Itinerary Details
Day 1 Arrive in Frankfurt, Germany (Embarkation)
Welcome to Germany! This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception before sailing out of Frankfurt.
NOTE:
Flights into Frankfurt must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 (D)
Day 2 Excursion to Heidelberg – Mannheim
Included today: Excursion to Heidelberg.
This morning, an excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to the oldest university in Germany, which was founded in 1386. Visit the imposing ruins of HEIDELBERG CASTLE, towering magnificently over the city and among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Youll also see the famed GREAT VAT, the Worlds Largest Wine Barrel. At nearly 23 feet high and 28 feet wide, the cask holds over 58,000 gallons of wine and has a dance floor built on top of it! At this time of year, an ice rink is set up at the foot of the castle, and stalls offer Glhwein, Bratwurst, and other tasty treats. The Christmas market itself is scattered over five town squares, and youll find a wide array of crafts and regional delicacies. Rejoin your ship in Mannheim, and the afternoon is yours to do as you please.There is plenty of free time to shop for Christmas decorations or gifts at the Mannheim Christmas market. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Strasbourg.
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg blends the cultures of both countries in a delightful way. As capital of the Alsace region and seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament, it is, without a doubt, an important city that manages to retain its historic charm. In fact, on your GUIDED WALKING TOUR you will discover Europe at its most quintessential. Visit the monumental red-sandstone GOTHIC CATHEDRAL with its ancient murals, stained-glass windows, and fascinating astronomical clock, as well as the magical LA PETITE FRANCE district, home to half-timbered houses, quaint shops, inviting bistros, and a waterfront promenade. Also spend time exploring Place Klber, a large historic square in the heart of the city, and Place Gutenberg in the heart of medieval Strasbourg, which features a statue of the inventor of the printing press. Dating back to 1570, the traditional Christmas market is one of the oldest and finest in Europe. Located around Place de la Cathdrale and Place Broglie, its centerpiece is a giant Christmas tree. As you stroll through the festively decorated and illuminated streets youll notice the pleasing aromas of mulled wine, sweets, spice cakes, and biscuitsa truly magical atmosphere! This afternoon, an optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. This evening, enjoy an on-board WOODCARVING demonstration. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Breisach, Germany. Excursion to the Black Forest
Included today: Excursion to the Black Forest.
Located at the foot of Kaiserstuhl Mountain on the French-German border, Breisach is the gateway to Germanys BLACK FOREST region, an area of unrivalled natural beauty with its forests of thick pine trees. The area got its name because the forests are so dense that local residents once described them as black. Theres no better setting for this time of year than when smoke curls from the chimneys of the traditional Black Forest houses with their long sloping roofs, connoting images of warm and festively decorated interiors. Surely, the most well-known products from this region are Black Forest ham, cherry cake, and cuckoo clocks. This afternoon theres free time in Breisach to visit one more Christmas marketor you may join an optional excursion to Colmar in Frances Alsace region. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Basel Switzerland (Disembarkation)
Disembark in Basel and transfer to Zrich for your flight to the UK. (B)