From Trier to Nuremberg calling on Bernkastel; Koblenz; Rudesheim; Heidelberg; Wurzburg and Bamberg from $1,856

Drink in the picturesque landscape of vineyard-clad hillsides on this scenic 8-day river cruise along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers. Engage all your senses-see castles dotting the Rhine Valley hillsides, enjoy the bouquet of fine German wines and the distinctive character of Germany's handcrafted beers, feel the gentle breeze on your skin as you wander among the shops and restaurants of Rudesheim's Drosselgasse, and hear cathedral bells chime the hours as you float by. Connect with Europe's past as you encounter Roman ruins in Trier, explore medieval towns and castles, and visit Wurzburg's baroque Residenz.

Day 1 Trier

Fly into Frankfurt, then transfer to Trier to embark your ship.* After boarding, you can relax, explore Trier a bit on your own, or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 Trier & Bernkastel

Take a morning tour of Trier, Germany's oldest city, set on the banks of the Moselle River. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra, one of the original city gates and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You also see Trier Cathedral, with its extraordinary interior vaulting and baroque stucco work-another UNESCO Site. Lunch aboard as you depart for scenic afternoon cruising.

We arrive at Bernkastel, the "Pearl of the Moselle," at dinnertime. Enjoy some free time to explore the town's charming half-timbered houses and medieval market square, or join an optional tasting of local wine vintages. We depart this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Cochem & Koblenz

A walking tour takes you through the quaint Moselle town of Cochem, where you also visit imposing Reichsburg Castle. Eat lunch while cruising the scenic Moselle to Koblenz, arriving after dinner. We remain docked overnight, so you can take an evening stroll along riverside promenades and through the cobblestone streets to the historic central square of this charming German town located at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle.
(B, L, D)

Day 4 Rudesheim

Today you find yourself cruising through the storied Middle Rhine, lined with medieval castles, historic towns and vineyards-a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for a tour of Marksburg Castle, the region's best-preserved, then continue cruising to Rudesheim. Take free time to enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops lining Rudesheim's Drosselgasse. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Miltenberg & Heidelberg

Today's full-day excursion takes you to Heidelberg, an ancient city that is home to Germany's oldest university. Tour the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, originally built in the 12th century but twice destroyed by lightning. A guided walk through Heidelberg's Old Town and marketplace is included, as is lunch at a local restaurant. Return to your ship for dinner and departure. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Wurzburg

Disembark this morning in Karlstadt and take a half-day excursion to the charming Franconian wine town of Wurzburg. There you tour the Bishops' Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace built in 1744. You will see the sweeping staircase and many paintings and frescoes by the Venetian painter Giovanni Tiepolo, all of which miraculously survived World War II bombing. Join your ship in Wurzburg; dine and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Bamberg

This morning, navigate through the 106-mile Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel stretching from Bamberg on the Main River to Kelheim on the Danube and comprising 16 locks. Originally envisioned by Charlemagne in the 8th century, this waterway was finally completed and opened in 1992, creating a continuous waterway from the North Sea to the Black Sea.

After lunch we stop in the historic town of Bamberg, founded in 902 and an important center of the German Enlightenment. Enjoy a walking tour of Bamberg's beautifully preserved Old Town area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then take time to explore or perhaps sample the town's famous locally brewed smoky beer, Rauchbier. Celebrate your journey with a final dinner aboard. Depart tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Nuremberg

Arrive in Nuremberg this morning. After breakfast aboard, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.*

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner