Magic of Advent on the Rhine and Main

Speyer, the venerable emperor’s city on the Rhine, has had a rich and turbulent past. Religious architecture steeped in history, impressive facades of various styles, winding alleys and romantic squares expressthe character of the city. The city tour includes a visit to the Romanesque Imperial Cathedral from the exterior, with its striking twin tower portal, and visits to the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Old Gate (Altpoertel) and the Jewish Ritual Bath. Afterwards, the Christmas market will fill you with warmth as the smell of punch and toasted almonds, hot roasted chestnuts and freshly baked apples envelopes your nose.

A comfortable coach will take you to Heidelberg, the world famous University City on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. Heidelberg was discovered quite early by romantics to use for diverse literature, songs and paintings. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone has been a ruin, maybe the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads also into the castle garden. From the Grand Terrace you will have a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late-gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall. At the end of the tour you may take the chance and stroll around the Christmas market of Heidelberg. During the Advent season, the beautifully decorated Heidelberg Christmas Market invites you to linger. Set against the romantic backdrop of the Old Town, you can stroll among festively adorned stalls, discover traditional handicrafts, and warm up with a cup of hot mulled wine or punch. The scent of roasted almonds and Christmas spices completes the magical winter atmosphere.

Mainz has many attractions: the Roman Castrum Moguntiacum, the Jewish Magenza, the residence and capital of the Prince Electors, an archbishopric, a university town and a fortified city of the Holy Roman Empire, as well as the Mainz Republic. These are all epochs of “Golden Mainz”, as the city has been known since its heyday in the Middle Ages. A tour through the city will lead you from the tremendous St. Martin’s Cathedral to the Gutenberg museum, where you can experience 4000 years of the history of writing. The museum is a tribute to the inventor of the printing press with moveable letters. His world renowned 42-line bible is one of the prime exhibits.

Enjoy the Christmas magic in Frankfurt completely stress-free – we’ll take you comfortably from the ship straight into the heart of the festive hustle and bustle, and back again.

The Frankfurt Christmas Market stretches like a shining ribbon through the city center – from WeihnachtsRoßmarkt to Hauptwache, Römerberg, and down to the Mainkai. Over 200 beautifully decorated stalls invite you to browse, offering handcrafted goods, gifts, and festive specialties from around the world. A true highlight is the large Christmas tree on Römerberg, set against the picturesque backdrop of the historic old town.

Discover the rich history and romantic atmosphere of Wertheim as you wander through its medieval streets lined with picturesque half-timbered houses. Highlights include the Angel’s Fountain and the Late Gothic Kilian Chapel, both offering a glimpse into the town’s past.

The journey then continues to Miltenberg, where a guided tour reveals the town’s unique blend of river scenery, medieval architecture, and forested hillsides. The historic market square, impressive gabled half-timbered houses, the old town hall, and the striking Miltenberg Castle all contribute to the town’s unmistakable charm.

During this excursion, guests are invited to relax and enjoy a cozy and festive Christmas gathering featuring one glass of mulled wine and traditional music, adding a warm seasonal touch to this memorable experience.

Begin your visit with a stroll through Würzburg’s charming Old Town. Explore the Market Square with the picturesque Falkenhaus and the Marienkapelle, wander across the famous Alte Mainbrücke, and soak in the historic atmosphere of the city.

Afterwards, enjoy plenty of time at the Würzburg Christmas Market. Browse the beautifully decorated stalls, discover handcrafted goods, gifts, and festive treats, and savor the holiday spirit with a warm mulled wine or seasonal snack – the perfect way to end a magical day.

Rothenburg is referred to as Germany’s well-preserved “Jewel of the Middle Ages” with its ramparts, city gates, town hall and the St. Jakob parish church. Renaissance and Gothic influences shaped the town. Towers, city gates, walls, half-timbered gables – all these have remained unchanged since the Thirty Years’ War. The Middle Ages come alive in Rothenburg.

Upon your arrival, join the town walk with a local guide who will point out major points of interest, such as the St. Jakob Parish Church, where art lovers can admire the “Heiligblutaltar” (Holy Blood Altar) by Tilman Riemenschneider, one of the greatest German sculptors of the Middle Ages. After the guided tour, enjoy some free time and buy souvenirs or visit the famous Christmas Museum of Käthe Wohlfahrt.

Experience the beautifully decorated city of Bamberg and immerse yourself in old Christmas traditions, from St. Martin to Epiphany. Learn, for example, about apple trees that bore fruit on Christmas Eve and discover the mysterious custom of “Pfeffern.” Hear how the Prince-Bishop spent his Christmas Day and meet the “Perlefex,” who roamed Bamberg’s streets at night, especially during the “Raunächte.”

The tour is rounded off with charming stories and legends from Bamberg’s past, bringing the city’s Advent and Christmas season vividly to life.