Arrive in Frankfurt this morning and transfer to our exclusively chartered riverboat, the 102-passenger Switzerland II. Enjoy a light lunch buffet aboard ship before venturing out into the city, set along the banks of the Main River. Frankfurt is a city full of contrasts, a fascinating blend of bustling metropolis and tranquil village. We will explore both aspects of Frankfurt this afternoon on our tour that includes the city's traditional heart, Römerberg in Altstadt, and lovely Sachsenhausen's quaint old houses, narrow alleys, and cider taverns.

This evening, enjoy the captain's welcome aboard reception and dinner as we sail toward Miltenberg.

Miltenberg is a sleepy, medieval town renowned for its picturesque architecture. Attractively situated under a steep wooded hill crowned by a castle, the town dates its charter from 1237, but it was actually settled by the Romans centuries earlier. You will have time at leisure this morning to explore this enchanting place on your own. Don't miss the charming Marktplatz centered around a Renaissance-era fountain and surrounded by bright, fragrant flowers. Flanking the colorful marketplace are Miltenberg's famous half-timbered houses and one of the oldest inns in Germany, the Haus zum Reisen.

Continue your leisurely cruise along the Main River this afternoon, and tie up in Wertheim for overnight.

Spend a relaxing day gliding past the tranquil landscapes that border the Main River, and take advantage of the Switzerland II's spacious sun deck, which runs almost the entire length of the ship. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Panorama Bar, a spacious area lined by windows that offer wonderful views of the scenic countryside. As we approach Würzburg, the austere medieval fortress of Marienberg looms into sight, situated high on a towering cliff. Lush vineyards cascade down the slopes from the fortress to the delightful town below. We'll go ashore here for a pleasant evening of wine tasting and dinner at Würzburg's well-known Juliusspital restaurant. Regional specialties -- such as Franconian sauerbraten, spaetzle, and Bavarian cream with raspberry sauce -- will satisfy even the heartiest appetites, while the choice of five different wines to savor will entice you.

Surrounded by mellow hillside vineyards, Würzburg is both an old Episcopal see and a vivacious modern university city. Art, culture, and the fine wines of Franconia are all important elements of its appeal. We will enjoy the relaxed southern atmosphere of this carefree city, as well as its cultural and historical landmarks during a morning tour that includes a visit to the Residenz, considered one of Europe's finest baroque palaces; and to Old Town, with its enchanting network of architectural masterpieces from many different periods.

Our motorcoach will continue to nearby Rothenburg, where you'll find a grand cathedral, rows of quaint half-timbered houses, a lively farmers' market, and a famous Christmas store -- all connected by narrow, cobblestone streets that converge like the spokes of a wheel into the market square. The tour includes lunch and a stop at the 14th-century St. Jakobs-Kirche which features a masterful representation of Christ's Passion. While in Rothenburg, you'll have time for a stroll through the Plönlein -- the prettiest section of town -- or the famous Christmas store, tucked away among medieval shops. Rejoin the ship in Gerlachshausen and relax over dinner as we cruise to Volkach.

Relax this morning as we cruise through the beautiful landscapes that border the Main en route to ancient Bamberg. One of Germany's most captivating river towns, Bamberg is an imperial and episcopal city first mentioned in A.D. 902. We will tour this medieval jewel, visiting the town's imposing cathedral, which features the impressive Furstenportal (Prince's Door) and Bamberger Reiter, an exquisite collection of baroque porcelain and glazed earthenware. Continuing down narrow lanes, we'll visit Old Town Hall, which straddles the Main, then stop for a refreshing taste of rauchbier (smoky beer) and a pretzel at Restaurant Katzenbuckel before returning to the ship, now docked here in Bamberg.

Famous as the site where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946, Nürnberg today is the capital of Franconia and one of Bavaria's loveliest cities. It is renowned for its well-known Christmas Market and for churches that boast fantastically valuable artworks that were hidden and, thus, preserved during the bombing raids of World War II. Our morning tour takes us to the Justice Palace; where the Nürnberg Trials took place; and Kaiserburg, the castle where nearly all the German emperors from the 12th to the 16th centuries held court. Art connoisseurs and toy buffs may want to spend some time at leisure, visiting the home of artist Albrecht Dürer or the city's famous Toy Museum.

