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.
Day 1 Prague
Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, enjoy free time to explore this beautiful city-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented.
Day 2 Prague
This morning, tour this "City of a Hundred Spires." A guided walk takes you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. Then, travel to Hradcany for a guided tour inside Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure; see the Town Hall's intricate 15th-century Astronomical Clock, or discover the city's vibrant Jewish heritage in the Josefov Quarter. (B)
Day 3 Nuremberg
This morning, stop in Pilsen for some free time on the way to Nuremberg. On a city tour of Nuremberg, see the former Nazi parade grounds, the Palace of Justice and the Old Town area before embarking your ship. Your evening is free as we set sail. (B, D)
Day 4 Bamberg
Arrive early in Bamberg, founded in 902. Bamberg's Old Town area is so beautifully preserved that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walking tour past baroque patrician houses, then take time to explore or perhaps sample the town's famous locally brewed smoky beer, Rauchbier. Lunch aboard before we depart this afternoon and begin cruising through the 106-mile-long Main-Danube Canal. Comprising 16 locks, the canal goes from Bamberg on the Main to Kelheim on the Danube. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Wurzburg
Disembark in Wurzburg, a Franconian wine town, and tour the Bishops' Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace with many paintings and frescoes. After lunch on board, enjoy some free time in Wurzburg- or you may choose to participate in an optional excursion to the charming medieval town of Rothenburg. Back on board, dine and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Miltenberg
After breakfast, you have a guided walking tour of Miltenberg, a historic Bavarian town known for its half-timbered houses, including Zum Riesen, one of the oldest inns in Germany. Take the afternoon to further explore this charming destination on your own; visit Mildenburg Castle or the town museum, or just wander through the Old Town area. Lunch and dinner are served aboard.
Or, take an optional full-day excursion 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 for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Rudesheim
Enjoy morning cruising along the mighty Rhine River and a delightful introduction to Rudesheimer coffee. Arrive in Rudesheim midafternoon; your tour features the Niederwald Monument, high above the river. You have time at leisure to enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops that line Rudesheim's Drosselgasse-as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dine aboard and remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Cochem
Cruise this morning through the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine, lined with castles on both sides. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch aboard, arrive in the quaint Moselle town of Cochem. Take a walking tour of the city and visit imposing Reichsburg Castle. Dine aboard; you can take an evening stroll if you like before we lift anchor. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Trier
Enjoy lovely, unspoiled scenery as we cruise along the Moselle River toward Trier. After lunch, you have a tour of Trier, Germany's oldest city. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Dine aboard. We remain docked here tonight so you may wish to take an evening stroll in town. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Trier, Luxembourg & Paris
Disembark in Trier this morning. Travel to Luxembourg where you visit the American Cemetery and pay homage to the many soldiers 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 get lunch before continuing to Paris. Arrive in Paris, the romantic capital of France, and check in to your hotel, the Crowne Plaza Paris Republique, for a 2-night stay. Your evening is free to explore and dine on your own. (B)
Day 11 Paris
Today's tour begins with a drive along the Champs Elysees, 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. (B)
Day 12 Paris
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your trip with 2 additional nights in romantic Paris. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises. Please note, Viking can only offer air to guests traveling from the U.S. or Canada.
