Day 1 EMBARKATION – NUREMBERG, GERMANY
Board the ship in Nuremberg for your Europe’s Rivers & Castles cruise. (D)

Day 2 BAMBERG
Bamberg has been referred to as “Franconian Rome” as, like Rome, it was built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church graces each one. Bamberg’s medieval and Baroque architecture has withstood the test of time and, as such, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions, and afterwards, indulge in the town’s famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour through Bamberg and follow your knowledgeable guide along the river to the enchanting winemaking town of Eltmann. (B,L,D)

Day 3 WÜRZBURG
Go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. For those not going to Rothenburg, enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, a bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As an alternative to the walking tour and the palace visit, the more active guest may choose to venture high above the town for a hike to Marienberg Fortress, which dominates the city. (B,L,D

Day 4 WERTHEIM
Wertheim’s old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center or learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley or hike high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany. (B,L,D)

Day 5 RÜDESHEIM – RHINE GORGE – LAHNSTEIN
Arrive in Rüdesheim, where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or take a ride over the vineyards of Rüdesheim in a gondola to the Niederwald Monument, and then afterwards be treated to a wine tasting. You may also hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard. Another choice today is to take a guided bike tour along the Rhine Valley, riding between the Rheingau hills and the Rhine River. Later in the day, set sail towards Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles. Cap the day off with a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

Day 6 COCHEM – ZELL
Wake up in fairytale Cochem and visit the Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour. You may also opt to take a guided bike tour along the captivating Moselle River or a hike to Reichsburg Castle. Later, cruise to Zell, famous for its Riesling and the well-known arched black cat icon, often seen on the labels of local German wines. Experience the hospitality of the citizens of Zell, including the local Wine Queen and Mayor, at an exclusive wine festival where you’ll sample local wines, sausages and more. (B,L,D)

Day 7 TRIER
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moselle to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, renowned for its rich ancient Roman past, and referred to as the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Join a guided tour of the city, including the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths and Basilica of Constantine. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate, dating back to 180 A.D., on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a bike tour through the historic city center and along the Moselle River; or hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. (B,L,D)

Day 8 LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARKATION
Bid au revoir to Luxembourg as you prepare for your journey home.

Pre-cruise Land Tour: Prague
Add: $1144 per person

Day 1: ARRIVE PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrive in Prague and check into your hotel.

Day 2: PRAGUE
Discover fairytale Prague via a city tour or a hike to the castle. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

Day 3: PRAGUE
Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic, so join a tasting and discover some of the very best beer in the world. (B)

Day 4: PRAGUE – NUREMBERG, GERMANY – EMBARKATION
Depart Prague and drive through the pastoral German countryside for a city tour of Nuremberg’s fabulous Gothic churches and impressive city walls. Later in the day, board your luxurious ship. (B,D)

Post-Cruise Land Tour: Paris
Add: $1753 per person

Day 11: LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARKATION – PARIS, FRANCE
Disembark in Luxembourg. En route to Paris, you will stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton. Later, you will enjoy a walking tour through Luxembourg before boarding a TGV high-speed train to Paris, where you will check into your hotel. (B)

Day 12: PARIS
Enjoy a tour of Paris, taking in all its iconic sites, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde. You’ll pass the magnificent Opéra Garnier, the legendary Louvre and, on the Left Bank, the Sorbonne University and the Panthéon. (B)

Day 13: PARIS
Enjoy an evening visit to Montmartre, long known as the city’s premier artist’s enclave. During the mid to late 1800s, artists also began calling Montmartre home. Pissarro and Jongkind were two of the first to live there. For easy access to Montmartre, you’ll hop aboard the funicular railroad that ascends the hill. Montmartre’s most recognizable landmark is the Basilica du Sacré-Coeur, constructed from 1876 to 1912. The white dome of this Roman Catholic basilica sits at the highest point in the city. After your visit to Montmartre, you’ll be taken on an illumination tour, discovering why Paris is renowned as the “City of Light.” (B)

Day 4: DEPART PARIS
Bid au revoir to Paris as you prepare for your journey home.

Post-Cruise Land Tour: 2 Nights Reims (Champagne) and 1 Night Paris
Add: $1751 per person

Day 11: LUXEMBOURG – DISEMBARKATION – REIMS, FRANCE
Disembark in Luxembourg. En route to Paris, you will stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton. Later, you will enjoy a walking tour through Luxembourg before transfering to Reims, where you will check into your hotel. 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 12: REIMS
Explore the history behind the drink of celebration as you enjoy a scenic drive on the Routes des Champagnes. You will see some of the famous Champagne houses such as Epernay, Hautvillers and Champagne makers of Veuve-Clicquot and Moet et Chandon. (B)

Day 13: REIMS – PARIS
Check out of your hotel in Reims. Before transferring to Paris, enjoy a highlights tour of historic WWI sites in Reims, including the Belleau Wood American WWI monument. (B)

Day 4: DEPART PARIS
Bid au revoir to Paris as you prepare for your journey home.

CELEBRATION OF WINE RIVER CRUISES
Whether you are a wine novice or a self-described oenophile with your own wine cellar, we invite you to indulge in one of our more than 60 exclusive “Celebration of Wine River Cruises” through Europe’s most celebrated wine regions. These thrilling wine-themed European sailings provide a unique and delicious dimension to already enticing itineraries—with enhanced epicurean experiences included in the price of the cruise.

CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Each of our Celebration of Wine River Cruises is hosted by an enthusiastic wine professional who leads you through tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies you on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board. Guided by their passion and expertise, you’ll delight in discovering one of the world’s most perfect trifectas: travel, wine and elegant cuisine.

HOSTED WINE SAILINGS
Is there a winery whose bottles dominate your dinner parties? If so, you may be able to travel along with their wine club. Guided by the winery’s owner, vintner or certified sommelier, you will enjoy the unique opportunity to compare and contrast a selection of wines prepared by your host while discovering the history and modern-day culture of the region. Review our extensive choice of Wine Cruises hosted by wine experts.

EPICURIAN EXPERIENCES

– Premier Vineyards and Cellar Tours
One of the most delightful aspects of our Wine Cruises is visiting Europe’s unique vineyards and wineries. Whether you’re strolling through France’s 14th-century Château de Montaigne or visiting Austria’s historic and majestic Burg Clam, you’ll taste history every step of the way among storied vines.

– Authentic Encounters
Connect with artisans and vintners within the same fields in which their ancestors toiled. Learn how best to pair decadent chocolate with wine; discover how olives transform into the Mediterranean’s prized nectar, olive oil; or be tempted by Austria’s famed Wachau Valley apricots.

– Food and Wine Pairing – A Unique Art
Indulge in wine perfectly chosen to meld with the food on your plate and on your palate at an unforgettable dinner designed to heighten the relationship between the two. Rosemary-crusted lamb? A clear match for Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Oysters on the half shell? Try a Loire white.