Overview
Itinerary
Travel to the Bavarian city of Nuremberg and join a tour that takes you to the ruins of Zeppelin Field, the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s, and the Palace of Justice, the venerable vestige of the Nuremberg Trials. Briefly stop at the courthouse before returning to Old Town, enclosed within ancient city walls. Complete your day with a walk from the imperial castle grounds, past the Albrecht Dürer House to the Main Market Square, with its elaborate Gothic fountain. Continue to Bamberg to embark your ship. (B/D)
Disembark in Würzburg, a Franconian wine town, and tour the Bishops' Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace with numerous paintings and frescoes. After an onboard lunch, enjoy some free time in Würzburg, or join an optional journey to the walled medieval village of Rothenburg. Return to your ship and relax as you dine and cruise through the night. (B/L/D)
We sail through the early morning, arriving in Wertheim after breakfast. Disembark for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, an ancient city that is home to Germany's oldest university founded in 1386. Tour the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, built in the 12th century but twice destroyed by lightning and then later rebuilt. A guided walk through Heidelberg's Old Town and marketplace is included, as is lunch in a local restaurant. Return to your ship at dinnertime; we sail through the night. (B/L/D)
Arrive in Mainz during breakfast, then disembark and join a guided tour of a city that boasts over 2,000 years of history. Walk along the picture-postcard streets of Old Town and stop at the Gutenberg Museum. Founded in 1900, 500 years after the birth of Johannes Gutenberg, the museum covers the history of the printed word and displays many illuminating books and fascinating printing technologies, including a replica of Gutenberg's workshop. Return to your ship for lunch and scenic afternoon cruising along the Rhine. Arrive in Rüdesheim midafternoon. You have time at leisure to enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops that line Rüdesheim's Drosselgasse, or you may choose to join an optional wine-tasting experience. Dine on board and remain docked overnight. (B/L/D)
We dock in Bernkastel this morning, one of the Moselle's most beloved medieval villages and a thriving wine center. You might join an optional wine tasting excursion during your stay. Return to your ship for lunch and enjoy lovely unspoiled scenery as we cruise along the Moselle River toward Trier. We arrive this afternoon in time for a tour of Germany's oldest city. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Dine on board. We remain docked here tonight so you may wish to take an evening stroll in town. (B/L/D)
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Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Cities of Light' Reviews
The areas we were disappointed with were the on-board entertainment and the excursions. The on-board entertainment did not include a German folklore/music evening (the cruise was totally within Germany)until the last night of the cruise and many guests did not show up, presumably as they were preparing for departure the following day. There was also a glass blowing demonstration one evening which more of a souvenir/sales event than a cultural event.
The excursions contained too many hours of coach travel (particularly as it had extensions either end in Prague and Paris with several hours by road between ship and hotel). There was also no folklore night offered in advance by Viking in Prague and we booked our own only to find that on the day of our arrival in Prague a folklore evening was being offered by Viking. Also in Rudesheim the main attraction (for us) was the Musical Instrument Museum but not included in any tour offered by Viking, so we and several other passengers had to do our thing. On the other hand the tour to Heidelberg included a local lunch with a foreign student from the university (our student was from Sudan) which we found to be a pleasant change.
Brochure
Viking River Cruises (2024-26)
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Viking. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Viking. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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