Scenic Delights of the Rhine Main and Moselle

Disembark your ship and travel by coach into central Trier, passing along the banks of the Moselle to see the ancient Roman Bridge. You will then explore further with a guided tour on foot to visit the largest Roman gate north of the Alps – the UNESCO World Heritage listed Porta Nigra – as well as the quaint Market Square, Cathedral and Church of Our Lady.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which may at times be uneven or cobbled. There is a total walking and/or standing time of two-and-a-half hours. The exact tour duration may vary depending on the mooring location of your ship.

3½ hours

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

Accompanied by your local guide, set off early from Regensburg by coach to visit the historic city of Munich. Subject to traffic conditions the journey will take approximately two hours each way, during which time you can sit back and relax with expert commentary explaining more about the city.

On arrival, alight your coach for a short orientation walk before visiting the church where you can enjoy a private cello concert featuring music from a variety of genres in the ideal acoustic setting.

After the concert you'll head to a local restaurant for a traditional Bavarian lunch. Then you will have approximately one hour of free time to explore independently. Perhaps take a short stroll to see one of Germany's most beautiful squares: Marienplatz, situated at the heart of the city and home to the striking architecture of the Old and New Town Halls.

You'll also find a number of shops and cafes here too. FInally, rejoin your guide for the return coach journey to your waiting ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: There will not be a comfort stop during the journey between your ship and Munich, however there will be a toilet on your coach. Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over flat ground with the possibility of cobblestones. There is a total essential standing and/or walking time of approximately 90 minutes. Walking and/or standing during your free time is at your discretion. If you have any specific dietary requirements please ensure you notify us of these in advance of travel. During the summer months, Munich is popular with both tourists and locals alike and therefore at times the city centre can be very busy. This cruise berths in Regensburg as a departure/return point for the full day included tour to Munich. Therefore, time to explore Regensburg itself is very limited.

9 hours

During this tour you will see St Nikolaus Hospital, the parish church of St Michael with its Gothic slate tower, the birthplace of Nikolaus Cusanus and the historic market square with its half-timbered houses. The unique vista of the Moselle cultural landscape is your constant companion on this tour through Bernkastel-Kues. After your tour concludes you may walk back to your ship or perhaps choose to stayand explore independently for a little longer.

Walking Grade 3

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

1½ hours

Join a leisurely walk through the traditional Moselle town of Traben-Trarbach. Stroll through the old town which is renowned for its Art Nouveau villas and Belle Epoque splendour.

In the early 1900's, the town was the largest wine trading centre in Europe after Bordeaux. Discover the town's many secluded alleys and traces of bygone days, whilst your guide highlights the historical tales and modern day life in this delightful town.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over level but cobbled terrain. Expect to be walking or standing for the full duration of this excursion.

1½ hours

Depart the ship by coach for your journey to the fairytale Eltz Castle, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Germany, partly due to its hillside setting surrounded by woodland.

The 850-year-old castle is now in the possession of the 34th generation of the von Eltz family and is one of the only complexes in Germany that has never been conquered in conflict and was able to survive the wars of the 17th and 18th centuries and the social upheavals of the French Revolution unscathed.

The treasure chamber in the cellar vaults houses more than 500 masterpieces of art from the 12th-19th centuries. You will explore the castle and discover more about its unique history in the company of an expert guide.

Walking Grade 5

Please Note: As Eltz Castle has an elevated position there is a moderately steep downhill walk of approximately half a mile on arrival and half a mile uphill on your return via a tarmac path. Inside the castle there are frequent steps, no lifts are available, and you should expect to walk approximately 550 yards. The terrain can be uneven in places and during wet weather some of the stone paths can also be very slippery, so we recommend that sturdy footwear is worn. This tour has a total walking and/or standing time of approximately two hours. This tour is not suitable for those with limitedmobility.

4½ 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

Disembarking the ship, you’ll start the day by boarding the Land Train for a relaxing journey through the streets of Rüdesheim. After enjoying the passing vistas of this small wine town, get ready for a musical tour through Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, home to the world's largest collection of immersive self-playing instruments.

Accompanied by a guide, you’ll be shown some of the most beautiful musical pieces spanning three centuries, from music boxes to concert piano orchestrions, all presented to you in a humorous and curious way. Finally, you will experience the ""Admiral 2"", dating back to 1910 and fully restored, it is now the largest instrument in the collection. Next, you’ll have the chance to sample three regional wines with a guided tasting before your return to the ship via the Land Train.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 250 yards in total over flat ground with a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 45 minutes. This excursion includes travel by land train, which can occasionally be bumpy and therefore may be unsuitable for those with back and/or neck problems.

2½ hours

This botanical showcase in the centre of Frankfurt was established following the purchase of the Duke of Nassau's excellent tropical-plant collection. A special glasshouse was erected to house these plants, enabling visitors to experience a jungle-like tropical environment.

Over the years the collection has increased substantially and there are now greenhouses displaying plants from a variety of climate zones, a butterfly house and outdoor exhibits including a rose garden and boating lake. After a short transfer from your ship by coach, your guide will give you a brief orientation walk before allowing you time at leisure to explore your preferred exhibits further on your own.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Aside from the orientation walk, most of the walking on this tour is at your discretion. However, we suggest that you should expect to walk at least one mile to make the most of your visit. Terrain is varied and dependent on the route you chose may include paved paths, steps and grass.

3½ 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

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 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

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