DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Prague.
DAY 2, ARRIVE PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Take the balance of the day to relax or explore on your own.
DAY 3, PRAGUE
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus, and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. This afternoon, why not join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII labor camp, now a memorial to those who perished. 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 4, PRAGUE - NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
After breakfast, depart Prague and drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Enjoy some free time, before the guided tour of this Imperial city. Late this afternoon embark the ship, where tonight there is a Welcome Dinner. The ship departs in the late evening. (B,D)
DAY 5, BAMBERG
Enjoy your breakfast as you cruise along and marvel at the engineering feat of the Main-Danube canal which straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks. Arrive in Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem, with its uniquely intact townscape, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. There is free time before you continue your cruise, now on the Main River. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, WURZBURG
This morning arrive in Wurzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. 'The Pearl of the Romantic Road' is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. During your city tour, see the major sights including the magnificent Residenz Palace. This afternoon, explore Wurzburg on your own, or take an optional tour to Medieval Rothenburg. A beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, WERTHEIM - MILTENBERG
After breakfast, spend some free time in Wertheim, perhaps browsing the market square and its shops, before enjoying a glass-blowing demonstration. Then cruise to Miltenberg for a guided walking tour along narrow, cobble-stoned streets shows you the gabled, half-timbered houses. Tonight, the ship sails leaving Bavaria, Franconia and the Main River behind. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, MAINZ- HEIDELBERG - RUDESHEIM - KOBLENZ
Today, you decide: Either disembark for a trip to Mainz or travel by motorcoach to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and enjoy the 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 before returning to Mainz. If you choose Mainz, your guided walking tour of this beautiful town includes the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world's first printed bible. Then take a lunchtime cruise on the Main and Rhine rivers to the wine village of Rudesheim. Here, tour the town by mini-train and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Late this afternoon, everyone will cruise the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine River, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle, after dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, COCHEM - ZELL
After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit of Reichsburg Castle, situated above Cochem with spectacular views of the Mosel River. This afternoon, continue past hillside vineyards to Zell, home of the famous 'Zeller Schwarze Katz' wine. A surprise awaits you this evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, BERNKASTEL-TRIER
Arrive in Bernkastel early this morning and explore this quaint little town on your included walking tour. Strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, Bernkastel boasts over 500 years of documented wine history. Then onto Trier, Germany's oldest city, for a guided tour which will introduce you to the city's rich Roman past. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, TRIER - LUXEMBOURG - PARIS
This morning, bid farewell to your cruise ship and head to Luxembourg for a city tour of the Grand Duchy and some free time. After lunch, continue on to Paris, where you arrive this afternoon. (B)
DAY 12, PARIS
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, the Opera, the La Madeleine, the 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 13, PARIS
Your last day in the 'City of Lights' is free for you to enjoy. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair; gaze at the Impressionist collection at Musee D'Orsay; stroll along the Seine; or choose one of the various optional tours that are offered. (B)
DAY 14, PARIS
Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B) |
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