One of Germany’s most attractive Bavarian towns, Bamberg’s historic buildings on narrow, twisting streets form the country’s largest UNESCO World Heritage site. Be sure to try Bamberg’s famous smoked beer - made by drying barley over an open flame, sampling this Bavarian beverage will be a highlight of your trip.
The small town of Miltenberg is famed for its medieval half-timbered houses, beautifully preserved buildings and a castle that dates from the Middle Ages. Walking up the castle’s steep hill will reward you with panoramic views of the town and Main River spread out below.
Nuremberg is famous for its history. Over the centuries, this city’s streets have been filled with medieval architecture, home to most German kings and taken a more sombre role in World War 2 as the site of many Nazi rallies. Today, tourists flock to the city’s spectacular annual Christmas market and drift past a renovated Kaiserburg Castle and the beautiful Schöner Brunnen - a gilded fountain from the fourteenth century which sits in the city’s main square and imitates that many Gothic spires of Nuremberg’s skyline.
Rüdesheim am Rhein is so well known for its winemaking that the town’s medieval Brömserburg Castle also houses a wine museum inside its walls. Equally historic is Drosselgasse, a cobbled street filled with beautiful narrow half-timbered houses, shops, restaurants and traditional entertainment venues.
Würzburg is the centre of Franconian wine production and has a rich and varied history - but it’s also a hub of student activity and has a booming nightlife. Würzburg Residence, meanwhile, dates back to the eighteenth century and is one of the most lauded Baroque buildings in Germany.
Which cruise lines sail along the Main River?
