6. WÜRZBURG AND THE RESIDENZ
Würzburg has a long and storied history; its cathedral occupies a site consecrated by Charlemagne himself in the 8th century. But much of the architecture you’ll see as you tour this cathedral town was reconstructed by citizens – most of them women (dubbed Trümmerfrauen, or “rubble women”) – after 90% of the city was destroyed in World War II. This includes the Alte Mainbrücke and the Residenz, a beautiful palace complex you’ll visit this morning and return to tonight for dinner in the wine cellar featuring a wine tasting and entertainment. Meals BLD
7. MILTENBERG / BAVARIAN NIGHTS
Cruise to Miltenberg and spend the morning exploring this old Bavarian town with its hilltop castle, medieval gates and market square, half-timbered houses and traces of its Roman roots. Later, you’ll have time to enjoy your riverboat’s entertainment options – from Wii games to video-on-demand in select cabin categories to organized activities with your Tauck Cruise Director – as you glide past the River Main’s lush, romantic landscapes. A Bavarian-themed dinner entertains this evening. Meals BLD
8. HISTORIC HEIDELBERG
Head out for a full day’s excursion to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university. A walking tour reveals Old Town’s delightful mix of medieval Gothic walls and gates, Renaissance and 17th-century Baroque homes and palaces; take a funicular ride up to romantic Heidelberger Schloss, a prime example of a Gothic-Renaissance castle. Have lunch in a local Heidelberg restaurant followed by some time to explore on your own before rejoining ms Swiss Jewel to continue your cruise this evening along the Rhine River. Meals BLD
9. BADEN-BADEN, ELEGANT SPA TOWN
Baden-Baden’s famous springs have been known to bathers since Roman times; in fact, the German word “baden” translates to “bathe.” Visit this acclaimed Black Forest spa town today on an excursion from Plittersdorf, discovering castle ruins and the
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remains of its Roman baths on a walking tour. The 19th-century Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky penned The Gambler while gambling compulsively at the sumptuous Baden-Baden Casino, which a more recent patron – German-born screen icon Marlene Dietrich – called “the most beautiful casino in the world.” Check out this 250-year-old Belle Èpoque treasure, then explore more of Baden-Baden on your own if you wish before continuing your riverboat cruise to Strasbourg, France. Meals BLD
10. STRASBOURG / DISEMBARK RIVERBOAT
Arrive in Strasbourg, principal city of France’s Alsace region and site of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, where you’ll disembark your riverboat. Having seen much history over the centuries, Strasbourg’s rich mix of architecture ranges from Gothic to Renaissance to Baroque to Art Nouveau to modern, like the European Parliament buildings you’ll pass en route to a walking tour of La Petite France in the Grande Ile district – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with canals, medieval watchtowers and half-timbered houses. Visit the 11th-century Cathedral of Our Lady; towering over the city, it was the world’s tallest building for 200 years, and can be seen from across the Rhine. Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own. Meals BLD
11. ALSACE / ROUTE DES VINS
From Strasbourg, embark on a day of sightseeing along the renowned Route des Vins d’Alsace (Alsatian Wine Road), passing through small villages of the historic Alsace region, one of France’s most important wine-growing areas. These villages are charming, the locals welcoming and the wine... Sample the wares of local vintners during lunch at a former manor house in the town of Obernai before returning to Strasbourg for an evening that is spent dining as you please. Meals BL
12. JOURNEY HOME
Tour ends: Strasbourg, France. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile to Strasbourg Int’l Airport; you should allow 3 hours for flight check-in. Meals B
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