MEDIEVAL TREASURES CRUISES

Embark your cruise in Basel. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)

Join a tour of the city that takes you past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République and then walk through the iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can go on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit the Mannheim Baroque Palace—one of the largest palaces in Europe. Alternatively, join a walking tour of one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate; or visit the intriguing Speyer Technical Museum. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim, where you’ll be treated to a Riesling wine tasting. (B,L,D)

Continue your exploration of Rüdesheim with a choice of excursions. Those who fancy a more whimsical adventure will want to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to one of the greatest collections of self-playing musical instruments. For an adventure of a different kind, soar over the vineyards of Rüdesheim on a gondola to the Niederwald Monument; or opt to take a bike ride along the Rhine. You can also join a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Later in the day, cruise to the metropolitan capital of Germany, Frankfurt, where you’ll take in the sights on a panoramic city tour and then immerse yourself in the local flavors with an authentic Römerberg beer tasting. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.” While on your walking tour, you’ll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal Inn, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century. Alternatively, indulge in regional specialties of Franconia; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. (B,L,D)

Nestled along the “Romantic Road” in the middle of Germany’s largest wine producing region lies Würzburg. Join a walking tour of this beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor. Or you can visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Get more active with a hike up to the Marienberg Fortress, the most prominent landmark on the left bank of the Main River. During the afternoon, participate in a special Franconian wine tasting at the famous wine cellars located underneath Würzburg. (B,L,D)

Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla pastry, a local favorite whose recipe dates back to 1427. And for those wishing to explore the town more actively, hop on a bike for a guided bike tour along the Main River and to its quirky quarters beyond the town center. (B,L,D)

Disembark the ship in Nuremberg after breakfast and return home. (B)