Zurich & the Rhine River Valley

Now a pleasant city with a lively student population and a world-famous symphony orchestra, Bamberg was the center of economic and political life for a huge swath of Central Europe in the Middle Ages. Spared WWII bombing, the entire heart of historic Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval layout of the city remains intact, along with 2,000 historic buildings; it is yours to explore today.

In the splendid late-Romanesque Imperial Cathedral you will find the only papal tomb in Germany, that of Pope Clement II (who was the bishop of Bamberg before he became pope), as well as the tomb of Emperor Henry II (who established the bishopric). Cross the cobblestone footbridge to the Old Town Hall, which is adorned with colorful frescoes, and ramble along the narrow lanes lined with picturesque half-timbered houses.

Venture into the Steigerwald Nature Park to experience the forest from a completely different perspective—high up in the treetops. A wooden pathway winds around the trees, then spirals upwards to culminate in a 41-meter tower.

Along the way you’ll pass a deer park, live camera feeds into birds’ nests, learning stations, and a petting zoo. When you reach the top of the walkway, you’ll find yourself high above the forest, enjoying spectacular views of the countryside.

This incredibly lavish 18th-century palace was created under the auspices of two Schönborn prince-bishops, Lothar Franz and Friedrich Carl, who brought enormous knowledge and passion, as well as a budget for the best, to the project. Over the course of 60 years, they fostered the creation of a 300-room palace that contains jaw-dropping baroque art. The magnificent grand staircase boasts the world’s largest ceiling fresco, painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Portions of the building were damaged by Allied bombing in 1945, but, fortunately, most of the historic furnishings had been stored off-site and key rooms were unharmed, so you can see the original—and matchless—artwork, gilding and statuary. Check out both the spectacular Hall of Mirrors and the imposing Imperial Hall, which boasts a large oval dome and 20 half-columns. Even the gardens have been restored, right down to the topiary fruit trees in the kitchen garden, which are re-creations of the trees grown there in the 18th century.

Note: Visitors may not take photos or videos or carry backpacks inside the Würzburg Residence.

In the charming town of Eibelstadt, within the Würzburg district, you’ll find Weinforum Franken. This cozy hotel and restaurant in Franconian wine country is a haven for wine lovers, and their sommelier is passionate about sourcing the best wines in the region for their collection. Today, we’ll enjoy an atmospheric tasting in their 15th-century cellar, trying 3 different wines produced by fantastic local estates.

Nestled between the Rhine and the mountains along its banks, Miltenberg has changed little since the 17th century. Explore its iconic half-timbered architecture as you roam the town with your local guide, taking some free time to shop.

When our time in Miltenberg ends, we’ll move on to Bürgstadt, a winegrowing community about an hour’s walk away. You’ll have the opportunity to either hop on a bus or join a nature walk to reach this town, where you’ll be welcomed with a drink and traditional Brotzeit snack.

A motorcoach carries you to Heidelberg, sometimes called the most romantic city in Germany. It is home to the nation's oldest university, a charming baroque Old Town lying along the banks of the Neckar River, and extraordinarily beautiful castle ruins overlooking the town. Your tour will take you to the castle, with its views of the red-tile roofs of the town below, the handsome Old Bridge and the wooded hillsides beyond, and then into Old Town, where you will see the late-Gothic Holy Spirit Church, the Student Prison, and the longest pedestrian street in Germany.

Controlled over the centuries by either France or Germany, Strasbourg—cross-cultural and bilingual—offers a delightful combination of old and new, as well as French and German characteristics. You'll see the city's highlights on a panoramic drive before disembarking the coach for a walking tour through the towns famously idyllic streets with your local guide.

Note: Lunch will be on your own today.

Join a local guide for a walking tour of enchanting Baden-Baden, which will bring you past two thermal baths and the city’s famous Casino. Gain further appreciation for the Romans and their love of natural spa facilities as you pass by the Fettquelle, a public thermal fountain where it is believed that the water is health-promoting. After learning about the curative powers of Baden-Baden’s water sources, explore the Casino Baden-Baden, and let its ambiance, architecture, and atmosphere enthrall you. You’ll enjoy a tour of this grandiose building, complete with a walk through the gambling halls, which offer a look at the casino’s fascinating history dating back to 1855 and Dostoevsky’s novel “The Gambler”—written in Baden-Baden and based on this casino.

Note: Lunch will be on your own today.

Today’s adventures will transport you into the fairytale of Hansel and Gretel as we take you on an exploration of the Black Forest, the place that inspired the tale. Board our coach to the quaint town of Titisee. Upon arrival, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own and find a nice spot for lunch in town. Afterward, we’ll embark on a boat tour around the lake, stopping at a particular scenic spot for Black Forest cake and coffee or tea. From there, the coaches will pick us up again and drive us back to the ship.

Zurich’s Old Town cradles the Limmat River with a series of meandering alleyways and medieval buildings. Not only is this area historic, but it’s also the most popular neighborhood in town for locals and visitors alike, with an excellent shopping, restaurant, and bar scene. Explore the Old Town with your local guide, making your way through the car-free streets of the Niederdof, crossing the bridge over the river, and stopping to try a Luxembergerli (mini-macaron) at a popular local sweet shop. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the twin towers of the Grossmünster church, one of Zurich’s most iconic landmarks, as well as the clock tower of the St. Peter church. It boasts largest clock face of any tower in Europe. Ask your guide for tips on how to spend some free time after the tour, they’ll know just where to send you for some shopping, further sightseeing, or a good bite to eat!