From the Main to Switzerland

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 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

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 explore the former 12th-century Cistercian abbey of Bronnbach, which has a picturesque setting in the charming Tauber Valley, near the town of Wertheim. Legend has it that Bernard of Clairvaux, a French abbot and the primary reformer of the Cistercian order, wished for the foundation of a monastery in the valley when visiting Wertheim. According to the myth, three wise noblemen then chose the exact spot for the building based on the sudden appearance of three white singing larks. After a short drive from your ship by coach, join your local guide for a stroll through the monastery, discovering its church and Romanesque cloisters.

After your guided tour on foot, you will enjoy some free time to explore more of the grounds independently before rejoining your group and listening to a short organ concert. Then, travel back through the scenic Tauber Valley by coach to your waiting ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately half-a-mile over terrain which will include cobblestones, some gentle inclines and steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 90 minutes with regular stops.

3 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

From the ship in Breisach, embark on a coach journey past Freiburg up into the narrow Höllental ("Hell's valley") with its photographic crags, deep valleys and soaring mountains. There, you will visit the "Hofgut Sternen", an old inn which has been transformed into a hotel and shop. Here, there’s time to try a slice of the famous Black Forest cake before continuing up the Höllental all the way to Titisee.

This little town lies at the shores of Lake Titisee, one of the deepest lakes in the Black Forest. After a short walk through the modern town, from the bus to the lake, it’s time to board a mini cruise. Floating across the lake, enjoy the views of the hills around before your walk back to the bus as a group. On the way back to Breisach, you will drive through the Glottertal, one of the most picturesque valleys of the Black Forest.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one and a quarter miles over level terrain with the possibility of cobblestones. The short walk from the coach to Hofgut Sternen is on a slight incline. There are a small number of steps on and off the boat in Titisee. There is a total compulsory walking and/or standing time of approximately an hour.

5 hours

Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, the city of Freiburg is a collection of historic gems with a colourful history. A true metropolis where the past, present, and future unite in a unique combination. On this tour you travel by coach from your ship to the south west of Germany's Black Forest region, a drive of approximately 45 minutes. 

On arrival, you join a local guide for a walking tour to discover some of the highlights of the city, including the cathedral, elegant facade of the Merchant's Hall, and the babbling clear waters of the Freiburg Bächle (narrow man-made waterway) which runs through the cobbled streets. Fed by the Dreisam River, the Bächle water flows through countless narrow streets in the Old Town and has done so since the 12th century, when the city was founded. Back then the flat paved gutters supplied Freiburg's people with water for drinking, fighting fires and more.

However, watch your step, as according to local legend, any single person who accidentally stumbles into a Bächle has to marry a Freiburger and remain in the city! After your guided walk, enjoy some free time before returning by coach to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles in total over ground which will include cobblestones, with essential standing and/or walking of approximately 90 minutes.

3½ hours

Surrounded by mountains and situated on the shores of the lake of the same name, Lucerne is a popular city filled with charm. After the coach journey from your ship, with commentary en route, you will join your guide for a short walk into the heart of this compact city. Starting at the Lion Monument, which commemorates the Swiss guardsmen who died in the French Revolution, you will go on to admire the fresco-adorned houses of the Old Town.

Once in the centre you will have approximately two-and-a-half hours of free time to explore independently. Perhaps take a stroll to see one the city's most famous landmarks, the Chapel Bridge over Lake Lucerne, which was first erected in the 14th century, browse the shops for souvenirs or find a cafe to relax over lunch and take in the view.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: The journey time between your ship and Lucerne is approximately one hour and 30 minutes each way. A packed lunch, which can be eaten during the coach journey, will be offered for this tour. Alternatively, you may choose to have lunch independently during your time in Lucerne at one of the many cafes and restaurants. You should expect to walk approximately one mile over predominately flat terrain, which may be cobbled. Walking during your time at leisure is at your discretion. There is compulsory standing and/or walking time of approximately one hour.

6 hours

Discover the fascinating city of Basel in the company of an expert local guide on this combined coach and walking tour. After seeing some of the highlights on a short panoramic drive, you will leave your coach and explore the pretty Old Town on foot.

Learn about how this dynamic Swiss city has evolved over time to become a city of contrasts, with historic buildings and traditions sitting alongside striking modern architecture and a lively developing art scene.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which may be cobbled. The walk from the cathedral to the Town Hall/Market Square includes approximately 60 steps down and then a steep incline back up. Should you decide not to join this section of the tour, you will have some free time at the top instead. The total standing and/or walking time will be approximately one-and-a-half hours.

3 hours