Itinerary
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Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Day 1
The Experience:
Welcome to the vibrant city of Amsterdam!
Once you’ve cleared customs, you will be greeted by a Transcend Cruises representative and transferred to your floating boutique hotel, The Gentleman. Enjoy lunch onboard and spend the afternoon relaxing, recharging, and exploring the charming canals of this idyllic city at your own pace. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an exclusive performance onboard, followed by a Gala Reception and Welcome Dinner. Savor gourmet dishes curated by renowned Chef Todd Erickson and set the tone for the fantastic journey ahead.
Bonn, Germany
Day 2
The Experience:
Bonn, located at the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, used to be the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany. However, it is also a gem for classical music lovers. We’ll start with a visit to the Schumann Haus, where you’ll gain insights into Robert Schumann’s life and works. Next, visit Beethoven Haus, Ludwig van Beethoven’s birthplace(December 1770), and enjoy a special performance that brings his legacy to life. Spend the day surrounded by history and music, immersing yourself in the stories of these great composers.
Koblenz, Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim | Germany
Day 3
The Experience:
Koblenz is a fascinating town over 2,000 years old. It grew at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. The German Corner marks the spot with a famous monument to Emperor William II.
This former trading settlement rests on a massif of the Middle Rhine Highlands. Its cobblestone streets, wood-beamed houses adorned with flowers, ancient market square, and medieval churches recall the fairy-tale Germany of old. The famed Teutonic Knights set up their first base here in 1216. The Romanesque Basilica of St. Castor, Koblenz’s oldest building, dates to 836.
This morning, the South Florida Symphony’s biggest fans of Beethoven will have the opportunity to visit his mother’s home and archives in Koblenz. We’ll then visit the majestic Stolzenfels Castle, a stunning example of medieval architecture.
We’ll return to The Gentleman and depart Koblenz for a scenic Rhine Gorge sailing to Rüdesheim. As you sail its most picturesque stretch, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine, you will pass vineyard-blanketed hills whose steep slopes require vintners to pick grapes by hand, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Splendid castles line the banks, all of which have stories to share, and the Lorelei Rock presides at a dramatic curve in the river. This infamous river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet. This afternoon, we’ll rendezvous on The Gentleman’s Sun Deck for an incredible classical performance and champagne reception as we enjoy the passing scenery.
Upon arrival in Rüdesheim, enjoy time at leisure in these very friendly and walkable villages. Visit one of the many charming Weinstubes for a taste of the regional wines the region is known for before returning to the ship for dinner.
Mainz, Germany
Day 4
The Experience:
You will set off on foot accompanied by your expert guide and visit the town of Mainz. The Romans founded the capital of the Rhine Palatinate, Mainz, more than 2000 years ago. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the top architects and sculptors created the basic shape of the town, with fine palaces and churches. Here you can admire the magnificent historic houses which have been outstandingly well-restored. Located on the banks of the Rhine opposite the confluence of the Rhine with the Main, Mainz will captivate you with its incomparable lifestyle, unique charm, and openness to the world. You will be able to enter the magnificent Cathedral, whose construction began in 975 and has left a deep mark on the town’s history.
Finally, you will visit the Gutenberg Museum, the world’s finest museum for printing equipment, materials, and books. Born in Mainz around 1400, Johannes Gensfleisch Gutenberg prepared a copy of the Bible, referred to as “the 42-line Bible,” published in 1455 – the oldest printed book in the world. Out of the 46 copies still in existence, the museum has just one, along with a “Mainz Psalter”, the first ever document printed using three different colors of ink. The museum extends over five floors and provides a quite remarkable exhibition on the history of the book and written word in Europe and the world as a whole. Return on board on foot.
Wertheim | Germany
Day 5
The Experience:
Explore the picturesque town of Wertheim. Stroll through the charming streets with half-timbered houses, historic buildings, and vibrant local shops. Discover these towns’ rich history and culture, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscapes. This day offers a delightful mix of history, architecture, and local charm.
Wurzburg, Germany
Day 6
The Experience:
Sailing the Main River today is to experience quintessential Germany at its very best; a truly picture-postcard landscape of perfectly medieval villages with quaint timber-framed houses set against a backdrop of rolling hillsides dotted with ancient castles. This magical river quietly winds its way across Central Germany, over wide plains, and through lush valleys. As time wore on, it became a critical trade route for the expanding Empire, and even Charlemagne himself left his mark here, investing in canal construction and erecting the mighty 8th-century cathedral in Wurzburg.
After a lovely tour of the city with free time, we visit the Wurzburg Residence. It is a stunning Baroque palace and is considered one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. Now a museum, it is known for its ornate frescos, intricate stonework, and grand halls and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guests will enjoy a special private performance and reception featuring some of the finest regional wines after our tour.
Bamberg, Bayreuth | Germany
Day 7
The Experience:
Today, we reach the pinnacle of Symphony Sojourn with incredible history, architecture, food, wine, and classical music.
Your floating hotel takes you to Bamberg today, a well-preserved town that offers a fascinating glimpse of medieval times along the Main River. A pleasant city with a lively student population and a world-famous symphony orchestra, Bamberg was the center of economic and political life for a vast swath of Central Europe in the Middle Ages. Spared WWII bombing, the entire heart of historic Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval layout of the city remains intact, along with 2,000 historic buildings; it is yours to explore today. In the splendid late-Romanesque Imperial Cathedral, you will find the only papal tomb in Germany, that of Pope Clement II (who was the bishop of Bamberg before he became pope), as well as the tomb of Emperor Henry II (who established the bishopric). Near it is the magnificent Old Palace, the late-Gothic imperial residence (if you saw the 2011 3-D version of The Three Musketeers, you’ll recognize it immediately), which sits across from the New Residence, where the 17th-century prince-bishops lived, separated by a lovely rose garden. Cross the cobblestone footbridge to the Old Town Hall, adorned with colorful frescoes, and ramble along the narrow lanes lined with picturesque half-timbered houses.
Following lunch, we travel to Beyruth to visit the Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt Museums. We learn up close about the lives and legacies of these influential composers before returning to Bamberg. This evening, we celebrate the conclusion of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s inaugural Symphony Sojourn with an exclusive performance and champagne reception onboard, followed by a gala farewell dinner.
Nuremberg, Germany
Day 8
The Experience:
Following breakfast, we bid you farewell and provide airport transportation to the Munich International Airport (MUC) with memories of a remarkable cruise. If you’ve opted for the Prague post-cruise extension program, continue your adventure to Prague today with a private transfer this morning.
