Those returning from Germany are singing the praises of the fascinating Rhine and the Moselle as the most scenic European rivers. Start your European vacation with a big splash in Paris before joining our cruise in Luxembourg, the capital of the Grand Duchy. You will be enchanted by the meandering Moselle Valley with Europe's steepest vineyards and the precious towns of Bernkastel, Zell and Cochem. Taste the Moselle vintages in cozy taverns, then sail through the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine with all its picturesque castles from Coblenz to charming Rudesheim. Enter the Main river with its quaint medieval towns Miltenberg, Wertheim and Bamberg and sail through the Main-Danube Canal to historic Nuremberg. Your journey ends in historic Prague, also called "the city of a hundred Spires".
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
DAY 1
DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Paris, France.
DAY 2
ARRIVE PARIS, FRANCE
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
DAY 3
PARIS
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during your morning guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, see the unique Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, La Madeleine, Les Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that the city has to offer. (B)
DAY 4
PARIS
Enjoy a full free day to explore the amazing "City of Lights," where romance fills the air. Stroll along Les Champs Elysées, the boutique-lined boulevards, or see the Eiffel Tower, built for the World's Fair of 1889. Paris at night offers unlimited possibilities for every taste. (B)
DAY 5
PARIS - LUXEMBOURG – REMICH - EMBARKATION.
Bid "Au Revoir" to Paris as you board your TGV high-speed train to Luxembourg, one of the last independent duchies that made up Western and Central Europe. Today the Grand Duchy is important because of its role in international politics and banking. You will have a guided tour of Luxembourg before transferring to your ship in Remich. Tonight, gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
DAY 6
TRIER - BERNKASTEL
After breakfast, arrive in the charming village of Trier, Germany’s oldest city, for a guided tour which will introduce you to the city’s rich Roman past. Continue to Bernkastel. Strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, Bernkastel boasts over 500 years of documented wine history. Take a guided walking tour through the old town center with its many medieval and Renaissance buildings. You will also enjoy a visit to the wine museum. (B,L,D)
DAY 7
COCHEM - KOBLENZ - RHINE CASTLES - RÜDESHEIM
Today, decide between an excursion to Cochem or to Koblenz. In Cochem, you will take a guided tour of the spectacular hilltop Reichsburg Castle, which offers fascinating views of the river valley. In the alternative, travel to Koblenz, an historic wine-growing town at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. There, you will visit the Koblenz Flower Show. This special event taking place through October features 120 acres of magnificent floral displays, exhibitions and events. Exhibit grounds include the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which you will visit. Later, enjoy scenic cruising along the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine, seeing castle after castle and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rüdesheim and take a mini train to visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum after dinner. Tonight, explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim. (B,L,D)
DAY 8
MAINZ - HEIDELBERG - FRANKFURT
Today, decide between two excursions: take a guided walking tour of beautiful Mainz and see the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world's first printed bible, then enjoy a lunchtime cruise to Frankfurt. In Frankfurt, you will have a walking tour of the city’s medieval section. In the alternative, travel by motor coach for an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town. Visit the red-walled Castle, enjoy gorgeous views of the Neckar Valley below, and see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask. You will also enjoy free time in Heidelberg. Later this afternoon, return to Frankfurt. (B,L,D)
DAY 9
MILTENBERG, WERTHEIM
Arrive in Miltenberg for a walking tour of this delightful old Franconian town with its narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. During lunch, the ship will cruise to Freudenberg. A motor coach tour will take you to Wertheim, where you will have free time to explore the town on your own or before boarding your ship for an overnight cruise to Würzburg. A guided bicycle tour of Wertheim is also available (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)
DAY 10
WÜRZBURG - KITZINGEN
During your guided tour, visit the magnificent Residenz Palace and see the major sights. This afternoon take an optional tour along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg, and visit its World Famous Christmas Museum. Or relax on board this afternoon as you cruise to Kitzingen. After dinner on board enjoy an evening walk and wine tasting in Kitzingen, Germany’s oldest wine cellar. (B,L,D)
DAY 11
BAMBERG
Arrive this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided walking tour of this medieval gem. Enjoy free time in Bamberg before you continue your cruise this evening to ancient Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. (B,L,D)
DAY 12
NUREMBERG - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC (DISEMBARK)
After breakfast, wave goodbye to the crew as you disembark the ship. Enjoy a guided morning tour of the historic city of Nuremberg with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant impressive walls. You will have some free time to explore the town on your own before transferring to Prague. Arrive in Prague late this afternoon. (B)
DAY 13,
PRAGUE
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard and St. Vitus, then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The evening is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafés or restaurants. (B)
DAY 14
PRAGUE DEPARTURE
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
PRICES FROM
From: $3,249 per person in double occupancy
FACTS
Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
2010 Departures: Sep 22, Oct 28
2011 Departures: May 2, May 10, June 27, Aug 2, Aug 22, Oct 17
2010 Reverse Itineraries Departures: Sep 16, Oct 28
2011 Reverse Itineraries Departures:Apr 21, May 24, July 19, July 27, Sep 13, Oct 19, Nov 3
Type of services: Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary; Use of Bicycles to explore on your own; Services of Professional Cruise Director
Highlights: Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner; Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
Travel documents: Please visit our “Visa Info” page to inquire if you need a travel visa for this tour. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain proper travel documents for this tour..
Inclusions: All ground transportation at the destination; lodging, meals and tours per itinerary; hotel taxes; 7-night Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom; Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner onboard the Ship; English-speaking assistance.
Not included: International and domestic airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
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