
Discover the heart of Romantic Europe from Paris all the way to Vienna!
From the dynamic cities of Paris, Vienna, and Frankfurt to the glorious scenic stretches of the Moselle, Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, to the picturesque postcard villages along the way, you'll discover the heart of Europe.
Enjoy two nights in the "City of Lights," Paris, before setting sail along four of Europe's most beautiful rivers. Delight in the astounding beauty of the Wachau Valley, and marvel at a variety of architectural styles to be found in just one region-and often in a single building, such as archetypal medieval cities of Nuremberg, Regensburg and Rothenberg, the imposing 900-year-old baroque Melk abbey, and Passau's beautiful baroque cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ in Europe.
Celebrate the wine and food of the region. The Moselle and Wachau Valley's Rieslings; Vienna's delectable pastries and distinctive coffee, and Germany's hearty beers and sausages. Discover the romance of Paris and the music of Vienna. Open your heart to the "heart of Europe" on unforgettable cruise.
Who will enjoy this cruise: Romantics, of course. Delight in the splendor of Paris, the charm of fairytale villages, the magnificence of castles and cathedrals, and the haunting beauty of Viennese waltzes and cathedral sonatas.
Day 1:
Depart home gateway city to ViennaDay 2:
Vienna (embark)Day 3:
ViennaFeatured Excursion: Vienna City Tour
Day 4:
Cruising the scenic Wachau Valley, MelkCruise the scenic, vineyard-rich Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape representing one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. Then tour Melk's 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube.The views from the terrace are spectacular, but the splendid frescos, marble, and gilded plasterworkand of its interior will be the true highlight of your visit.and (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey
Day 5:
PassauPassau boasts a delightful layer of Italian-style on quintessential German foundations. Explore the well-preserved town on your guided walking tour.and Visit St. Stephan's Cathedral, home to Europe's largest pipe organ, where you'll hear a magnificent organ recital. (BB, L, D) Note: Concert not available before 5/2, after 10/31, or on Sundays.
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour and St. Stephan's organ concert
Day 6:
Deggendorf (Theresienthal)After taking a scenic drive through the Natureand Reserve of the Bavarian Forest, marvel at theand amazing glass collection exhibited in the Theresienthal Glass Museum. Experience the artand of glass-making firsthand during a visit to a nearby glass workshop, and follow the glass from the oven to the cooling station while learning about the extraordinary history of Theresienthal. Cap the dayand off with a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride through the Bavarian Forest. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Bavarian forest horse-drawn carriage ride, and visit to a glass museum and workshop in Theresienthal
Day 7:
RegensburgRegensburg, one of the finest Medieval towns inEurope, captures 2,000 years of living historyand with outstandingmanmade monuments like theand 12th-century Stone Bridge and the toweringGothic cathedral. Your walking tour takes you past the architecturaltreasures of Old Town as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter with itsmagnificent 14th-century stained glass windows. Genuine Bavarianhospitality adds to the vibrant mix of art and culture in this UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour
Day 8:
Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, NurembergAfter cruising parts of the impressive Main-Danube Canal, visit Nuremberg, an archetypal German Medieval city encircled by mighty defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. Birthplace of Albrecht Dürer and famous for its pocket watches, the city also held the astounding War Crimes Trials after WWII. Discover the sights of Nuremberg during your panoramic tour before exploring its walled Old Town on foot. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour
Day 9:
NurembergDay 10:
BambergStroll through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg with your guide. See the unique town hall, the Imperial Cathedral, and the fishermen's village known as Little Venice. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Bamberg walking tour
Day 11:
Würzburg (Rothenburg)Travel along parts of the “Romantic Road” to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved Medieval town in Germany. The old city walls still stand, protecting the charming core of Gothic churches and gabled houses from intruders. Climb the Town Hall Tower for great views over the city and the Tauber valley. (BB, D)
Featured Excursion: Full-day tour of Rothenburg
Day 12:
MiltenbergVisit historic Miltenberg, a charming Medieval village with fairytale half-timbered houses, a Crooked House, and Royal Inn, which has been serving meals since the 17th century. Take in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery along the meandering Main River as you relax onboard in the afternoon. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour
Day 13:
Frankfurt, RüdesheimYour tour of dynamic Frankfurt takes you through the financial hub with its imposing skyline and past Old Town, Goethe University, and the Botanical Gardens. Then you'll explore the historic area around Römer Square on foot, passing St. Paul's Church and many picturesque gabled houses. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Frankfurt city tour
Day 14:
Rüdesheim, cruising the romantic Rhine, KoblenzAmble through Koblenz's picturesque streets while your local expert explains the town's history and importance in the region. Later in the day, cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage-designated romantic Rhine with its more than 40 castles and famous Lorelei Rock. Enjoy leisure time in Rüdesheim, a celebrated wine town, during the evening. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Koblenz walking tour
Day 15:
Traben-Trarbach, BernkastelDiscover Bernkastel's 500-plus years of winemaking history with its historic vineyards and delightful market squares. After a scenic cruise past the Moselleand region's vine-filled slopes and picturesque villages, discover the romantic twin town of Traben-Trarbach, where treasures of Art Nouveau architecture pay tribute to the wealthy 19th-century wine merchants. Afterward, savor delectable Riesling wines from local vineyards. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner) Note: The wine experience will take place in Bernkastel on the reverse direction cruise (Nuremberg to Paris).
Featured Excursion: Bernkastel walking tour, Traben-Trarbach walking tour and wine experience
Day 16:
Trier (disembark), transfer to ParisTravel by motorcoach from Trier to Paris where you'll board the ship. Your afternoon tour of Germany's oldest city, also called the second Rome, showcases the impressive Roman gate Porta Nigra, and Emperor Constantine's throne room, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (BB, D)
Featured Excursion: Trier city tour
Day 17:
ParisWe begin our city tour with a drive up the grand boulevard Champs-Élysèes, passing the Arc de Triomphe. We'll stop for a photo opportunity at the Eiffel Tower before continuing to Place Vendôme, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. We'll then go to Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard, and Luxembourg Gardens, where weand will see a slice of daily Parisian life as well as view Bartholdi's model for the Statue of Liberty. (BB)
Featured Excursion: Paris city tour
Day 18:
Paris, transfer to the airportTransfer to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home.