Eastbound
* Indicates cruise day

Day 1 - Welcome to Strasbourg
The newest of Tauck's Europe river cruises begins at 6:00 PM at the Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile. Transfers from Strasbourg International Airport to the Sofitel Strasbourg Grand Ile are included. Please join us to meet your Tauck Directors and fellow travelers at our welcome reception and dinner this evening. Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile, Strasbourg, France

Day 2 - Strasbourg old and new
Strasbourg has one foot firmly in the present and one foot rooted in the past. As the capital of the European Union, the EU Parliament district bustles with the in-the-moment business of modern-day government; see the impressive, modern Parliament buildings en route to the past this morning. Step into the medieval world of La Petite France - with its historic cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and meandering canals - during a walking tour with a local guide, and visit Strasbourg's 11th-century Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, once the tallest building in Europe. Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile, Strasbourg, France

* Day 3 - Authentically Alsace
Head out of town this morning for a drive along the famous Route des Vins d'Alsace (Alsatian Wine Road), through enchanting villages of France's Alsace region, and past endless terraced vineyards that produce the area's renowned white wines on the way to the picturesque town of Obernai. Here, you'll enjoy lunch in a former manor house, complete with local wines offering a true taste of the Alsace. Later, board the ms Swiss Sapphire to begin this most extraordinary of Europe river cruises along the Rhine. This evening, the Captain welcomes you aboard with a special reception in your honor. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire

* Day 4 - Good times in Baden-Baden
Set in the foothills of Germany's Black Forest, the spa town of Baden-Baden, with its healing waters, has been a popular destination since Roman times; its thermal springs have been known for over 2,000 years. The likes of Queen Victoria, Brahms, Napoleon III and Marlene Dietrich have wandered its streets, 'taken the waters' and played in its casino. After a walking tour during which you'll discover ruins of castles and Roman baths, visit the extravagantly beautiful Belle Epoque Casino, which has been the place to see and be seen for nobility and the elite for over 250 years. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire

* Day 5 - It happens in Heidelberg
A full-day excursion to Heidelberg showcases many facets of this intriguing city, which has been a happening place for students since the University of Heidelberg was founded in 1386. Take in the charm of Old Town during a guided walking tour revealing Gothic gates and walls, Renaissance and Baroque homes and palaces and life here in the 21st century. Ride a funicular up to the ruins of the famous Gothic-Renaissance castle, Heidelberger Schloss. Return to the ms Swiss Sapphire after lunch in a Heidelberg restaurant and some free time to explore the city on your own before you continue one of the most unique Europe river cruises along the River Main. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire

* Day 6 - Rollin' on the River Main
The opportunity to just kick back and relax is yours this morning as your riverboat glides down the Main River bound for Bavaria. Or, see what fun things your Tauck Directors have up their sleeves, work out in the fitness center or find something to challenge you on the on-board Wii game system. Spend the afternoon exploring Miltenberg, with its hilltop castle, lively market square and half-timbered houses. Bavaria comes aboard ms Swiss Sapphire this evening for a special dinner spotlighting this lovely area of Germany. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire

* Day 7 - Feel like royalty at Wurzburg's Residenz
By 1000 BC, the Celts had built a fortress, and in the 8th century, Charlemagne himself consecrated the cathedral that is the focal point of the historic and charming town of Wurzburg. About 90% of the town was destroyed in World War II and then painstakingly reconstructed by its citizens - most of them women. The magnificent Wurzburg Residenz, a beautiful complex of palaces begun in 1720 for the Wurzburg prince-bishops, was completed, start-to-finish, almost within a single generation. During a tour today, you'll see a magnificent sequence of rooms containing a wonderful array of paintings, tapestries, furniture and other 18-century treasures. Return to the Residenz this evening for a memorable dinner in its wine cellar, complete with a wine tasting and entertainment - a highlight of your riverboat cruise! Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire

* Day 8 - Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Spend the morning participating in the on-board activities offered by your Tauck Directors and gaining some new insights about this part of the Main River during your riverboat cruise to Bamberg; you can even listen to your Tauck Director's commentary in the comfort of your cabin! What the Alsace is to wine in France, the Franconia region of Germany is to beer. Following a walking tour of Bamberg's Old Town, you'll have a chance to sample the excellent local brews during a brewery tour and beer tasting. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire

* Day 9 - The Main-Danube Canal and historic Nurnberg
It wasn't until 1992 that the dream of linking the North Sea to the Black Sea, and making a riverboat cruise all the way from Holland to Romania possible, was realized with the completion of the Main-Danube Canal. A local expert will tell you all about it as ms Swiss Sapphire transits the canal this morning. After docking in Nurnberg, disembark for an orientation tour of this significant Bavarian city, perhaps best known for its role during and after World War II. But Nurnberg also has a fascinating medieval heart, as you'll discover on a walking tour following lunch and special entertainment at a local restaurant. Celebrate your unforgettable cruise this evening at the Captain's farewell reception and dinner aboard the riverboat. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire

Day 10 - Regensburg revealed and on to Prague
Talk about a long history - humans settled on the banks of the Danube near Regensburg during the Stone Age and the Romans arrived around 90 AD! Regensburg, where you'll disembark ms Swiss Sapphire, bills itself as "Germany's best-preserved medieval city" and you'll understand why when you explore the town during a walking tour. Sightseeing in Old Town Regensburg today includes the Stone Bridge, completed in 1146, magnificent Dom St. Peter, the 15th-century Town Hall and remains of the Roman wall. Then it's on to Prague for a two-night stay in this ancient city, now the capital of the Czech Republic. Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hilton Prague Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic

Day 11 - A day across the centuries in Prague
Start today's exploration of this 'city of 100 spires' in the ancient Hradcany (Castle) district with your local guide; see 1,000-year-old Prague Castle's complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens, visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus and enjoy a Tauck Exclusive - a private tour of Strahov Monastery's grand Baroque libraries. You're free to spend the afternoon as you please in Prague, or join us if you like on a walking tour of Prague's Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to the Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church - along with Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Sample the culinary pleasures of Prague with dinner on your own tonight; the city's many fine restaurants and cafes feature a wide range of cuisines and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings and beer the region has to offer. Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hilton Prague Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic

Day 12 - Homeward bound
This most memorable of Europe river cruises ends in Prague, Czech Republic. A transfer is included from the Hilton Prague Old Town to Prague's Ruzyne International Airport. Meals: Breakfast

Tauck Value Includes:

• Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
• All private Tauck shore excursions - $740 Value!
• Two nights each in Strasbourg and Prague at five-star hotels in the heart of the cities
• Tauck Exclusive - A private tour of the beautiful Baroque libraries of Strahov Monastery in Prague
• Lunch at a former manor house in Obernai with local wine from the romantic Alsace region
• A special dinner, entertainment, and wine tasting in the wine cellars of Wurzburg's famous Residenz
• Tour and tasting at a historic Bamberg brewery
• A visit to the opulent Baden-Baden Casino
• A transit of the Main-Danube Canal, enhanced by an on-board lecture by a local expert
• Evenings of traditional entertainment aboard the riverboat, including a Bavarian-themed dinner
• 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners - wine with dinner is included aboard the riverboat, and select meals will be in local restaurants
• Service charges, taxes, porterage, airport transfers and applicable fuel surcharges

Pricing Categories for Itinerary is as follows:
 

Cabin 1	Category - 1
Cabin 2	Category - 2
Cabin 3	Category - 3
Cabin 4	Category - 4

Cabin upgrades are available upon request!