Day One. We journey to Hull for the overnight ferry to the continent enjoying dinner, entertainment and breakfast on board.
Day Two. We continue to our overnight dinner, bed and breakfast stop.
Day Three. We travel to Passau in Bavaria where we board the Esmeralda.
Day Four. We pass imposing Walhalla at the approach to Regensburg, a magical medieval town with an old stone bridge spanning the Danube and a carefully preserved old quarter with an afternoon to explore.
Day Five. We sail on to Kelheim where we leave the Danube and glide into the MainDanube Canal. We then cruise smoothly through the Altmuhl Valley, an unspoilt region characterised by bizarre rock formations, juniper heathlands and riverside meadows.
Day Six. Our destination of the day is Nuremburg, a city that reflects Germany’s history through the centuries. Follow the Historical Mile which ends at the twelfth century castle and be astounded by the ornate fountains and highly crafted churches. Day Seven. Our adventure continues reaching Bamberg, a town often referred to as the Rome of Franconia. This enchanting gem stands on seven hills and is dominated by an imperial cathedral.
Day Eight. Arriving at Hassfurth, we join our coach for our trip along the Romantic Road, our first stop is Tauberbischofsheim one of the oldest towns along the Tauber Valley then on to Bad Mergentheim. On our return to rejoin the Esmeralda in Wurzburg we pass through Creglingen with its remains of town fortifications and numerous halftimbered houses witness to the town’s history.
Day Nine. A day cruising along the Main with a short call mid-afternoon at Wertheim – nicknamed ‘Little Heidelberg’. This evening over dinner we cruise to Miltenberg.
Day Ten. Look forward to an afternoon in rumbustious Rudesheim where you might like to explore twelfth century Bromserburg Castle, wander the quirky alleyways or pop into the Middle Ages Torture Museum and learn about witches, the inquisition and medieval punishments!
Day Eleven. Today we cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge to Cologne, a city with a majestic cathedral featuring the Shrine of the Three Kings.
Day Twelve. We disembark after breakfast and head for our ferry back to Hull enjoying dinner, entertainment and breakfast on board.
Day Thirteen. We make our way home.