| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 2nd02 | DecDec | 202323 | Mainz, Germany, embark on the TUI Maya | | 22:00 |
| Tucked in to a curve in the Rhine River, Mainz takes the top spot as the capital of Germany’s wine country. Taverns stocked with world-renowned Riesling reds can be found around the town’s collection of squares, which each have their own individual style. Over in the Markt square, brightly coloured souvenir stalls are hemmed in by a border of Baroque-style houses. And the Kirschgarten area’s loaded with traditionally German, half-timbered houses and restaurants – the former of which date back to the 16th century. At the centre of it all sits the thousand-year-old Mainz Cathedral. History buffs can explore the tombs, where princes and archbishops of the Holy Roman Empire are buried. And the treasury’s packed with displays showcasing a collection of ancient artwork. |
| 3rd03 | DecDec | 202323 | Aschaffenburg, Germany | | |
| This Bavarian town is peppered with landmarks that look like they’ve been ferried in from around the world. There’s a sprawling park inspired by British landscaping, and a replica of a Roman villa copied from the Pompeii excavations. Then there’s Theatreplatz Square, which is lined with olive and lemon trees – like a scene straight from the Mediterranean. The square’s also home to one of Europe's largest sundials, so have the camera handy. Other must-sees include the Gothic Basilica of St Peter and Alexander, and Johannisburg Palace – a red sandstone fortress that towers over the River Main. Once you’re done with the big-hitting tourist spots, relax with a local Bavarian beer in the old town. This labyrinth of narrow alleys is freckled with German bars and quaint restaurants inside pretty half-timbered buildings. |
| 4th04 | DecDec | 202323 | Frankfurt, Germany | | |
| You might hear Frankfurt referred to by another name – Mainhattan, alluding to the city’s setting on the Main River, as well as its futuristic skyline. But, mixed in with the new, there are timber houses and red-brick churches. Lots of the city was damaged in World War Two, but it’s since undergone a huge restoration project. Römerberg square’s now lined with traditional, Medieval-style buildings. Palmengarten is Frankfurt’s version of Kew Gardens, with zones dedicated to rainforest, sub-Antarctic and desert plants. And the 200-year-old Städel Museum houses artworks by Van Gogh, Monet and Rembrandt. Get a feel for Frankfurt on the Ebbelwei Express tram, which does a circuit of the city, rattling past the zoo and Römerberg. |
| 5th05 | DecDec | 202323 | Speyer, Germany | | |
| Speyer is a town located in southwest Germany situated beside the river Rhine. Originally founded by the Romans, it is one of the oldest settlements in Germany and is situated in the popular wine growing region of the Palatinate. A key attraction of Speyer is the Historical Museum of the Palatinate, which is one of the most celebrated culture-history museums in Germany. It features five permanent collections including Prehistory, Roman Times, Cathedral Treasury, Modern Era and Wine Museum. Not far from the museum, visitors will find the Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is considered the largest preserved Romanesque church in Europe. Originally constructed by Konrad II, this magnificent and looming building was intended to demonstrate the Lord’s religio-political claim to power against the papacy. Speyer has been producing wine since its Roman beginnings and wine tasting, festivals and events are popular all year round. The town is popular for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling as well as guided walking tours of the town. The city of Speyer’s over 2,000 years old. It overlooks the Rhine, and is crammed with churches and a big cathedral. At its centre there’s a square that used to be a fish market. Today, there’s a fountain with a big fish sculpture in the middle to mark its historic importance. You can also visit the clock tower, which has got two ornate clock faces. Head inside to climb to the top of the tower and you’ll find far-stretching views across the cityscape. Back on the ground, head to one of the city’s many wine bars for a glass of locally produced vino. |
| 6th06 | DecDec | 202323 | Mainz, Germany | | |
| Tucked in to a curve in the Rhine River, Mainz takes the top spot as the capital of Germany’s wine country. Taverns stocked with world-renowned Riesling reds can be found around the town’s collection of squares, which each have their own individual style. Over in the Markt square, brightly coloured souvenir stalls are hemmed in by a border of Baroque-style houses. And the Kirschgarten area’s loaded with traditionally German, half-timbered houses and restaurants – the former of which date back to the 16th century. At the centre of it all sits the thousand-year-old Mainz Cathedral. History buffs can explore the tombs, where princes and archbishops of the Holy Roman Empire are buried. And the treasury’s packed with displays showcasing a collection of ancient artwork. |
| 6th06 | DecDec | 202323 | Rüdesheim, Germany | | |
| Rudesheim’s a little town in the heart of Germany’s wine country. It’s part of the Rhine Gorge, a 65-kilometre-long, fortress-filled UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gothic, 16th-century houses line the water’s edge. And this is backed by a hillside sprinkled with walking trails for hikers, castles for historians and vineyards for wine-lovers. In fact, some of the biggest vineyards in Germany are found near here. Stick about in the centre of town, and you’ve got plenty of shops and bars to nip in and out of, plus a collection of museums focusing on toys, musical instruments and wine. Don’t miss the Niederwald Monument. The ride up to this giant, 100-year-old statue serves up incredible views of the town down below. |
| 7th07 | DecDec | 202323 | Mainz, Germany, disembark the TUI Maya | | |
| Tucked in to a curve in the Rhine River, Mainz takes the top spot as the capital of Germany’s wine country. Taverns stocked with world-renowned Riesling reds can be found around the town’s collection of squares, which each have their own individual style. Over in the Markt square, brightly coloured souvenir stalls are hemmed in by a border of Baroque-style houses. And the Kirschgarten area’s loaded with traditionally German, half-timbered houses and restaurants – the former of which date back to the 16th century. At the centre of it all sits the thousand-year-old Mainz Cathedral. History buffs can explore the tombs, where princes and archbishops of the Holy Roman Empire are buried. And the treasury’s packed with displays showcasing a collection of ancient artwork. |
