Cities of Light

Take a guided tour of a city that boasts more than 2,000 years of history. Walk with your guide through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, stopping to explore Mainz Cathedral. This soaring landmark is more than 1,000 years old. Marvel at its six magnificent towers and step inside, if services allow, to admire hundreds of years of religious works on display, as well as the tombs of powerful prince-archbishops of a bygone era. Stroll past medieval houses and storefronts to the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the inventor of movable type and book printing. Founded in 1900—500 years after the birth of Johannes Gutenberg—the museum features a fascinating exhibit that covers the history of the printed word. During your visit, you may browse its many beautiful books and fascinating printing technologies, including a replica of Gutenberg’s workshop.

Discover Mainz and view the stunning Chagall stained-glass windows that adorn St. Stephen's Church. The city, famous as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg, is also known for its Jewish heritage. Embark on a panoramic drive through Mainz, passing the New Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Learn about the city’s 1,000-year-old Jewish history during a walk through the city center. Your guide will describe the history and lead you to the Gothic St. Stephen’s church, known for its brilliant stained-glass windows by Jewish artist Marc Chagall. Step inside to experience the beauty for yourself, and gaze at the angels and Biblical figures that shine in the light. Afterwards, take a walk to Marktplatz in the heart of Mainz. Wander the historic square, known for its beautifully painted buildings, before walking back to your ship.

Visit one of Germany’s oldest winemakers and enjoy a tasting of the estate’s leading Rieslings. Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive to Schloss Vollrads. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your host and set out on foot to explore nature and the vineyard’s surroundings. Set amid 198 acres of stunning scenery, six different geological formations are featured within the estate, providing the variety of minerals required to create the wines’ distinctive flavor profiles. During your stroll along the hiking trails, your host will discuss the history of the schloss and its wine-making origins spanning more than 800 years. Savor a tasting of three carefully selected Rieslings; your host will provide an overview of each wine and its characteristics. After your tasting, step inside the treasury and enjoy Privileged Access to historic documents and a private collection of the estate’s finest vintages.

Lace up your walking boots and hike through Rüdesheim’s scenic vineyards with views over the Middle Rhine. Drive through the countryside to Hildegard von Bingen Abbey, where you may step inside to view the chapel. You will then set off on foot with your guide on a leisurely trek amid the rolling hills of Rüdesheim, with terraced vineyards blanketing the landscape. Admire the views over the Middle Rhine, where the river divides creating the entrance to the Rhine Gorge. This section of the Upper Middle Rhine is renowned for its beauty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk, your guide will point out interesting facts about the villages and landmarks. See the Niederwald Monument, built during the late 19th century, to commemorate the Unification of Germany after the Franco-Prussian War. Afterward, return to your ship.

See the Rhine Valley’s wine region, explore scenic vineyards and enjoy local dishes served with the estate’s wine. Meet your guide, board your motor coach and head along the Rhine river, taking in the picturesque views of the valley’s vineyard-laden hillsides as you drive to a family-owned estate. Here, enjoy a welcome apéritif with your hosts before walking through the winery’s sprawling vineyards. Learn how this impressive property is representative of Rheingau, Germany’s prominent wine region known for its Riesling, and discover the terroir that creates this distinguished wine. After you have explored the grounds, sit for a dinner of classic dishes prepared by a local chef, each expertly paired with the estate’s wine. Finally, rejoin your coach for a panoramic drive through the German countryside as you return to your ship.