INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland. Transfer to Basel (Embarkation)

(Fri.) Flights into Zurich must arrive before 3 pm. Your river cruise vessel is docked on the Rhine River in Basel, where France, Switzerland, and Germany meet. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)

Day 2 Strasbourg, France

(Sat.) Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries, and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and European Parliament. A Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, the lovely LA PETITE FRANCE district, Place Kleber, and Place Gutenberg with its statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Mannheim-Mainz, Germany

(Sun.) After breakfast this morning, choose from an included guided excursion to either Germany's ancient imperial city of SPEYER or to the university city of HEIDELBERG. Speyer, located on the left bank of the Rhine, was a bishopric and boasts a Romanesque CATHEDRAL with six imposing towers and the finest and largest crypt in Germany. Four Holy Roman Emperors and four German kings are buried in the impressive Royal Vault. Heidelberg is Germany's oldest university town of Student Prince fame. Take pictures of the ruins of the imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone and towering above the city. Rejoin your ship in Mainz and enjoy free time to explore this city on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Miltenberg-Wertheim

(Mon.) Time at leisure this morning in charming Miltenberg, a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. Wertheim, situated at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers, is known for its medieval town center, its castle, glass blowing, and its wine. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Wurzburg

(Tue.) Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," Wurzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP'S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance (B,L,D)

Day 6 Bamberg

(Wed.) Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as you cruise gently up the Main River. Maybe join an optional excursion to Bayreuth, best known for its connection with Richard Wagner and the annual Bayreuth Festival, when the composer's operas are performed for a month. This afternoon, arrive in medieval Bamberg, another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site.The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Nuremberg

(Thu.) Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses-all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg's traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. Before dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)

Day 8 Regensburg

(Fri.) Another peaceful morning of cruising as you head through picturesque Altmuhltal to Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour this afternoon include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria's cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany's oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)

Day 9 Passau-Linz, Austria

(Sat.) Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Melk-Durnstein

(Sun.) Today is dedicated to the beautiful and romantic Wachau Valley, where so much of the excellent Austrian wines are grown and produced. This morning, visit Melk's impressive BENEDICTINE ABBEY, which towers over the town. Lounge on the Sky Deck with a glass of white wine while enjoying the scenery as you sail to Durnstein, whose baroque blue and white Stiftskirche stands right on the river bank. Explore on your own or choose one of a variety of optional excursions your Cruise Director will propose. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Vienna (Disembarkation)

(Mon.) After breakfast, say goodbye to your vessel and crew, and enjoy the sights of Vienna, Austria's capital. Also known as the "City of Music," Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights your Local Guide will show you during your included tour. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)

Day 12 Vienna

(Tue.) A full day at leisure to explore this city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B)

Day 13 Vienna

(Wed.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)