Paris to Prague River Cruise

DAY 3, PARIS
Enjoy a full free day to explore the amazing “City of Light,” where romance fills the air. Stroll along Les Champs Elysées, the boutique-lined boulevards, or see the Eiffel Tower, built for the World’s Fair of 1889. Paris at night offers unlimited possibilities for every taste. (B)

DAY 4, PARIS – LUXEMBOURG – EMBARKATION
Bid “Au Revoir” to Paris as you board your TGV high-speed train to Metz. Then transfer to Luxembourg, one of the last independent duchies that made up Western and Central Europe. You will have a guided tour of Luxembourg before transferring to the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

DAY 5, TRIER – BERNKASTEL
After breakfast, arrive in the charming village of Trier, Germany’s oldest city, for a guided tour which will introduce you to the city’s rich Roman past. On your guided tour, you will see the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths, Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate, dating back to 180 A.D. Continue to Bernkastel. Strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, Bernkastel boasts over 500 years of documented wine history. Late this afternoon, enjoy a vineyard visit and walking tour. Your will also enjoy a wine tasting, where you will sample several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. After dinner, take a guided walking tour through the old town center with its many medieval and Renaissance buildings. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, COCHEM – KOBLENZ – RHINE CASTLES – RÜDESHEIM
Today, decide between an excursion to Cochem or to Koblenz. In Cochem, you will take a guided tour of the spectacular hilltop Reichsburg Castle, which offers fascinating views of the river valley. In the alternative, travel to Koblenz, an historic wine-growing town at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. See the Four Towers, the Church of Our Lady, and hear the story behind the Schängel Fountain and City Hall. Later, enjoy scenic cruising along the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine, seeing castle after castle and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rüdesheim and visit the Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum after dinner. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, MAINZ – HEIDELBERG – FRANKFURT
Today, take a guided walking tour of beautiful Mainz and see the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world’s first printed bible. Then enjoy a lunchtime cruise to Frankfurt, where you will have a walking tour of the city’s medieval section. In the alternative, travel by motor coach to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. Visit the red-walled Castle, enjoy gorgeous views of the Neckar Valley below, and see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask. Later this afternoon, return to Frankfurt. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, MILTENBERG – WERTHEIM
Arrive in Miltenberg for a walking tour of this delightful old Franconian town with its narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. During lunch, the ship will cruise to Freudenberg. A motor coach tour will take you to Wertheim, where you will have free time to explore the town on your own or before boarding your ship for an overnight cruise to Würzburg. A guided bicycle tour from Freudenberg to Wertheim is also available (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

DAY 9, WÜRZBURG – KITZINGEN
During your guided tour of Würzburg, you will see the major sights, including the Residenz Palace and gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of Europe’s foremost examples of baroque architecture and design. This afternoon take an optional tour along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg. Still surrounded by its walls, towers, gates, timber framed buildings and ancient churches, enjoy a walking tour of this marvelous town, followed by free time. One of the most famous shops dedicated to the Christmas season is located here, complete with hand-made German Christmas ornaments. Or join our Würzburg to Kitzingen bike tour (capacity controlled). This evening, the Aulic Council and Wine Queens will welcome you at the pier and escort you to Germany’s oldest wine cellar. Enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, BAMBERG
Arrive this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided walking tour of this medieval gem. Marvel at the breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city’s serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th century mansions. You will also sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer. As an alternative to the walking tour, a guided bike tour is available (capacity controlled). This evening, cruise to ancient Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, NUREMBERG – PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
After breakfast, disembark the ship and enjoy a guided morning tour of the historic city of Nuremberg with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant impressive walls. See the famous Zeppelin Field where Hitler held his infamous Nazi Party Rallies, and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. You will have some free time to explore the town on your own before transferring to Prague. (B)

DAY 12, PRAGUE
This morning’s sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000 year-old Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus, before walking over to Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of the day is at your leisure; perhaps visit the Wenceslas Square or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafes. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions (B)

DAY 13, DEPART PRAGUE
Bid farewell to Prague and optional transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

REVERSE ITINERARY - 2012

DAY 1, ARRIVE PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Take the balance of the day to relax or explore on your own.

