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12 Days Strasbourg to Prague Serenade - Eastbound River Cruise Tour Package
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Priced From: $3990 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jul, Aug
The newest of memorable Europe river cruises invites you to experience the romance of idyllic villages in the lush wine country of France's Alsace region... explore the magnificent medieval cathedral cities and colorful culture of Bavaria... and discover a remarkable mix of old and new during two-night stays in the ancient cities of Strasbourg and Prague! An extraordinary weeklong cruise aboard the state-of-the-art ms Swiss Sapphire winds its way past castles, vineyards and historic villages along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in the gracious style once reserved for the nobility. Walk in the footsteps of the rich and famous of long ago as you visit the glamorous spa town of Baden-Baden and its elegant Casino, enjoy an exclusive private tour of the Strahov Monastery libraries in Prague, and discover what royal life was like in palaces like the Heidelberger Schloss, Würzberg's imposing Residenz, and Prague Castle. Feel history come alive as you explore medieval towns and cities such as Obernai, Miltenberg, Regensburg and Bamberg. Savor an authentic taste of the region during meals aboard ship and at specially selected restaurants ashore during your riverboat cruise; and sample fine wines of the Alsace and the beers of Germany's Franconia region during tours and tastings.
Tour Itinerary
• Indicates cruise day
Day 1 - Welcome to Strasbourg
The newest of Europe river cruises begins at 6:00 PM at the Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile. Transfers from Strasbourg International Airport to the Sofitel Strasbourg Grand Ile are included. Please join us to meet your Directors and fellow travelers at our welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Meals:Dinner
LodgingSofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile, Strasbourg, France
Day 2 - Strasbourg old and new
Strasbourg has one foot firmly in the present and one foot rooted in the past. As the capital of the European Union, the EU Parliament district bustles with the in-the-moment business of modern-day government; see the impressive, modern Parliament buildings en route to the past this morning. Step into the medieval world of La Petite France - with its historic cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and meandering canals - during a walking tour with a local guide, and visit Strasbourg's 11th-century Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, once the tallest building in Europe.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch
LodgingSofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile, Strasbourg, France
• Day 3 - Authentically Alsace
Head out of town this morning for a drive along the famous Route des Vins d'Alsace (Alsatian Wine Road), through enchanting villages of France's Alsace region, and past endless terraced vineyards that produce the area's renowned white wines on the way to the picturesque town of Obernai. Here, you'll enjoy lunch in a former manor house, complete with local wines offering a true taste of the Alsace. Later, board the ms Swiss Sapphire to begin this most extraordinary of Europe river cruises along the Rhine. This evening, the Captain welcomes you aboard with a special reception in your honor.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 4 - Good times in Baden-Baden
Set in the foothills of Germany's Black Forest, the spa town of Baden-Baden, with its healing waters, has been a popular destination since Roman times; its thermal springs have been known for over 2,000 years. The likes of Queen Victoria, Brahms, Napoleon III and Marlene Dietrich have wandered its streets, "taken the waters" and played in its casino. After a walking tour during which you'll discover ruins of castles and Roman baths, visit the extravagantly beautiful Belle Epoque Casino, which has been the place to see and be seen for nobility and the elite for over 250 years.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 5 - It happens in Heidelberg
A full-day excursion to Heidelberg showcases many facets of this intriguing city, which has been a happening place for students since the University of Heidelberg was founded in 1386. Take in the charm of Old Town during a guided walking tour revealing Gothic gates and walls, Renaissance and Baroque homes and palaces... and life here in the 21st century. Ride a funicular up to the ruins of the famous Gothic-Renaissance castle, Heidelberger Schloss. Return to the ms Swiss Sapphire after lunch in a Heidelberg restaurant and some free time to explore the city on your own before you continue one of the most unique Europe river cruises along the River Main.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 6 - Rollin' on the River Main
The opportunity to just kick back and relax is yours this morning as your riverboat glides down the Main River bound for Bavaria. Or, see what fun things your Directors have up their sleeves, work out in the fitness center or find something to challenge you on the on-board Wii game system. Spend the afternoon exploring Miltenberg, with its hilltop castle, lively market square and half-timbered houses. Bavaria comes aboard ms Swiss Sapphire this evening for a special dinner spotlighting this lovely area of Germany.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 7 - Feel like royalty at Würzburg's Residenz
By 1000 BC, the Celts had built a fortress, and in the 8th century, Charlemagne himself consecrated the cathedral that is the focal point of the historic and charming town of Würzburg. About 90% of the town was destroyed in World War II and then painstakingly reconstructed by its citizens - most of them women. The magnificent Würzburg Residenz, a beautiful complex of palaces begun in 1720 for the Würzburg prince-bishops, was completed, start-to-finish, almost within a single generation. During a tour today, you'll see a magnificent sequence of rooms containing a wonderful array of paintings, tapestries, furniture and other 18-century treasures. Return to the Residenz this evening for a memorable dinner in its wine cellar, complete with a wine tasting and entertainment - a highlight of your riverboat cruise!
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 8 - Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Spend the morning participating in the on-board activities offered by your Directors and gaining some new insights about this part of the Main River during your riverboat cruise to Bamberg; you can even listen to your Director's commentary in the comfort of your cabin! What the Alsace is to wine in France, the Franconia region of Germany is to beer. Following a walking tour of Bamberg's Old Town, you'll have a chance to sample the excellent local brews during a brewery tour and beer tasting.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 9 - The Main-Danube Canal and historic Nürnberg
It wasn't until 1992 that the dream of linking the North Sea to the Black Sea, and making a riverboat cruise all the way from Holland to Romania possible, was realized with the completion of the Main-Danube Canal. A local expert will tell you all about it as ms Swiss Sapphire transits the canal this morning. After docking in Nürnberg, disembark for an orientation tour of this significant Bavarian city, perhaps best known for its role during and after World War II. But Nürnberg also has a fascinating medieval heart, as you'll discover on a walking tour following lunch and special entertainment at a local restaurant. Celebrate your unforgettable cruise this evening at the Captain's farewell reception and dinner aboard the riverboat.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Day 10 - Regensburg revealed and on to Prague
Talk about a long history - humans settled on the banks of the Danube near Regensburg during the Stone Age and the Romans arrived around 90 AD! Regensburg, where you'll disembark ms Swiss Sapphire, bills itself as “Germany's best-preserved medieval city†and you'll understand why when you explore the town during a walking tour. Sightseeing in Old Town Regensburg today includes the Stone Bridge, completed in 1146, magnificent Dom St. Peter, the 15th-century Town Hall and remains of the Roman wall. Then it's on to Prague for a two-night stay in this ancient city, now the capital of the Czech Republic.
Meals:Breakfast, dinner
LodgingHilton Prague Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic
Day 11 - A day across the centuries in Prague
Start today's exploration of this "city of 100 spires" in the ancient Hradcany (Castle) district with your local guide; see 1,000-year-old Prague Castle's complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens, visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus and enjoy a Exclusive - a private tour of Strahov Monastery's grand Baroque libraries. You're free to spend the afternoon as you please in Prague, or join us if you like on a walking tour of Prague's Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to the Astronomical Clock and Tyn Church - along with Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Sample the culinary pleasures of Prague with dinner on your own tonight; the city's many fine restaurants and cafés feature a wide range of cuisines... and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings and beer the region has to offer.
Meals:Breakfast
LodgingHilton Prague Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic
Day 12 - Homeward bound
This most memorable of Europe river cruises ends in Prague, Czech Republic. A transfer is included from the Hilton Prague Old Town to Prague's Ruzyne International Airport.
Meals:Breakfast
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