Rhine & Danube Symphony

Regensburg is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany and its historic buildings are very impressive. Among these architectural treasures are churches, monasteries, the town hall and one of Europe’s oldest bridges that has spanned the Danube since the 12th century. During this walk you will feel the former power and wealth of this city, which once controlled the trade route to the Orient.

During a short visit to the Regensburg Cathedral, dedicated to St. Peter, you can admire this masterpiece of Gothic architecture in southern Germany (Visits depend on the opening hours of the Cathedral and/or if a mass is celebrated, etc.).

Explore the beautiful historic Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg. The Palace, which has roots in German nobility, was built in the 18th century. During the guided tour, view the beautiful marble staircase in the south wing of the palace, which leads to the magnificent rooms of the princely residence. The entire neo-Renaissance style interior is modeled after Roman antiquity. Afterwards, visit the traditional brewery at the castle, for a short guided tour followed by a beer sampling and typical Bavarian pretzel.

Weltenburg Monastery is a Benedictine abbey in Lower Bavaria, which is located on the banks in the Danube loop at the mouth of the romantic Danube Gorge. The monastery was founded in the year 600 by missionary monks and is the oldest monastic settlement in Bavaria. The beautiful baroque abbey church was built and embellished by the Asam brothers, between 1716 and 1739.  During the visit, immerse yourself in the history of the monastery and learn more about the way of life of the monks, the Benedictine life and the construction of the monastery in this magical setting.

The city tour leads you to the major sites and highlights of the city, from its medieval beginnings to the present. The historic town of Nuremberg, once a free imperial city, is the second largest city in Bavaria and the capital of Franconia. During the reconstruction work following the devastation of the Second World War, the style of the old town was maintained. Ringed walls, towers and the castle provide a vivid image of the town as it may have looked during medieval times.

After passing the Palace of Justice, the venue of the Nuremberg trials, the coach will take you to the old town at the heart of Nuremberg. The walk through the narrow medieval alleyways starts at the foot of the castle. The final stop of this tour is the main market, where you can stroll through the shops, or enjoy coffee before the coach takes you back to the ship.

The Nazi party’s rallying grounds are in the southeast of Nuremberg, where Nazi rallies were held from 1933 to 1938. To this day, the remains of the buildings with their immense proportions are a vivid testimony to the megalomania of the National Socialist regime. This area of eleven square kilometres served as an impressive backdrop for the Nazi party rallies, staged here to demonstrate their power. Today, the area includes a memorial site and is used as the Norisring motor racing track.

During this excursion you will visit the grounds and the documentation center with the permanent exhibition, “Fascination and Violence”, that looks at the causes, the context and the consequences of the National Socialist reign of terror.

A comfortable coach will take you into the center of Bamberg, which is affectionately known as the “Frankish Rome”. The walking tour will enable you to immerse yourself in the magic and history of this town. With its historic old quarter, its churches and monasteries, bridges, narrow streets and squares, its half-timbered houses and baroque facades, it has been declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. During the walk, you’ll see magnificent sights such as the imperial cathedral, the old imperial residence, the new residence palace and rose garden, the old town hall and the former fishing village that is now Bamberg’s “Little Venice” area.

Start your tour with the visit to the Würzburg Residence, a masterpiece of the southern German Baroque style. Former residence of the Würzburg prince-bishops, its design is over-the-top luxurious. The central staircase with frescos by the Venetian Tiepolo and the Imperial Hall are particularly impressive. Afterward, enjoy a walking tour through the ancient episcopal city of Würzburg which looks down on the broad stream of the Main river and is surrounded by hills on all sides. The old town features many sights such as the marketplace, the Maria Chapel and the old Main bridge, with its unique panorama of Marienberg – a fortress for princes of the Church – and the surrounding vineyards. At the end of the tour, you will have the chance to taste a glass of wine.

Rothenburg is referred to as Germany’s well-preserved “Jewel of the Middle Ages” with its ramparts, city gates, town hall and the St. Jakob parish church. Renaissance and Gothic influences shaped the town. Towers, city gates, walls, half-timbered gables – all these have remained unchanged since the Thirty Years’ War. The Middle Ages come alive in Rothenburg.

Upon your arrival, join the town walk with a local guide who will point out major points of interest, such as the St. Jakob Parish Church, where art lovers can admire the “Heiligblutaltar” (Holy Blood Altar) by Tilman Riemenschneider, one of the greatest German sculptors of the Middle Ages. After the guided tour, enjoy some free time and buy souvenirs or visit the famous Christmas Museum of Käthe Wohlfahrt.

The Marienberg Fortress is a former fortification and prince-bishop's castle, located 328 feet above the Main River on the left bank, in Würzburg, Lower Franconia. With its rich historical past and proud appearance, the fortress is one of the most impressive architectural monuments from ancient times. The history of the mountain fortress can be traced through three millennia. The area has been occupied since 1000 B.C. with a Celtic refuge on the site of today's fortress. The core of the castle complex is formed by St. Mary's Church, consecrated in 706, quite possibly the first Christian church built of stone north of the Alps, outside of Rome. Marienberg Fortress was not only the  home to Prince Bishops of Würzburg from 1253 to 1719, it was also was an important military structure throughout the ages including  the Austro-Prussian war, World War I & World War II.  Get lost in the history of this magnificent fortress with its ancient gate, castle keep and St Mary's church.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and romance of Wertheim and explore the city with its medieval streets and numerous half-timbered houses. The Angel’s Fountain and the collegiate church are especially worth seeing, as well as the local glass museum. During a tour of the museum you will learn interesting facts about glass and you can observe glassblowers at work. (Note: Visits to the glass museum are subject to availability.)

Finally, the tour takes you to Miltenberg. A guided tour through the town will show you that Miltenberg offers a charming trio of river, medieval town and wooded hillsides. The historic market square, the high, gabled, half-timbered houses, the old town hall and the towering Miltenberg Castle form the backdrop for this wonderful tour.

The unique Winzerexpress train takes you from the dock of the ship to the "Siegfried Mechanical Music Cabinet" for a musical adventure with historical self-playing instruments. Continue your guided tour with a walk through the picturesque town. Explore the heart of the old town of Rüdesheim - the Drosselgasse - where wine houses and garden taverns invite you to linger. Immerse yourself in the history of the city and visit the Eagle Tower, a part of the city wall, and the fortifications from the 15th century.

Enjoy an unforgettable tram ride on the "Winzerexpress" and discover the beauty of the Rhine Valley. Visit a typical winery and taste different wines of the region. Afterwards, stroll along the famous 'Drosselgasse', which is a narrow cobblestone street, first mentioned in the 15^th century as an alley used by the Rhine boatmen to reach their homes. Here you can still find numerous half-timbered wine houses, restaurants and shops. Immerse yourself in the history of the village before returning to the ship on the "Winzerexpress".