7-night Classic Christmas Markets Cruise

Frankfurt is the city of the International Book Fair, the National Library - a city encompassing a variety of publishing houses, libraries and bookshops. In its museums, exhibition halls, and art galleries, Frankfurt displays its distinct style of contemporary and historical art and culture. Frankfurt's highrises form part of the city's identity. The skyline is unique, thanks to its extraordinary architectural blend of tradition and modernity. Europe's largest skyscraper is also situated here, the Commerzbank building. Frankfurt is home to one of the world's finest ballet ensembles. Frankfurt is a metropolis for techno and dance music, which lends the city a reputation of musical magnetism. The city's numerous theaters and theater groups, the opera, and the concert house Alte Oper offer Frankfurt's stage aficionados and lovers of fine arts a comprehensive and diverse program.

Destination Guide

Frankfurt is the city of the International Book Fair, the National Library - a city encompassing a variety of publishing houses, libraries and bookshops. In its museums, exhibition halls, and art galleries, Frankfurt displays its distinct style of contemporary and historical art and culture. Frankfurt's highrises form part of the city's identity. The skyline is unique, thanks to its extraordinary architectural blend of tradition and modernity. Europe's largest skyscraper is also situated here, the Commerzbank building. Frankfurt is home to one of the world's finest ballet ensembles. Frankfurt is a metropolis for techno and dance music, which lends the city a reputation of musical magnetism. The city's numerous theaters and theater groups, the opera, and the concert house Alte Oper offer Frankfurt's stage aficionados and lovers of fine arts a comprehensive and diverse program.

Destination Guide

Wertheim is an important city with a historic past that has remained true to its medieval roots. Wertheim's claim to fame is its fabulous castle ruins. Positioned on the cornerhills between the rivers, the Burg Wertheim appears quite striking on first glance, leaving little indication of the many times it has been conquered, destroyed, and rebuilt. The Pointed Tower (Spitzeturm) is the most prominent of the city towers still standing.

Destination Guide

The historic bishopric of Würzburg on the river Main is now the capital of Lower Franconia. Surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards, Würzburg is a centre of the wine trade. Visit the cathedral, the Neumünster church, the Marienkapelle and the old town hall. The true highlight is the former episcopal residence built from 1719 to 1744. This splendid example of German Baroque architecture is the most important secular building of the period. It features a grand staircase with a magnificent fresco by Giovanni Tiepolo.

Destination Guide

Part of the German state of Bavaria in the Franconia region, Kitzingen is surrounded by vineyards and produces the most wine in Bavaria. A 13th century leaning tower stands as Kitzingen's main landmark, and is said to have been caused by wine replacing water in the mortar. Kitzingen hosts an open-air wine festival, and is vibrant with Renaissance flair, such as the town hall and market square, whose old architecture remains indicative of the city's long history.

Destination Guide

Of the many towns along the Romantic Road, Rothenburg is the most lovable. Today it’s Germany's best-preserved medieval walled town, enjoying tremendous popularity. Those spending a night in Europe’s most exciting medieval town risk actually hearing sounds of the Thirty Years’ War still echoing through its turrets and clock towers. This is a great place to do German shopping. A thousand years of history are packed between the cobbles. The walk around Rothenburg’s medieval wall offers great views. For the best view of the town and surrounding countryside, make the rewarding climb to the top of Town Hall Tower. Rothenburg’s Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum is fascinating. St. Jacob’s Church contains the one must-see art treasure in Rothenburg, a glorious 500-year-old altarpiece by Riemenschneider, the Michelangelo of German woodcarvers. Take a walk through Tauber Valley's trail leading downhill from Rothenburg’s idyllic castle gardens to a 600-year-old castle, the summer home of Mayor Toppler.

Destination Guide

Schweinfurt is located in the Bavaria, Germany. The city was completely destroyed back in the 1250’s because of a war that had broken out between Earl of Henneberg and Prince-Bishop of Wuzburg. Following its years it was quickly reconstructed and served as a stronghold of the US military and its dependents. There are plenty of attractions today in Schweinfurt, such as the Gothic Town Hall, The Church or St.Johannes and The Old Grammar School.

Bamberg is a historical yet dynamic city. It is a town of complementary tradition and progress. The locals like to stress their city spreads across seven hills like Rome, has a network of waterways like Venice, and an old city which is at least as beautiful as Prague and on which the same architects left their unmistakable mark. Old Town Hall, which parts the flow of the River Regnitz, can only be reached by two stone bridges; the Romanesque/Gothic Cathedral is endowed with four unique towers; the picturesque fishermen's houses of "Little Venice" prop each other up on the river bank and the magnificent New Residence boasts a splendid baroque room known as the Emperor's Hall. In summer, Bamberg's beer cellars or "Keller" are a special attraction. The locals and tourists appreciate a locally brewed beer and savor a typical Franconian snack. Bamberg is lovely for those who also enjoy a stroll. The possibilities are many and include the Hain, an extensive wooded park on the periphery, or the pretty paths along the canals and the River Regnitz.

Destination Guide

The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a glowing testament to medieval culture as evidenced in its historic monuments, Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Take a walk around the 13th-century city walls, complete with moats, watchtowers and gateways. Then experience "shopping" as it was in the Middle Ages at the Handwerker Hof, a charming "mediaeval mall". Don't forget to sample the city's famous Bratwürste annd Lebkuchen.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Nuremberg: From history to Bratwurst and ginger bread (6 hours) — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:
 
Meet your experienced and fully licensed driver-guide to discuss your interests for the day before getting started
 
Nuremberg was one of the richest and most important 'free cities' of the Holy German Empire, whose golden age, the German Renaissance, produced such illustrious artists as the painter Albrecht Duerer, the sculptor Veit Stoß and the mastersinger Hans Sachs
 
Explore the old town market place and sample traditional ginger bread at the legendary local bakeries before heading to the beautiful Fountain and Church of our Lady as well as Sebaldus Church.  
 
Stroll the alleys uphill to the Imperial Castle, affording excellent views over historic city center and passing Albrecht Duerer house along the way
 
Depending on interest visit sites such as the Nazi documentation centre at the former rallye grounds or the famous room 600 where the Nazi trials were held after WWII
 
End of tour at Altstadt brewery to enjoy a beer and original Nuremberg sausages before heading back to the ship
 
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

• Transportation by luxury car
• Touring with one of our excellent driver-guides
• All taxes

• Meals
• Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
• Tipping at your discretion

The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a glowing testament to medieval culture as evidenced in its historic monuments, Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Take a walk around the 13th-century city walls, complete with moats, watchtowers and gateways. Then experience "shopping" as it was in the Middle Ages at the Handwerker Hof, a charming "mediaeval mall". Don't forget to sample the city's famous Bratwürste annd Lebkuchen.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Nuremberg: From history to Bratwurst and ginger bread (6 hours) — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:
 
Meet your experienced and fully licensed driver-guide to discuss your interests for the day before getting started
 
Nuremberg was one of the richest and most important 'free cities' of the Holy German Empire, whose golden age, the German Renaissance, produced such illustrious artists as the painter Albrecht Duerer, the sculptor Veit Stoß and the mastersinger Hans Sachs
 
Explore the old town market place and sample traditional ginger bread at the legendary local bakeries before heading to the beautiful Fountain and Church of our Lady as well as Sebaldus Church.  
 
Stroll the alleys uphill to the Imperial Castle, affording excellent views over historic city center and passing Albrecht Duerer house along the way
 
Depending on interest visit sites such as the Nazi documentation centre at the former rallye grounds or the famous room 600 where the Nazi trials were held after WWII
 
End of tour at Altstadt brewery to enjoy a beer and original Nuremberg sausages before heading back to the ship
 
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

• Transportation by luxury car
• Touring with one of our excellent driver-guides
• All taxes

• Meals
• Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
• Tipping at your discretion