On your journey along the Main and Rhine rivers, you will experience the height of European cuisine and German culture. From the world-famous Rheingau Valley, renowned for its elegant Riesling wines, to the pretzel bakeries and craft beers Germany is best known for, this is a journey that will linger on your palate for years to come. Witness a panoramic dual-river view from the hilltop fortress of Lahneck Castle, an exclusive excursion for AmaWaterways guests. Marvel at an immaculate example of Baroque architecture at the designated UNESCO World Heritage Würzburg Residenz, a reminder of life lived on a grand scale. Savor the storybook atmosphere of some of Europe’s most charming towns, including regal Wertheim and idyllic Rüdesheim. All along the way, get swept up in the many treasures just waiting to be discovered along the Main and Rhine rivers.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.
From Prague, the “City of Spires,” to the heartland of Germany along the Rhine and Main rivers and to cosmopolitan Amsterdam, you’ll get an up-close look at the magnificent castles, medieval towns and forever-inspiring cities. Experience Prague’s eclectic mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. On your journey along the Main and Rhine rivers, you will experience the height of European cuisine and German culture. From the world-famous Rheingau Valley, renowned for its elegant Riesling wines, to the pretzel bakeries and craft beers Germany is best known for, this is a journey that will linger on your palate for years to come. Witness a panoramic dual-river view from the hilltop fortress of Lahneck Castle, an exclusive excursion for AmaWaterways guests. Marvel at an immaculate example of Baroque architecture at the designated UNESCO World Heritage Würzburg Residenz, a reminder of life lived on a grand scale. Savor the storybook atmosphere of some of Europe’s most charming towns, including regal Wertheim and idyllic Rüdesheim. All along the way, get swept up in the many treasures just waiting to be discovered along the Main and Rhine rivers.
Note: Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.
Treasures of the Main & Rhine (Christmas)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Day 1 | Nuremberg | EMBARKATION |
|
Embark the ship in Nuremberg for your Treasures of the Main & Rhine cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Nuremberg | Cruise Main-Danube Canal |
|
| Bamberg | Walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
| | OR Bamberg Specialties tasting |
|
Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions followed by a tasting of the city’s famous smoked beer. Or indulge in the local flavors by sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla pastry, a local favorite whose recipe dates back to 1427. And for those wishing to explore the town more actively, hop on a bike for a guided bike tour along the Main River and to its quirky quarters beyond the town center. In the evening, sail to the Bavarian town of Volkach, where you’ll enjoy a free evening strolling along the streets and visiting shops and cafes. (B,L,D)
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
Visit Würzburg, nestled along the “Romantic Road” in the middle of Germany’s largest wine producing region. Join a walking tour of this beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor. Or admire its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As an alternative, hike up to Marienberg Fortress, dating back to the 13th century, and overlooking the Main. You may also head to picturesque Rothenburg on the “Romantic Road,” known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Wertheim | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
Wertheim's old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center or learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery. As an alternative to the walking tour of Wertheim, you may choose to venture high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany with a deep moat and impressive bulwark. The castle was partly destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1619, but has more recently been restored with support from the state. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
Cruise from the meandering Main River to the captivating Rhine River en route to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once there, you will have a choice of two excursions. Take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola. Afterwards, wine connoisseurs will want to go on a wine tasting with a local vintner. Alternatively, visit hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard or take a bike ride through the Rheingau wine region. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Cologne | Cologne Walking tour |
|
| | OR Cologne Architecture tour with Cologne Cathedral visit |
|
Join a guided tour through the Old Town. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, plus see other historic sites. As an alternative, explore the historic and modern architectural styles on display across Cologne on a guided tour, including a special visit inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the magic of its iconic bridges. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homebound flight. (B)
Day 1 | Prague | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
|
Discover Prague on an engaging city tour and find out why it is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all the key highlights, including the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square. (B)
Day 3 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
|
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
Day 4 | Prague | Transfer to Nuremberg |
|
Depart Prague after breakfast and drive through the scenic countryside to Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. (B,D)
Day 5 | Nuremberg | Cruise Main-Danube Canal |
|
| Bamberg | Walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
| | OR Bamberg Specialties tasting |
|
Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions followed by a tasting of the city’s famous smoked beer. Or indulge in the local flavors by sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla pastry, a local favorite whose recipe dates back to 1427. And for those wishing to explore the town more actively, hop on a bike for a guided bike tour along the Main River and to its quirky quarters beyond the town center. In the evening, sail to the Bavarian town of Volkach, where you’ll enjoy a free evening strolling along the streets and visiting shops and cafes. (B,L,D)
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
Visit Würzburg, nestled along the “Romantic Road” in the middle of Germany’s largest wine producing region. Join a walking tour of this beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor. Or admire its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As an alternative, hike up to Marienberg Fortress, dating back to the 13th century, and overlooking the Main. You may also head to picturesque Rothenburg on the “Romantic Road,” known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Wertheim | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
Wertheim's old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center or learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery. As an alternative to the walking tour of Wertheim, you may choose to venture high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany with a deep moat and impressive bulwark. The castle was partly destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1619, but has more recently been restored with support from the state. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Rüdesheim | Gondola ride and wine tasting |
|
Cruise from the meandering Main River to the captivating Rhine River en route to the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Once there, you will have a choice of two excursions. Take a peaceful ride over the vineyards on Rüdesheim’s gondola. Afterwards, wine connoisseurs will want to go on a wine tasting with a local vintner. Alternatively, visit hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard or take a bike ride through the Rheingau wine region. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Cologne | Cologne Walking tour |
|
| | OR Cologne Architecture tour with Cologne Cathedral visit |
|
Join a guided tour through the Old Town. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, plus see other historic sites. As an alternative, explore the historic and modern architectural styles on display across Cologne on a guided tour, including a special visit inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
View Amsterdam on a scenic canal cruise, taking in the magic of its iconic bridges. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Amsterdam and prepare for your homebound flight. (B)