Description:

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.

CITIES OF LIGHT

Day 1Paris

Arrive in Paris, the romantic capital of France. Transfer from the Charles de Gaulle airport 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 sailing the scenic Moselle to Koblenz, arriving in the evening during dinner. Explore the cobbled streets and cafés, or stay aboard and hear folk tales about the Moselle. (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 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 at a local restaurant. Return to your ship for dinner and departure. (B, L, D)

Day 8 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. Meet your ship in Würzburg and dine aboard; remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Bamberg

Cruise through the Main-Danube Canal to 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 and then take time to sample the town’s famous locally brewed smoky beer, Rauchbier. Dine aboard. Depart tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Nuremberg & Prague

Arrive in Nuremberg during breakfast and disembark for a morning tour of this Bavarian city. See Zeppelin Field, the former Nazi parade grounds and the Palace of Justice, historic home of the Nuremberg Trials. After lunch on your own, transfer to 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 proceed 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)

The following meals are included:

B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

*Transfers are not included. Let us know if you would like help arranging your airport transfers.