Day 1 - Saturday - Oct 26, 2024
Arrive in Zurich and check into your hotel.
Day 2 - Sunday - Oct 27, 2024
Set alongside a glistening lake and framed by the Alps, Switzerland's largest city, Zurich, seamlessly blends its historic past with its progressive future-all of which will be on full display during your city tour. (B)
Day 3 - Monday - Oct 28, 2024
Check out of your hotel and head off on a scenic drive past Alpine lakes before reaching Vitznau. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne. Once in Lucerne, you'll check into your hotel. (B)
Day 4 - Tuesday - Oct 29, 2024
Stroll along Lake Lucerne's Chapel Bridge, admiring the stunning gable paintings above. The mighty mountains of Mount Pilatus and Rigi overlook the swans that glide along the scenic lake and are part of Lake Lucerne's everlasting allure. You'll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. (B)
Day 5 - Wednesday - Oct 30, 2024
| Basel (Saxon), Switzerland |
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Check out of your hotel and head to Basel. Before boarding the ship, you'll go on a highlights tour of the city, one of Switzerland's most cosmopolitan cities. (B,D)
| Basel (Saxon), Switzerland |
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Board the ship in Basel for your Medieval Treasures cruise. (D)
Day 6 - Thursday - Oct 31, 2024
Capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is beloved for its wine culture and enchanting 16th- and 17th-century half-timbered houses, which line La Petite France quarter on the banks of the Grande Ile (Grand Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a tour of the city that takes you past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique and then walk through the iconic "La Petite France" district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathedrale Notre-Dame with its famous astronomical clock. Alternatively, the active adventurer can go on a guided bike tour. Later in the day, be treated to a delightful Alsatian wine tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Friday - Nov 1, 2024
| Ludwigshafen, Germany, Germany |
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| Ludwigshafen, Germany, Germany |
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Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit the Mannheim Baroque Palace-one of the largest palaces in Europe, which is furnished with over 800 exhibits, recreating its bygone grandeur. Alternatively, join a walking tour of one of Germany's oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its crypt contains the tomb of eight German emperors and kings. Speyer is also home to the medieval Altportel, Old Gate. Or, if you prefer a more modern view of Speyer, you can visit the intriguing Speyer Technical Museum. Later in the day, sail to Rudesheim, where you'll be treated to a wine tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Saturday - Nov 2, 2024
Continue your exploration of Rudesheim with a choice of excursions. Those who fancy a more whimsical adventure will want to visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum. For an adventure of a different kind, soar over the vineyards of Rudesheim on a gondola to the Niederwald Monument; or opt to take a hike through the vineyards. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Sunday - Nov 3, 2024
Enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the "Pearl of the Main River". While on your walking tour, you'll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal Inn, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Or you can taste local specialties on a "Flavors of Miltenberg" tour. Later in the day, set sail for Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany's most beautiful city centers with precious half-timbered houses. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the impressive stone ruins of Wertheim Castle, or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Monday - Nov 4, 2024
There are several choices of excursions, depending on your interests. You can go to Wurzburg, a beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendor. While here, visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Alternatively, you can take a trip through a thousand years of history while in Rothenburg, Germany's best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. Interestingly, the imagery of Walt Disney's Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. For a more active excursion, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Tuesday - Nov 5, 2024
Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you'll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall, and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root, and Hornla pastry, a local favorite dating back to 1427. And for those wishing to explore the town more actively, hop on a bike for a guided bike tour along the Main River from Eltmann to Bamberg's quirky quarters beyond the town center. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Wednesday - Nov 6, 2024
Bid farewell to Nuremberg and prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Plzen, Czech Republic, Czech Republic |
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Disembark the ship in Nuremberg and transfer to Prague. En route, stop at Pilsen, where you'll enjoy a highlights tour before continuing on to Prague. (B)
Day 13 - Thursday - Nov 7, 2024
Discover fairytale Prague via a city tour or a hike. 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. See all the key highlights, including the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle, and Old Town Square, home to the Astronomical Clock. (B)
Day 14 - Friday - Nov 8, 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 15 - Saturday - Nov 9, 2024
Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
