Medieval Treasures

Basel is a city in northwestern Switzerland on the Swiss, French and German borders. It is located on the bend of the River Rhine and benefits from a Mediterranean climate. It is the third most populated city in Switzerland and has been the commercial hub for Swiss arts and culture since the Renaissance. In 1967 the people of Basel voted to acquire two paintings by Picasso, who was so moved by the Basel people that he donated 3 paintings and a study to the city's Kunstmuseum (Museum of Fine Arts). Visit the Augusta Raurica, one of the largest Roman archaeology parks in Switzerland, and enjoy a river crossings over the River Rhine by non-motorised ferries. During the summer months, time is spent outdoors, either swimming in the River Rhine, dining al fresco, enjoying open air concerts, cinema, street parties and festivals. Basel is home to over 20 restaurants that have won GaultMillau or Michelin awards, and boasts Switzerland's largest collection of theatre shows, including modern contemporary dance, touring and puppetry theatre.

BASEL – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Basel and settle in for the start of your Medieval Treasures journey.

STRASBOURG, FRANCE. See Strasbourg’s blend of French and German influences on a guided walking tour through the UNESCO-designated Petite France district, with its timber-framed houses and charming canals. Or, explore the city on a guided bike tour that includes Parc de l’Orangerie.

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. After arriving in Ludwigshafen, you’ll have three choices of excursions. Join a guided tour of Mannheim Baroque Palace, one of Europe’s largest palaces. Or, take a walking tour of Speyer, known for its UNESCO-listed Romanesque cathedral, medieval Altpörtel (Old Gate), and imperial crypts. For a different perspective, visit the modern Speyer Technik Museum.

FRANKFURT. Take a guided tour of Frankfurt to see its blend of historic charm and modern architecture. Or, sample Hessian cuisine on a guided tasting tour. Active travelers can opt to join a guided bike ride along the Main River.

Miltenberg is a city located in Bavaria and Southern part of Germany. Located on the banks of the river Maine the city grew from its medieval roots through Viniculture, wine trade, fishery, and general river traffic, into the established and preserved town of today. Visit the Museum Stadt Miltenberg, housed in the half timbered house called the Alte Amtskellerei (The Provost’s Office) and discover the town’s history through collections depicting culture back to the Romans. A visit to castle Miltenberg is also recommended. The castle dates back to the 11th century and is now owned by the city administration. With the castle in need of rehabilitation, the Museum Burg Miltenberg was opened to exhibit classic icons and contemporary art in a historical and significant setting. The keep of the castle, which reaches twenty seven metres high, offers picturesque views of the Main Valley below and is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy some refreshments.

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, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Later in the day, set sail for Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers with precious half-timbered houses, which you may explore on a guided walking tour. (B,L,D)

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. Today, choose to explore Würzburg, a beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor, or take a full day excursion to Rothenburg. In Würzburg, you can choose from a guided walking tour of the city. Or venture to the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Those looking for more active exploration can hike up to the Würzburg Castle. Alternatively, you can take a trip through a thousand years of history while in Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town. Interestingly, Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was influenced by sketches of this charming city.

ELTMANN – BAMBERG. Discover Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a guided walking tour that visits its cathedral, Old Town Hall, and elegant mansions. Or, taste your way through the city with smoked beer, licorice root, and the historic Hornla pastry dating back to 1427. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the Main River from Eltmann to Bamberg and outside of the town’s center.

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– DISEMBARKATION. After breakfast, bid farewell to Nuremberg as you prepare for your flight home.