Itinerary
- Day 1
Frankfurt
You'll arrive in Frankfurt, the banking capital where Goethe was born. The city sits along the Main river with its distinctive high-rises creating that famous skyline. Before your Rhine cruise departs at 23:30, you have the afternoon and evening to walk around and get familiar with the place. Grab lunch somewhere central, maybe near the Main, and check out a few spots that interest you. There's no rush since your ship doesn't leave until late.
Optional Activities
- Explore Frankfurt's historic city center
- Visit Goethe's birthplace
- View futuristic high-rises along the Main river
Landmarks Goethe House 
- Day 2
Aschaffenburg
Your ship pulls into Aschaffenburg early at 06:00. The town has historic buildings and nature spots worth seeing. The main thing here is Johannisburg Castle, a Renaissance palace that sits right there offering views over the old town and the River Main from its towers. You can climb up and get a sense of how the town spreads out below. It's a good way to start understanding the area before moving on.
Optional Activities
- Visit Johannisburg Castle
- Explore the old town
- Enjoy views over River Main from castle towers
Landmarks Johannisburg Castle 
- Day 3
Wertheim
You arrive in Wertheim at 08:00, a medieval town that's held onto its character pretty well. Narrow alleyways wind through, half-timbered houses line the streets, and there's a charming market square in the middle. A ruined castle sits on a hill overlooking everything, and it happens to be one of the largest castle ruins in Germany. Walking up to it gives you perspective on the town's history and a nice view from above.
Optional Activities
- Explore the well-preserved city walls
- Walk through narrow alleyways
- Visit the ruined castle
- Discover the market square and half-timbered houses
Landmarks Wertheim Castle 
- Day 4
Würzburg
Arriving in Würzburg at 05:30 puts you there early. This ancient bishop's seat straddles the River Main and serves as the cultural and economic heart of Lower Franconia. The city's known for its Franconian wine, which you should try if you get the chance. Marienberg fortress dominates the skyline from across the river, a medieval structure that's impossible to miss from most angles in the city.
Optional Activities
- Visit Marienberg fortress
- Explore the historic city center
- Discover Franconian wine culture
- Tour the university city
Landmarks Marienberg Fortress 
- Day 5
Schweinfurt
Schweinfurt comes into view at 09:00. It was once a free imperial city and then grew into a major industrial center in the 1800s. Today it's shifted more toward cultural attractions with museums and galleries scattered around. The Leopoldina, Germany's National Academy of Sciences, is based here, which says something about the intellectual side of the place.
Optional Activities
- Visit museums and galleries
- Learn about industrial heritage
- Explore the city center
Landmarks Leopoldina (German National Academy of Sciences) - Day 6
Bamberg
You reach Bamberg at 07:00, a UNESCO-listed city that took over 1,000 years to become what it is. The cathedral dominates the architecture, surrounded by Gothic and Baroque buildings. Bridges, churches, and monasteries sit alongside charming alleyways that you can wander through. As a former seat of bishops and emperors, the whole place feels layered with history wherever you look.
Optional Activities
- Visit Bamberg Cathedral
- Explore Gothic and Baroque buildings
- Walk through historic alleyways and squares
- Discover churches and monasteries
Landmarks Bamberg Cathedral 
- Day 7
Nuremberg
Nuremberg appears at 09:00, a city with deep cultural roots and tradition. It's connected to Wagner's music, the artist Albrecht Dürer, and the famous Christkindlmarket during the holidays. Then there's the food side gingerbread and bratwurst are what the city's known for. You can lean into cultural sites or focus on the local food and drink scene depending on your interests.
Optional Activities
- Explore Nuremberg's cultural attractions
- Visit Wagner's Master-Singers sites
- Discover Albrecht Dürer heritage
- Experience local food and wine
- Visit the Christkindlmarket (seasonal)
Landmarks Nuremberg Old Town 
- Day 8
Nuremberg
This is your last day in Nuremberg before you leave. You can continue exploring at your own pace without worrying about ship schedules. Whether you're into music history, art, traditional markets, or trying more of the local cuisine, there's still plenty to do during your final hours. Maybe grab one last bratwurst or check out a spot you missed the day before.
Optional Activities
- Further exploration of Nuremberg's cultural sites
- Shopping and local experiences
- Food and beverage experiences
