Drink in the picturesque landscape of vineyard-clad hillsides on this scenic 8-day river cruise along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers. Engage all your senses-see castles dotting the Rhine Valley hillsides, enjoy the bouquet of fine German wines and the smoky flavor of Bamberg's Rauchbier, feel the gentle breeze on your skin as you wander among the shops and restaurants of Rudesheim's Drosselgasse, and hear cathedral bells chime the hours as you float by. And, marvel at the ingenious Main-Danube Canal-envisioned 1,200 years ago and completed in the 1990s-that makes your journey possible.

Day 1 Nuremberg

Fly into Nuremberg. We will meet you at the airport and take you to embark your ship.* Once on board, you can relax, explore a bit on your own-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. Dinner is served and we set sail this evening. (D)

Day 2 Bamberg

Arrive early in Bamberg, founded in 902. Bamberg's Old Town area is so beautifully preserved that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walking tour past baroque patrician houses, then take time to explore or perhaps sample the town's famous locally brewed smoky beer, Rauchbier. Lunch aboard before you depart this afternoon and begin cruising through the 106-mile Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel stretching from Bamberg on the Main River to Kelheim on the Danube and comprising 16 locks. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Wurzburg

Sail into Wurzburg, a Franconian wine town, during breakfast. This morning, tour the Bishops' Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace with many paintings and frescoes. After lunch on board, enjoy some free time in Wurzburg-or you may choose to participate in an optional excursion to the charming medieval town of Rothenburg. Return to your ship for dinner. You can take an evening stroll before we depart late and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Wertheim

Cruise this morning along the winding Main River. After lunch, embark on a walking tour of Wertheim's cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses. Back on board, enjoy a fascinating glassblowing demonstration by Karl Ittig, a fourth-generation glassblower. Dine aboard as we depart. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Rudesheim

Enjoy morning cruising along the mighty Rhine River and a delightful introduction to Rudesheimer coffee. Arrive in Rudesheim midafternoon, where a vintner shares winemaking traditions of the Rheingau area and you can sample some local wines. Take free time to mingle with the locals and enjoy the restaurants, taverns and shops lining Rudesheim's pedestrian-only Drosselgasse. Dine aboard and remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Cochem

Cruise through the morning through the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine-lined with castles on both sides, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Steep hillsides rise from the river valley to still-dense forests at the top, where you see numerous castles in varying condition-some ruined during the Thirty Years' War, some in excellent repair even today. Arranged along the riverbanks are charming small towns little changed for centuries.

After lunch aboard, arrive in the quaint Moselle town of Cochem. Take a walking tour of the city and visit imposing Reichsburg Castle. Dine aboard; you can take an evening stroll if you like before we lift anchor. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Trier

Enjoy lovely, unspoiled scenery-rolling, emerald-green hills dotted with charming villages-as we cruise along the Moselle River this morning toward Trier. After lunch, you have a tour of Trier, Germany's oldest city. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Dine aboard; we remain docked in Trier tonight so you can take an evening stroll in town if you like. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Trier

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in romantic Paris, France. (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Please note, Viking can only offer air to guests traveling from the U.S. or Canada.