European Sojourn

Delve into the history of Bamberg during an informative walk to view historic sights. Join your guide and head to the medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass by the magnificent 11th-century cathedral with its four imposing towers. The church was rebuilt in the late Romanesque and early Gothic style during the 13th century. Stop to admire the detailed statue of the Bamberger Reiter, or Bamberg Horseman, here. Then, see the Bamberg New Residence with its rose garden and panoramic views of the old town, as well as the picturesque Rathaus, or town hall, built in the middle of a double-arched bridge over the Regnitz River. From here, you can see fishermen’s cottages on the nearby riverbanks. Enjoy time to follow your own whims in Bamberg, perhaps sampling some of the town’s distinctive rauchbier, or smoke-flavored beer, before rejoining your ship.

Witness the breathtaking architecture of German Franconia and sample beer from one of its 300 breweries. Meet your guide at your ship and venture into the countryside to visit charming towns nestled amid tranquil beauty, and learn about their medieval history. Stop in the quaint town of Zeil. This charming hamlet situated on the Main River is a treasure trove of half-timbered houses. While here, you will visit a pilgrimage church and stop at a pub for a taste of the local brew. In Memmelsdorf, visit Seehof Palace, built in 1686 as a summer residence for the Bamberg prince-bishops. The architecture here is grand and gracious. You may visit the White Hall, with its spectacular ceiling painted by Giuseppe Appiani, admire the spacious park with cascading fountains and linger in the lush orangerie.

Explore Bamberg on foot, then taste a selection of local Franconian beers with snacks. Set off on a stroll through Bamberg, a UNESCO World heritage city founded in the 10th century, where incredible architecture lines narrow, medieval streets interspersed with canals. You will see landmarks, including St. Elisabeth Church, Bamberg Cathedral and the spectacular Rose Garden at the Neue Residenz. Next, you will discover the city’s most prized tradition of beer-making, which dates back to 1093. Currently home to twelve private breweries, Bamberg was once home to more than 65. Learn why locals prize their ale at a 15th century tavern, where you will taste the town’s authentic smoked beer. Produced by hand, the malt is smoked above a beechwood fire, which gives it a characteristic smoky taste. You will sample several other brews, with a platter of local snacks.