Day 1 - Saturday - Apr 15, 2023
Arrive in Paris and check into your hotel.
Day 2 - Sunday - Apr 16, 2023
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 - Monday - Apr 17, 2023
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 - Tuesday - Apr 18, 2023
Today, 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 Wasserbillig. (B,D)
Day 5 - Wednesday - Apr 19, 2023
Trier, Germany's oldest city, has often been referred to as the second Rome. Be guided to the Roman Imperial Baths, 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. You can also cycle along the Moselle River past Trier's Imperial Baths, Porta Nigra city gate, and other historic sites. 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, or pedal along the Moselle River from Bernkastel to Losnich and past the historic Machern Abbey, Roman ruins in the winemaking town of Erden, and sun-kissed vineyards. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Thursday - Apr 20, 2023
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 visit one of Europe's oldest mustard mills in Cochem (dating back to 1810) for a taste of its finest mustard recipe. 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 - Friday - Apr 21, 2023
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 - Saturday - Apr 22, 2023
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 - Sunday - Apr 23, 2023
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 - Monday - Apr 24, 2023
| 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. 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 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); Please Note: Black Forest hike is weather dependent and may only operate at certain times of year. Please refer to your final documents for details.
Day 11 - Tuesday - Apr 25, 2023
| 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. Then go on a walking tour of Lucerne along its cobblestone streets, spotting the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest wooden bridges in Europe. Afterwards, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
Day 12 - Wednesday - Apr 26, 2023
Today, visit the iconic Lion Monument, carved beautifully into rock in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution. You'll also visit the spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century. There is a total of nine towers, including one featuring the oldest clock in the city. (B)
Day 13 - Thursday - Apr 27, 2023
Check out of your hotel and before your transfer via motorcoach to Zurich, enjoy a scenic lake cruise in Lucerne. Once in Zurich, check into your hotel. (B)
Day 14 - Friday - Apr 28, 2023
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 - Saturday - Apr 29, 2023
After breakfast, bid farewell to Switzerland and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
