Day 1 - Sunday - Oct 20, 2024
Arrive in Paris and check into your hotel.
Day 2 - Monday - Oct 21, 2024
Enjoy a morning tour of Paris, taking in all its iconic sites, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, and Place de la Concorde. You'll pass the magnificent Opera Garnier, the legendary Louvre and, on the Left Bank, the Sorbonne University and the Pantheon. (B)
Day 3 - Tuesday - Oct 22, 2024
Visit Montmartre, long known as the city's premier artist's enclave. For easy access to Montmartre, you'll hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre's most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacre-Coeur, the highest point in the city. After your visit to Montmartre, you'll be taken on an illumination tour. (B)
Day 4 - Wednesday - Oct 23, 2024
Bid au revoir to Paris as you board your TGV high-speed train 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, before boarding your luxury ship. (B,D)
Day 5 - Thursday - Oct 24, 2024
Trier, Germany's oldest city, has often been referred to as the second Rome. Be guided to the Roman Imperial Baths, the Porta Nigra, and Emperor Constantine's Throne Room. Or hike to Petrisberg Hill, where you'll take in a spectacular view of the city and its glorious spires. During the afternoon, sail to Bernkastel, strategically located in the middle of the Moselle Valley's wine-producing region. Walk through the colorful Old Town center and past many medieval buildings before enjoying a wine tasting at a local winery. For those who prefer to be more active, trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Friday - Oct 25, 2024
| Lahnstein, Germany, Germany |
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History comes to life in Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle, and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can go on a guided hike to the castle. Or for a different adventure, explore the Bundesbank-Bunker to get a closer look at this mysterious Cold War-era bank vault. Later in the day, sail along the Moselle, taking in the fascinating scenery before arriving in Lahnstein where you'll enjoy a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Saturday - Oct 26, 2024
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching the winemaking town of Rudesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town's beautiful vineyards or join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg. Later in the day, let Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum charm you or taste one of the town's special delights, Rudesheimer Kaffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee, and whipped cream. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Sunday - Oct 27, 2024
| Ludwigshafen, Germany, Germany |
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| Ludwigshafen, Germany, Germany |
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You have a choice of several excursions, depending on your interest. Visit Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Alternatively, relive a bygone era on an excursion to the glorious Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens. Tour this splendid palace and wander through its gardens with more than 100 sculptures and an assortment of whimsical buildings. The Apollotempel houses a statue of the ancient Greek god of light and the arts, playing the lyre; and the most spectacular, the Turkischer Garten with a mosque, are a few of the many highlights you will see. For those seeking a more active adventure, hike the historic Philosopher's Path along the Neckar River or join a guided bike tour along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Monday - Oct 28, 2024
Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, has flavors of both France and Germany which you'll get to discover. Enjoy a panoramic bus tour past the stunning Parc de l'Orangerie, the European Parliament, and the Place de la Republique followed by a walking tour through its iconic "La Petite France" district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. You'll also see the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame with its famous astronomical clock. The active adventurer can join a guided Old Town bike tour, which also takes you through the Parc de l'Orangerie. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Tuesday - Oct 29, 2024
| Basel (Saxon), Switzerland |
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Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Tower. While there, enjoy a visit to a winery for a tasting of locally produced Alsatian wines. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg's Munster, a Gothic cathedral said to have "the most beautiful spire on earth". You'll visit a winery where you will have the opportunity to taste their locally produced wines, and then continue with a walking tour. You also have the choice to go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions; or cycle through the scenic countryside. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Wednesday - Oct 30, 2024
| Basel (Saxon), Switzerland |
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Bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
| Basel (Saxon), Switzerland |
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Disembark the ship and before transferring to Lucerne, go on a highlights tour of Basel, one of Switzerland's most cosmopolitan cities. Once in Lucerne, you'll discover the unrivaled beauty and charm of this pristine city on a walking tour. Afterwards, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 12 - Thursday - Oct 31, 2024
The iconic Lion Monument, which you'll visit, was sculpted in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792. It has captured the hearts and minds of visitors for centuries. You'll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. There are a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. (B)
Day 13 - Friday - Nov 1, 2024
Check out of your hotel and transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, traveling past scenic landscapes and enjoy a scenic lake cruise. Once in Zurich, you'll check into your hotel. (B)
Day 14 - Saturday - Nov 2, 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 15 - Sunday - Nov 3, 2024
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