Back aboard the Switzerland II this evening, enjoy a delicious dinner as we cruise toward Roth where we will overnight.

Spend the morning cruising through the spectacular Altmuehl Valley and along the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, a complex set of locks that raises our ship to the highest point of any commercial waterway in Europe. Arrive in Riedenburg for an afternoon visit to Prunn Castle, a perfect example of a medieval knight's castle. Along the way, enjoy the scenic beauty of the hidden valleys and broad hills of the Altmuehl Valley; one of the loveliest regions in southern Franconia, it is largely undiscovered by non-Germans. After touring Prunn Castle, stop at the Essing Wooden Wave Bridge -- the longest wooden bridge in Europe -- before returning to the ship and sailing for Regensburg on the Danube River. After dinner on board, a Bavarian duo will enliven our evening with musical entertainment in the ship's lounge.

An undisturbed gem along the Danube River, Regensburg showcases relics from its long and ancient history. The Romans settled here in A.D. 179, and the city's Roman, medieval, and later landmarks -- 1,400 in all -- miraculously escaped the fate of carpet bombing during World War II. Here, as nowhere else in Germany, you can witness the full spectrum of history from the Roman to the Carolingian era.

We'll absorb the ambience of this lovely city on a walking tour of Old Town, which begins with a breathtaking view of the 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (stone bridge). At Dom St. Peter, considered one of Bavaria's most important cathedrals, view exquisite reliquaries, chalices, crosses, and vestments. Pass the porta praetoria -- the northern gate of the former Roman citadel -- before visiting the bishop's palace, the Alter Kornmarkt (old corn market), and the Herzogshof -- residence of the Bavarian dukes since A.D. 988. Along the way, view the patrician tower-houses in Old Town, which are as visually and architecturally arresting as the Regensburgians are friendly and unspoiled. Our tour ends with a "must" for visitors to this ancient river town -- roasted bratwurst and sauerkraut enhanced with Handlmaier's Susser Hausmachersenf, the world's best sweet mustard, served at Historische Wurstkuchl -- Regensburg's oldest restaurant.

Your afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring this delightful town. Oskar Schindler lived in the city for years, and you may wish to visit one of his houses, which now bears a plaque honoring his recently celebrated accomplishments. This evening, on board the Switzerland II, join your fellow travelers at the captain's farewell reception and dinner.

Disembark the Switzerland II this morning, and travel along a scenic route to charming Munich. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, viewing such landmarks as the State Opera House, the royal residence, and the Parliament buildings before ending at Marienplatz in the city center, with its famous Glockenspiel. Lunch at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Viktualienmarkt -- an open market where you can partake of all sorts of food and drink or people-watch. This afternoon, explore more of Munich on your own, or relax in the attractive environment of the Bayerischer Hof Hotel -- your home-away-from-home for the next three days.

Sample the cuisine of Bavaria during dinner at leisure tonight. The concierge staff will be happy to help you with recommendations and reservations.

We'll journey through the heart of the Bavarian Alps today on a drive to Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled high above the Pollat Gorge. From a distance, the ostentatious castle appears to have been plucked from a fairy tale. The most photographed of Germany's castles, Neuschwanstein was built by King Ludwig II -- known as "Mad King Ludwig" because of his romantic and outlandish visions, many of which were brought to life in the castles he built. After 17 years of construction, work on Neuschwanstein ceased when King Ludwig died in 1886; part of the interior remains incomplete.

Next, travel to the medieval village of Oberammergau, renowned for its wood carving and also for its Passion Play, performed by the villagers every 10 years in loyalty to a pact made by their ancestors during the Middle Ages. In return for deliverance from the Black Death plague, the villagers promised to perform a play depicting the events associated with the Passion of Jesus. Discover this delightful town during a walking tour followed by a hearty Bavarian lunch at a local restaurant. Return to Munich for an evening at leisure.

You will have a full day at leisure to enjoy Munich and its nearby environs on your own. You may wish to visit the Schwabing District with its bohemian atmosphere and eclectic shops. Tonight, join your fellow adventurers for a farewell reception and traditional Bavarian dinner in the Cellar Restaurant of the Bayerischer Hof Hotel.

Following breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the United States. Upon arrival, connect with the flight to your home city.