Nurnberg, Germany Bavaria Cruise from Nuremberg to Remich — 8 Days

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is a city of striking contrasts, where medieval streets meet the history of twentieth-century Germany. Within its old walls, the Imperial Castle rises above timbered houses, churches and the Hauptmarkt. Visit St. Sebaldus Church, then explore the Documentation Center and former Nazi Party Rally Grounds for essential context. Allow time for local gingerbread and a walk across the Pegnitz, which divides the historic centre.

Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg rewards a few hours on foot, with one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval town centres. On the Regnitz River, its UNESCO-listed Old Town brings together a Romanesque cathedral, baroque façades and half-timbered lanes. See the Old Town Hall, poised on an island, and the riverside houses known as Little Venice. Finish with Rauchbier, Bamberg’s distinctive smoked beer, in a traditional brewery tavern. Seven hills surround the city, while its compact centre keeps the main sights within easy reach.

Wurzburg, Germany

Step ashore in Würzburg, where Franconian wine, Baroque splendour and the Main River shape a memorable day. The Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rewards a visit for its grand staircase and Tiepolo frescoes. Cross the Old Main Bridge for views of Marienberg Fortress and vineyards climbing the surrounding slopes. Then explore the compact old town, where cafés and wine taverns offer a pause between landmarks.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a walled medieval town above the Tauber Valley, known for half-timbered houses and cobbled lanes. Walk the intact ramparts for views across red roofs and surrounding countryside. At Market Square, the Town Hall and St James’s Church anchor the old town. Inside St James’s, see Tilman Riemenschneider’s carved wooden Holy Blood altar, completed in 1505. Save time for Franconian wine and local pastries.

Wurzburg, Germany

Step ashore in Würzburg, where Franconian wine, Baroque splendour and the Main River shape a memorable day. The Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rewards a visit for its grand staircase and Tiepolo frescoes. Cross the Old Main Bridge for views of Marienberg Fortress and vineyards climbing the surrounding slopes. Then explore the compact old town, where cafés and wine taverns offer a pause between landmarks.

• Land Tour (Land Tour)
• Land Tour (Land Tour)

Wertheim am Main, Germany

Wertheim stands where the Tauber meets the Main, on Baden-Württemberg’s northern edge. The compact old town rewards a slow walk among timber-framed houses and narrow lanes. Its market square recalls centuries of trade. Above it, the ruins of Wertheim Castle command broad river views. The Glass Museum traces the craft that carried Wertheim’s name beyond the valley.

Rudesheim am Rhein, Germany

Rüdesheim is a rewarding first stop on the Rhine, with vineyards climbing steep slopes above the water. It stands at the southern gateway to the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, famed for castles and dramatic river scenery. Explore the old lanes and Drosselgasse, then take the cable car through the vines to the Niederwald Monument. From its hilltop setting, the Rhine spreads below in a view worth lingering over.

• River Cruising (River Cruising)

Cochem, Germany

Cochem makes a strong first impression: Reichsburg Castle crowns a vineyard-clad hill above the Moselle. Below, half-timbered houses line narrow lanes and the riverfront. The town is small enough to explore on foot, yet its setting invites a slower pace. Taste the region’s Riesling, take a boat along the river, or visit the castle for broad views over the valley. Here, the Moselle’s pleasures are close at hand.

Wasserbillig, Luxembourg

Wasserbillig sits where the Moselle meets the Sauer, at Luxembourg’s eastern edge. Across the river, Germany’s Wasserbilligerbrück is just a short crossing away. Nearby vineyards produce crisp white wines, including the region’s signature Riesling. Walk the riverfront, visit Wasserbillig Aquarium, or take a train to Luxembourg City. The town also marks Luxembourg’s lowest elevation, about 130 metres above sea level.

Trier, Germany

Trier rewards a day ashore with Roman landmarks, a handsome old town and nearby Moselle vineyards. Founded as Augusta Treverorum, it grew into one of the Roman Empire’s most important cities north of the Alps. The dark-stone Porta Nigra, Imperial Baths and amphitheatre make its past tangible; several Roman sites are UNESCO-listed. Between them, visit the cathedral and Hauptmarkt, then sample the region’s crisp Rieslings.

Wasserbillig, Luxembourg

Wasserbillig sits where the Moselle meets the Sauer, at Luxembourg’s eastern edge. Across the river, Germany’s Wasserbilligerbrück is just a short crossing away. Nearby vineyards produce crisp white wines, including the region’s signature Riesling. Walk the riverfront, visit Wasserbillig Aquarium, or take a train to Luxembourg City. The town also marks Luxembourg’s lowest elevation, about 130 metres above sea level.

• Land Tour (Land Tour)
• Land Tour (Land Tour)

Remich, Luxembourg

Remich sits on Luxembourg’s Moselle, where vineyards climb above the river and wine cellars shape local life. A level riverside promenade offers an easy introduction, with cafés, boat trips and broad views across the water to Germany. Beyond the waterfront, the Moselle wine route leads through villages and vineyard slopes known for crisp whites, Riesling and Crémant. Come ashore for an unhurried taste of Luxembourg, best explored at walking pace.