Treasures of the Main & Rhine (Amsterdam to Nuremberg)

ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION. Embark the ship in Amsterdam for your Treasures of the Main & Rhine cruise.

AMSTERDAM. View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the magic of its iconic bridges.

COLOGNE, GERMANY. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral and the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride through Cologne Old Town.

RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Cruise from the meandering Main River to the captivating Rhine River en route to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once there, you will have a choice of three excursions. Those who fancy a more whimsical adventure will want to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet. 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 hike through the vineyards.

MILTENBERG – WERTHEIM. 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. Or you can taste local specialties on a “Flavors of Miltenberg” tour. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river. Later in the day, set sail for Freudenberg to explore the idyllic German town of Wertheim. Wertheim's old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center or learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle or take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley from Freudenberg to Wertheim.

WÜRZBURG. Visit Würzburg, nestled along the “Romantic Road” in the middle of Germany’s largest wine producing region. Join a walking tour of this beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor. Or admire its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As an alternative, hike up to Marienberg Fortress, dating back to the 13th century, and overlooking the Main. You may also head to picturesque Rothenburg on the “Romantic Road,” known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town.

BAMBERG. 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 followed by a tasting of the city’s famous smoked beer. Or indulge in the local flavors by 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.

DISEMBARKATION – DEPART NUREMBERG. Bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your homebound flight.