Medieval Germany: Bavaria and the Romantic Road - MS George Eliot

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.

Bamberg - Another day brings another new view when you draw back the curtains in your cabin. Bamberg is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful small towns in the whole of Europe, and UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site by way of confirmation. Planned by Emperor Heinrich II in the 11th century as a Franconian capital as grand as Rome, Bamberg sits on seven lush green hills, akin to its Italian inspiration. Join the guided tour and see the historic old town and impressive multi-spired cathedral, although perhaps the most noticeable and intriguing landmark is Bamberg’s old town hall, which sits on an island in the middle of the burbling river, flanked by bridges either side. From here you can also see ‘Little Venice’ – a delightful cluster of former fishermen’s houses built along the waterfront, mostly dating from the Middle Ages. During another splendid lunch on board, the ship departs for picturesque Ochsenfurt. Take the afternoon to enjoy the ship’s five-star facilities, while taking in the magnificent undulating landscape as we venture deeper into this beautifully scenic region. Indulge in afternoon tea and, perhaps, our chef’s special patisserie, while being sure to leave room for the evening’s dinner.

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.

Ochsenfurt & Rothenburg - After a leisurely breakfast, we spend the morning exploring Ochsenfurt. Nestled on the banks of the Main, with its quintessential half-timbered houses and ancient ramparts; it’s a joy to wander through the old town, stopping to admire the façade of the town hall with its impressive mechanical clock and a lovely 13th-century church with its strikingly colourful interior, before returning to the ship where lunch is served. This afternoon we take the short drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a spectacular 16th-century town crowning a hill, with exceptional views over the meandering river Tauber below. Our drive takes us along the aptly named Romantic Road – a magically scenic route which weaves its way alongside a procession of folkloric scenery, medieval towns, lofty castles and grand palaces, so picture-perfect they could all serve as film sets. After a guided tour, there is free time to wander Rothenburg’s narrow, cobbled streets, lined with elegant and gabled half-timbered houses, surrounded by perfectly preserved medieval walls, before we return to our ship moored in Würzburg. You’ll have worked up an appetite, so reconvene with your fellow passengers for an aperitif in the bar before tonight’s excellent dinner is served. And after dinner, there's even more fun to be had as we enjoy Bavarian dance and songs performed on traditional instruments by a skilled trio.

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.

Wertheim & Miltenberg - Awaking refreshed, look out of your cabin window to find a complete change of scenery in Wertheim, where we’ll enjoy a morning tour. Wertheim is completely off the main tourist trail, making it a delightful surprise, all the better for its untouched ambience. We pass the fishing boats riding at anchor while admiring the muted colours of the sage-green, pale lilac and buttercup-yellow houses opposite. A russet-walled 12th-century castle overlooks the Old Town, surveying the church spires, turrets and patchwork of multicoloured buildings below. There’s time to explore here and, as you wander the quaint and colourful market square, look out for the blink-and-miss-it Zobelhaus, a contender for the narrowest house in Germany. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something more active, consider joining a tour to Wertheim Castle. After an easy yet steep climb, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the old town and the river landscapes of the Main and Tauber. The castle has overlooked the city since the 12th century, although it was partially destroyed during the Thirty Years' War. Its ruins are filled with fascinating history waiting to be explored. In the afternoon, we pass under the famous red-brick bridge between Wertheim and Miltenberg, navigating the gentle meandering bends typical of the Main River. After lunch, you can learn more about the history of glassblowing and watch a fascinating demonstration of this historic craft, relax and take in the scenery or watch the riverside scenes slip by from the comfort of your sumptuous cabin, many of which have French balconies with splendid unhindered views. We arrive in Miltenberg, a beautifully preserved medieval village whose labyrinth of winding alleys and lanes begs exploration. And so, this afternoon we do exactly that, as our local guide shows us the highlights of this charming destination. Backed by dense emerald-green forest, this picturesque stop-off has something of the feel of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, complete with a castle nestled into the lush tree-clad hillside. Admire the impressive gatehouse which stands like a proud guardian of the village, and wander across the charming marketplace, lined by traditional fachwerk buildings instantly recognisable by their grids of timber framing. The story goes that locals were allowed free wood from the surrounding forests, hence the abundance of this architectural style. Highlights of this beautiful square include the trickling fountain, ornately carved from stone and complete with dancing cherubs, and the intricately detailed Gasthaus Zum Riesen, which claims to be Germany’s oldest tavern. If you would like to have more time to explore independently, you can choose a shorter orientation walk. This evening you’ll be served another delectable dinner, and overnight we cruise towards Mainz.

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.

Mainz - Whether you decide to take breakfast in bed or set yourself up for the day at the plentiful buffet, afterwards you can enjoy a final morning of sailing. Find a relaxing seat in the lounge to take in the lovely views of lush woodland and fertile vineyards seamlessly idling by. After another delicious lunch on board, spend the afternoon exploring bustling Mainz on our guided tour. Dominating its skyline is the colossal six-towered 12th-century cathedral – St. Martin's Dom – a pinnacle of German Romanesque architecture that houses a spectacular nave, many elaborate tombs and a peaceful colonnaded cloister. Also unmissable is Saint Stephen’s Church, which features nine breathtaking stained-glass windows, created by the artist Marc Chagall, that bathe the interior in magical blue light. Book-lovers will appreciate the Gutenberg Museum, located in a gorgeous 17th-century building in Mainz’s Old Town, whose star attractions are two 1455 Gutenberg Bibles, among the first books ever printed. On the tour, wander the crooked streets of the old town and city centre to discover the half-timbered houses and historic Roman Catholic monuments, finishing at Saint Stephen’s where you’ll have the opportunity to admire the captivating Chagall windows up close. After the tour you have time to see the striking Cathedral and bustling marketplace. Of course, Mainz is also at the heart of Germany’s winelands, so it’s a pleasure to seek out a traditional wine tavern in the pastel-painted, timber-crisscrossed buildings of the old town to sample a glass. If you prefer beer, the vaulted chambers of the Eisgrub-Bräu beer hall are a fine place for a mug of the local dark brew. As evening approaches, why not enjoy an apéritif in the bar before choosing a table in the restaurant to enjoy the chef’s masterful creations for dinner? Personalise your holiday - Guided tour of the Gutenberg Museum Duration: 1.5hrs Price: £10pp (2025) & £11pp (2026) With your guide, walk to the Gutenberg museum, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, a native of Mainz, who invented printing with movable metal type over 500 years ago! It houses a reconstruction of his workshop and, outstandingly, two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles. Founded in 1900 by Mainz citizens, the museum highlights the history of letterpress printing through technical tools, typesetting machines, and printing presses. As a "World Museum for the Art of Printing," it features sections on the origins of printing in East Asia, scripts from the Islamic world, and the development of manuscripts. Other displays cover the history of printing presses, bookbinding, fine press techniques, and the production of paper and colours. Optional excursion can be done instead of the walking tour of Mainz. Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply, and capacity is limited. 

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.

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