STRASBOURG, FRANCE. Capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is beloved for its wine culture and enchanting 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered houses, which line La Petite France quarter on the banks of the Grand Île (Grand Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a tour of the city that takes you past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République and then walk through the iconic “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can go on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit the Mannheim Baroque Palace—one of the largest palaces in Europe, which is furnished with over 800 exhibits, recreating its bygone grandeur. Alternatively, join a walking tour of one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its crypt contains the tomb of eight German emperors and kings. Speyer is also home to the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. Or, if you prefer a more modern view of Speyer, you can visit the intriguing Speyer Technik Museum. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim, where you’ll be treated to a wine tasting. (B,L,D)

FRANKFURT. Enjoy a guided tour of Frankfurt, which offers a unique blend of historical charm, cultural richness and modern infrastructure. Alternatively you may explore with your tastebuds with a guided tasting tour highlighting Hessian cuisine. For a more active excursion, join a guided bike ride along the Main River. In the afternoon, venture to Limburg, where you will see the iconic Limburg Cathedral, stroll the medieval Old Lahn Bridge, admire St. Georg’s Fountain and discover the historic Katzenturm. (B,L,D)

Miltenberg is a city located in Bavaria and Southern part of Germany. Located on the banks of the river Maine the city grew from its medieval roots through Viniculture, wine trade, fishery, and general river traffic, into the established and preserved town of today. Visit the Museum Stadt Miltenberg, housed in the half timbered house called the Alte Amtskellerei (The Provost’s Office) and discover the town’s history through collections depicting culture back to the Romans. A visit to castle Miltenberg is also recommended. The castle dates back to the 11th century and is now owned by the city administration. With the castle in need of rehabilitation, the Museum Burg Miltenberg was opened to exhibit classic icons and contemporary art in a historical and significant setting. The keep of the castle, which reaches twenty seven metres high, offers picturesque views of the Main Valley below and is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy some refreshments.

Würzburg is a city in Bavaria in southern Germany. It is located on the River Main and is famous for its lavish baroque architecture and Franconian wine. The Residence Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is highly recommended. It is a well known example of Baroque architecture with its acclaimed staircase, impressive frescos and imperial hall. Other impressive sites in Würzburg include the towering fortress of Festung Marienberg, the Alt Mainbrücke old bridge, which offers ideal views of the Marienberg, Dom St. Kilian cathedral and the many churches of Würzburg including the Romanesque Neumünster. Many of these sites have their own museums for visitors to learn of the history or view unique collections. Other museums of interest are the Mineralogical Museum, exhibiting the world of minerals and stones, and the Botanical Gardens, with various greenhouses and outdoor areas to enjoy. Wine lovers will find an abundance of wineries in Würzburg, offering cellar tours and wine tasting as well as traditional Bavarian cuisines and hospitality. Enjoy wine soup, Gerupfter (cheese spread) and Sauerbraten (braised beef in wine) in a friendly traditional wine tavern.

ELTMANN – BAMBERG. Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla pastry, a local favorite dating back to 1427. And for those wishing to explore the town more actively, hop on a bike for a guided bike tour along the Main River from Eltmann and to Bamberg’s quirky quarters beyond the town center. (B,L,D)

Nuremberg is a medieval city located in northern Bavaria in Germany. It is Bavaria's second largest city and is noted for its iconic red roofed buildings and medieval architecture. The imperial Castle overlooks Nuremberg and was one of the most important fortifications of the Roman Empire. For more significant cultural history, the Germanisches Nationalmuseum, one of the largest cultural history museums in the German speaking world, offers visitors exhibitions from Prehistoric all the way to present day. Walking tours around the city offer an enjoyable and active way to learn of Nuremberg’s history and culture. Through Old Town, discover fountains, wells, churches, and art treasures, as well as learning of the colourful past and cosmopolitan present of the city and its people. Nuremberg is also home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Germany, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt, where visitors can purchase traditional handmade decorations and enjoy the famous gingerbread, mulled wine, and grilled sausage from over one hundred and eighty wooden stalls.