Central European Experience 2012

Paris to Prague

Day 1 (Thu) Paris. Fly to Paris where you will be met and transferred to the Hilton Arc de Triomphe hotel for two nights.

Day 2 (Fri) Paris. During your included sightseeing tour of Paris, see magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colourful nightlife, including some of the world’s best cabaret show.

Day 3 (Sat) Paris – Remich. This morning, board the high-speed TGV train for a swift, comfortable journey to Metz, then drive to Remich in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, where your cruise ship is docked on the Moselle River. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. The Moselle River is 312 miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery.

Day 4 (Sun) Trier – Bernkastel. This venerable Episcopal city is the oldest in Germany and, some claim, even older than Rome. The famous Porta Nigra is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and still gives access to the town centre. See the highlights on your included tour. This afternoon, cruise to the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful market place.

Day 5 (Mon) Cochem – Koblenz. Visit Reichsburg Castle, which sits atop a vine-clad hill. From here the views of the town of Cochem nestled down below and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river, it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine-growing region. Most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000 year old Koblenz is the cultural and business centre of the Middle Rhine region. The Deutsches Eck, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive statue of Wilhelm I.

Day 6 (Tue) Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of the river. Pass the legendary Lorelei Rock, where it is thought the sweet songs of sirens lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town - enjoy a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and free time to explore the Drosselgasse.

Day 7 (Wed) Miltenberg. Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that once thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and Renaissance houses and the gothic splendour of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided walk. This evening enjoy a baking demonstration and learn how to bake a local soft cookie speciality.

Day 8 (Thu) Würzburg. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’, Würzburg is surrounded by vineyard clad hills. Today, a visit to the magnificent Bishop’s Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is included.

Day 9 (Fri) Bamberg. Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in the cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and its serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th century mansions.

Day 10 (Sat) Nuremberg – Prague. After breakfast, disembark and drive to Prague, the 'Golden City', crossing the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest. You will stay for two nights at the Hilton Hotel, Prague.

Day 11 (Sun) Prague. Prague is a 1,000 year old city preserved in time. Straddling the Vltava River, its domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlight the skyline. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s astronomical clock, once the envy of all of Europe, Hradcany Castle grounds, St Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books, mingle with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director can suggest things to do.

Day 12 (Mon) Prague. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.