River Cruise Vienna to Paris

DAY 1:  19SEP 2011 Vienna (embark)         
Arrive at Vienna International Airport where you will be transferred to the ship. (D)

The port of embarkation is: Wien (Vienna)
Address: Schiffsstation Handelskai 265, A-1020
Pier: Handelskai 1 to 9

DAY 2:  20SEP 2011 Vienna         
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour and National Library visit

There can be no exploration of the Danube without a visit to Vienna, which is a city both steeped in history and on the cusp of current trends. Your panoramic city tour showcases all the imperial Habsburg grandeur of the stately Ringstrasse, taking you past the Rathaus (City Hall), Parliament, the Hofburg (Imperial Palace), and the State Opera, among other sights. Leaving the motorcoach, you will start a walking tour through the Hofburg grounds, culminating at the magnificent Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library, which is said to be the most beautiful library room in the world. (BB, L, D)

Note: On Mondays, Mozarthaus will be substituted for the Library.

DAY 3: 21SEP 2011 Cruising the scenic Wachau Valley, Melk         
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey

Today you'll cruise the scenic, vineyard-rich Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape representing one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. Then tour Melk's 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. The views from the terrace are spectacular, but the splendid frescos, marble, and gilded plasterwork of its interior will be the true highlight of your visit. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Gala)

DAY 4:  22SEP 2011 Passau     
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour and St. Stephan's organ concert

Passau boasts a delightful layer of Italian style on top of quintessential German foundations. Explore the well preserved town on your guided walking tour. Visit St. Stephan's Cathedral, home to Europe's largest pipe organ, where you will hear a magnificent organ recital. (BB, L, D)

Note: Concert not available before May 2, after October 31, or on Sundays.

DAY 5:  23SEP 2011 Deggendorf (Theresienthal)         

Featured Excursion: Bavarian Forest horse-drawn carriage ride and Theresienthal visit

After enjoying a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through the Bavarian Forest, you will be taken to the world-famous crystal glass manufacturer, Theresienthal. Here you will experience the fine art of hand-made crystal glass-making firsthand during a workshop where you will learn all the various steps involved, as well as the extraordinary history of Theresienthal that dates back to the 1830s. (BB, L, D)

DAY 6:  24SEP 2011Regensburg 
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour

 Regensburg, one of the finest Medieval towns in Europe, captures 2,000 years of living history with outstanding manmade monuments like the 12th-century Stone Bridge and the towering Gothic cathedral. Your walking tour takes you past the architectural treasures of Old Town as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter with its magnificent 14th-century stained glass windows. Genuine Bavarian hospitality adds to the vibrant mix of art and culture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB, L, D)

DAY 7:  25SEP 2011 Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Nuremberg         
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour

After cruising the most scenic parts of the Main-Danube Canal, a marvel of modern engineering, visit Nuremberg, an archetypal Medieval German city encircled by mighty defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. Birthplace of Albrecht Du¨rer and famous for its pocket watches, the city also held the astounding War Crimes Trials after WWII. Discover the sights of Nuremberg during your panoramic tour before exploring its walled Old Town on foot. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)

DAY 8:  26SEP 2011 Nuremberg 

Enjoy a day at leisure.

Attractions include Nuremberg Castle... the three castles that tower over the city, and a medieval market just inside the city walls, famous for its handmade ornaments and delicacies.

DAY 9:  27SEP 2011 Bamberg         
Featured Excursion: Bamberg city tour

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg with your guide. See the unique town hall, the Imperial Cathedral, and the fishermen's village known as "Little Venice." (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Gala)

DAY 10:    28SEP 2011   Gerlachshausen (Rothenburg), Wüzburg     
Featured Excursion: Full-day tour of Rothenburg

Travel along parts of the "Romantic Road" to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the best-preserved Medieval town in Germany. The old city walls still stand, protecting the charming core of Gothic churches and gabled houses from intruders. Climb the Town Hall tower for great views over the city and the Tauber Valley. (BB, D)

DAY 11:   29SEP 2011    Miltenberg 
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour

Take in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery along the meandering Main River as you relax onboard in the morning. Visit historic Miltenberg, a charming Medieval village, with its fairytale half-timbered houses, Crooked House, and Royal Inn, which has been serving meals since the 17th century. (BB, L, D)

DAY 12:   30SEP 2011     Frankfurt, Rüdesheim     
Featured Excursion: Frankfurt city tour

 Your tour of dynamic Frankfurt takes you through the city's financial hub with its imposing skyline and past Old Town, Goethe University, and the Botanical Gardens. Then you will explore the historic area around Römer Square on foot, passing St. Paul's Church and many picturesque gabled houses. (BB, L, D)

DAY 13:   1OCT 2011      Rüdesheim, cruising the romantic Rhine, Koblenz 
Featured Excursion: Koblenz walking tour

 Cruise along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its more than 40 castles and famous Lorelei Rock. Amble through Koblenz's picturesque streets while a local expert explains the town's history and importance in the region. (BB, L, D)

DAY 14:    2OCT 2011 Traben-Trarbach, Bernkastel         
Featured Excursion: Traben-Trarbach walking tour, Bernkastel walking tour and wine tasting

 Discover the romantic town of Traben-Trarbach, where treasures of Art Nouveau architecture pay tribute to the wealthy 19th-century wine merchants who once inhabited them. Afterwards, savor delectable Rieslings from local vineyards. Visit the historic vineyards and delightful market squares that attest to Bernkastel's 500-plus-year wine making history. Afterwards, savor delectable Rieslings from local vineyards. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)

DAY 15:   3OCT 2011    Trier (disembark), transfer to Paris         
Featured Excursion: Trier city tour

Enjoy your morning tour of Germany's oldest city, also called the second Rome, showcases the impressive Roman gate Porta Nigra and Emperor Constantine's throne room, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travel by motorcoach from Trier, Germany, to Paris, France (BB)
Hotel: Radisson Blue Ambassador

DAY 16:   4OCT 2011         Paris     
Featured Excursion: Paris city tour

Your city tour begins with a drive up the grand boulevard Champs-Élysées, passing the Arc de Triomphe. Stop at the Champs de Mars for an opportunity to photograph the Eiffel Tower before continuing to Place Vendôme, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. Then go on to Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard, and Luxembourg Gardens, where you will see a slice of daily Parisian life as well as view Bartholdi's model for the Statue of Liberty. (BB)
Hotel: Radisson Blue Ambassador

DAY 17:    5OCT2011       Paris to Airport     
Transfer to Paris CDG Airport for your onward journey or flight home. (CB or BB)