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 in historic Prague.
All local TaxesDetailed Itinerary
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, the Opera, La Madeleine, Les 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, PARIS
Enjoy a full free day to explore the amazing "City of Lights," where romance fills the air. Stroll along Les Champs Elysees, 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 - EMBARKATION - TRIER, GERMANY
Say "Au Revoir" to Paris as you drive through the scenic French countryside of Champagne to Luxembourg. Luxembourg is 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. Continue on to Trier for brief overview of town before embarking the ship. Tonight, gather onboard for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
DAY 6, BERNKASTEL - ZELL
After breakfast, 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." Experience the hospitality of Zell with a visit by the Mayor and Wine Queens. Enjoy a wine tasting as you are treated to a special performance by the Black Cats. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, COCHEM - KOBLENZ - RHINE CASTLES - RUDESHEIM
Decide between a guided tour of hilltop Reichsburg Castle, which offers fascinating views of the river valley, then drive to Koblenz. Or cruise to Koblenz which is situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers for a guided walking tour of the city. Enjoy scenic cruising during lunch, as you cruise along the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine, seeing castle after castle and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rudesheim and 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 Rudesheim. (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 travel to Frankfurt by bus for a tour of the historic "Romer" center. Or, travel by motorcoach to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, enjoy gorgeous views of the Neckar Valley below, and see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 8th-century wine cask. Later this afternoon, return to Frankfurt, where the remainder of the day is free for you to explore. The ship moors overnight in Frankfurt. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, MILTENBERG
Arrive in Wertheim and travel by motorcoach to Miltenberg for a guided morning walking tour of this old Franconian town, which reveals narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. Return to Wertheim this afternoon for some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, 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 16thcentury 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, BAMBERG
Arrive in Hassfurt, located on the Main River, and travel by motorcoach to enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Enjoy a guided walking tour of this medieval gem and see the breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city's serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. Rejoin the ship in Hassfurt and continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, 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, 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, PRAGUE DEPARTURE
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B)
