Compare Heart of Germany by Viking River Cruises
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,798 |
| Price Per Day | $ 257 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
| Description |
Gain an intimate view of Germany Follow the storybook “Romantic Road” to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz. See Bamberg’s Romanesque and Gothic treasures. Delve into Nuremberg’s World War II history at the former Nazi Rally Grounds, subterranean “art bunkers” and Palace of Justice. For seven days, you’ll cruise the Main between Frankfurt and Nuremberg, stopping in the markets, beer gardens, wine cellars and parks that make Franconian Bavaria one of Germany’s most fun-loving regions. |
Day 1: Nuremberg, Germany
Meals : D
Accommodation : Nuremberg Palace of Justice, Germany
Welcome to Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second largest city. Transfer from the airport to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to stretch your legs and explore the city a bit on your own.
Day 2: Nuremberg, Germany
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Bamberg, Germany
Take a morning tour of the city’s most prominent landmarks and delight in the iconic Christmas market in the Old Town's Main Market Square. Browse booths with colorful ornaments, handmade gifts and sweet-smelling treats; there is no better place to shop for wooden toys and nutcrackers, and you may even spot the golden curls of the Christkind, an angel who brings children toys. Taste the traditional Lebkuchen (gingerbread), savory bratwurst and glühwein (hot spiced wine); chances are you'll hear carolers harmonizing a favorite holiday song. Take free time this afternoon to further explore Nuremberg; return aboard for dinner and an early evening departure.
Day 3: Bamberg, Germany
Meals :B, L, D
Accommodation : UNESCO Bishops Residenz, Würzburg, Germany
This morning we visit Bamberg, with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour includes a visit to the magnificent 11th-century cathedral, reworked in late Romanesque style in the 13th century, and the picturesque city hall built on an island in the middle of a river. Take free time to walk around Bamberg or visit its traditional Christmas markets. You can also follow Bamberg’s popular “Route of Nativity Scenes” to view diverse crèche displays at a few dozen churches, museums and other public spaces.
Day 4: Würzburg & Rothenburg, Germany
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Wertheim Castle, Germany
After breakfast, disembark in Gerlachshausen for a full day in two of Northern Bavaria’s most charming destinations. Tour the Bishops’ Residenz, an exquisite baroque palace with numerous paintings and frescoes. Then, ride in a deluxe motorcoach along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Stop for a hearty lunch in a local restaurant, then explore this medieval town with its joyful Christmas market. Rothenburg is also home to Germany’s Christmas Museum, open all year, and you're invited to try the local pastry, the Schneeball (snowball). Your ship awaits you in Würzburg; return aboard for dinner.
Day 5: Wertheim, Germany
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Heidelberg Turret Gate, Germany
Enjoy scenic cruising this morning as we sail into Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers, while you finish lunch. During your afternoon walking tour, experience life in a typical small German town. Take some free time to visit Wertheim’s Christmas market or explore the town on your own. The ship awaits you in Freudenberg; return aboard for dinner. We sail through the night to Frankfurt.
Day 6: Heidelberg, Germany
Meals : B, D
Accommodation : Frankfurt, Germany
Arrive in Frankfurt around breakfast and disembark for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university, founded in 1386. Tour the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, originally built in the 12th century. Your guided walk ends at Heidelberg’s Old Town and marketplace, where you will encounter our final Christmas market. Shop for special gifts, sample scrumptious local treats or treat yourself to lunch at a local café. Return aboard for dinner. This evening, feel free to explore Frankfurt, a stunning blend of traditional charm and modern elegance.
Day 7: Frankfurt, Germany
Meals : B
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 nights in cosmopolitan Cologne.
