This unique 7-night cruise takes in the most scenic part of the Upper Rhine River and continues along the Main River.
Join your ship in Trier, one of Germany's most treasured cities, once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. See the cities rich history with a tour including the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral, the 20,000 seat amphitheatre and the ancient gates of Porta Nigra. Enjoy scenic cruising along the Moselle river to Bernkastel and visit the imposing Reichsburg Castle in Cochem.
Marksburg Castle in Koblenz has some of the best panoramic views of the Rhine River from its fantastic vantage point. This was the only Rhine fortress which was never destroyed and its fortifications have remained intact. Cruise through the Moddle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with medieval castles, historic towns and vineyards, to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town. Visit the Franconian wine town of Wurzburg and Bishops' Residenz, a beautiful Baroque palace, before taking in the beautiful scenery along the Main River as your ship reaches Bamberg.
R131 Operated by Viking River Cruises
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A Tale of Three Rivers Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Trier (Germany)
Fly from the UK and embark your ship in Trier. (D)
Day 2 - Trier - Bernkastel
Enjoy a morning tour in Trier, Germany's oldest city set along the Moselle River. A guided tour will include the well-preserved Roman Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Spend this afternoon cruising along the scenic Moselle river, docking in Bernkastel this evening. There will be time this evening to walk through the town's cobblestone streets or there is an optional wine-tasting excursion in this famous wine region. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Cochem - Winnigen
After a walking tour through the Moselle town of Cochem, visit the imposing Reichsburg Castle. Enjoy scenic cruising this afternoon along the Moselle to Winnigen, arriving early evening (forward itinerary only). (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Koblenz or Mainz
On the forward itinerary after breakfast visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress that was never destroyed. Take in the views from the castle's stunning vantage point, overlooking the River Rhine. Rejoin the ship in Braubach before cruising down the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is lined with medieval castles, historic towns and vineyards. On the reverse itinerary today is spent in Mainz where there is a guided tour, then time at leisure in Rudesheim. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Heidelberg
Today a full-day excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to Germany's oldest university town. Tour the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, built in the 12th century but twice destroyed by lightning before being rebuilt. Enjoy a guided walk through the Old Town and the marketplace, with lunch in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Wurzburg
Disembark in Karlstadt (on the reverse itinerary you will disembark in Wurzburg) for an excursion to the Franconian wine town of Wurzburg. Tour the Bishops' Residenz, a beautiful Baroque palace. Spend some time at leisure in Wurzburg or take an optional excursion along the 'Romantic Road' to the walled medieval village of Rothenburg. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Bamberg
Enjoy the last scenic cruising this morning along the Main River, eastward through the Franconia region of Germany. Stop in historic Bamberg for a walking tour of the Old Town area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perhaps sample the town's famous locally brewed smoky beer, rauchbier, this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Bamberg - UK
Disembark in Bamberg and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary. This itinerary is also available in the reverse direction. Visit sequence, tours and times may vary.