Those returning from Germany are singing the praises of the fascinating Rhine and the Mosel as the most scenic European rivers. Start your European vacation with a big splash in Paris before joining our cruise in Trier, the oldest city in Germany. You will be enchanted by the meandering Mosel Valley with Europe's steepest vineyards and the precious towns of Bernkastel, Zell and Cochem. Taste the Mosel vintages in cozy taverns, then sail through the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine with all its picturesque castles from Koblenz to charming Rudesheim. Enter the Main river with its quaint medieval towns of Miltenberg, Wertheim and Bamberg and sail through the Main-Danube Canal to historic Nuremberg before ending your journey ends in historic Prague.
All local Taxes Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Wed. DEPART USA.
Board your overnight flight to Paris.
Day 2, Thu. ARRIVE PARIS, FRANCE.
Time to rest or start exploring the city during the balance of the day.
Day 3, Fri. PARIS.
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, see the unique Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees 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, Sat. PARIS.
Enjoy a full free day to explore the amazing "City of Lights," where romance fills the air. Stroll along the Champs Elysees, the boutique-lined boulevards, or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the World's Fair of 1889. Paris at night offers unlimited possibilities for every taste. (B)
Day 5, Sun. PARIS - LUXEMBOURG - TRIER, GERMANY.
This morning say "Au Revoir" to Paris as you drive through the scenic French countryside of Champagne to Luxembourg, one of the last of hundreds of independent duchies which once made up western and central Europe. Today the Grand Duchy owes its importance to its role in international politics and banking. There is free time for lunch and a guided city tour before continuing to Trier and boarding the ship. Tonight gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
Day 6, Mon. BERNKASTEL - ZELL.
This morning, arrive in the charming village of 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, before continuing on to Zell, a delightful town famous for its wine "Zeller Schwarze Katz." (B,L,D)
Day 7, Tue. COCHEM - KOBLENZ - RHINE CASTLES -RUDESHEIM.
This morning, take the included excursion to Cochem, where a guided tour of hilltop Reichsburg Castle offers fascinating views of the river valley. Or, you may choose to take a cruise to Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers. This afternoon cruise along the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine. See castle after castle and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rudesheim, the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. (B,L,D)
Day 8, Wed. MAINZ - HEIDELBERG - FRANKFURT.
Today, you decide: Either disembark in Mainz and travel by motorcoach to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, seeing the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. Then there is a walking tour of old Heidelberg and free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon drive to Frankfurt, the bustling metropolis on the River Main, where you rejoin your ship. Or, you can enjoy a leisurely walking tour of charming Mainz, hometown of the famous printer. You will visit the Gutenberg Museum before taking a lunchtime cruise on the Main river to Frankfurt where you will have a guided walking tour of the historic city center "The Romer." (B,L,D)
Day 9, Thu. MILTENBERG - WERTHEIM.
Arrive in Miltenberg and disembark for a guided morning walking tour of this old Franconian town, which reveals narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. Shop for souvenirs before continuing to charming Wertheim for an interesting glass-blowing performance. Then, there is free time to browse the market square before re-boarding the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 10, Fri. WURZBURG.
Wurzburg, "the Pearl of the Romantic Road," is the capital of Lower Franconia, and a center of wine and trade. Visit the major sights including the magnificent Residenz Palace. This afternoon, you can join an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg. A walking tour helps you appreciate its ramparts and towers, cobbled lanes and 16th-century houses. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore on your own before returning to the ship in Wurzburg. (B,L,D)
Day 11, Sat. BAMBERG.
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising before you enter the Main-Danube Canal at enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem, with its uniquely intact townscape. Marvel at the breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city's serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. Late tonight arrive in Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
Day 12, Sun. NUREMBERG - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC.
After breakfast, 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. (B)
Day 13, Mon. 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 cafes or restaurants. (B)
Day 14, Tue. PRAGUE DEPARTURE.
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
