Day 1 ARRIVE PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC

After checking into your hotel, the day is yours to relax or to begin exploring this charming city on your own.

 

Day 2 PRAGUE

Your morning’s sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 1,000 year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before walking over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps to visit Wenceslas Square or enjoy yourself in one of the city’s many charming cafes. (B)

 

Day 3 PRAGUE – NUREMBERG, GERMANY – EMBARKATION

After breakfast, depart Prague and drive through the pastoral German countryside to Nuremberg. Enjoy some free time for lunch on your own in one of the city’s charming cafés. Afterwards, join a panoramic tour of Nuremberg, with its fabulous Gothic churches and impressive city walls. See the infamous zeppelin field where Hitler once held his Nazi Party rallies and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Late this afternoon, you will board your luxurious ship and meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. The ship departs tonight for Bamberg. (B,D)

 

Day 4 BAMBERG

This morning you will arrive in the medieval town of Bamberg a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembark for a guided walking tour of this medieval gem and see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions before stopping to sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer. Continue your cruise early this afternoon. You will have free time after arriving in Schweinfurt tonight. The ship sails for Kitzingen overnight. (B,L,D)

 

Day 5 KITZINGEN – WÜRZBURG

This morning you will arrive in Kitzingen for a walking tour. You’ll see the famous Leaning Tower, built during the 13th century, the Old Main Bridge, Kitzingen Church and the Renaissance Town Hall. Later, the Aulic Council and Wine Queen will welcome you to one of Germany’s oldest wine cellars, where you will taste several different wines and learn about the history of wine production in the region. Or choose a more active option an join the Kitzingen bike tour. This afternoon’s guided tour of Würzburg will show you all of the city’s major sights as well as the Residenz Palace and gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. We cruise overnight tonight to Wertheim. (B,L,D)

 

Day 6 WERTHEIM

Welcome to Wertheim, a quaint German town known for its intricate glassworks and charming medieval architecture. You have your choice of one of three excursions today. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic city center, a guided bike tour along the Main River, or visit a local bakery for a Pretzel-making demonstration and tasting. After lunch, the ship will cruise towards Mainz. (B,L,D)

 

Day 7 MAINZ – RÜDESHEIM – KOBLENZ

This morning arrive in Mainz after breakfast and choose one of three excursions. Your first option is a guided walking tour of Mainz to see the famous Chagall stained-glass windows, which depict scriptural scenes in stunning blue. Your second option is to travel by motor coach to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town, where you will tour the old town and visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon wine cask) as well as enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and the city below. Or, for your third option, join the Tastes of the Rheinhesse region tour to sample savory sausages, cheese and breads. Later, stop in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or you may choose to join us for some Rüdesheimer Coffee. From Rüdesheim, cruise towards Koblenz through the Rhine River gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock. After dinner, join a walking tour of Koblenz and explore its charming town square and quaint shops. Later this evening the ship cruises overnight towards Cochem. (B,L,D)

 

Day 8 COCHEM – ZELL

Wake up this morning in Cochem, a fairytale village surrounded by scenic vineyards. Walk along narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses and enjoy a guided tour of Reichsburg Castle situated high above the town. From the castle’s grounds, you’ll have a spectacular view of the river. As an alternative, visit the Cochem Mustard Mill, one of Europe’s oldest working mustard mills producing. It produces various types of mustard – one of which is from a 15th-century monastic recipe. Enjoy a guided tour and learn about the history of the mill, see how mustard is made and sample some of Chochem’s famous mustard. You may also opt to take a guided bike tour (capacity controlled) through the region’s incredible landscape. Early this afternoon, the ship will cruise past hillside vineyards en route to Zell, arriving early evening. The town’s Mayor and Wine Queen will be on hand to warmly welcome you to a memorable wine festival. The ship moors overnight in Zell. (B,L,D)

 

Day 9 ZELL – TRIER

The ship arrives mid-afternoon in Trier, Germany’s oldest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site This area is renowned for its rich ancient Roman past, and your guided tour will include such sights as the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths, Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate that dates back to 180 A.D. Alternatively, join a bike tour to see Trier’s historical center before cycling along the river bank path towards Senheim. This evening, the ship cruises towards the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. (B,L,D)

 

Day 10 LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARKATION – PARIS, FRANCE

This morning, bid farewell to the ship. Guests continuing on to Paris set off on a scenic transfer to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. En route, you will stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of Gen. George Patton. Later, you will enjoy a walking tour of Luxembourg and have free time for lunch on your own before boarding a TGV high-speed train to Paris. Arrive mid-afternoon and check in to your hotel. (B)

 

Day 11 PARIS

Today, you’ll visit Notre Dame and then enjoy some free time to explore the “City of Light.” Afterwards, you’ll see some of the most famous sights on a panoramic city tour, followed by a photo stop at Champs de Mars for views of the Eiffel Tower. (B)

 

Day 12 PARIS

Your last day in the “City of Light” is free for you to enjoy however you wish. (B)

 

Day 13 DEPART PARIS

Bid au revoir to Paris as you prepare for your homeward journey. (B)