Europe's Heartland Cruise: 14 Days Cruise Tour 3 nights in Paris, an enchanting 7 night Cruise from Luxembourg to Nuremberg plus 2 nights in Prague Those returning from Germany are singing the praises of the fascinating Rhine and the Moselle as the most scenic European rivers. Start your European vacation with a big splash in Paris before joining our cruise in Luxembourg, the capital of the Grand Duchy. You will be enchanted by the meandering Moselle Valley with Europe's steepest vineyards and the precious towns of Bernkastel, Zell and Cochem. Taste the Moselle vintages in cozy taverns, then sail through the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine with all its picturesque castles from Coblenz to charming Rudesheim. Enter the Main river with its quaint medieval towns Miltenberg, Wertheim and Bamberg and sail through the Main-Danube Canal to historic Nuremberg. Your journey ends in historic Prague, also called "the city of a hundred Spires". Inclusions Highlights Features Itinerary Dates Inclusions 3 nights hotel accommodations in Paris including daily buffet breakfast Transfer from the hotel in Paris via Luxembourg to the Ship in Trier 7 night deluxe cruise accommodations in an outside stateroom Infotainment system in all staterooms with Internet, movie and music library & English language TV stations Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms Superb dining with all meals included during your cruise Unlimited quality red & white wines from Europe's great wine regions with every dinner on board the ship Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner Transfer from the Ship in Nuremberg to the hotel in Prague 2 nights hotel accommodations in Prague including daily buffet breakfast Daily sightseeing programs as outlined in the itinerary Use of Amalegro bicycles to explore All transfers with the purchase of cruise & air package All local taxes Special Notes Departures begin May 2007 through November 2007 from $2499.00. Please call for dates, rates and availability. Special Features Special highlights include Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, on board music performances and afternoon & evening piano music.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart USA
Board your overnight flight to Paris.

Day 2 - Arrive Paris, France
Time to rest or start exploring the city during the balance of the day.

Day 3 - Paris
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, see the unique Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opera, Madeleine, Champs Elysees and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that the city has to offer.

Day 4 - Paris
Enjoy a full free day to explore the amazing "City of Light," where romance fills the air. Stroll along the Champs Elysees, the boutique-lined boulevards, or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the World's Fair of 1889. Paris at night offers unlimited possibilities for everybody's taste.

Day 5 - Paris/Luxembourg/Trier, Germany
This morning say "Au Revoir" to Paris as you drive through the scenic French countryside of Champagne to Luxembourg, one of the last of hundreds of independent duchies which once made up western and central Europe. Today the Grand Duchy owes its importance to its role in international politics and banking. There is free time for lunch and a guide city tour before continuing to Trier and embarkation on the ship. Tonight gather on board for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 6 - Bernkastel/Zell
This morning arrive in the charming village of Bernkastel. Strategically located in the middle of the Moselle wine-producing region Bernkastel boasts over 500 years of documented wine history. Take a guided walking tour through the old town center with its many medieval and Renaissance buildings, before continuing on to Zell, a delightful town famous for its wine "Zeller Schwarze Katz."

Day 7 - Gondorf/Cochem/Koblenz/Rhine Castles/Rudesheim
This morning you decide, you can either disembark in Gondorf and take the included excursion to Cochem, where a guided tour of hilltop Reichsburg Castle offers fascinating views of the river valley. From here a motorcoach ride brings you to Koblenz situated at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers. Or, you can continue cruising the Moselle to it's confluence with the Rhine at Koblenz and enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful town. Together, this afternoon cruise along the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine. See castle after castle and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rudesheim, the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants.

Day 8 - Mainz/Heidelberg/Frankfurt
Today, again you decide, either disembark in Mainz and travel by motorcoach to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town of Student Prince fame. You will visit the red-walled Castle, seeing the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask and beautiful views of the Necker Valley and Heidelberg below. Then there is a walking tour of old Heidelberg and free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon drive to Frankfurt, the bustling metropolis on the River Main, where you rejoin your ship. Or, you can enjoy a leisurely walking tour of charming Mainz, hometown of the famous printer Guttenburg and the Roman ship museum. Then take a lunchtime cruise on the Main river to Frankfurt where you will have a guided walking tour of the historic city center "The Romer".

Day - Miltenberg/Wertheim
Arrive in Miltenberg and disembark for a guided morning walking tour of this old Franconian town, which reveals narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. Shop for souvenirs before your coach takes you to charming Wertheim where you can browse the market square before re-boarding the ship.

Day 10 - Wurzburg
Wurzburg, "the Pearl of the Romantic Road," is the capital of Lower Franconia, and a center of wine and trade. Visit the major sights including the magnificent Residence Palace. This afternoon why not join an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg. A walking tour helps you appreciate its ramparts and towers, cobbled lanes and 16th-century houses. Free time to explore before returning to Wurzburg.

Day 11 - Bamberg
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruising before you enter the Main-Danube Canal at enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem, with its uniquely intact townscape. Marvel at the breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city's serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. Late tonight arrive in Nuremberg.

Day 12 - Nuremberg/Prague, Czech Republic
After breakfast transfer to Prague, where you will arrive in time for lunch, the afternoon is free to explore the "Golden City" on your own.

Day 13 - Prague
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and Golden Lane, then walk through the Jewish quarter to the Old Market Square. The evening is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafes or restaurants.

Day 14 - Prague departure
Your homebound flight arrives the same day.

Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent

• Note: From pricing is per person based on double occupancy and does not include airfare. Itineraries are subject to change due to waterways conditions and are at the sole discretion of the captain.

Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars.