Europe’s Rivers and Castles
8-Day River Cruise through Germany
September 3 - October 8, 2025
What a way to experience Germany!
Unpack your bags and relax! We are bringing the majestic sights and delights of Germany to you. A river cruise is an experience like none other. Savor the picturesque views of vineyards and villages from the convenience of your dining table or the balcony off your room. You’ll gently cruise as the sun sets while you dine, only to wake up to a new village. During the day you select your excursion, all provided as part of the tour package. Will it be a guided bike ride? Or a bus ride to tour of a medieval town of Rothenberg? Or will you simply explore the sights on your walking tour. Laugh with friends as we are treated to exquisite meals and complimentary wine. Our small tour group of 16 will receives a devotional thought each day on our phones reflecting on Majesty and Glory of God. We definitely will have fun making new friends while touring together. We daily cultivate thankfulness as we enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime trip!
TRIP SCHEDULE:
(B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
Day 1, September 30 - Depart USA
We suggest you let Educational Opportunities Tours book your flights, but you can book your own. Travelers can originate from different cities but all are met by a representative in Nuremberg.
Day 2, October 1 - Arrive in Nuremberg, Germany and Embark
Board the ship in Nuremberg for your adventure down the Rhine, Main, and Moselle Rivers. Our Cruise Liner, AmaPrima of AmaWaterways is noted for their excellent service and accommodations. You will be spoiled. You can see more about cabin selection in the link below. (D)
AmaPrima River Cruise Ship-WOW!
Day 3, October 2 - Bamberg, Germany
Bamberg 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 tourof this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions, and afterward, indulge in the town’s famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour through Bamberg and follow your knowledgeable guide along the river to the enchanting winemaking town of Eltmann. (B,L,D)
Day 4, October 3 – Wurzburg, Germany
Go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. For those not going to Rothenburg, enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As an alternative to the walking tour and the palace visit, the more active guest may choose to venture high above the town for a hike to Würzburg Castle, which dominates the city. (B,L,D)
Day 5, October 4 – Wertheim, Germany
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)
Day 6, October 5 – Rudesheim – Rhine Gorge – Lahnstein, Germany
Arrive in Rüdesheim, where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet, or take a ride over the vineyards of Rüdesheim in a gondola to the Niederwald Monument, and then afterward be treated to a wine tasting. You may also hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard. Another choice today is to take a guided bike tour along the Rhine Valley, riding between the Rheingau hills and the Rhine River. Later in the day, set sail towards Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles. Cap the day off with a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 7, October 6 – Cochem, Germany
Wake up in fairytale Cochem and visit Reichsburg Castle, followed by a walking tour. For an active alternative, set out on a panoramic hike leading to Reichsburg Castle. Or, embark on a bicycle tour from Cochem along the beautiful riverbanks of the Moselle to Beilstein and back. Along the way, enjoy the sights and sounds of the historic town center, picturesque gabled houses, and beautifully preserved landscapes. (B,L,D)
Day 8, October 7 – Trier, Germany
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moselle to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, renowned for its rich ancient Roman past, and referred to as the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Join a guided tour of the city, including the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths and Basilica of Constantine. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate, dating back to 180 AD, on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)
Day 9, October 8 -Luxembourg City, Luxembourg - Disembarkation
Bid au revoir to Luxembourg as you prepare for your journey home. (B)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Cost and Registration
Our travel company will be returning the rooms reserved for our group by the end of February so register soon!
Cost: $3698 to $6198 Varies according to accommodations preferred.
Flights: $1546 from Omaha.
Travel Company: Educational Opportunities Tours
Europe's Rivers and Castle's Tour-Info and Registration
Registration? Tour Leader: Roger Theimer ID# 62503
What cabins are left? Talk to Claudia: 1-800-247-0017
More details about cabins and the cruise line?
AmaPrima - Deck Plans, Highlights & Sailings - AmaWaterways™
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR:
4 Days in Prague, September 27-October 1
Day 1, September 27-Depart the USA
Board your overnight flight to Prague.
Day 2, September 28-Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic
Arrive in Prague and check into your hotel.
Day 3, September 29-Prague, Czech Republic
Discover fairytale Prague via a city tour or a hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)
Day 4, September 30-Prague, Czech Republic
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, so join a tasting and discover some of the very best beer in the world. (B)
Day 5, October 1-Prague – Nuremberg – Embarkation
Depart Prague and drive through the pastoral German countryside for a city tour of Nuremberg’s fabulous Gothic churches and impressive city walls. Later in the day, board your luxurious ship. (B,D)
Cost for Pre-Tour: $975
OPTIONAL POST-TOUR:
4 Days in Paris, October 8-11
Day 1, October 8 - Disembarkation – Paris, France
Disembark in Luxembourg. En route to Paris, you will stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton. Later, you will enjoy a walking tour through Luxembourg before boarding a TGV high-speed train to Paris, where you will check into your hotel. (B)
Luxembourg American Cemetery Sights in Luxembourg TGV High Speed Train
Day 2, October 9 – Paris, France
Enjoy a tour of Paris, taking in all its iconic sites, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde. You’ll pass the magnificent Opéra Garnier, the legendary Louvre and, on the Left Bank, the Sorbonne University and the Panthéon. (B)
Day 3, October 10 – Paris, France
Enjoy a visit to Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there. For easy access to Montmartre, you’ll hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, constructed from 1876 to 1912. The white dome of this Roman Catholic basilica sits at the highest point in the city. After your visit to Montmartre, you’ll be taken on an illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)
Day 4, October 11- Return to the USA
Bid au revoir to Paris as you prepare for your journey home.
Cost for Post-Tour in Paris: $1485