Itinerary Details
Day 1 Paris.
Fly to Paris where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe (or similar) for two nights.
Day 2 Paris.
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Known as one of the worlds most romantic and lively cities, Paris is a delight for all your senses. Your INCLUDED CITY SIGHTSEEING shows you magnificent must-see sights, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. In your free time, stroll down the Champs-Elyses with its lavish cafs, or perhaps visit the world-famous Louvre or Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacr Coeur Basilica and bevy of artists on Place du Tertre. Paris is also well known for its colorful nightlife, and an optional outing to one of the worlds most famous cabaret shows is available. All of this awaits your discovery! (B)
Day 3 Paris – Remich.
Included today: High-speed TGV train journey.
This morning, board a HIGH-SPEED TRAIN for a swift and comfortable journey to Metz or Luxembourg City. Continue to Remich in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where your river cruise vessel is docked on the Moselle River. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. The Moselle River is some 312 miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. (B, D)
Day 4 Trier.
Included today: Choice of guided sightseeing or Roman Trier tour; see the Porta Nigra.
The Moselle Valley, famous for its beautifully ethereal scenery is home to Trier, the oldest city 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 it still gives access to the town centre. Today, join an included guided city tour or the more history-focused ‘Roman Trier’ tour before free time to explore this magnificent town. Trier also offers pleasant market squares, Germany’s oldest Christian church, a Roman amphitheatre and a whole host of picturesque architectural styles. After lunch, cruise the wide, peaceful curves of the picturesque Moselle Valley, an important wine growing region. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Bernkastel
Included today: Guided walk
In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its fascinating narrow streets and half-timbered houses that have stood since the Middle Ages. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK that includes the beautiful marketplace with its renaissance-style Town Hallbuilt in 1608and the pointed house, built in 1416. Wine growers in this area look after Germanys largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. During your free time this afternoon you might like to visit the Moselle Wine Museum. This evening enjoy a TASTING of some of these well-loved German wines. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Koblenz – Rhine Gorge – Rdesheim.
Included today: Cruise the Rhine Gorge; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.
This morning, cruise the dramatic Rhine Gorge, an incredibly beautiful stretch of river where quaint, fairytale castles stand sentry on the steep, terraced banks. Pass the legendary Lorelei Rock, where it is thought the sweet songs of sirens lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Reaching Rdesheim, enjoy a visit to the fascinating Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and free time to explore the Drosselgasse. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Main River Village
Included today: Guided walk.
On the banks of the Main River you find cultural gems of small towns, many of them tucked away behind defensive walls and towered gates. Half timbered houses narrow streets and medieval town centres, these picturesque Bavarian villages are a photographers delight. Join your Local Guide to experience one of these towns on a GUIDED WALK. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Wrzburg.
Included today: Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz.
Surrounded by steep, verdant vineyards, Wrzburg is known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’ and makes an immediate impression with views of its beautiful Marienberg Fortress and 15th century Old Main Bridge. Today’s guided sightseeing tour visits the magnificent Bishop’s Residenz, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Bamberg.
Included today: Guided walk, see the Old Town Hall.
Enjoy another pleasant morning of sailing, before you arrive in medieval Bamberg in the early afternoon. The town is the former residence of one of Germanys most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your GUIDED WALKING TOUR takes in its historic centre, including the great 13th-century Romanesque cathedral and the fascinating Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)built on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River when the bishop refused to give the townspeople land for a town hall! (B, L, D)
Day 10 Nuremberg – Prague.
After breakfast, disembark and drive, via the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest, to Prague, the ‘Golden City’ for two nights at the Hotel InterContinental (or similar), Prague. (B)
Day 11 Prague.
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Prague is a 1,200 year old city preserved in time. Straddling the Vltava River, its domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlight the skyline. See its best-known treasures on a guided walking tour, including the Old Town’s astronomical clock, Hradcany Castle grounds, St Vitus Cathedral and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books, mingle with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll alongside the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director can suggest things to do. (B)
Day 12 Prague.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)