SAMPLE ITINERARY

On arrival at Frankfurt airport, you will be transferred by coach to Mainz, where your river cruise will commence.

The medieval city of Mainz is located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine Rivers. It is dominated by its enormous six-towered 12th century cathedral (‘Martinsdom’), whose spectacular nave, elaborate tombs and peaceful colonnaded cloister mark the pinnacle of German Romanesque architecture. Book lovers should visit the Gutenberg Museum, located in a 17th century building in the Old Town, which houses two 1455 Gutenberg Bibles - among the first books ever printed. Saint Stephen’s Church should also be visited, with its nine breathtaking stained glass windows designed by the artist Marc Chagall. Mainz is located in the heart of Germany’s winelands, so why not seek out a traditional wine tavern in the pastel-painted timber-crisscrossed buildings of the Old Town. If you prefer beer, the vaulted chambers of the Eisgrub-Bräu beer hall are a wonderful place to linger.

After exploring Mainz, you will embark on your river cruise. Flowing across central Germany from northeast Bavaria, the Main River is the longest tributary of the Rhine and the Main–Danube Canal links these two great rivers. Enjoy lovely views of lush woodlands and fertile vineyards, as we sail eastwards along the river towards Nuremberg.

Miltenberg is a beautifully preserved medieval village, with winding alleys and lanes and an impressive gatehouse that guards the village. The beautiful marketplace is lined with traditional ‘Fachwerk’ (timer-framed) buildings. There is also an ornately carved stone fountain complete with dancing cherubs, and the intricately detailed Gasthaus Zum Riesen, which claims to be Germany’s oldest tavern.

We sail under Miltenberg’s red-brick bridge and continue to Wertheim, navigating the gentle meandering bends typical of the Main River. Wertheim is relatively unknown, making it a delightful surprise, with fishing boats at anchor and sage-green, pale lilac and buttercup-yellow painted houses. A 12th century castle overlooks the Old Town with its church spires, turrets and multicoloured buildings. As you wander though the quaint and colourful market square, look out for the ‘Zobelhaus’ - one of the narrowest houses in Germany.

Our next stop is elegant Würzburg in Bavaria, which was founded in the 10th century as the capital of the Kingdom of Franconia. The impressive Marienberg Fortress overlooks the grand pastel-coloured buildings and many domes and spires of the city. The jewel in Würzburg’s crown is the Residenz, a magnificent 18th century Baroque palace designed to rival the Palace of Versailles in scale. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a spectacularly ornate staircase and dozens of interconnecting rooms decorated with a Tiepolo fresco, priceless tapestries, sculptures and paintings.

From Würzburg you can take a full day excursion travelling south along the ‘Romantic Road’ to Rothenburg – a picturesque route through the medieval towns, castles and forests of Bavaria, with all their German folklore. Rothenburg has a walled Old Town situated on a hilltop overlooking the river below, with narrow cobbled streets lined with tall gabled half-timbered houses. Afterwards continue to Ochsenfurt, another charming town with half-timbered houses and ancient ramparts. Its Old Town has a 13th century church with a colourful interior, and the Town Hall has an impressive mechanical clock.

Our next stop is Bamberg, one of the prettiest small towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Planned by Emperor Heinrich II in the 11th century as the Franconian capital, it sits on seven lush green hills, and was intended to rival Rome. The exquisite Old Town has a multi-spired cathedral and the Old Town Hall sits on an island in the middle of the river, flanked by bridges on either side. From here you can see ‘Little Venice’ – a cluster of fishermen’s houses built along the waterfront, dating from the Middle Ages.

Leaving Bamberg, we join the Main–Danube Canal, a superb feat of engineering that will take us to our next stop, Nuremberg.

Nuremberg will forever be associated with its infamous Nazi rally grounds and the war crime trials held here after World War II. However this charming medieval town has magnificent cobbled streets, classic half-timbered houses, a castle and many other historic landmarks. These include the Church of Saint Lawrence, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and the Church of Our Lady, which features a working mechanical clock dating from 1506. The bustling Hauptmarkt Square has an intricate fountain resembling a Gothic church tower. Here you should be sure to taste Nuremberg’s famous gingerbread.

At the end of your cruise, transfer to Munich airport for your flight home, with the option to add on a few nights in this delightful city that is the capital of fun-loving Bavaria.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing a twin cabin on a full board basis, including morning and afternoon tea. An optional drinks package is available on request. Airport and port transfers are included but not flights, which can be arranged on request.

We offer a choice of river cruises at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All cruises and cabin classes are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted