Castles and Wine

R152: Castles and Wine
8 Days/7 Nights

The Castles and Wine cruise takes you from Trier on the River Mosel along the River Rhine and then the Rhine-Main Canal to Nuremberg.

Places Visited

Bamberg Founded in 902, Bamberg remains a medieval-looking city known for its symphony orchestra and specialty, “smoke” beer. The city’s winding streets are filled with baroque patrician houses and are home to the breathtaking 11th century Cathedral of Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II, housing his tomb and that of Pope Clement II. Be sure to see the old bishop’s houses—16th century Alt Residenz (Old Residence) and 17th century Neue Residenz (New Residence).
Bernkastel “The Pearl of the Moselle,” Bernkastel’s medieval town square is centred around the fountain of St. Michael and is also the location of the famous “Pointed House.” Built in 1416, the house is well-known for how very narrow and small it is. In this charming town, wine-lovers can delight in some of the finest wines produced in Germany.	Bernkastel's Half-Timbered Buildings
Cochem Perched on a hilltop above the city and the Moselle River, the 1,000 year old Cochem Castle is the city’s signature landmark. Timber-framed houses, St. Martin’s Church, the market square and a former monastery now serving as an arts centre are all well preserved in the lively old quarter of town. You’ll want to be sure to taste some of the award-winning mustard from the 200-year-old mustard mill, the last one of its kind in Europe.
Koblenz Set at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, Koblenz is filled with traditional German charm. Founded more than 2,000 years ago, it has grown to become the business and cultural centre of the Middle Rhine Region. Its cobblestone streets, ancient market square and medieval churches remind tourists of yesteryear, although reconstruction has given the city a spacious, modern appearance. Highlights include the Residenz Schloss, one of Germany’s best examples of neoclassic architecture, and Ehrenbreitstein, Europe’s oldest fortress.	Kaiser Wilhelm Monument, Koblenz
Miltenburg As you stroll along the cobblestone streets and among Miltenberg’s many timber-framed houses, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Today, this quaint Franconian town is lively and romantic and is located in the heart of one of Germany’s fine wine-producing regions.
Rüdesheim Located on the Rhine River, Rüdesheim is the chief centre of Rhine wine making. The famed Drosselgasse, a tavern-lined cobblestone street, attracts locals and visitors alike. Half-timbered medieval houses, narrow streets and old inns give the town the flavour of the Middle Ages. Visitors to the town may wish to see the 9th century Bromserburg, the oldest castle on the Rhine or Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of self-playing instruments.
Trier A picturesque town surrounded by forests and vineyards, Trier is the birthplace of Karl Marx and a university town with locals who are full of life. Founded around 16 B.C., Trier is considered the oldest city in Germany. Trier’s history can be seen in its architecture, starting with the Porta Nigra, the old city gate, dating back to Roman times.	Trier's Porta Nigra, of Roman Times
Wörth Wörth is a small German city on the banks of the Main River. This scenic location is the port city to your tour of the Amorbach Monastery. You’ll tour the abbey, which was consecrated in 734 A.D. and be treated to a special organ concert on one of the world’s largest church organs.
Würzburg Surrounded by Franconian vineyards, Würzburg was heavily damaged during World War II, but has since been completely restored. Here is Germany’s most pristine example of baroque architecture, the great Residenz, built in 1744 by the Prinz-Bishops. Its sweeping staircase and amazing ceiling frescos by Tiepolo survived wartime bombs. Other landmarks include the medieval statue-lined Main Bridge and Marienberg fortress, originally a Celtic hill fort and later residence of the bishops. The round 8th century church within the courtyard of the fortress is one of Germany’s oldest churches.