European Sojourn

Tour one of Germany’s most renowned and intriguing cities on this included excursion. Meet your guide and drive to the Old Town, where you can delve into Nuremberg’s complex past. This medieval city is still surrounded by 14th-century walls, with many gates and watchtowers fully intact. It grew into a toy-making capital of Europe, where craftsmen also shaped metal into sculpture and carved wood and other materials into decorative crafts. See the grounds on which Nazi rallies were staged and pass the Palace of Justice, then admire the Imperial Palace, one of Europe’s most formidable fortresses. Then, stroll down the hill past half-timbered houses and browse the stalls at the Market Square. One of Europe’s most celebrated, it is famous for its gingerbread and its Gothic Schöner Brunnen, or Beautiful Fountain. Cap your tour with free time to explore on your own.

See Nuremberg’s remarkable underground chambers where priceless art was hidden from harm during World War II. Drive with your guide to the inner city center, passing the medieval walls, the opera house and the Plärrer, where Germany’s railroad age began in 1835. Arrive at the Imperial Castle and walk into the Old Town to the Tiergärtnertorplatz to see Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer’s house. Next, descend into medieval cellars to learn about how these bunkers hid and protected centuries-old artwork, which have since been given back to their rightful owners. The famed Monuments Men—art historians embedded in the US Army—braved the Battle of Nuremberg to prevent looting and theft of priceless pieces stored here. Visit the Gothic church of St. Sebald, where saved works of art have been returned to their original home. See the city’s main market square, before returning to your ship.

Immerse yourself in Nuremberg’s World War II history as you discover the rise and fall of the Third Reich. Nuremberg is remembered as both the seat of Nazi propaganda and as the place of punishment for Nazi war criminals. Your expert guide will take you to Zeppelin Field, the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds where 100,000 voices saluted Adolf Hitler. You will see the fuehrer’s Congress Hall, built to the massive scale of the Roman Colosseum. At the Documentation Center, contemplate the extent of Nazi propaganda, then visit Courtroom 600 in the Palace of Justice, the venue of the Nazi war trials that captured the world’s attention. When court is in session, entrance is not possible and you will instead visit the Memorium Nuremberg Trials exhibit. Note also that visits to the courtroom and the exhibit are not possible on Tuesdays, as they are closed.