NEW! Christmas in Germany

Take in the fairy-tale charms of Miltenberg, one of Germany’s most delightful riverside towns. Begin your tour in the Old Town, following its cobblestone streets past medieval houses fronted with flower-bedecked balconies. The town square, lined with half-timbered facades, is one of the most picturesque in all of Germany, laid out on a narrow strip of land between the hills and manicured banks of the Main. Nearby, the handsome and richly hued hotel Zum Riesen (“Inn of the Giant”), Germany’s oldest inn, is a Renaissance treasure; it first opened its doors as a hotel in 1411 and has been open ever since. You will also see the Mainz and Würzburg town gates and catch a glimpse of Miltenberg Castle, built in the 13th and 14th centuries, high over the roofs of Miltenberg.

Visit the Abbey of Amorbach and enjoy a live organ performance in its beautifully ornate interior. The Royal House of Leiningen, one of the oldest noble families in Germany, has resided in the abbey since the early 19th century. The church’s history dates back nearly 1,250 years, when it was first established as a Benedictine abbey. During the 18th century, it was expanded and refurbished in the late baroque style and remains one of Germany’s finest examples. An important feature is the magnificent Stumm organ, built by one of the most famous organ dynasties in Europe; today, you will enjoy its musical tones during a private recital. Before leaving the abbey, view the Library Hall, home to more than 30,000 books from the Princes of Leiningen’s collections. Afterward, take a short stroll through town and stop at a café for refreshments and cake before returning to your ship.