Medieval Germany: Bavaria and the Romantic Road

Nuremberg – Nuremberg is often remembered for its role in WWII, notably as the site of major Nazi rallies and, later, the historic war crime trials. But beyond its infamous history, the Bavarian city captivates visitors with its cobbled streets with classic half-timbered houses, an enchanting castle (rebuilt after wartime bombings) and many historic landmarks. These include the Church of Saint Lawrence, a stunning example of Gothic architecture, and the intricate Church of Our Lady, which features a working mechanical clock dating from 1506 and overlooks the bustling Hauptmarkt square—renowned for its elaborate fountain resembling a Gothic church tower.This morning you have two choices:Choose to explore Nuremberg’s medieval heart on a panoramic coach tour culminating in a visit to the imperial Nuremberg Castle. Once a residence of the Holy Roman Emperors, the fortress features the opulent Knights’ and Imperial Hall, a Romanesque double chapel, and engaging exhibits that explore the inner workings of the empire. Enjoy sweeping views from Sinwell Tower and peer down into the Deep Well before heading out on a guided walk through the old town, ending with free time to explore at your leisure.Alternatively, delve into Nuremberg’s pivotal role in 20th-century history. The city was once considered the spiritual home of the Nazi Party, hosting enormous propaganda rallies at the Zeppelin Field and serving as the birthplace of the Nuremberg Laws. After the war, it became the setting for the famous Nuremberg Trials at the Palace of Justice. Visit the rally grounds and pass by the courthouse before continuing to the old town. There, enjoy a brief visit to the castle exterior and a guided walk highlighting key medieval landmarks such as Hauptmarkt Square – home to the enchanting Christmas Markets – the Old City Hall, and the Church of Our Lady.Amid all this splendour, spare a moment to taste Nuremberg’s famous gingerbread and perhaps stock up with a packet to spice up the biscuit tin back home!After a busy morning of exploration and discovery, we return to the ship and during lunch, we commence sailing through Germany’s rural heart towards our next destination, arriving in the early hours.Please note: when cruising from Nuremberg to Mainz, the main part of the sun deck is closed due to low bridges. The other outside areas in front of the lounge, the Riverview Kitchen and the lower section of the sun deck are still accessible.

Bamberg – Another day brings another new view when you draw back the curtains in your cabin.Bamberg is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful small towns in the whole of Europe, and UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site by way of confirmation. Planned by Emperor Heinrich II in the 11th century as a Franconian capital as grand as Rome, Bamberg sits on seven lush green hills, akin to its Italian inspiration.Join the guided tour and see the historic old town and impressive multi-spired cathedral, although perhaps the most noticeable and intriguing landmark is Bamberg’s old town hall, which sits on an island in the middle of the burbling river, flanked by bridges either side. From here you can also see ‘Little Venice’ – a delightful cluster of former fishermen’s houses built along the waterfront, mostly dating from the Middle Ages.During another splendid lunch on board, the ship departs for picturesque Ochsenfurt. Take the afternoon to enjoy the ship’s five-star facilities, while taking in the magnificent undulating landscape as we venture deeper into this beautifully scenic region. Indulge in afternoon tea and, perhaps, our chef’s special patisserie, while being sure to leave room for the evening’s dinner.

Ochsenfurt & Rothenburg – After a leisurely breakfast, we spend the morning exploring Ochsenfurt. Nestled on the banks of the Main, with its quintessential half-timbered houses and ancient ramparts; it’s a joy to wander through the old town, stopping to admire the façade of the town hall with its impressive mechanical clock and a lovely 13th-century church with its strikingly colourful interior, before returning to the ship where lunch is served.This afternoon we take the short drive to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a spectacular 16th-century town crowning a hill, with exceptional views over the meandering river Tauber below. Our drive takes us along the aptly named Romantic Road – a magically scenic route which weaves its way alongside a procession of folkloric scenery, medieval towns, lofty castles and grand palaces, so picture-perfect they could all serve as film sets.After a guided tour, there is free time to wander Rothenburg’s narrow, cobbled streets, lined with elegant and gabled half-timbered houses, surrounded by perfectly preserved medieval walls, before we return to our ship moored in Würzburg.You’ll have worked up an appetite, so reconvene with your fellow passengers for an aperitif in the bar before tonight’s excellent dinner is served. And after dinner, there's even more fun to be had as we enjoy Bavarian dance and songs performed on traditional instruments by a skilled trio.

Würzburg – Würzburg is quite a marvel, contrasting with the quaint towns and villages that you’ve encountered on your adventure so far.This elegant Bavarian city, founded in the 10th century as the centre of the kingdom known as Franconia, sits resplendent and impressive on the banks of the Main. Neat blocks of grand pastel buildings are peppered with the spires and domes of the city’s many churches, chapels and cathedrals.The jewel in Würzburg’s illustrious crown is the Residenz, a truly magnificent Baroque palace which whisks you back in time to a more romantic age. Originally conceived to rival the Palace of Versailles in scale, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features one of Germany’s most spectacularly ornate staircases and dozens of interconnecting rooms, adorned with gorgeous frescoes, priceless tapestries, sculptures and paintings. We enjoy a guided tour of the old town including the Residenz with some time at leisure, allowing you to soak up the ambience of this wonderful town.One of the delights of river cruising is indulging in complete relaxation. As we slip our moorings later this afternoon, catch up on some reading in the lounge or simply watch the world float by.Tonight, there’s another culinary highlight – the Chef’s Dinner, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, with a chance to reflect on the fascinating places you have discovered, poignant stories you have heard and the new friends you have made.

