Viking Rivers Cruises – NEW! Rhine & Main Explorer (Germany, France, Switzerland) 11 Days

Nuremberg, Germany
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. The second-largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is filled with traditional half-timbered houses and Gothic churches with intricate spires. Although nearly destroyed during World War II, the remaining medieval city walls stretch some three miles and feature original gateways and 80 original watchtowers. Nuremberg is well known historically for its metal and toy craftsmanship. But it is infamous for its role in World War II, first as the site of Zeppelin Field’s Nazi rallies and later as the site of the war crimes trials at the Palace of Justice that captured the attention of a generation.

Nuremberg, Germany
Within the medieval walls of Nuremberg, Old Town is a place frozen in time. Its rustic half-timbered houses, ornate Gothic churches and cobblestone lanes form a fairy-tale scene. Looming above all is the Imperial Castle, which hosted the coronation of Holy Roman Emperors and the exaltation and entombment of saints. Completed in 1000 AD, it was a formidable fortification and provided a central seat of power for German kings. Nuremberg became the unofficial capital of the empire for 600 years, hosting courts and the Diet, periodic assemblies that shaped policy and strategy.

Shore Excursions – Nuremberg Through History
Duration: 4 hours 
Tour one of Germany’s most renowned and intriguing cities on this included excursion. Meet your guide and drive to the Old Town, where you can delve into Nuremberg’s complex past. This medieval city is still surrounded by 14th-century walls, with many gates and watchtowers fully intact. It grew into a toy-making capital of Europe, where craftsmen also shaped metal into sculpture and carved wood and other materials into decorative crafts. See the grounds on which Nazi rallies were staged and pass the Palace of Justice, then admire the Imperial Palace, one of Europe’s most formidable fortresses. Then, stroll down the hill past half-timbered houses and browse the stalls at the Market Square. One of Europe’s most celebrated, it is famous for its gingerbread and its Gothic Schöner Brunnen, or Beautiful Fountain. Cap your tour with free time to explore on your own.

Bamberg, Germany
Founded in 902, Bamberg remains a medieval-looking city known for its symphony orchestra and rauchbier, specialty smoked beer. The city’s winding streets are filled with baroque patrician houses and are home to the stunning 11th-century Cathedral of Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II, housing his tomb and that of Pope Clement II. Bamberg is especially noted for its Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, situated on a twin-arched bridge over the Regnitz River, and for the old bishop’s houses: the 16th-century Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court) and 17th-century Neue Residenz (New Residence).

Shore Excursions – Bamberg Walking Tour
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes   
Delve into the history of Bamberg during an informative walk to view historic sights. Join your guide and head to the medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass by the magnificent 11th-century cathedral with its four imposing towers. The church was rebuilt in the late Romanesque and early Gothic style during the 13th century. Stop to admire the detailed statue of the Bamberger Reiter, or Bamberg Horseman, here. Then, see the Bamberg New Residence with its rose garden and panoramic views of the old town, as well as the picturesque Rathaus, or town hall, built in the middle of a double-arched bridge over the Regnitz River. From here, you can see fishermen’s cottages on the nearby riverbanks. Enjoy time to follow your own whims in Bamberg, perhaps sampling some of the town’s distinctive rauchbier, or smoke-flavored beer, before rejoining your ship.

Würzburg, Germany
Surrounded by Franconian vineyards, Würzburg was heavily damaged during World War II, but has since been completely restored. This prestigious university city is a jewel of baroque architecture. Its most pristine example of pomp and glory is the great Bishops’ Residenz palace, built in 1744 for the prince-bishop; his unwavering support of artists is evidenced by the sweeping staircase and magnificent ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo. Other landmarks include the medieval, statue-lined Old Main Bridge and Marienberg Fortress, originally a Celtic hill fort and later residence of the bishops. The city remains a major wine-making center, hosting Germany’s oldest and largest vineyard.

Shore Excursions – Würzburg Residenz & Walk
Duration: 3 hours      
Tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s ornate palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive with your guide to the former residence of the Würzburg prince-bishop that was built over a 25-year period, beginning in 1719. Admire the overhead ceiling with its stunning, 6,400-square-foot “Four Continents” fresco painted by Venetian artist Giovanni Tiepolo. You will see several of the building’s ornate rooms, the colonnaded chapel and the baroque and English-style gardens lined with ornate statues. A highlight is sure to be the Mirror Cabinet. Incredibly, the entire complex was meticulously reconstructed after suffering extensive damage from World War II bombing. Afterward, continue to the Old Town of Würzburg, where a walking tour shows you the stunning Romanesque Cathedral, the Neumünster church, the market square and Town Hall, and the oldest wine bar in town.

Marktheidenfeld, Germany
Marktheidenfeld is a picturesque town situated in the Lower Franconia region of Bavaria and boasts a rich heritage that dates back to medieval times. Well-preserved, half-timbered houses line quaint streets and in its heart lies a bustling Marktplatz, or market square, that exudes character and a vibrant atmosphere. Local restaurants serve traditional hearty Bavarian fare, including delicious dishes such as Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Kaiserschmarrn (scrambled caramelized pancake) and the more commonly known bratwurst.

Shore Excursions – Marktheidenfeld & Lohr am Main
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes   
Discover the charms of Marktheidenfeld and the “fairy-tale” beauty of Lohr am Main. Board your motor coach for a scenic drive along the Main River to Lohr am Main, the legendary “birthplace” of the real-life inspiration for the German fairy-tale character Snow White. Take a guided walk around town, strolling along its riverside promenades and gazing out at its idyllic vineyards. Cap your visit with free time to explore more on your own. Afterward, board your coach and return to Marktheidenfeld. Here, set off on foot through the streets of Marktheidenfeld, admiring its half-timbered houses, narrow streets and the mix of era-spanning architectural styles on display at St. Laurentius church. Stop to view the striking blue facade of the Franck-Haus, the former mansion of a wealthy 18th-century wine merchant. After, return to your awaiting ship.

Scenic Sailing: Main River, Spessart
Journey along one of Germany’s most important waterways today, passing landscapes that embody the country’s scenic beauty and storybook charm. You will sail by quaint riverside villages, undulating farm country and the sylvan forests of the Spessart woodlands. Along the way, you just may lose yourself in the dreamy canvases of half-timbered houses, historic castles and splendid palaces. This is the Germany once ruled by dukes and brought to magical life by the imagination of the Brothers Grimm, who grew up in the town of Hanau and wove fantastic tales from these banks.

Frankfurt, Germany
Straddling the Main River, Frankfurt has been nicknamed “Mainhattan” for its skyline that resembles that of Manhattan. It is a major financial center and a rich hub of culture, history and architecture. No fewer than nine museums line the Main embankment, covering everything from art to film to ethnology. In the Roman Hill district, Frankfurt’s town hall spreads out over 11 conjoined patrician houses. Emperors were crowned in the Gothic St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, and remnants from Roman settlements are on exhibit in the city’s Archaeological Garden.

Shore Excursions – Frankfurt on Foot
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes      
Set out on a scenic stroll to explore Frankfurt’s highlights, from its medieval quarter to the city’s main square. From the pier, follow your guide on a walk through the bustling city of Frankfurt to the restored medieval district, which faced heavy bombing during World War II. As you wander through this historic center, admire the careful restoration of its beautiful half-timbered houses and learn about its past as one of the most important towns during the Holy Roman Empire, including its role as a site of coronations. Pass St. Paul’s Church and see the Goethe Haus, a writer’s house museum and birthplace of Germany’s most celebrated poet and author, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Cap your tour with a stop at Römerberg, the city’s main square to view the impressive town hall and its half-timbered buildings, before returning to your ship.

Karlsruhe, Germany
Blending tradition and modernity, Karlsruhe is one of southwest Germany’s cultural gems. Founded as the Grand Duchy of Baden during the early-18th century, the city is home to the majestic Karlsruhe Palace, from which the city’s streets span forming a distinctive circular layout. Innovation is ingrained in the city’s DNA; it was the chosen destination to establish the world-renowned Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in 2009. Numerous museums, theaters and galleries are popular sights to explore, as well as the peaceful green spaces that offer a serene escape from city life.

Shore Excursions – Karlsruhe & Botanical Gardens
Duration: 4 hours      
Explore Karlsruhe, admiring views over the Upper Rhine Valley, the botanical gardens and important landmarks. Travel to Turmberg (“Tower Hill”) for an opportunity to gaze out over the city and the valley below. Continue to Karlsruhe, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, and its botanical gardens, a picturesque oasis in the city center. Follow your guide on foot, appreciating the grand architecture, manicured grounds and exotic flora. Pass the elegant palace, as well as the Federal Constitutional Court building, en route to Market Square. Here, you will enjoy free time to explore on your own. See the Rathaus (“city hall”) and baroque-era church, as well as the city’s landmark pyramid; this memorial sits atop the former crypt of the Concordia Church, the final resting place of the city’s founder, Karl Wilhelm. Afterward, board your motor coach and return to your awaiting ship.

Strasbourg, France
The largest port on the Upper Rhine, Strasbourg is the cultural center of France’s Alsace region. Thanks to its location at the border of France and Germany, it boasts a convivial mix of cultural influences. The well-preserved old town is enclosed on all sides by the little Ill River, with sites so compact that it is easy to explore the “island” on foot. And there is plenty to explore: cobblestone streets lined with wooden houses and intersected by picturesque canals. Indulging in Alsatian café culture is central to any visit here; enjoy coffee and cake amid lovely half-timbered houses.

Shore Excursions – Strasbourg Canal Cruise
Duration: 4 hours      
Enjoy a boat ride through picturesque Petite France and discover Strasbourg’s mix of German and French culture. Take a scenic drive through the Alsatian capital’s German Imperial District and the European Quarter, home to institutions such as the European Union and the Council of Europe. Pass remarkable Renaissance architecture en route to the city center, where you will board a boat for a scenic journey through charming Petite France. Surrounded by the Ill River and crisscrossed by charming canals, the former tanner’s district is home to the Old Customs House and the bridges with their defensive towers. After disembarking in the old town, walk to Cathedral Square and view the magnificently restored Strasbourg Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals. Enjoy free time to admire the great Gothic rosette window, beautiful red sandstone portal and remarkable astronomical clock.

Breisach, Germany
Breisach is a gateway to the fabled Black Forest region, built on a basalt rock outcropping in the Rhine plain. It is located in one of the warmest parts of Germany, across the river from French Alsace, famous for its wine growing. But Breisach, too, can boast about its wine: it is home to Europe’s largest cellars, with a storage capacity of more than 160 million liters. The most prominent landmark of Breisach is the Romanesque-Gothic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its two towers are visible from throughout the city and from the Rhine.

Shore Excursions – Breisach on Foot & the Kaiserstuhl
Duration: 4 hours    
Take a trip to the picturesque corner of southwest Germany to Breisach and the Kaiserstuhl wine region. Meet your guide at the pier and walk to into the heart of Breisach, located on the border between France and Germany, and learn about the region’s rich history, culture and viticulture. Upon arrival, you will set out on a walk through the old town, passing the town hall and the Radbrunnen tower. By St. Stephen’s Cathedral, pause to see the views over the Rhine Valley before having free time to explore on your own. Continue your journey to the Kaiserstuhl region, where terraced vineyards line the steep hillsides. Discover how the mild climate contributes to the production of high-quality wines, the reason why a scenic viewpoint is called “The Texas Pass” and how Kaiserstuhl got its name; in 996 AD, King Otto III was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor here.

Basel, Switzerland
Located where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel reflects a fascinating blend of traditions. The city straddles the Rhine at the river’s farthest navigable point, and an alluring cluster of old-town buildings huddles along the riverbank. Around Market Square, guild houses recall Gothic, Renaissance and baroque splendor; the red-sandstone Rathaus, or Town Hall, is the centerpiece. More than 40 museums of art and culture lend modern polish to its history-rich streets. And there is no more refined way to sample it all than over cheese fondue or croissants.

Shore Excursions – Basel Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours      
Tour this fascinating city where three nations converge: Switzerland, France and Germany. Basel’s Old Town is an inviting cluster of medieval buildings spread on a hilly riverbank. You will begin your walking tour there, visiting the Marktplatz, or Market Square, surrounded by guild halls of late Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles. Admire the ornate spires of the Rathaus, or Town Hall, and the thin towers of the 13th-century Romanesque Münster, or Cathedral. Its unusually red sandstone was quarried from the nearby Vosges Mountains in neighboring France. Behind the cathedral, an open terrace affords views of the Rhine River and the traditional cable ferries that use the river’s current carry passengers back and forth. The city’s open air market runs daily here, except Sundays, and is stocked with all kinds of vegetables, fruits and flowers from the surrounding Swiss countryside. You might find a favored local treat, Basler Läckerli cookies.

Basel, Switzerland
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.