Magical Christmas Markets of Germany

Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria's second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.

NUREMBERG – EMBARKATION. Arrive in historic Nuremberg and settle into your ship, your festive home for the coming week. Take the evening to relax, unwind, and get your first glimpse of the enchanting Bavarian landscapes that await.

Bamberg is a German town located over a landscape of seven hills and the confluence of Regnitz and Main rivers. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre with Old Town home to structures dating back to the 11th century. An iconic landmark to visit in Bamberg is the town hall Altes Rathaus, located on an island in the Regnitz and covered in murals. Bamberg Cathedral, with its four towers and numerous stone carvings, is a striking example of Romanesque architecture. Head to the Market Gardeners District and visit the historical houses where centuries ago the town gardeners would grow and export produce such as onions, seeds and liquorice. In the town centre and heart of Little Venice, the rivers and arched bridges connecting the island city are reminiscent of Venice, with a lively atmosphere and modern shops set in historical surroundings. After a day shopping, head to one of the many Brewery pubs for some popular German beer. Bamberg is famous for its beer and is where its name originated from, with the town being populated by nine traditional breweries.

BAMBERG. Explore UNESCO-designated Bamberg, where medieval lanes, grand cathedrals, and the iconic Old Town Hall rise above the Regnitz River. Enjoy a guided walking tour or sample local specialties–from smoked beer to traditional pastries–before ending your visit at the magical Christmas Markets. Active guests can take in the scenery on a guided bike ride.

Würzburg is a city in Bavaria in southern Germany. It is located on the River Main and is famous for its lavish baroque architecture and Franconian wine. The Residence Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is highly recommended. It is a well known example of Baroque architecture with its acclaimed staircase, impressive frescos and imperial hall. Other impressive sites in Würzburg include the towering fortress of Festung Marienberg, the Alt Mainbrücke old bridge, which offers ideal views of the Marienberg, Dom St. Kilian cathedral and the many churches of Würzburg including the Romanesque Neumünster. Many of these sites have their own museums for visitors to learn of the history or view unique collections. Other museums of interest are the Mineralogical Museum, exhibiting the world of minerals and stones, and the Botanical Gardens, with various greenhouses and outdoor areas to enjoy. Wine lovers will find an abundance of wineries in Würzburg, offering cellar tours and wine tasting as well as traditional Bavarian cuisines and hospitality. Enjoy wine soup, Gerupfter (cheese spread) and Sauerbraten (braised beef in wine) in a friendly traditional wine tavern.

WÜRZBURG. Stroll through Würzburg’s Baroque Old Town and browse its Christmas Market, or explore the lavish UNESCO-listed Residenz Palace, home to Tiepolo’s renowned fresco. Alternatively, wander the cobbled fairytale streets of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany’s best-preserved walled town and a Christmas wonderland.

WERTHEIM. Meander through Wertheim’s half-timbered old town before learning the craft of pretzel-making at a local bakery. Enjoy browsing the Christmas Markets or choose an active outing by hiking to the hilltop castle or biking through the scenic Main River Valley.

Rudesheim am Rhine is a town in the Rhine Valley in Germany and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rhine Gorge. It is known for its production of Riesling wine and has been popular for its wine making since ancient times. The Medieval Bromserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum and wine is a crucial part of Rudesheimer culture. The town is surrounded with vineyards and wineries, as well as many local wine bars and seasonal wine taverns. Wine tasting is a must do in Rudesheim and dining out is a great accompaniment. The local cuisine is seasonal and is closely intertwined with the wine growing traditions together with soups such as Zwiebelkuchen, Handkäs mit Musik and Spundekäs. Nordic Walking is popular around town, with five adventure trails around the vicinity, as well as many popular cycling routes. Great views of the town can be found from the water, the cable car to Niederwald Monument and the Monument itself. Old Town has the best examples of the town’s architecture with Eagle Tower, Oberstrasse and Rheinstein Castle some key sites to visit.

RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – KOBLENZ. Soar above the vineyards of Rüdesheim via gondola, sip regional wines, or explore the whimsical Mechanical Instrument Museum. Later, relax as you pass through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, famed for its dramatic cliffs and storybook castles, before an evening stroll through charming Koblenz.

Located in the West of the country, Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany. It is situated on both banks of the river Rhine, at its confluence with the Moselle River. The beginnings of Koblenz can be traced back to its military beginnings around 8 BC. The city is rich in its history and heritage and is easily explored on foot. Take the cable car crossing over the river Rhine for spectacular aerial views or enjoy the city from the one thousand year old fortress, Ehrenbreitstein. The upper middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its unique landscape can be enjoyed and discovered through the interactive multimedia journey at the Romanticum. Historical and architectural sites of interest include Stolzenfels Castle, the Electoral Palace of Koblenz and Old Town. From the romantic winding streets and small squares of Old Town, stroll through the alleyways from the Church of the Holy Virgin to the St Kastor Basilica and enjoy the picturesque buildings and squares along the way. Koblenz is also very popular for its Riesling and strong Spatburgunder wines since the Romans introduced it two thousand years ago.

MAINZ. Join a guided tour of Mainz’s Old Town and visit the renowned Gutenberg Museum to see original 15th-century Bibles. Choose a historical walking tour, a scenic bike ride, or simply enjoy the city’s blend of Roman roots and festive winter atmosphere

FRANKFURT. Explore Frankfurt on a guided city tour highlighting its mix of skyscrapers, historic squares, and cultural landmarks before wandering its lively Christmas Market. Food lovers can choose a Hessian tasting tour, while active guests may bike along the Main River’s scenic paths.

FRANKFURT – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to your ship and prepare for your return flight home. (B)