Rhine & Danube in the Fall (Segment 1)

Begin your Teeming River Cruise by awakening your senses in the 2,000 year-old city of Cologne. One of Germany’s largest cities and the capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine and is Gothic cathedral. Peer up at the soaring twin spires of the Cologne Cathedral (Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and to really get your blood pumping climb the 533 steps of the south tower for a panoramic view of the city and the Rhine. Tantalize your taste buds at the Cologne’s most popular museum, Imhoff Chocolate Museum. Follow your nose to the quirky Farina Fragrance Museum (advance reservations recommended), smelling the scent that put Cologne on the map. You might also choose to spend your afternoon & evening exploring the Roman ruins and the Old Town abounding with shops, cafes & taverns (try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed for over a hundred years).

At the famous Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, where the Rhine and Moselle converge, lies one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful towns – Koblenz. Vineyards, forests and four mountain ranges form the backdrop to the city, whose 2,000-year history has given rise to beautiful churches and castles, palatial residences and grand town houses. French joie de vivre and German tradition have produced a truly unique cultural fusion in Koblenz, characterized by cozy wine taverns, a genuinely welcoming atmosphere and great food – from gourmet cuisine to hearty fare. People come to Koblenz from all over the world to soak up this charm amid the narrow lanes, tucked-away corners and delightful city squares.

Delight in the romantic ancient town of Rüdesheim famous for its wine and half-timbered buildings. It sits at the foot of the unexpected grand work of art, the Niederwald Monument, which commemorates the establishment of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. Spend the morning sauntering down the renowned Drosselglasse, the narrow cobblestone lane in the heart of the Old Town. This pedestrian street is lined with charming shops, cozy wine taverns and inviting restaurants. Rüdesheim is covered in vineyards, earning its reputation for the best wine growing region on the Rhine, and some experts would argue the best in the world. It is especially well known for its Riesling wines. Visit the eclectic Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a museum of automated musical instruments.

Frankfurt is a diverse & cosmopolitan city that lies on the banks of the Main river.  This mighty city is a mix of old and new sitting side by side.  Discover the countless, fascinating museums such as the House of Goethe, the Fine Arts Museum or the city museum or sit back and relax in the old town surrounded by beautiful old architecture and try the famous Apple wine.  Whatever your taste Frankfurt has something for everyone with its modern cityscape and charming old town and shopping streets.

Spend your day discovering the historic town of Miltenberg. This Bavarian village consists almost entirely of half-timbered houses which amazingly escaped both fire and war damage. As you meander along the cobble-stoned streets you feel as if you have entered your own storybook complete with a hilltop castle. Admire the enchanting Market Square with its Renaissance fountain. Visit one of if not the oldest inn in Europe, Giant’s Inn (Gasthaus zum Riesen).

Experience the charming fairy-tale town of Wertheim, where the Main meets the Tauber river. Admire the imposing ruins of the Wertheim Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the town. If you’re looking for something more active, consider hiking uphill to the castle, approximately a 15-minute walk from the village. The views from the castle ruins are spectacular and there’s even a restaurant and beer garden. For those desiring a more leisurely pace, shop in quaint boutiques and enjoy an enticing fresh baked pretzel at Fritz Frischmuth bakery (offering arguably the best pretzels in Wertheim). Search out the leaning Pointed Tower of Wertheim. Strike a pose beside this 13th-century tower, formerly a prison for drunkards and “quarrelsome wenches” and one of the most photographed landmarks of the city.

Taste Würzburg’s charm and discover first-hand why it is known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road”. Although much of the city was destroyed by World War II (nearly 80%), a considerable amount has been restored to its former glory. This Franconian city is not only surrounded by lush hillside vineyards but also adorned with Baroque & Rococo architecture and steeped in history. Take in the wonder of the UNESCO-listed Residenz, an 18th-century Versailles-like palace built for Wurzburg’s prince-bishops. With one of the city’s enduring traditions being winemaking, consider enjoying a glass of Franconian wine (known for its dry, fruity flavor and distinctive rounded bottle).

Taste Würzburg’s charm and discover first-hand why it is known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road”. Although much of the city was destroyed by World War II (nearly 80%), a considerable amount has been restored to its former glory. This Franconian city is not only surrounded by lush hillside vineyards but also adorned with Baroque & Rococo architecture and steeped in history. Take in the wonder of the UNESCO-listed Residenz, an 18th-century Versailles-like palace built for Wurzburg’s prince-bishops. With one of the city’s enduring traditions being winemaking, consider enjoying a glass of Franconian wine (known for its dry, fruity flavor and distinctive rounded bottle).

Expanding over seven hills, each crowned by a church, Bamberg is often called “Franconian Rome”. Locals like to reverse the phrase, humorously claiming that Rome is the “Italian Bamberg” (It’s all a matter of perspective, right?) One thing is for certain, you will love your viewpoint as you spend your day sauntering along the cobbled lanes bordered by half-timbered buildings, blooming flowers, and waterways. Arched bridges add to the fairy-tale image of this medieval town. In fact, the entire Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While there you might also like to try Bamberg’s distinctive smoke-flavored beer first brewed in 1536 before returning to the ship.

Your cruise comes to an end in the historic Bavarian city of Nuremberg, which dates back to the 11th century. Explore its more recent history centered on the pre-war Nazi rallies and the Nuremberg Trials, visiting haunting sites related to the war. Although most of the city was destroyed by World War II bombing, many of the buildings, including the medieval Nuremberg Castle, have been restored to their former splendor using the original stones. Visit Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg’s large market square in the heart of the city, showcasing The Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche), the ornate Schoner Brunnen monument and Lebkuchen Schmidt (a gingerbread shop dating back to 1610). After feasting your eyes on historical landmarks, delight in some regional specialties such as its famous bratwurst, gingerbread, and dark beer. While this is the end of your cruise, your memories will live on from your Rhine and Danube in the Fall tour. Thank you for cruising with Teeming River Cruises, where vacations come first and memories last.