Wertheim & Miltenberg – Awaking refreshed, look out of your cabin window to find a complete change of scenery in Wertheim, where we’ll enjoy a morning tour. Wertheim is completely off the main tourist trail, making it a delightful surprise, all the better for its untouched ambience.We pass the fishing boats riding at anchor while admiring the muted colours of the sage-green, pale lilac and buttercup-yellow houses opposite. A russet-walled 12th-century castle overlooks the Old Town, surveying the church spires, turrets and patchwork of multicoloured buildings below. There’s time to explore here and, as you wander the quaint and colourful market square, look out for the blink-and-miss-it Zobelhaus, a contender for the narrowest house in Germany.Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something more active, consider joining a tour to Wertheim Castle. After an easy yet steep climb, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the old town and the river landscapes of the Main and Tauber. The castle has overlooked the city since the 12th century, although it was partially destroyed during the Thirty Years' War. Its ruins are filled with fascinating history waiting to be explored.In the afternoon, we pass under the famous red-brick bridge between Wertheim and Miltenberg, navigating the gentle meandering bends typical of the Main River. After lunch, you can learn more about the history of glassblowing and watch a fascinating demonstration of this historic craft, relax and take in the scenery or watch the riverside scenes slip by from the comfort of your sumptuous cabin, many of which have French balconies with splendid unhindered views.We arrive in Miltenberg, a beautifully preserved medieval village whose labyrinth of winding alleys and lanes begs exploration. And so, this afternoon we do exactly that, as our local guide shows us the highlights of this charming destination.Backed by dense emerald-green forest, this picturesque stop-off has something of the feel of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, complete with a castle nestled into the lush tree-clad hillside. Admire the impressive gatehouse which stands like a proud guardian of the village, and wander across the charming marketplace, lined by traditional fachwerk buildings instantly recognisable by their grids of timber framing.The story goes that locals were allowed free wood from the surrounding forests, hence the abundance of this architectural style. Highlights of this beautiful square include the trickling fountain, ornately carved from stone and complete with dancing cherubs, and the intricately detailed Gasthaus Zum Riesen, which claims to be Germany’s oldest tavern. If you would like to have more time to explore independently, you can choose a shorter orientation walk.This evening you’ll be served another delectable dinner, and overnight we cruise towards Mainz.

Mainz – Whether you decide to take breakfast in bed or set yourself up for the day at the plentiful buffet, afterwards you can enjoy a final morning of sailing. Find a relaxing seat in the lounge to take in the lovely views of lush woodland and fertile vineyards seamlessly idling by.After another delicious lunch on board, spend the afternoon exploring bustling Mainz on our guided tour. Dominating its skyline is the colossal six-towered 12th-century cathedral – St. Martin's Dom – a pinnacle of German Romanesque architecture that houses a spectacular nave, many elaborate tombs and a peaceful colonnaded cloister.Also unmissable is Saint Stephen’s Church, which features nine breathtaking stained-glass windows, created by the artist Marc Chagall, that bathe the interior in magical blue light. Book-lovers will appreciate the Gutenberg Museum, located in a gorgeous 17th-century building in Mainz’s Old Town, whose star attractions are two 1455 Gutenberg Bibles, among the first books ever printed.On the tour, wander the crooked streets of the old town and city centre to discover the half-timbered houses and historic Roman Catholic monuments, finishing at Saint Stephen’s where you’ll have the opportunity to admire the captivating Chagall windows up close. After the tour you have time to see the striking Cathedral and bustling marketplace.Of course, Mainz is also at the heart of Germany’s winelands, so it’s a pleasure to seek out a traditional wine tavern in the pastel-painted, timber-crisscrossed buildings of the old town to sample a glass. If you prefer beer, the vaulted chambers of the Eisgrub-Bräu beer hall are a fine place for a mug of the local dark brew.As evening approaches, why not enjoy an apéritif in the bar before choosing a table in the restaurant to enjoy the chef’s masterful creations for dinner?Personalise your holiday -Guided tour of the Gutenberg MuseumDuration: 1.5hrsPrice: £10pp (2025) & £11pp (2026)With your guide, walk to the Gutenberg museum, dedicated to Johannes Gutenberg, a native of Mainz, who invented printing with movable metal type over 500 years ago! It houses a reconstruction of his workshop and, outstandingly, two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles.Founded in 1900 by Mainz citizens, the museum highlights the history of letterpress printing through technical tools, typesetting machines, and printing presses. As a "World Museum for the Art of Printing," it features sections on the origins of printing in East Asia, scripts from the Islamic world, and the development of manuscripts. Other displays cover the history of printing presses, bookbinding, fine press techniques, and the production of paper and colours.Optional excursion can be done instead of the walking tour of Mainz.Please contact us at least three weeks before your departure to add this experience to your booking. Minimum and maximum numbers apply. If not enough guests opt for this extra, the experience may not run.

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