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Day 6 - September 19 | Passau, Germany
Today, choose from full-day optional excursions: to Salzburg, taking in some of The Sound of Music sights or to Český
Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rejoin your ship in Passau in the early evening. Alter-
natively, you may choose to stay on the ship and relax as you cruise to Passau, uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz,
and Danube Rivers converge. Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses
and dominated by St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture. Take in the highlights on the
included GUIDED WALK. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - September 20 | Regensburg
Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities.
Architectural highlights of your GUIDED WALK include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built in the 13th century, and
Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Walk across the 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Stone
Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany. Grab a beer and enjoy an included SNACK at the Historische Wurstküche
(Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants. Bask in the vibrant atmosphere and take in the remarkable
views along the river. Before dinner, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - September 21 | Roth–Nuremberg
This morning, relax on board, before docking in Roth. After lunch, join a GUIDED SIGHTSEEING of the city. This delightful
Bavarian town, with its half-timbered houses and market square, is also an industrial center for textile manufacturing.
Take pictures of Schloss Ratibor, an ancient hunting lodge built in 1535, with a most picturesque inner courtyard. Or
you may prefer to choose a GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR of nearby Nuremberg. Although 90% of Nuremberg’s Old Town
suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital
of the Holy Roman Empire. Marvel at this thousand-year-old city’s medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches,
and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a more specialized NUREMBERG RALLY GROUNDS tour. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - September 22 | Bamberg
This morning, arrive in medieval Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties
and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your GUIDED WALKING TOUR takes in its historic center, including the great
13th-century Romanesque cathedral and the fascinating Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)—built on an island in the
middle of the Regnitz River when the bishop refused to give the townspeople land for a town hall! This afternoon,
cruise gently along the Main River as you head for Würzburg. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - September 23 | Würzburg
Surrounded by verdant hillside vineyards, Würzburg, the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” makes an immediate
impression with imposing Fortress Marienberg perched above town and the 15th-century Alte Mainbrücke (Old Main
Bridge). On your included GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, visit the magnificent baroque BISHOP’S RESIDENZ, home to
the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. This afternoon, you are free to explore on your own, or perhaps join an optional
excursion to medieval Rothenburg. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - September 24 | Main River Village
On the banks of the Main River you find cultural gems of small towns, many of them tucked away behind defensive
walls and towered gates. With half- timbered houses, narrow streets, and medieval town centers, these picturesque
Bavarian villages are a photographer’s delight. Join your Local Guide to experience one of these towns on a GUIDED
WALK. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - September 25 | Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge
Today, arrive in Rüdesheim, a quintessential Rhine Valley wine town. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL
INSTRUMENT MUSEUM, where you’ll see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from
the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then head downstream from Rüdesheim, through the
dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400
feet above the water. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured
unwitting sailors to their doom. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - September 26 | Cologne
Arrive in Cologne this morning. One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both
sides of the Rhine and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between an included GUIDED
CITY WALK or JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. Later, during free time, perhaps look in on the Romano-Germanic Museum,
home to a large collection of artifacts from the Roman settlement on which modern Cologne is built—a must for
history buffs! The Old Town abounds with cafés, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed
in Cologne for over a hundred years! (B, L, D)
Day 14 - September 27 | Amsterdam, Holland
Holland’s sophisticated, modern capital has a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its
elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambiance. With over 60
museums, Amsterdam has the highest museum density in the world. Get a unique perspective of the city on an
included CANAL CRUISE, floating along the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s
“Golden Age.” There’s free time this afternoon to enjoy the city or perhaps join an optional excursion. (B, L, D)
D ay 15 - September 28 | Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)