NUREMBERG, BAMBERG, WURZBURG, MILTENBERG, AND FRANKFURT
Discover where Christmas markets originated with this journey to Germany. Cruise down the Main River and visit colorfully lit markets filled with holiday treats from the most popular markets in Germany like Nuremberg’s market famous for its gingerbread and sausages to Frankfurt’s market, which dates back to 1393 and is the country’s largest market. We’ll also visit Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its manger displays, and Wurzburg where we can sample Christmas cookies, roasted almonds, and traditional “Gluehwein”, a famous hot spiced red wine. We’ll also explore the highlights of these Bavarian towns during our walking tours, savor the local cuisine, and enjoy scenic cruising sprinkled with onboard musical entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and so much more!
For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our Before You Depart section.
Did you know that you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options for groups of 10 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- Overnight international flight
- 6-night cruise through Germany:
- Nuremberg
- Bamberg
- Wurzburg
- Miltenberg
- Frankfurt
Tour
Highlights
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) (passengers may also book this tour without flights)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- 6-night cruise aboard the MS Crucevita
- Ground transportation in air-conditioned motor coach
- 17 meals: 6 buffet breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners
- 2 glasses of wine, beer, or soda with dinner onboard
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours including admission fees as indicated in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking Cruise Manager and local English-speaking guides throughout
Tour Itinerary A - Nuremberg to Frankfurt
Day 1: Depart USA
Day 2: Arrive in Nuremberg
Day 3: Nuremberg
Day 4: Bamberg
Day 5: Wurzburg
Day 6: Miltenberg
Day 7: Frankfurt
Day 8: Frankfurt/USA
Tour Itinerary B - Frankfurt to Nuremberg
Day 1: Depart USA
Day 2: Arrive in Frankfurt
Day 3: Frankfurt
Day 4: Miltenberg
Day 5: Wurzburg
Day 6: Bamberg
Day 7: Nuremberg
Day 8: Nuremberg/USA
Guided Tour Pricing
We are working diligently to secure future tour dates and pricing for this itinerary. Please fill out the "Request a Future Date" form linked below and we will notify you once dates are available.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Culinary Tour of Bamberg
Featured Accommodations
MS Crucevita
Before You Depart
COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented some COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.
Returning to the U.S.: In accordance with U.S. entry requirements, smarTours will arrange testing for the group in destination. Full details and requirements can be accessed here. More details including cost will be added when available.
Note: If you are traveling with us on a land-only basis please share your travel plans with us and let us know if you will also need to be tested with the rest of the group.
Please note entry requirements are changing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.
- Entry requirements
- State Department Travel Advisory Updates (Germany)
- Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (Germany)
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your flights from New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport) to Germany and back to New York (John F. Kennedy Airport) are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive in JFK at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure.
| Departure Date | Airport | Airline | Depart | Return |
| 2020: Dec. 9 | New York (JFK) | Lufthansa Airlines / Swiss Airlines | 10:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| 2020: Dec. 15 | New York (JFK) | Swiss Airlines / Lufthansa Airlines | 9:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 2020: Dec. 21 | New York (JFK) | Lufthansa Airlines | 10:00 PM | 3:45 PM |
Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Please note that flight times are always subject to change.
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
Lufthansa does not assign seats in advance. Please note that smarTours is not involved with your seat assignment. It is between you and the airline! Seat assignments can only be arranged upon check-in at the airport.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon ship embarkation on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on our tour page. Land-Only services end after breakfast on the boat on Day 8 of the itinerary listed on our tour page.Please be sure to schedule your departure flight in the afternoon to accommodate disembarkation.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. A visa is not required for American passport holders. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instruction and some additional travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
In December you can expect daytime highs in the upper 30s with nighttime lows in the upper 20s. Please note it is wintertime and many walks will be outside so please pack and dress accordingly.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency. You can either exchange U.S. Dollars into local currency in advance of your trip, or you may use your debit card to withdraw local currency from an ATM. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) maximum 44 pounds and one carry-on piece. Your carry-on must not exceed 18″x10″x8″. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.