Itinerary
- Day 1
Nuremberg
Your cruise begins in Nuremberg with an afternoon arrival. Flights need to land by 3:30 pm, and you'll board the ship by 5 pm. Once settled into your suite, you can relax with traditional holiday fare and warm beverages as the ship prepares to depart.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional holiday fare and hot libations)
Landmarks Nuremberg - Day 2
Nuremberg
Nuremberg offers two main options today. You can take a guided tour hitting the Gothic cathedral and Kaiserburg Castle, or head to the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds if that interests you more. Either way, spend time at the Christmas Markets trying bratwurst and gingerbread. Back on board, there's live entertainment before the ship sails toward Bamberg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Tour of Nuremberg's medieval architecture, gilded fountain, Gothic cathedral, and Kaiserburg Castle OR Guided Tour of the historic Nuremberg Rally Grounds
- Christmas Markets of Nuremberg - free time to browse
Landmarks Kaiserburg Castle Nuremberg Rally Grounds Christmas Markets of Nuremberg - Day 3
Bamberg
A guided tour in Bamberg walks you through dozens of nativity displays, from tiny miniatures to full-size scenes that fill the medieval streets. The Christmas markets here have traditional German dumplings, sausage, and Bavarian ale to sample. Later, an onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture happens while you're cruising toward Würzburg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Sightseeing Tour of Bamberg including nativity scenes
- Onboard Christmas Traditions Lecture while sailing
- Christmas markets of Bamberg - free time to browse
Landmarks Bamberg - Day 4
Würzburg
Würzburg, called the 'Pearl of the Romantic Road,' shows off the Old Main Bridge, a towering fortress, and the baroque Bishop's Residence. If you want, you can skip the main tour and head to Rothenburg instead to see the Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum with its massive collection of traditional decorations. Either way, free time at the Christmas markets comes next, then live entertainment on board before sailing.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Sightseeing Tour of Würzburg including Old Main Bridge, fortress, and baroque Bishop's Residence
- Christmas markets of Würzburg - free time to browse
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Rothenburg and Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas museum
Landmarks Old Main Bridge Bishop's Residence Käthe Wohlfahrt German Christmas Museum Rothenburg - Day 5
Miltenberg
A walking tour of Miltenberg takes you through medieval half-timber homes and past Germany's oldest inn. Back on the ship, you can join a German Cookie-Baking Demonstration or just explore the village on your own. The ship heads toward Frankfurt as the day ends.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Walking Tour of Miltenberg including medieval half-timber homes and Germany's oldest inn
- German Cookie-Baking Demonstration on board while sailing
Landmarks Miltenberg - Day 6
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim's Mechanical Music Museum is the main draw here, with unusual instrumental exhibits throughout. You'll get a local treat and time to browse the winter markets with their seasonal handiwork. Evening brings the cruise departure toward Speyer.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour of the Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim with local special treat
- Christmas markets of Rüdesheim - free time to browse
Landmarks Mechanical Music Museum - Day 7
Heidelberg or Speyer
Two options split your day. Either take a guided tour to Heidelberg Castle and see the Great Vat, the world's largest wine barrel, before checking out Heidelberg's Christmas markets. Or stay relaxed on a leisurely morning sail and explore Speyer's Christmas markets at your own pace. Live entertainment happens on board before sailing toward Strasbourg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Tour of Heidelberg Castle and the Great Vat OR free time to explore Speyer Christmas markets
- Christmas markets of Heidelberg or Speyer - free time to browse
Landmarks Heidelberg Castle Great Vat - Day 8
Strasbourg
Strasbourg's city tour covers the gothic cathedral with its ancient murals and astronomical clock, plus the charming La Petite France District. If Alsace wine country appeals to you, an optional afternoon in a French village works too. Free time at Strasbourg's French winter markets gives you space to take in the lights and music. Evening departure heads toward Breisach.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- City Sightseeing Tour including gothic cathedral with ancient murals, astronomical clock, and La Petite France District
- Christmas markets of Strasbourg - free time to browse
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Alsace wine-country village
Landmarks Strasbourg Cathedral La Petite France - Day 9
Freiburg or Black Forest
Choose between Freiburg's medieval center in the Black Forest region surrounded by vineyards, or venture into the Black Forest itself for local traditions and Christmas atmosphere. The village of Colmar, with its half-timbered buildings and holiday celebrations, is another option if you prefer. The ship sails toward Basel by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided Tour of Freiburg's medieval city center and Black Forest region OR Guided Tour of the Black Forest with local traditions and Christmas mood
- Free time to explore
Optional Activities
- Guided Optional Excursion to Colmar village with medieval and early renaissance buildings
Landmarks Freiburg Black Forest Colmar - Day 10
Basel
Your cruise concludes this morning with breakfast in Basel. After that, you'll depart for your flight from Basel or Zurich, depending on which airport your travel plans use.
- Meals
- Breakfast
