We'll leave by coach from Mannheim to Heidelberg. Its unique charm comes from the harmonious combination of romanticism, dynamism, legend and modernity. We'll take a guided tour of the outsides of the Heidelberg Castle on foot. It is partially in ruins, and as such has inspired generations of painters and poets ever since the 18th century. They perceived the damaged castle as a testimony to the grandeur and decadence of human creations. Goethe, Hölderlin, Uhland and Eichendorff celebrated the landscape surrounding the castle while many others took it as a model itself. Don't miss the geometric terraces of the Palatinate gardens, once considered the "8th world wonder”. The gardens' architect, Salomon de Caus, wanted to recreate the harmony with which city, river and hills all around intertwined. After this guided tour, you will take the coach down into the Neckarmünzplatz in the old historic city center for a guided tour on foot. You will admire the Saint-Esprit Church (exterior view) and will have some free time for shopping before taking the coach back to the boat. On the way back you will go through the city center of Mannheim, where you will find the boat.
PLEASE NOTE
- The access to the castle needs to climb up a 300m gradient.
- We cannot visit the inside of the castle at this time of year.
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
We'll leave by coach from Mannheim to Heidelberg. Its unique charm comes from the harmonious combination of romanticism, dynamism, legend and modernity. We'll take a guided tour of the outsides of the Heidelberg Castle on foot. It is partially in ruins, and as such has inspired generations of painters and poets ever since the 18th century. They perceived the damaged castle as a testimony to the grandeur and decadence of human creations. Goethe, Hölderlin, Uhland and Eichendorff celebrated the landscape surrounding the castle while many others took it as a model itself. Don't miss the geometric terraces of the Palatinate gardens, once considered the "8th world wonder”. The gardens' architect, Salomon de Caus, wanted to recreate the harmony with which city, river and hills all around intertwined. After this guided tour, you will take the coach down into the Neckarmünzplatz in the old historic city center for a guided tour on foot. You will admire the Saint-Esprit Church (exterior view) and will have some free time for shopping before taking the coach back to the boat. On the way back you will go through the city center of Mannheim, where you will find the boat.
PLEASE NOTE
- The access to the castle needs to climb up a 300m gradient.
- We cannot visit the inside of the castle at this time of year.
- Good walking shoes are recommended.
- The order of the visits can change.
- Times are approximate.
Cruises
This shore excursion is available for one or several cruises
New Year in the Romantic Rhine valley (port-to-port cruise)
STRASBOURG - KOBLENZ - RÜDESHEIM - MANNHEIM - STRASBOURG
Celebrate the New Year in a warm and friendly atmosphere! Cruise the romantic Rhine Valley and discover Koblenz, home to one of Germany's richest heritages, Rüdesheim and its Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments, and Heidelberg, a symbol of German Romanticism with its fine architecture.
Christmas Markets along the Rhine (port-to-port package)
STRASBOURG - SPEYER - RÜDESHEIM - KOBLENZ - COLOGNE - Strasbourg(4)
Christmas markets are in full boom during the holiday season. The smell of freshly baked goods fills the air surrounding the festive wooden booths selling artisan gifts. We'll visit several markets during this cruise for an authentic German holiday experience, including those in Speyer, romantic Heidelberg, the Christmas Market of Nations in Rüdesheim, and Koblenz.
Christmas Markets along the Rhine (port-to-port package)
Strasbourg(4) - COLOGNE - KOBLENZ - RÜDESHEIM - SPEYER - STRASBOURG
Christmas markets are in full boom during the holiday season. The smell of freshly baked goods fills the air surrounding the festive wooden booths selling artisan gifts. We'll visit several markets during this cruise for an authentic German holiday experience, including those in Speyer, romantic Heidelberg, the Christmas Market of Nations in Rüdesheim, and Koblenz.