Day 1 - Sunday - Oct 6, 2024
Arrive in Paris and check into your hotel.
Day 2 - Monday - Oct 7, 2024
Begin your day by transferring to Reims in the Champagne region of France. You will then enjoy a highlights tour of historic WWI sites in Reims, including the Belleau Wood, an American WWI monument. Afterwards, join a guided tour through the city of Reims. Known as the unofficial capital of champagne, Reims is home to the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims, and many impressive wine cellars. (B)
Day 3 - Tuesday - Oct 8, 2024
Explore the history behind the drink of celebration as you enjoy a scenic drive on the Routes du Champagne. You will see some of the famous Champagne houses such as Epernay, Hautvillers, and Champagne makers of Veuve Clicquot and Moet & Chandon. (B)
Day 4 - Wednesday - Oct 9, 2024
Bid au revoir to Reims as you board a bus that will whisk you away to Luxembourg, one of Europe's last independent duchies. Enjoy a guided walking tour as well as a stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton. Enjoy free time for lunch at your own leisure before boarding your luxury ship in Luxembourg. (B,D)
Day 5 - Thursday - Oct 10, 2024
Traben-Trarbach is your gateway to fascinating Bernkastel. Walk through Bernkastel's colorful Old Town center and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Alternatively, stay in Traben-Trarbach, a prominent wine trading center at the turn of the century, and join a guided walking tour to learn more about its history. Your tour concludes with a tasting of local wines. If you prefer a more active tour, join your guide on a cycling excursion through town. You may also join a guided hike up to the Grevenburg castle ruins and through the village's vineyards, with a tasting of local wines awaiting at the end of the trail. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Friday - Oct 11, 2024
Head to fairytale Cochem and visit Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour. As an alternative, hike to Reichsburg Castle and enjoy a visit inside, or pedal through the charming town on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, sit out on your balcony or go up on the Sun Deck to marvel at the beautiful views as we cruise to Koblenz. There, you can join a guided evening walk through the charming historic town, perhaps stopping for photos at the Augenroller (eye roller) of Koblenz. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Saturday - Oct 12, 2024
Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue or allow yourself to be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards above the Rhine River. As an alternative, head to the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers to Mainz, where you'll enjoy a walking tour of its Old Town, brimming with quaint narrow streets, Baroque churches, and half-timbered houses. You'll also have a chance to visit the Collegiate Church of St. Stephen, best known for its blue Chagall windows. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Sunday - Oct 13, 2024
Wertheim's old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center or learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley or hike high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Monday - Oct 14, 2024
Enjoy a city tour of Wurzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Wurzburg's Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Wurzburg Castle. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany's best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Tuesday - Oct 15, 2024
Head to Bamberg, which has been referred to as "Franconian Rome" as, like Rome, it was built on seven hills-but in Bamberg, a church graces each one. Bamberg's medieval and Baroque architecture has withstood the test of time and, as such, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you'll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall, and elegant old mansions, and afterwards, indulge in the town's famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. Or, indulge in the culinary specialties of Bamberg, including licorice root, Hornla pastries, traditional German sausage, and smoked beer. As a more invigorating alternative, pedal from Eltmann to Bamberg, meeting the ship there later in the day. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Wednesday - Oct 16, 2024
Bid farewell to the ship in Nuremberg as you prepare for your return flight home. (B)
Disembark the ship in Nuremberg and enjoy a city tour before transferring to Prague, where you will check into your hotel. (B)
Day 12 - Thursday - Oct 17, 2024
Discover fairytale Prague via a city tour or a hike to the castle. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that's recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)
Day 13 - Friday - Oct 18, 2024
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, so join a tasting and discover some of the very best beer in the world. (B)
Day 14 - Saturday - Oct 19, 2024
Bid farewell to Prague as you prepare for your journey home.
