Cities of Light 2011 (Paris to Prague)

Day 1: Paris

Arrive in Paris, the romantic capital of France. We meet you at the Charles de Gaulle airport and transfer you to your hotel for a 2-night stay.* After check-in, enjoy free time to explore this exciting city—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. 

Day 2: Paris
Today’s tour begins with a drive along the Champs Elysées, past the Arc de Triomphe to the world-famous Louvre. The remainder of the day is free to see more of Paris—visit a museum, explore Montmartre or take a moonlit cruise along the Seine River. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B) 

Day 3: Paris, Luxembourg & Trier
Today, visit the Luxembourg American Cemetery and pay homage to the many Americans who lost their lives during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. See the city of Luxembourg on a guided city tour and continue to Trier to embark your ship. Dinner is served aboard. (B, D) 

Day 4: Trier & Bernkastel
Take a morning tour of Trier, Germany’s oldest city, set on the banks of the Moselle River. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Lunch aboard as we depart. Enjoy scenic cruising along the Moselle this afternoon; we dock in Bernkastel around dinnertime. After your evening meal, you can take a walk through cobblestone streets of this charming town, or join an optional wine-tasting excursion in this famous wine region. (B, L, D) 

Day 5: Cochem & Koblenz
A walking tour takes you through the quaint Moselle town of Cochem. Then, visit imposing Reichsburg Castle. Eat lunch while cruising the scenic Moselle to Koblenz, arriving in the late afternoon. Explore the cobbled streets and cafés of of Koblenz, or sample wines from this famous region during an optional wine-tasting excursion. (B, L, D) 

Day 6: Rüdesheim
Today you find yourself cruising through the storied Middle Rhine, lined with medieval castles, historic towns and vineyards—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for a tour of Marksburg Castle, the region’s best-preserved, then continue cruising to Rüdesheim. Take free time to enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops lining Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse, or take an optional wine-tasting excursion. (B, L, D) 

Day 7: Mainz
Cruise into Mainz during breakfast, then disembark for a guided city walk and a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. Founded in 1900—500 years after the birth of Johannes Gutenberg—the museum covers the history of the printed word and displays many beautiful books and fascinating printing technologies, including a replica of Gutenberg’s workshop. Return aboard for lunch and scenic Main River cruising. (B, L, D) 

Day 8: Heidelberg
Today’s full-day excursion takes you to Heidelberg, an ancient city that is home to Germany’s oldest university. Tour the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, originally built in the 12th century but twice destroyed by lightning. A guided walk through Heidelberg’s Old Town and marketplace is included, as is lunch is in a local restaurant. Return to your ship and enjoy a glassblowing demonstration on board. (B, L, D) 

Day 9: Würzburg
Disembark in Karlstadt and take a half-day excursion to the charming Franconian wine town of Würzburg where you tour the Bishops’ Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace with many paintings and frescoes. Take more time in Würzburg this afternoon, or join an optional journey along the Romantic Road to the walled medieval village of Rothenburg. Your ship meets you in Würzburg; dine aboard. (B, L, D) 

Day 10: Würzburg & Prague
Disembark after breakfast and ride to the Czech Republic capital of Prague. Check in to your hotel for a 2-night stay and take some free time to begin exploring the city. (B) 

Day 11: Prague
This morning, tour this “City of a Hundred Spires.” A guided walk takes you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. After the tour, take the rest of the day to explore; see the Town Hall’s intricate 15th-century Astronomical Clock, spend time in Wenceslaus Square, visit one of Prague’s many museums or explore the Josefov Quarter to discover the city’s Jewish heritage. (B) 

Day 12: Prague
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Prague. Tour the famed Prague Castle, see the landmark Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and discover more of this beautiful city. (B)

This 12-day journey includes two nights each in two of Europe’s most glorious cities, Paris and Prague—plus a scenic river cruise along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers. Drink in the picturesque landscape of vineyard-clad hillsides and sample fine German appellations in the villages of this famous wine-producing region. Discover the romance of Paris and its many historic landmarks. And fall in love with the graceful architecture of Prague, home to countless spires and a vibrant cultural scene.            

• Daily Shore Excursions
• 10 included guided tours
• Most meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 7 dinners 
• Port Charges 
• Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges & Transfers with purchase of airfare

Cruise: A standard cabin onboard the Viking Fontane

Pre-Extension: Paris
2-night pre-extension in Paris - $449 per person

Arrive in Paris early and immerse yourself in the romance of France’s capital. Visit the Louvre, stroll along the Champs Elysées, ascend the Eiffel Tower for breathtaking views. Two nights at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel (or similar), daily breakfasts and the services of a Viking host are included. 

Post-Extension: Prague
2-night post-extension in Prague - $449 per person

Give yourself more time in Prague, the “City of a Hundred Spires.” Your centrally located hotel allows you to explore the city’s many landmarks on your own. Two nights at the Hilton Prague (or similar) and daily breakfasts are included, along with the services of a Viking host.

• *Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more details.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Whenever air-inclusive prices are displayed, these prices do not include government taxes and fees, which are additional. Air prices are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Air-inclusive prices include air from a major U.S. gateway; air from other U.S. airports is available at an additional cost. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package, at the price quoted.