Europe’s Rivers & Castles
From the meandering Main to the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its multitude of castles dotting its shores to the vineyard-clad hills of the Moselle, enjoy Europe at its most picturesque. Let the storybook villages—Wertheim, Cochem and Zell—captivate you; and Rothenburg, located on the Romantic Road enchant you. Marvel at the world’s largest ceiling fresco in the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Savor the many flavors of Germany with a chance to sample the world-famous wines of the Rheingau, the hearty smoked beer of Bamberg. All along the way, gain an intimate understanding of the history and culture of the places you visit.
This river cruise journeys through Germany and Luxembourg, calling at Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Wertheim, Rüdesheim, Cochem, Trier and Luxembourg.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaPrima and AmaCerto.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
- 22 Mar 2028 – 29 Mar 2028
from $5,044 pp twin share * - 29 Mar 2028 – 05 Apr 2028
from $6,688 pp twin share * - 03 May 2028 – 10 May 2028
from $7,191 pp twin share * - 28 Jun 2028 – 05 Jul 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 12 Jul 2028 – 19 Jul 2028
from $5,619 pp twin share * - 09 Aug 2028 – 16 Aug 2028
from $5,619 pp twin share * - 23 Aug 2028 – 30 Aug 2028
from $6,051 pp twin share * - 20 Sep 2028 – 27 Sep 2028
from $7,345 pp twin share * - 01 Nov 2028 – 08 Nov 2028
from $5,175 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Nuremberg
EMBARKATION – NUREMBERG, GERMANY. Board the ship in Nuremberg for your Europe’s Rivers & Castles cruise.
Day 2 – Bamberg
BAMBERG. Bamberg has been referred to as “Franconian Rome” as, like Rome, it was built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church graces each one. Bamberg’s medieval and Baroque architecture has withstood the test of time and, as such, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions, and afterwards, indulge in the town’s famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour through Bamberg and follow your knowledgeable guide along the river to the enchanting winemaking town of Eltmann.
Day 3 – Würzburg
WÜRZBURG. Go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. For those not going to Rothenburg, enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, a bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As an alternative to the walking tour and the palace visit, the more active guest may choose to venture high above the town for a hike to Marienberg Fortress, which dominates the city.
Day 4 – Wertheim
WERTHEIM. Wertheim’s old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center or learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley or hike high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany.
Day 5 – Rüdesheim
RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – LAHNSTEIN. Arrive in Rüdesheim, where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or take a ride over the vineyards of Rüdesheim in a gondola to the Niederwald Monument, and then afterwards be treated to a wine tasting. You may also hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard. Another choice today is to take a guided bike tour along the Rhine Valley, riding between the Rheingau hills and the Rhine River. Later in the day, set sail towards Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles. Cap the day off with a visit to Lahneck Castle.
Day 6 – Cochem
COCHEM – ZELL. Wake up in fairytale Cochem and visit the Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour. You may also opt to take a guided bike tour along the captivating Moselle River or a hike to Reichsburg Castle. Later, cruise to Zell, famous for its Riesling and the well-known arched black cat icon, often seen on the labels of local German wines. Experience the hospitality of the citizens of Zell, including the local Wine Queen and Mayor, at an exclusive wine festival where you’ll sample local wines, sausages and more.
Day 7 – Trier
TRIER. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moselle to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, renowned for its rich ancient Roman past, and referred to as the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Join a guided tour of the city, including the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths and Basilica of Constantine. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate, dating back to 180 A.D., on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg.
Day 8 – Luxembourg
LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARKATION. Bid au revoir to Luxembourg as you prepare for your journey home.
Highlights
- Choice of standard, bike, hiking and Special Interest Tours on most days
- Guided walking tour and smoked beer tasting in Bamberg
- Wine tasting and an exclusive wine festival in Zell
From the meandering Main to the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its multitude of castles dotting its shores to the vineyard-clad hills of the Moselle, enjoy Europe at its most picturesque. Let the storybook villages—Wertheim, Cochem and Zell—captivate you; and Rothenburg, located on the Romantic Road enchant you. Marvel at the world’s largest ceiling fresco in the Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Savor the many flavors of Germany with a chance to sample the world-famous wines of the Rheingau, the hearty smoked beer of Bamberg. All along the way, gain an intimate understanding of the history and culture of the places you visit.
This river cruise journeys through Germany and Luxembourg, calling at Nuremberg, Bamberg, Würzburg, Wertheim, Rüdesheim, Cochem, Trier and Luxembourg.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaPrima and AmaCerto.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Inclusions
- UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting.
- Bike tour to Eltmann.
- Würzburg walking tour.
- Residenz Palace visit.
- Rothenburg excursion.
- Marienberg Fortress hike.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaPrima and AmaCerto.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA+
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 22 Mar 2028 and 08 Nov 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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