Uniworld, Paris & the Heart of Europe, River Cruise Vacation Package
Duration: 18 Days / 17 Nights
Priced From: $4,059 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: Mar, May - Oct
Ship: River Princess
From: Paris
From the dynamic cities of Paris, Vienna, and Frankfurt to the glorious scenic stretches of the Moselle, Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, to the picturesque postcard villages along the way, you’ll discover the heart of Europe.
Enjoy two nights in the “City of Lights,” Paris, before setting sail along four of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Delight in the astounding beauty of the Wachau Valley, and marvel at a variety of architectural styles to be found in just one region—and often in a single building, such as archetypal medieval cities of Nuremberg, Regensburg and Rothenberg, the imposing 900-year-old baroque Melk abbey, and Passau’s beautiful baroque cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ in Europe.
Celebrate the wine and food of the region. The Moselle and Wachau Valley’s Rieslings; Vienna’s delectable pastries and distinctive coffee, and Germany’s hearty beers and sausages. Discover the romance of Paris and the music of Vienna. Open your heart to the “heart of Europe” on unforgettable cruise.
Who will enjoy this cruise:
Romantics, of course. Delight in the splendor of Paris, the charm of fairytale villages, the magnificence of castles and cathedrals, and the haunting beauty of Viennese waltzes and cathedral sonatas.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart Home Gateway City to Paris
DAY 2: Paris
Arrive at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport where you’ll be transferred to the hotel.
DAY 3: Paris
Featured Excursion: Paris city tour
We begin our city tour with a drive up the grand boulevard Champs-Elysées, passing the Arc de Triomphe. We’ll stop for a photo opportunity at the Eiffel Tower before continuing to Place Vendôme, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Latin Quarter. We’ll then go to Les Invalides, the Louvre courtyard, and Luxembourg Gardens, where we will see a slice of daily Parisian life as well as view Bartholdi’s model for the Statue of Liberty. (BB)
DAY 4: Paris, Trier
Featured Excursion: Trier city tour
Today, travel by motorcoach from Paris, France to Trier, Germany where you’ll board the ship. Your afternoon panoramic tour of Germany’s oldest city, also called the second Rome, showcases the former Roman Imperial Baths, the impressive Roman gate Porta Nigra and Emperor Constantine’s throne room, all of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. (BB, D)
DAY 5: Bernkastel, Traben-Trarbach
Featured Excursion: Bernkastel walking tour, Traben-Trarbach walking tour and wine experience.
Discover Bernkaste?s 500-plus years of winemaking history, with historic vineyards and delightful market squares. After a scenic cruise past the Moselle region’s vine-filled slopes and picturesque villages, discover the romantic twin town of Traben-Trarbach, where treasures of Art Nouveau architecture pay tribute to the wealthy wine merchants of the 19th century. Afterwards, savor delectable Riesling wines from local vineyards. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Dinner)
DAY 6: Koblenz, cruising the romantic Rhine, Rüdesheim
Featured Excursion: Koblenz walking tour
In Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle, amble through picturesque streets while your local expert explains the town’s history and importance in the region. Later in the day, cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage-designated romantic Rhine with its more than 40 castles and famous Lorelei Rock. Enjoy leisure time in Rüdesheim, a celebrated wine town during the evening. (BB, L, D)
DAY 7: Frankfurt
Featured Excursion: Frankfurt city tour
Your panoramic tour of dynamic Frankfurt takes you through the financial hub with its imposing skyline and past Old Town, Goethe University, and the Botanical Gardens. Then explore the historic area around Römer Square on foot, passing St. Paul’s Church and picturesque gabled houses. (BB, L, D)
DAY 8: Miltenberg
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour
Visit historic Miltenberg, a quintessentially charming medieval village with its fairytale half-timbered houses, Crooked House, and Royal Inn, which has been serving meals since the 17th century. Take in the breathtakingly beautiful scenery along the meandering Main River as you relax onboard in the afternoon. (BB, L, D)
DAY 9: Würzburg (Rothenburg)
Featured Excursion: Full-day tour of Rothenburg
Travel along the Romantic Road, a spec-tacular route winding through Bavaria to the Alps, past extravagant baroque palaces, medieval-walled towns, placid lakes, and beautiful mountains. Located on the Tauber River, a visit to Rothenburg is like taking a trip back in time to the Middle Ages.
DAY 10: Bamberg
Featured Excursion: Bamberg walking tour
Irresistible Optional Tour: Bamberg beer experience
Stroll through 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 Farewell Dinner)
DAY 11: Nuremberg
DAY 12: Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour
Today’s tour takes you through Nuremberg, an archetypal German medieval city encircled by mighty defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. The second largest city in Bavaria is the birthplace of Albrecht Dürer and home to world-famous gingerbread and the pocket watch. It is also where the infamous Nazi rallies were held during World War II, and its courthouse (Room 600) held the memorable trials after the war. Discover the sights of Nuremberg during your panoramic tour before exploring the walled Old Town on foot. (BB, L, D)
DAY 13: Regensburg
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour
Regensburg, one of the finest medieval towns in Europe, captures 2000 years of living history with outstanding manmade monuments like the 12th-century stone bridge and the towering gothic cathedral. Our walking tour explores the architectural treasures of Old Town as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter, with magnificent stained glass windows dating back to the 14th century. Genuine Bavarian hospitality adds to the vibrant mix of art and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB, L, D)
DAY 14: Passau
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour and St. Stephan’s organ concert
Irresistible Optional Tour: Venture through the Bavarian forest to the Bavarian Village Museum, or spend an afternoon cycling along the Inn River
Passau boasts a delightful layer of Italian style on quintessential German foundations. Explore the well-preserved town and visit St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ, and site of your organ recital. (BB, L, D)
DAY 15: Melk
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey
Upon arrival in Melk, be greeted by the 900-year-old Benedictine abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. The beautiful complex is a masterpiece of baroque art and architecture. During your tour through the abbey complex, the guide will bring history to life as you discover one work of art after another. (BB, L, D)
DAY 16: Melk, Wachau Valley and Krems
Featured Excursion: Krems wine experience
Start the day with a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape representing one of the most beautiful stretches of river valleys in Europe, en route to Krems. Today, we invite you on a different kind of journey to discover the fascination of wine. We’ll take you to the best traditional and state-of-the-art wine domain where you’ll experience a treat for all the senses, from the vineyards to the cellars. See, feel, smell the wines on a walk through the estate and taste the noble juice of the vine. (BB, L, D)
DAY 17: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour
Irresistible Optional Tour: Visit Schönbrunn Palace, and/or enjoy a classical music performance of Mozart and Strauss
Vienna’s compact historic city center is an exciting array of cafés and grand places, culminating at the magnificent gothic cathedral. Your city tour will take you along the stately Ringstrasse to the most beloved architectural wonder in all of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where Mozart was married in 1782. On the way you’ll pass Figaro House, where Mozart once lived and wrote The Marriage of Figaro. (BB, L, D)
DAY 18: Vienna (disembark), transfer to airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to Vienna Airport for your flight home.
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the Uniworld River Cruise vacation planner to be contacted by Our Uniworld, Europe River Cruise vacation specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
10/09
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