This 12-day journey includes two nights each in two of Europe's most glorious cities, Paris and Prague- plus a scenic river cruise along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers. Drink in the picturesque landscape of vineyard-clad hillsides and sample fine German appellations in the villages of this famous wine-producing region. Discover the romance of Paris and its many historic landmarks. And fall in love with the graceful architecture of Prague, home to countless spires and a vibrant cultural scene.
Day 1 Paris
Arrive in Paris, the romantic capital of France. We meet you at the Charles de Gaulle airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, enjoy free time to explore this vibrant city-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented.
Day 2 Paris
Today's tour begins with a drive along the Champs Elysees, past the Arc de Triomphe to the world-famous Louvre. The remainder of the day is free to see more of Paris-visit a museum, explore Montmartre or take a moonlit cruise along the Seine River. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B)
Day 3 Paris, Luxembourg & Trier
Today, visit the Luxembourg American Cemetery and pay homage to the many Americans who lost their lives during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. See the city of Luxembourg on a guided city tour and continue to Trier to embark your ship. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Trier
Take a morning tour of Trier, Germany's oldest city, set on the banks of the Moselle River. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Lunch and dinner aboard; depart late tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Cochem & Koblenz
A walking tour takes you through the quaint Moselle town of Cochem. Then, visit imposing Reichsburg Castle. Eat lunch while cruising the scenic Moselle to Koblenz, arriving in the late afternoon. Sample wines from this famous region during an optional wine-tasting excursion. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Rudesheim
Cruise through the morning, arriving in Rudesheim. The afternoon's tour features the Niederwald Monument, high above the Rhine River. Take free time to enjoy the restaurants, bars and shops lining Rudesheim's Drosselgasse. Dine and cruise into the evening. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Heidelberg
Arrive after lunch in Aschaffenburg. From here, journey to Heidelberg, an ancient city that is home to Germany's oldest university. Tour the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, originally built in the 12th century but twice destroyed by lightning. Then, enjoy a guided walk through Heidelberg's Old Town and marketplace. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Wurzburg
Disembark in Karlstadt and take a half-day excursion to the charming Franconian wine town of Wurzburg where you tour the Bishops' Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace with many paintings and frescoes. Join your ship in Wurzburg; dine and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Bamberg
Cruise through the Main-Danube Canal to Bamberg, founded in 902. Bamberg's Old Town area is so beautifully preserved that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a walking tour and then take time to sample the town's famous locally brewed smoky beer, Rauchbier. Dine aboard. Depart tonight. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Nuremberg & Prague
Arrive in Nuremberg during breakfast and disembark for a tour of this Bavarian city. See Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice, site of the Nuremberg Trials. After lunch on your own, transfer to Prague. Check in to your hotel and take some free time to begin exploring the city. (B)
Day 11 Prague
This morning, tour this "City of a Hundred Spires." A guided walk takes you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. After the tour, take the rest of the day to explore; see the Town Hall's intricate 15th-century Astronomical Clock or explore the Josefov Quarter to discover the city's vibrant Jewish heritage. (B)
Day 12 Prague
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Prague. Tour the famed Prague Castle, see the landmark Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral and discover more of this beautiful city (see Explore More, page 31). (B)
Day 8 Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the Amsterdam airport for your return flight.* (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.
