7 Night Europes Rivers and Castles Cruise from Luxembourg

Board your ship in Luxembourg for your Europe's Rivers & Castles cruise. (B,D)

Traben-Trarbach is your gateway to fascinating Bernkastel. Walk through Bernkastel's colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Alternatively, stay in Traben-Trarbach, a prominent wine trading center at the turn of the century, and join a guided walking tour to learn more about its history. Your tour concludes with a tasting of local wines. If you prefer a more active tour, join your guide on a cycling excursion through town. You may also join a guided hike up to the Grevenburg castle ruins and through the village's vineyards, with a tasting of local wines awaiting at the end of the trail. (B,L,D)

Head to fairytale Cochem and visit Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour. As an alternative, hike to Reichsburg Castle and enjoy a visit inside, or pedal through the charming town on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, sit out on your balcony or go up on the Sun Deck to marvel at the beautiful views as we cruise to Koblenz. There, you can join a guided evening walk through the charming historic town, perhaps stopping for photos at the Augenroller (eye roller) of Koblenz. (B,L,D)

Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue or allow yourself to be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards above the Rhine River. As an alternative, head to the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers to Mainz, where you'll enjoy a walking tour of its Old Town, brimming with quaint narrow streets, Baroque churches, and half-timbered houses. You'll also have a chance to visit the Collegiate Church of St. Stephen, best known for its blue Chagall windows. (B,L,D)

Wertheim's old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center or learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley or hike high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a city tour of Wurzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Wurzburg's Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Wurzburg Castle. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany's best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)

Head to Bamberg, which has been referred to as "Franconian Rome" as, like Rome, it was built on seven hills-but in Bamberg, a church graces each one. Bamberg's medieval and Baroque architecture has withstood the test of time and, as such, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you'll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall, and elegant old mansions, and afterwards, indulge in the town's famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. Or, indulge in the culinary specialties of Bamberg, including licorice root, Hornla pastries, traditional German sausage, and smoked beer. As a more invigorating alternative, pedal from Eltmann to Bamberg, meeting the ship there later in the day. (B,L,D)

Bid farewell to the ship in Nuremberg as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)