Rhine & Danube Symphony

Embarkation from 4:00pm

The historic city of Cologne is the starting point of your 8-day European cruise. After embarkation, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail followed by a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Sailing past Castles and Lorelei Rock along the Rhine Gorge

Relax on board this morning while cruising through the fairytale landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine valley. Learn about the Lorelei, the nymph who, legends say, enticed sailors with her song and beauty. After lunch, the wine-making town of Rüdesheim awaits you.

Discover the region's rich history on a morning walking tour and discover the world of self-playing instruments during your visit of the fascinating Music Cabinet Museum. Alternatively, take a tram ride on the “Wine Express“ through the vineyards of Rüdesheim, sample fine wines and stroll along the quaint “Drosselgasse“, mentioned in the 15th century as an alley used by Rhine boatmen. Enjoy a delectable dinner on board in the evening.

Romantic timber-frame houses

In the late morning, your vessel arrives in Miltenberg. After lunch, join the excursion to explore its timber-frame houses that evoke 16th and 17th century Germany.

Continue to Wertheim and stroll through its medieval streets. Visit the Glass Museum and learn about the use of glass as a material from antiquity to today‘s high-tech products. This evening, enjoy another memorable dinner as the ship plies the waters toward our next stop.

Würzburg Residence and wine tasting

In the morning, your vessel docks in Würzburg, a city known for lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture, located in the heart of Franconian wine country. On the morning tour, view the beautiful sights of the town including the Residence, a Baroque palace considered a masterpiece of its era. The tour concludes with wine tasting in the ancient wine cellar of a local vineyard.

In the afternoon, join the trip to one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, the old Bavarian Imperial City of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, whose towers, city gates, town walls, and half-timbered gables have remained unchanged by the hands of time.

Main-Danube Canal

The morning is spent cruising the scenic Main River. After lunch, your vessel will arrive in the Imperial city of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Bamberg survived all the wars of the past centuries largely untouched and can be experienced as it was centuries ago. Upon arrival, discover its architectural charm on a walking tour.

This evening, attend the onboard presentation about the creation and importance of the Main-Danube canal as we enter the waterway to cross onto the Danube River.

Walk through medieval cobble-stone streets

Following breakfast, join the excursion to the romantic old town of Nuremberg, lovingly restored after the destruction incurred during World War II. The city is a historical leader in mechanical invention, science, printing, and humanism. Pass by the Palace of Justice, the venue of the Nuremberg trials, and discover the old town with a walk through the narrow medieval alleyways. Interestingly, the Old Town of Nuremberg is divided into two sections by the Pegnitz River.

Back on board, as you enjoy the Captain's Gala Dinner, your vessel continues to Regensburg.

Bavarian evening on board

Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, awaits you today. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts architecture from many centuries, reflective of its varied history. The 12th-century stone bridge, the Church of St. James and patrician houses are a few of the highlights you can admire on the walking tour.

In the afternoon, choose between a visit to the 600-year-old Weltenburg Abbey, which is situated on the banks of the Danube and houses the oldest monastic brewery in the world, and a trip to the 18th century Thurn and Taxis Palace with a stop at their traditional brewery and beer tasting.

Back on board, get into the spirit of ”Oktoberfest“ at the Bavarian-themed evening, with authentic German beer on tap and freshly baked pretzels.

Disembarkation after breakfast

This morning, your vessel arrives in Passau. After breakfast we wish you a good trip home and hope to see you again soon!