Embrace the holiday spirit in Germany, the land where many Christmas traditions began
Germany, the origin of many beloved holiday traditions, is a truly special place to experience the magic of Christmas. Explore some of the country and world’s most celebrated Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Würzburg, Wertheim, and Frankfurt. Be treated to a winter wonderland of stocking stuffers and sweet treats.
Sail in true holiday style along the peaceful Main River, stopping to marvel at Medieval villages and majestic stone castles. The merrymaking continues as you stroll through cobblestone streets dusted in snow. Mouthwatering aromas surround the festive stalls at the Christmas markets; shops and bakeries are laden with gingerbread, biscuits, and speciality cakes. Cozy up to a steaming mug of glühwein (hot spiced wine) or indulge in some of the region’s famous Franconian sausage.
Everywhere you turn, you will find cities decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees, bells pealing from cathedral towers, and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols. With sights straight out of a classic Christmas tale, this is sure to be one of the most memorable holiday trips you will ever take.
Who will enjoy this cruise: Those wanting to experience the quintessential magic of the holidays while shopping for one-of-a-kind treasures and discovering the legends behind some of our most popular holiday traditions.
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Day 1
transfer to Arles
Arrive at the Frankfurt airport where you will be transferred to the ship. (D)
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Day 2
transfer to Arles
Featured Excursion: Frankfurt city tour and Christmas Market
While in Frankfurt, you'll enjoy a panoramic drive amid the
high-rises of “Mainhattan.” Cross the Main River for a photo opportunity
in Frankfurt before returning to view the New Opera House, Hauptwache
Plaza, and Zeil shopping district. Continue past the Stock Exchange,
Goethe Place, Goethe University, and the Palmengarten (botanical
garden). The walking portion of your tour begins at Paulskirche (St.
Paul’s Church), where you can explore the neighboring Old World
buildings and finish your Christmas shopping in Römer Square before
returning to the ship. On Römerberg Square, Paulsplatz, and Mainkai
Quay, 200 stalls offer arts, crafts, and seasonal food and drink. (BB,
L, Captain’s Welcome Gala)
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Day 3
transfer to Arles
Featured Excursion: Wertheim walking tour and meet the children of Wertheim
Join your local guide for a walk through the picturesque town of
Wertheim, where you can look across the Main River to Bavaria before
continuing to the Spitzer Turm (Pointed Tower). Built in the
13th-century and once a former prison for drunkards and feuding women,
the Tower’s structure now leans to one side after withstanding over 800
years of flooding. Stop in the historic Wertheim Market Square, lined
with half-timbered buildings and shops selling artisan glassworks and
Franconian wines in round bottles. Back onboard the ship, enjoy festive
carols by some of Wertheim’s children, and later listen to a piano
recital. (BB, L, D)
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Day 4
transfer to Arles
Featured Excursion: Würzburg Residenz, Christmas Market and home-hosted coffee and cookies
Visit the opulent Würzburg Residenz, one of the most extraordinary
Baroque palaces in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 300-room
palace took nearly 60 years to complete and contains the world’s
largest
ceiling fresco, created by Venetian painter Giovanni Battista Tiepolo,
as well as what is often described as the most beautiful staircase in
the world. Your visit here will give you a true sense of the history of
this region through the European Renaissance. Afterward, visit the
town’s 200-year-old Christmas Market for one-of-a-kind presents and
souvenirs. In the afternoon, enjoy
home-hosted coffee and cookies providing you with an intimate encounter with the local culture. (BB, L, D)
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Day 5
transfer to Arles
Featured Excursion: Rothenburg walking tour and Christmas Market
The ship will dock in Kitzingen, where a motorcoach will take you to
Rothenburg. Travel along parts of the “Romantic Road” on your way to
Germany’s best preserved walled city, Rothenburg, with its timberframe
houses topped with picturesque red tile roofs. Your exploration of this
fairytale gem gives you a glimpse at the way life was lived during the
Middle Ages, as it is home to some of the best-preserved Medieval
buildings in Europe. You will conclude your visit at one of Germany’s
oldest and most celebrated Christmas Markets, Reiterlesmarkt. You will
also want to visit Kathe Wohlfahrt’s original Christmas shop. Rothenburg
also features a delightful museum that displays vintage toys from as
early as the 17th-century. (BB, D)
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Day 6
transfer to Arles
Featured Excursion: Bamberg Nativity walk and Christmas Market
One of the few cities not destroyed during the WWII bombings of Germany,
Bamberg is a city built on seven hills. Wander through the
half-timbered fishing village of Klein-Venedig, known as “Little
Venice,” and past the curious narrow alleyways that line Old Town.
Continue to the scenic Bamberg Cathedral and New Residence. The guided
tour also includes visits to Nativity scenes throughout the city and
time to explore the treasures waiting in the local Christmas Market.
While enjoying the market, be sure to sample what Bamberg is world
famous for rauchbier (smoked beer). (BB, L, D)
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Day 7
transfer to Arles
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour and Christmas Market
During the Middle Ages, Nuremberg was the preferred residence of German
emperors, as you will discover on your guided excursion. Visit
Kaiserburg Castle, which rises high above the city and has housed every
emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Your walking tour continues along
cobblestone streets to one of the most famous examples of 14th-century
German ironwork, the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) in Hauptmarkt
(Market Square). Finish the day shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts at the
festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas Market in
Germany. In this fine Medieval setting, you can enjoy authentic
Nuremberg gingerbread and bratwurst. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
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Embrace the holiday spirit in Germany, the land where many Christmas traditions began
Germany, the origin of many beloved holiday traditions, is a truly special place to experience the magic of Christmas. Explore some of the country and world’s most celebrated Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Würzburg, Wertheim, and Frankfurt. Be treated to a winter wonderland of stocking stuffers and sweet treats.
Sail in true holiday style along the peaceful Main River, stopping to marvel at Medieval villages and majestic stone castles. The merrymaking continues as you stroll through cobblestone streets dusted in snow. Mouthwatering aromas surround the festive stalls at the Christmas markets; shops and bakeries are laden with gingerbread, biscuits, and speciality cakes. Cozy up to a steaming mug of glühwein (hot spiced wine) or indulge in some of the region’s famous Franconian sausage.
Everywhere you turn, you will find cities decked in holiday finery with glittering Christmas trees, bells pealing from cathedral towers, and children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols. With sights straight out of a classic Christmas tale, this is sure to be one of the most memorable holiday trips you will ever take.
Who will enjoy this cruise: Those wanting to experience the quintessential magic of the holidays while shopping for one-of-a-kind treasures and discovering the legends behind some of our most popular holiday traditions.
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