Start your 14-day European vacation in splendid Paris before boarding a high-speed TGV train to Luxembourg to embark your ship. Visit Trier, the oldest city in Germany and continue along the meandering Mosel River Valley, famous for Europe's steepest vineyards. Visit the charming towns of Bernkastel and Cochem, sampling Mosel vintages along the way. Then, cruise through the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River, dotted with picturesque castles from Koblenz to Rüdesheim. Enter the Main River and stop at the medieval towns of Miltenberg, Wertheim and Bamberg before cruising through the Main-Danube Canal to historic Nuremberg before ending your journey in majestic Prague.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Paris and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.
Day 2: Exploring Paris, France
1 Breakfast
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, see the spectacular Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, Paris Opéra, Madeleine church, Champs d'Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. In the evening there is an optional “Parisian Cabaret Dinner Show,” one of the most popular attractions the city offers.
Day 3: Free day in Paris, France
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a full free day to explore the amazing "City of Lights," where romance fills the air. Stroll along the boutique- and cafe-lined Champs Elysées, or venture to the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the World's Fair of 1889. There are two optional tours to choose from as well, “Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower” and "Montmartre & Illuminations.”
Bid au revoir to Paris as you board your TGV high-speed train to Metz, then transfer to Luxembourg, one of Europe’s last independent duchies. Join a guided walking tour of Luxembourg and stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of Gen. George Patton, before boarding the ship. Tonight gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. The ship departs very late tonight for Germany.
After breakfast, a guided walking tour of Trier, Germany’s oldest city introduces you to its rich Roman past. See the Roman Baths, Trier Cathedral, Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate that dates back to 180 A.D. Continue on to Bernkastel, strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, an area that has been cultivating wine for over 500 years. A guided walking tour through the old town center this afternoon takes you past many medieval and Renaissance buildings. Also enjoy a winery visit to sample several different regional vintages. The ship departs later this evening and cruises overnight.
Today, the ship makes a brief stop in Alken, where you have a choice of two excursions – Cochem or Koblenz. In Cochem, take a guided tour of the spectacular hilltop Reichsburg Castle, which offers fascinating views of the river valley. Alternatively, travel to Koblenz, a historic wine-growing town, where you can see the Four Towers, the Church of Our Lady, and hear the story behind the Schängel Fountain and City Hall. Return to the ship for a scenic afternoon cruise along the most beautiful part of the Rhine, with ruined castles and fortresses and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rüdesheim this evening and visit the Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum after dinner. The ship moors overnight in in Rüdesheim.
The ship departs Rüdesheim this morning and cruises to beautiful Mainz, arriving after lunch. Your guided walking tour includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, home to two copies of the world’s first printed Bible and centuries-old manuscripts and printing presses. Alternatively, travel by motor coach to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Visit the red-walled castle and see its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask), and also enjoy gorgeous views of the Neckar Valley and city below. Later this afternoon, the ship departs Mainz and cruises overnight to Wertheim.
This afternoon your ship arrives in Wertheim, where you can join a guided walking tour and spend free time to explore on your own. Reboard the ship this evening and cruise overnight to Wurzburg.
This morning, take a guided tour of Würzburg showing you all of the major sights or visit the Residenz Palace and gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best examples of Baroque architecture. This afternoon, take an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg for a walking tour and free time to explore on your own. A famous shop dedicated solely to Christmas is located here, offering handmade ornaments, nutcrackers and other seasonal wares. The ship cruises to Kitzingen, arriving this evening. The local Aulic Council and Wine Queen escort you to Germany’s oldest wine cellar to sample regional wines. Later tonight, the ship sails to Bamberg.
After arriving this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take a guided walking tour of this medieval gem. Admire the town’s breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the serpentine streets lined with lovely houses and 18th-century mansions. Also sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer. This evening, your ship cruises to Nuremberg.
Day 11: Nuremberg, Germany / Prague, Czech Republic - Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, leave the ship and take a guided tour of historic Nuremberg. See Gothic churches, the zeppelin field where Hitler held his infamous Nazi Party Rallies, and the Justice Palace courtroom where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. You also have some free time on your own before transferring to Prague.
Day 12: Exploring Prague, Czech Republic
1 Breakfast
This morning's sightseeing tour certainly demonstrates why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000 year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus before crossing the famous Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The day is yours to spend as you wish. This evening, an optional “Folklore Dinner Show” provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions.
Day 13: Depart Prague / Return Home
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for flights home.
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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Claudia does an excellent job of communicating. HOWEVER…you paperwork requirements are constipated — a real impediment to doing business. Fire the lawyers or accountants over that.
STODDARD/MARK JAMES
8 hours ago
We have booked three trips through Adventure Life… our trip planners have been very responsive to all my questions and their quick response and attention to details has been excellent.
Sarah Dwelley
10 hours ago
This will be my second big trip with Adventure Life because they did such a good job with the first one!
Debra
1 day ago
Plans were described and booked with efficiency and speed. Adventure LIfe is outstanding in travel planning.
Laurel Hansen
2 days ago
Angie was AMAZING in helping us plan our two week, multi-generational trip (for 12 people) to Japan. She really listened to what we wanted and helped plan every detail. One of the best travel specialists I've worked with. Thank you Angie!