Germany's Finest (Regensburg to Frankfurt, 2019)

Introduction 3

We’re just being frank here, but Frankfurt is e?ortlessly cool and the perfect lead in for this 8-day adventure. This booming metropolis is a concrete paradise with a unique German charm. You’ll get well acquainted during a night walk with your U hosts. Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg will certainly live up to the hype as well. We suggest an excursion to a fairytale castle, a bike trip along the Main river, and a Nuremberg culinary tour. Discover the best of Deutschland on one amazing vacation.

Day 1: Regensburg In and around Regensburg Deutschland Discovery (PM) This ones for the students. Head to Regensburg at sunset and experience the youthful buzz of Old Town, home to some of the best nightlife in all of Deutschland. Kick things off with a host-escorted walk, stopping at the city’s famous churches and aristocratic houses from the 13th and 14th centuries. Then if the weather’s nice, head to the Stone Bridge to eat, drink and mingle under the moonlight. Regensburg comes alive at night, as you will see.

Day 2: Regensburg, Kelheim Medieval Regensburg (AM) Regensburg, Germany is a Bavarian city nestled along the Danube River. Revel in 2,000 years of medieval history on an hour-long, host-escorted stroll through the city’s well-preserved Old Town. Visit landmarks like Regensburg Cathedral, Porta Praetoria and the famous Old Stone Bridge. Then make your way through crooked town alleys and stumbling stones before visiting the Händlmaier’s mustard store. Regensburgs got a lot. Walhalla Biking (PM) This round-trip bike ride to the hill-top town Walhalla takes you across the river, from the southside to the northside, passing the little villages of Tegernheim and Donaustauf along the way. You will be rewarded with amazing views down to river Danube and a stop to a charming Bavarian beer garden.

Day 3: Nuremberg In and around Nuremberg Nuremberg City Walk (AM) Explore some of Nuremberg’s absolute must-do’s on this U Host guided city walk. You’ll make your way to the Alstadt, Nuremberg’s historic old town filled with some of the finest dining establishments in the entire country, then pay visits to some of the coolest points of interest such as Schöner Brunnen and St. Lorenz Church. Sites of WWII: Nuremberg (AM) (U Time Optional) Learn all about Nuremberg’s dark past on a guided tour of top WWII sites, including the Documentation Center and the site of the famous post-war Nuremberg Trials.

Day 4: Bamberg The Good Life of Bamberg (AM) Lace up your walking shoes and come thirsty. Bamberg, Germany is an old-timey town spread over seven hills and widely regarded as the Beer Capital of Franconia. Follow your host on a walk through old town to get your bearings, then let the good times roll. Stop by a local brewery that serves Bamberg’s famous smoked beer. Shop until you drop in the Antiques Quarter. Eat authentic Franconian cuisine at Messerschmitt. Locals of Bamberg rave about the living quality of their city. This is your chance to find out if they’re on to something. Paddle Power (AM) (U Time Optional) Canoe or kayak the Main and Pegnitz Rivers on an outdoor adventure that fully immerses you in Germany’s dramatic natural beauty. Did U Say Beer? (AM) (U Time Optional) Little known fact—Germany’s Franconian region is home to one-third of the country’s breweries, with more than 400 beers just waiting to be tasted by you. You may never think about beer the same way again after this heady experience. Hang On (PM) (U Time Optional) The area around Bamberg is a rock climber’s paradise. Get your gravity-defying fix on one of over 6,500 (!) established routes.

Day 5: Würzburg Taste of Würzburg (AM) Attention, foodies: Rise early and follow your chef to the Green Market in Würzburg, Germany. The city prides itself on having the highest number of organic farms and slow food producers in the region. Educate your taste buds by trying regional products and goods including bratwurst, sourdough rye bread and cheeses. Experience local biodiversity and artisanal food production while you shop. The market is in the heart of the city next to the Marienkapelle, providing an authentic local experience. You can’t miss it. Baroque Palace (AM) (U Time Optional) Go for baroque with a visit to the Würzburg Residence, famous for its grand staircase, hall of mirrors and ginormous ceiling fresco (larger than the Sistine Chapel’s). Beautiful Rothenburg (AM) (U Time Optional) Venture along the Romantic Road to what might well be the prettiest town in Germany, Rothenburg, which you can explore however you wish. Don’t miss the Medieval Crime Museum—genuinely creepy and well worth a visit, trust us. Würzburgs Living Room (PM) Munch on German cuisine and mingle with locals on the Old Main Bridge, a gathering place so homey its basically the citys living room. People sip Franconian wines and enjoy performances from local musicians and street artists. If youre feeling adventurous, follow your host to the famous steep vineyards or surrounding landmarks like the Würzburg Cathedral and Marienberg Fortress.

Day 6: Wertheim, Miltenberg In and around Wertheim, Miltenberg CHOICE OF Bike the Bergs OR Miltenberg Castle Hike (PM) This morning you have your choice of one of these fun excursions in Miltenberg: 1) BIKE THE BERGS: Experience the best of Bavaria on two wheels! This bike tour starts off along the red sandstone shores of Miltenberg. Ride along lakes and nature reserves as you follow the Main to Freudenberg. One of the region’s smallest towns, Freudenberg was built directly on a mountain sitting underneath castle ruins. Explore the town and hopefully spot some local animals before riding back to the ship; OR 2) MILTENBERG CASTLE HIKE: Put your hiking shoes on and get to steppin. Follow the old Roman paths that lead through the Odenwald Forest to the castle fortress of Miltenberg. Dating back to the late 12th century, this castle was damaged during the Margrave Wars and the Thirty Years War. Today, it has been transformed into a museum holding both classic and contemporary art. We hear the views from the keep can’t be missed!

Day 7: Miltenberg, Frankfurt Intro to Frankfurt (PM) Take to the streets of Frankfurt to explore this dynamic city with your U Host! You’ll see some of the city’s hotspots like the Eiserner Steg, a bridge covered with famous love locks, then Römerberg, the quaint town square walled with photogenic medieval houses. Grab a bite, shop and soak in the local experience before heading to the Frankfurt cathedral. Take pictures and brush up on your history; this iconic landmark is where ten kings were crowned from 1562 to 1792. Biking Frankfurt (PM) Join your Wellbeing Coach and U Hosts on a bike ride along the beautiful Main river, with a well-deserved pit stop for an Apfelwein or local beer at a cozy river-side bar. Frankfurt on Foot (PM) (U Time Optional) Follow your U Host into the heart of Frankfurt, a dynamic financial trade city with the most imposing skyline in all of Germany. You’ll head into the heart of the bustling city to catch Kleinmarkthalle, an amazing market hall welcoming 63 vendors in 156 stalls that offer all kinds of fresh food, regional specialties and imported foods. Before hopping over to the Main Tower for a breathtaking view, don’t forget to sample some Ebbelwoi, Frankfurt’s famous cider. It will blow your taste buds away!

Day 8: Frankfurt Disembark and head off to your next adventure.