Rhine & Main Explorer

Take a trip to the southwest corner of Germany where you will visit Freiburg and the Kaiserstuhl wine region. Meet your guide and set off, heading out into the countryside and into the Kaiserstuhl region. As you drive, take in the terraced vineyards that line the steep hillsides and learn how the mild climate contributes to the production of high-quality wines before arriving in Freiburg. Walk through the city’s old town with your guide, following its cobblestone streets towards the Münsterplatz. Here, take in the Freiburg Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 1200s. Next, have free time to explore the bustling Münstermarkt, a farmer and craft market. Perhaps sample a local treat before continuing to the city's two remaining medieval gates, the Swabian and Martin's Gates, where you will discover their intriguing histories before returning to your ship.

Stroll the charming medieval lanes and squares of Colmar and explore its “Little Venice” quarter. You will accompany your guide to the city. Then, in the beautifully restored Quartier des Tanneurs, named for the tanners who worked in its 17th-century half-timbered houses, admire lanes of medieval houses and the Schwendi Fountain. This masterwork was sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. Explore 9th century streets and the original old town, and the colorful mix of French and German Renaissance architecture. Stroll through the charming La Petite Venise and enjoy the picturesque views from the bridge across the Lauch River. You will have free time to peruse the fine art at the Musée d’Unterlinden (Museum under the Linden Trees) or shop for regional wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

Stroll the charming medieval lanes of Colmar in a small group and explore its “Little Venice” quarter. You will accompany your guide to the city with your small group (maximum of 16 guests). Then, in the beautifully restored Quartier des Tanneurs, named for the tanners who worked in its 17th-century half-timbered houses, admire lanes of medieval houses and the Schwendi Fountain. This masterwork was sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. Explore 9th century streets and the original old town, and the colorful mix of French and German Renaissance architecture. Stroll through the charming La Petite Venise and enjoy the picturesque views from the bridge across the Lauch River. You will have free time to peruse the fine art at the Musée d’Unterlinden (Museum under the Linden Trees) or shop for regional wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

Pedal through the beautiful Alsatian countryside, following its famous wine route to quaint villages. Meet your guide, receive your electronic bike and, after a short safety briefing, set out across the German-French border along the renowned Alsatian Wine Route for your 22-mile journey. Your e-bike will allow you to pedal with ease as you ride to the walled fortifications of Neuf-Brisach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a short break, continue through fertile farmlands and shady woods en route to the charming town of Eguisheim. Here, enjoy lunch and free time to explore the cobblestone streets lined by colorful old houses with timber-framed facades. Return to your bike and pedal to Colmar, the “Venice of Alsace.” Immerse yourself in its authentic atmosphere, medieval heritage and savor a refreshing beverage before boarding a motor coach and traveling to your ship.

Spend your day discovering the forests and culture of Germany’s Schwarzwald, the fabled Black Forest. Meet your guide and take a panoramic drive through wine-producing villages nestled among the rolling hills, woodlands and vineyards of southwestern Germany. From the village of Hinterzarten, walk through the famous forest to the beautiful Hofgut Sternen hotel, a loyal keeper of Black Forest traditions. Here, meet a local chef who will instruct you as you prepare your own maultaschen, a large, meat-filled dumpling that is popular in Swabian cuisine, followed by lunch. After, immerse yourself in the Black Forest’s culture: take an invigorating forest stroll, attend a cuckoo clock demonstration and join another hands-on cooking experience, this time focusing on the decadent and famous Black Forest cake, a staple of this region. After, return to your ship via Freiburg.