuremberg

A key highlight of this historic city is the UNESCO World Heritage Residence Palace, which you will have the opportunity to explore with your guide after a short coach transfer from your ship. Maria Theresia, archduchess of Austria and queen of Hungary, referred to the building as ‘the Palace above all Palaces’. Climb the grand staircase, above which, the artist, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, painted the world’s largest ceiling fresco. 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 admire the opulent sights from the UNESCO-listed Court Gardens.

Afterwards, join your guide for a walk through the Old Town to see one of the main attractions, the Old Bridge across the Main. Continuing your walk, hear more of Würzburg’s history, including about the opera composed here by Wagner. Also, find out about the resident physicist, Röntgen, who discovered X-Rays and Tilman Riemenschneider, a famous woodcarver and sculptor. After some free time in the Old Town, return to your ship by coach. Alternatively, if your cruise itinerary permits, you may choose to stay in the centre for further free time before making your own way back to the ship.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 3½ hours

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. Inside the palace, you will need to negotiate a significant number of stairs to view the ceiling fresco. A lift is available if required. There is a total walking and/or standing time of two-and-a-half hours.

Join a knowledgeable local guide and walk from your ship to explore this charming town in northern Bavaria, known for its industrial history and attractive Old Town. Schweinfurt is known for its industrial significance, particularly in the production of ball bearings, which earned it the nickname, "The City of Bearings". With roots in the medieval era, the town has many buildings that reflect its long-standing heritage.

A highlight of the tour is a stroll through Schweinfurt’s pretty Old Town, where you can see a mix of historic buildings, charming streets, and local landmarks. Your guide will point out key historical sites, including the Old Town Hall. This Renaissance building is a central feature of the town's historic district. It stands in the town's main square, Marktplatz, and is a great spot for photos.

At the end of the walk your guide will accompany you back to your ship or alternatively, if your cruise itinerary permits, you may choose to stay in the centre for further free time before making your own way back to the ship.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 4 - Considerable walking

Duration: 1½ hours

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over mostly level but cobbled terrain with the possibility of steps. There is a total essential walking and/or standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

This sightseeing tour begins by coach and will reveal the elegant architecture and main sights of this historic Franconian 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 setting for the notorious Nazi rallies, and later for the war crimes trials of 1945 to 1949.

Your coach will take you past the Justizpalast (Palace of Justice), a building forever linked to the post-World War Two Nuremberg Trials, where key figures of the Nazi regime were held accountable for war crimes. This landmark continues to stand as a powerful symbol of justice and the rule of law. You will also pass by the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, an expansive area that once served as the stage for massive propaganda events during the Nazi regime. Your guide will provide insightful commentary on the site's history, its role during the Third Reich, and its subsequent transformation into a space for education and remembrance.

After disembarking your coach, you will walk to Nuremberg Castle for a short photo opportunity before strolling downhill with your guide to the old town, nestled within the city walls. Passing the house of the famous Renaissance painter Albrecht Dürer you will reach one of the largest Renaissance town halls in Germany. From here, venture into the market square where you may enjoy some free time before returning to your waiting ship by coach.

Activity Level:  Walking Grade 3 - Moderate walking

Duration: 4 hours

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over varied terrain which will often be cobbled and includes some steps. There is a total essential walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours. Walking and/or standing during free time is at your own discretion.