DAY 2, PRAGUE
Your morning's sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities, with its historic city center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see Wenceslas Square and the Metronome overlooking the Vltava River before arriving at the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle for a visit. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square and see the Church of Tyn and the famous Astronomical Clock. This afternoon, there is an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII labor camp, now a memorial to those who perished. The evening is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafés or restaurants. (B)

DAY 3, PRAGUE - NUREMBERG, GERMANY (EMBARKATION)
After breakfast, depart Prague and drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Nuremberg, with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant impressive walls. See the infamous Zeppelin field used to hold rallies and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946 (when available). Late this afternoon embark the ship, where you will meet your fellow passengers at the Gala Welcome Dinner. The ship departs in the late evening. (B,D)

DAY 4, BAMBERG
This morning you will arrive in the medieval town of Bamberg where you will enjoy a walking tour of this picturesque town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and explore serpentine streets lined with charming houses. Sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer before continuing your cruise, now on the Main River. After departing Bamberg you will cruise to the Main River town of Schweinfurt, and enjoy an evening walk. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, KITZINGEN – WÜRZBURG
This morning you will arrive in Kitzingen. On your walking tour, you’ll see the famous Leaning Tower, built during the 13th century, the Old Main Bridge, Kitzingen Church and the Renaissance Town Hall. Later, the Aulic Council and Wine Queen will welcome you to Germany’s oldest wine cellar. You will taste several different wines, learning first-hand about wine history and production in the region. In the afternoon, you will have a choice of three different tours. You can choose the Würzburg Tour and Residenz visit, during which you will see the major sights, including the Residenz Palace and gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of Europe’s foremost examples of baroque architecture and design. In the alternative, take a guided bike tour from Kitzengen to Würzburg (capacity controlled) or enjoy an optional tour to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. Your walking tour includes entrance to the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, WERTHEIM – MILTENBERG
This morning, you will tour Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. The town has retained much of its medieval Franconian character, which you will discover on your walking tour of the historic city center. In the alternative, a guided bike tour from Wertheim (capacity controlled) will take you along the Main River Valley. Cruise during lunch time to Miltenberg, arriving in the afternoon for a guided walking tour along cobble-stone streets lined with gabled, half-timbered houses. Tonight, the ship sails leaving Bavaria, Franconia and the Main River behind. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, MAINZ – RÜDESHEIM – KOBLENZ
Early this morning, you will cruise on the Rhine River, where you will see the stunning beauty of the Rhine castles and the infamous Lorelei Rock as we sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge. Arrive in Mainz after breakfast and decide between two different excursions. You can choose a walking tour of beautiful Mainz, where you will see the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world’s first printed bible. In the afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, which houses one of the greatest collections of robotic and self-playing musical instruments of the 18th-20th centuries. In the alternative, chose an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town. You will visit the red-walled Heidelberg Castle, the Great Vat and also take a walking tour of Old Heidelberg. Tonight, the ship cruises to Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, COCHEM – ZELL
Today, visit the fairytale village of Cochem, surrounded by the scenic wine villages of the Mosel Valley. Walk along narrow cobblestone streets lined with medieval houses before taking a guided tour of Reichsburg Castle. Situated high above Cochem, the castle grounds boast spectacular views of the River Mosel. In the alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour (capacity controlled) of the scenic Mosel Valley. This evening continue past hillside vineyards to Zell, where a welcoming wine fest awaits you. Experience the hospitality of Zell with a visit by the Mayor and Wine Queen. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, TRIER
This afternoon, arrive in Trier, Germany’s oldest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich ancient Roman history. On your guided tour, you will see the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths, Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate, dating back to 180 A.D. This evening, the ship sails for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARK – PARIS, FRANCE
This morning, bid farewell to your cruise. You will then take a panoramic tour as you transfer to Grand Duchy, and will see the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, final resting place of Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. You will enjoy a walking tour of Luxembourg, and then have some free time for lunch on your own before boarding a TGV high-speed train to Paris. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and check in to your hotel. (B)

DAY 11, PARIS
Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning’s guided tour. Start with a panoramic tour in which you will see the Champs Élysées, Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower. Your tour concludes with a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)

DAY 12, PARIS
Your last day in the “City of Light” is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Or, you may decide to join the optional Seine Cruise & Eiffel Tower excursion in the morning or the optional Parisian Cabaret excursion this evening. (B)

DAY 13, PARIS
Breakfast and optional transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

Itinerary outline 2012:

Included features 2012 & 2013:

• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Transfer from the hotel to the High-speed TGV train to Luxembourg, followed by transfer to Ship in Remich
• 7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Transfer from the Ship in Nuremberg to the Hotel in Prague
• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Special Highlights including Lectures, Theme Dinners, Cooking Demonstration, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Manager
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local Taxes

2012 & 2013 Departure dates and prices (US$)

Port Charges: $147 per person

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price.

Single supplement for Land: $650 per person.

Prices are per person in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom with window.
To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person:
 

NOTE: Children are not accepted.

Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

The choices are:
Choice A: Two twin beds
Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size)

Ms Amalegro Amadante Amadagio Amacello Amadolce Amalyra
cruiseship description