Central European Experience (Paris to Prague) 2011

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

Day 2 (Tue) 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 shows. (B)

Day 3 (Wed) 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. The Moselle River is some 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. (B,D)

Day 4 (Thu) 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 downstream to the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful market place. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. (B,L,D)

Day 5 (Fri) 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 bends 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 spit of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive statue of Wilhelm I. (B,L,D)

Day 6 (Sat) 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. (B,L,D)

Day 7 (Sun) 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 afternoon, enjoy a baking demonstration. (B,L,D)

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

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

Day 10 (Wed) Nuremberg – Prague. After breakfast, disembark your ship 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. (B)

Day 11 (Thu) Prague. Prague is a 1,000 year old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its 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 will have suggestions for things to do.  (B)

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