Nature and history have left a rich heritage along the Rhine and Main rivers. Experience the inescapable rich romantic spirit of the Rhine, with ancient castles and grand palaces, Medieval towns with half-timbered houses, famous Franconian wines, and robust beers, as you sail along the breathtaking Rhine and the peaceful, meandering Main.

Expore the architectural gem and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, spread over seven hills in the heart of Bavaria.  Visit Heidelberg and admire the most famous Renaissance castle in Europe. Take a gondola ride to the Neiderwald monument while in Rudesheim, where you will see the stunning scenic vistas of the vineyards below. Enjoy a canal cruise through Strasbourg, with its half-timbered houses and quaint canals. Marvel at the world's largest ceiling fresco while at the Wurzburg Residenz, and then taste the wonderful fruity Franconian wines in the cellar below.
 
Day to Day:

Friday, July 22, 2011--Arrive in Nuremberg. Transportation to the ship from the airport (or Munich if we have the pre-trip extension) will be provided. Free time to explore Nuremberg.

Saturday, July 23, 2011--Bamberg. Awaken in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, located on the Regnitz River near its confluence with the Main.  Bamberg has one of Europe's largest intact Old Town centers, and like Rome, is built on seven hills--only here, a church tops each hill.  Your walking tour takes you past the imperial cathedral, the four-winged New Residence, the Town Hall topped by the Regnitz River, and Little Venice, an area of colorful fisherman's houses from the 19th century. During the afternoon, you'll cruise the peaceful, meandering Main River.  Special Captain's Welcome Dinner, and an after dinner concert by the Trio.

Sunday, July 24, 2011--Wurzburg. Visit Wurzburg Residenz, an immaculate example of Baroque architecture and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.  This grand palace was built and decorated in the 18th century by an international team of architects, sculptors, stucco-workers, and painters.  Particularly noteworthy is Teipolo's ceiling fresco--the largest in the world.  Enjoy the magnificent garden, one of the most expansive and beautiful in Europe.  Your tour will be capped off with a private wine tasting of fabulous Franconian wines in the historic Residenz cellar.  Evening entertainment to be determined.

Monday, July 25, 2011--Miltenberg. Relax onboard during the morning as your ship travels the tranquil waters of the meandering Main River through a series of locks and past quite Franconian hamlets.  Arrive in charming and romantic Miltenberg, the "Pearl of the Main River."  The town is protected by its old walls and two gates.  While on our walking tour, you'll discover why this Medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a German fairytale with its 14th and 15th century half-timbered, gabled houses; the Crooked House; and the Royal Inn, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century.  Evening entertainment to be determined.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011-- Rudesheim. Rudesheim is one of the most scenic wine towns along the Rhine and its history dates back to roman times,.  The town is famous for, among other things, its long avenue of shops and winebars--known as the Drosselgasse.  The day includes a gondola ride to the top of the mountain where the Niederwald Monument lies, commemorating the unification of Germany.   Evening entertainment to be determined.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011-- Heidelberg. From the port of Speyer, you'll take a mortcoach to Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved Medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germanys' Castle Road.  Heidelberg is home to Germany's oldest university and is forevoever immortalized by Sigmund Romberg's operetta, the Student Prince.  Your tour takes you past the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where you'll be guided through the castle courtyard.  You will also get to see the world's largest wine barrel.  Continue your tour in downtown Heidelberg and through Old Town where you'll see the town's late-Gothic church.  You'll have some free time to wander along one of Germany's longest pedestrian streets, enjoy bustling squares lined with cafes, or simply take in the serene atmosphere of this truly charming town.  Evening entertainment to be determined.

Thursday, July 28, 2011--Strasbourg. You'll wake up in the beautiful port of the Alsatian town of Strasbourg.  Situated half-way between Paris and Prague, Strasbourg is known as the "crossroads of Europe."  It is home to a magnificent, single-spired gothic cathedral, Notre Dame, and beautiful half-timbered houses; it is also the seat of the European Parliament.  See Strasbourg in the way it has been seen through the centuries--on a canal cruise that passes Petite France, the picturesque old quarter with its timber-framed houses adorned with flower boxes.  Captain's Farewell Dinner, and Trio concert.
Friday, July 29, 2100-Depart from Basel.  The cruise is at an end.  Disembark and transfer to the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg for your flight home, or extend your stay as you may choose.

Included in the package:

* 7 night cruise in a river view stateroom of the stunning River Countess operated by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
* All meals onboard prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
* Complementary fine wine, beer, & soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; 24 hour specialty coffees & teas
*6 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
*State of the art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
* Complementary use of bicycles
*Captain's Welcome and Farewell Dinners
* An experienced Cruise manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
* All transfers on arrival and departure days