Rhine Discovery 2013
(Basel to Nuremberg)

Day 1: Basel (embark)
Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg where you will be transferred to the ship. (D)

Day 2: Strasbourg 
Featured Excursion: Strasbourg by canal with Notre Dame Cathedral

You will wake up in the beautiful Alsatian river port town of Strasbourg. Situated half way between Paris and Prague, Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” It is home to a magnificent Gothic cathedral, Notre Dame, and beautiful half-timbered houses; it is also the seat of the European Parliament. See Strasbourg’s UNESCO-designated historic core in the way it has been seen for centuries—from its canals. A glass enclosed water taxi will carry you under 600-year-old covered bridges and past the modern buildings that house the Council of Europe and other international institutions, as well as Palais Rohan and its glorious museums. Petite France, the picturesque old quarter whose half-timbered houses are adorned with flower boxes, is a highlight of your tour. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Gala)

Day 3: Nierstein (Heidelberg or Nierstein) 
Featured Excursions: Choice of exclusive Nierstein village vineyard tractor ride with Riesling wine tasting and naturalist-led vineyard hike OR tour of Heidelberg*

Spend the day on an exclusive visit to the Rhine village of Nierstein, where renowned white wines have been made for centuries. Ride a tractor through the steeply sloping vineyards to sample some of the finest Rieslings in the world. A naturalist will discuss viniculture in the region as you walk through a vineyard for a close-up view of wine-grape growing. And of course you’ll get to taste some of these fabulous wines. Or opt to have a motorcoach take you to Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved Medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Heidelberg is home to Germany’s oldest university and is forever immortalized by Sigmund Romberg’s operetta, The Student Prince. You’ll be guided through the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle’s courtyard, and then continue into downtown Heidelberg and through Old Town. After the tour, you will have free time to enjoy the bustling squares lined with cafés, or simply take in the serene atmosphere of this truly charming town. (BB, L, D)

*Note: Lunch is not included with the tour of Heidelberg.

Day 4: Cruising the Main River, Miltenberg 
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour

Delightful, romantic Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River,” is still protected by its Medieval walls and two gates—one facing east, and another facing west. On your walking tour, you will discover a town that seems to embody a German fairytale, with its 14th- and 15th- century half-timbered, gabled houses, including the famed Crooked House, and its venerable Royal Inn, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century. (BB, L, D)

Day 5: Cruising the Main River, Würzburg 
Featured Excursions: Choice of Würzburg Residenz visit OR exclusive Franconian village visit

This morning you may choose to chat with the residents of a Franconian village over cake and coffee before joining them on a guided tour of their town to learn about daily life in the region. Alternately, you can tour the magnificent Würzburg 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 Tiepolo’s ceiling fresco—the largest in the world. Enjoy the magnificent garden, one of the most expansive and beautiful in Europe. Then relax onboard for an afternoon of scenic sailing on the Main River through the Franconian countryside. (BB, L, D)

Day 6: Schweinfurt (Rothenburg) 
Featured Excursion: Tour of Rothenburg

After a morning of scenic cruising, enjoy a guided tour of picturesque Rothenburg, a well-preserved Medieval walled town. Then venture on your own to see even more of the treasures this delightful time capsule has to offer—like the extraordinary 15th-century altar-piece in St. Jacob’s Church that was carved by Tilman Riemenschneider, Germany’s Gothic contemporary of Michelangelo. Or explore the Christmas world of Käthe Wohlfahrt’s museum, which is enchanting any time of the year. After dinner onboard, you might like to ramble through Würzburg; though the city was founded in the ninth century, the 25,000 students attending its university—one of the oldest in Germany—give Würzburg a vibrant atmosphere. Stroll across the Alte Mainbrücke, begun in the 15th century and the oldest surviving bridge spanning the Main, for a great view of the city lights. (BB, L, D)

Day 7: Bamberg 
Featured Excursion: Bamberg walking tour

Awaken in charming Bamberg, an accessible, lively small city with one of Europe’s largest intact Old Town centers (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Like Rome, Bamberg is built on seven hills—only here, a church tops each hill. Your tour takes you past the imperial Cathedral of St. Peter and St. George; the huge 17th-century bishop’s palace and its glorious rose garden; the Town Hall on the banks of the Regnitz River; and Little Venice, an area of colorful fishermen’s houses. You’ll have time to ramble through the cozy town center, browsing through the delightful shops. Beer drinkers will want to check out the local brew, famous for its smoky flavor. In the late afternoon, you will cruise the peaceful Main River. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

Day 8: Nuremberg (disembark), transfer to the airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to the Nuremberg airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in delightful Prague, the "City of Spires." (CB/BB)

Experience the rich romantic spirit of the Rhine and the tranquility of the meandering Main. Ancient castles and grand palaces, Medieval towns with half-timbered houses, and famous Franconian wines and robust beers are yours to enjoy on this breathtaking journey.

Revel in the architectural gems on display in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg. Visit Heidelberg and admire the most famous Renaissance castle in Europe. Stroll through picturesque Rothenburg. Enjoy a canal cruise through Strasbourg, with its half-timbered houses and quaint canals. Marvel at the world’s largest ceiling fresco at the Würzburg Residenz, and taste the wonderful “Red Slope” wines from the vineyards overlooking Nierstein.

Discover the romance of the Rhine and the tranquil charm of the Main on this leisurely paced cruise that takes you through a truly enchanting part of Europe.

• 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stylish River Ambassador
• All transfers on arrival and departure days 
• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
• Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinners
• Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; bottled water replenished daily in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea station
• Explore 3 countries
• 8 excursions, including 2 “Choice Is Yours” options, fully hosted by English-speaking local expert
• Exclusive Go Active Program and "Gentle Walking" Program
• 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
• Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Signature Lecture: “Contemporary Germany”
• Exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program

Cabin onboard River Ambassador

Prague
4 days - $999 per person (single supplement $499)

Delight in the beautifully preserved "City of Spires", which boasts a remarkable core of historic buildings, as well as gracious squares and friendly people.

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Prices exclude additional port charges of $140.
• A limited number of singles are available for an additional supplement.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.