This splendid cruise introduces you to the magnificent Moselle, Rhine, and Main Rivers, as well as to the fascinating Main-Danube Canal. Enjoy city sightseeing in Paris, Prague, Bernkastel, and Bamberg. Also, visit Reichsburg Castle above Cochem; sample the area's famed Riesling wines in the charming wine village of Rudesheim; and marvel at Miltenberg's half-timbered houses and the Bishop's Residenz in Wurzburg.
In the rare event that the high-speed TGV train is unavailable, alternative arrangements will be made and the sightseeing tour of Trier may not be possible.
MEALS
Buffet breakfast (B) in Paris and Prague; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, welcome dinner, and Captain's dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements
SUPERIOR HOTELS
Paris Le Meridien Montparnasse (SF), Prague Hilton (SF)
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
Itinerary
Day 1
(Thu.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight
Day 2 Paris, France
(Fri.) Welcome to Paris, France's capital on the River Seine and the "City of Light," where romance fills the air!
Day 3 Paris
(Sat.) Paris' famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world's most famous cabaret shows. (B)
Day 4 Paris-Trier, Germany (Embarkation)
(Sun.) This morning, board a HIGH-SPEED TGV TRAIN for a swift and comfortable journey to Metz. From here, drive to Trier in Germany. This venerable Episcopal city is the oldest in Germany and, some claim, even older than Rome! The famous PORTA NIGRA is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and still gives access to the town center. See the highlights on your included tour. It is here that the crew of your river cruise vessel awaits to welcome you on board! The Moselle River is some 312-miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery. (B,D)
Day 5 Bernkastel
(Mon.) In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful MARKET PLACE. Wine growers in this area look after Germany's largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. Before dinner, visit a local WINE CELLAR and taste several of this region's varietals. (B,L,D)
Day 6 Cochem-Koblenz
(Tue.) Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, which sits atop a conical hill covered in vines. From here the views of the little town of Cochem nestled down below and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river, it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine-growing region. Most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The DEUTSCHES ECK, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Rhine Gorge-Rudesheim
(Wed.) The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Rudesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town and SIEGFRIED'S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! A SPECIAL TREAT is planned, then you have time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Miltenberg
(Thu.) Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided walk. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local soft cookie specialty. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Wurzburg
(Fri.) Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," Wurzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP'S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Bamberg
(Sat.) Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in the breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)-Prague, Czech Republic
(Sun.) Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the "Golden City." (B)
Day 12 Prague
(Mon.) Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town's ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for things to do. (B)
Day 13 Prague
(Tue.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements.
