The Upper Rhine to the City of Music 2012

Day 1 (Fri) Zürich – Basel. Fly to Zürich where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship in Basel for 11 nights. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception.

Day 2 (Sat) Strasbourg. Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region, is influenced by the culture of both countries. It is also the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A local guide will show you the highlights, such as the Gothic Cathedral, the lovely Petite France District, Place Kléber and Place Gutenberg, with its statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace region is available.

Day 3 (Sun) Mannheim – Mainz. After breakfast this morning, choose from an included guided excursion to either Germany’s ancient imperial city of Speyer or to the university city of Heidelberg. Speyer, located on the left bank of the Rhine was a bishopric and boasts a Romanesque cathedral with six imposing towers and the finest and largest crypt in Germany. Four Holy Roman Emperors and four German kings are buried in the impressive Royal Vault. Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. A photo-stop allows you to take pictures of the imposing castle ruins, that are built of red sandstone and tower above the city. Rejoin your ship in Mainz and enjoy free time to explore this city on your own.

Day 4 (Mon) Miltenberg – Wertheim. Spend time at leisure this morning in charming Miltenberg, a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendour of the Merchant Hall. Wertheim, situated at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers, is known for its medieval town centre, castle, glass blowing and wine.

Day 5 (Tue) Würzburg. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’, Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent Bishop’s Residenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6 (Wed) Bamberg. Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as you cruise gently up the Main River. This afternoon, arrive in medieval Bamberg, another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions.

Day 7 (Thu) Nuremberg. Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses—all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers.

Day 8 (Fri) Regensburg. Cruise through picturesque Altmühltal to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on your guided tour this afternoon include the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to the Roman fort built in 179AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria’s cultural centres. It is here that you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen).

Day 9 (Sat) Passau – Linz. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular ‘Sound of Music’ sights. Rejoin your ship in Linz.

Day 10 (Sun) Melk – Dürnstein. Today is dedicated to  the beautiful and romantic Wachau Valley, where many excellent Austrian wines are grown and produced. This morning, visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which dominates the town from its commanding hilltop site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. Later, lounge on the Sky Deck with a glass of white wine as you cruise to Dürnstein, whose baroque blue and white Stiftskirche stands right on the river bank. Explore on your own or choose from a range of optional excursions.

Day 11 (Mon) Vienna. Also known as the ‘City of Music’, Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss and was once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire. See the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral on your included city tour with a local guide. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrüdel in a local café. An optional concert is available during your stay.

Day 12 (Tue) Vienna. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.