Detailed Port Descriptions

Day 1 - Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a vibrant and modern city located in western Germany. It is known for its art and culture, its lively nightlife, and its stunning architecture. Visitors can explore the historic Old Town, which features many well preserved buildings from the Middle Ages, such as the St. Lambertus Church and the Schlossturm. The city is also home to numerous museums and galleries, including the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. And for those who love shopping, Düsseldorf is a paradise, with numerous high-end boutiques and designer stores.

Day 2 - Koblenz

Koblenz is a city steeped in history, with its origins dating back to Roman times when it was known as "Confluentes," a Latin term meaning "the confluence of two rivers." The city was strategically located at the meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, making it an important trading hub and military stronghold. Throughout its history, Koblenz has been the site of many battles and conflicts. During the Middle Ages, the city was heavily fortified, and many of the structures from that period, such as the city walls, towers, and gates, can still be seen today. The city is renowned for its stunning river scenery, which includes picturesque castles, vineyards, and historic buildings. The Rhine river, which is the longest river in Germany, offers a mesmerizing view of the city's skyline, while the Moselle river provides a quieter and more serene ambiance. The city has a wealth of historic architecture to explore. Visitors can marvel at the striking architecture of the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, the impressive Deutsches Eck monument, and the charming Old Town, which boasts beautiful half-timbered houses and narrow streets.

Day 2 - Rüdesheim

Rüdesheim, with its historic buildings, winding streets and surrounding vineyards, is a popular destination. The town’s history dates back to the Roman era, and over the centuries, it has been influenced by various cultures and traditions. One of the highlights of Rüdesheim is its wine culture. The town is home to some of the finest vineyards in Germany, and is particularly famous for its Riesling wine, which is made from grapes grown on the steep slopes of the nearby hills. A popular attraction is the Rüdesheim Cable Car, which offers breathtaking views. The cable car route is 1.4 kilometers long and takes visitors from the town center up to the Niederwald Monument, a 38-meter tall monument that commemorates the unification of Germany in 1871. Don’t miss a taste of the famous Rüdesheimer Kaffee, a specialty coffee drink that is made with Asbach Uralt, a type of German brandy, and topped with whipped cream.

Day 3 - Mannheim

Mannheim is a modern city located in the southwestern part of Germany. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Rhine River. Visitors can explore the city's many landmarks, such as the Mannheim Palace, the Luisenpark, and the Mannheimer Wasserturm. The city is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Kunsthalle Mannheim, which features modern and contemporary art, and the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen, which showcase the region's history and culture. And for those who love shopping, Mannheim is famous for its many boutiques and department stores.

Day 3 - Mainz

Mainz is a historic city located in southwestern Germany, situated on the banks of the Rhine River. The city is famous for its association with the printing press, which was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century. Gutenberg was born in Mainz and it was here that he developed his revolutionary printing technique, which used moveable type to produce books and other printed materials. The printing press had a profound impact on the spread of knowledge and information throughout Europe, allowing for the mass production of books and other materials for the first time. Gutenberg's invention is widely regarded as one of the most important developments in the history of human communication, and it cemented Mainz's reputation as a center of intellectual and cultural innovation. Today, Mainz is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors to the city can explore numerous museums and galleries, including the Gutenberg Museum, which houses one of the world's largest collections of books and printing materials.

Day 4 - Frankfurt

The history of Frankfurt am Main dates back over 2,000 years, when the Romans established a military camp at the site. Over time, the city grew into an important commercial center, with trade routes connecting it to other major European cities. In the Middle Ages, Frankfurt became a free imperial city. During the Renaissance, Frankfurt played a significant role in the development of the printing press and the spread of the Reformation. It became an important center of learning, with the establishment of the University of Frankfurt in the 18th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Frankfurt experienced significant upheaval, including the devastation of World War II. The city was heavily bombed, leading to the loss of much of its historic architecture. However, Frankfurt was rebuilt quickly and emerged as a major hub of commerce and finance in the post-war era, with the establishment of the European Central Bank and other important financial institutions. The River Main is a significant feature of Frankfurt's geography and history. It runs through the center of the city, dividing it into two halves - the north and the south. The river has been an essential part of Frankfurt's development, as it provided a means of transportation for goods and people, and served as a source of water for drinking and other purposes.  

Day 5 - Speyer

Speyer is located in southwestern Germany that boasts a rich history. At the heart of the city lies the Speyer Cathedral, a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture that stands as one of the largest structures of its kind in the world. Commissioned by Emperor Conrad II in the 11th century, the cathedral serves as a symbol of his power and authority. Visitors to the cathedral can explore its grand interior, which features intricate vaulted ceilings, ornate stained-glass windows, and a grand organ that dates back to the 18th century. In addition to the cathedral, Speyer is home to the Technik Museum Speyer, one of the most popular museums in Germany. The museum showcases an extensive collection of classic cars, airplanes, locomotives, and other technical marvels from different eras. Visitors can explore the different sections of the museum, which includes a space exhibition, a maritime hall, and an outdoor area with several large aircraft on display.

Day 6 - Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a historic city located in the northeastern part of France. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic location along the Ill River. Visitors can explore the city's many historic land marks, such as the Strasbourg Cathedral, the Petite France district, and the Palais Rohan. The city is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain, which features modern and contemporary art, and the Alsatian Museum, which showcases the region's history and culture. And for those who love shopping, Strasbourg is famous for its Christmas markets and numerous boutiques and department stores.

Day 7 - Basel

Basel is a picturesque Swiss city located at the intersection of the Rhine river and the borders of Switzerland, Germany, and France. The city dates back to the Roman era, but it was during the Middle Ages that Basel be came an important cultural and commercial center. The city was also an important center for the printing industry during the 15th century, and it was in Basel that the first printed book in the world was published. Today, Basel is known for its world-renowned pharmaceutical industry, as well as its thriving art scene, with several world class museums and galleries. The city is also home to a number of historic landmarks, including the impressive Basel Minster, a 13th-century cathedral with stunning Gothic architecture. Basel is also famous for its Carnival celebrations, which take place every year in February, and attract thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.