Christmas on the Main & Moselle

Discover Heidelberg, a town so steeped in charm that it stood at the center of the German Romantic movement. Join your guide for a drive to Heidelberg, then ascend to the majestic Heidelberg Castle, a treasure trove of Renaissance-era buildings. Built during the early 13th century, it was once the residence of the Palatinate monarchy. Descend into the Old Town for a walking tour to the turreted Heidelberg University. Along the way, pass a festive Christmas market, its vendors filling the Market Square with holiday cheer. See the school’s tower, where unruly boys were incarcerated for misdeeds, and the Red Ox tavern, where they boasted to their mates about their imprisonment. Share a special lunch with a group of modern-day students and hear their views on attending Germany’s oldest university. After, enjoy free time to browse the Christmas market, before returning to your ship.

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.