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$3,299
$3,299
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Cities of Light
All Ventures>>Viking River>>Cities of Light
This 12 day journey includes two nights each in two of Europe's most glorious cities, Paris and Prague - plus a scenic river cruise along the Moselle, Rhine and Main Rivers. Drink in the picturesque landscape of vineyard-clad hillsides and sample fine German appellations in the villages of this famous wine-producing region. Discover the romance of Paris and its many historic landmarks. And fall in love with the graceful architecture of Prague, home to countless spires and a vibrant cultural scene.
BTW: According to the Cruise Director, of the 186 passengers, 69 were repeats on the same cruise.
-D. and F. Cihak, Freeport, IL (2014 Cities of Light cruise)
About This Cruise
Itinerary Highlights
Paris, France; Luxembourg; Trier, Germany; Bernkastel; Cochem; Koblenz; Braubach; Rüdesheim; Heidelberg; Würzburg; Bamberg; Nuremberg; Prague, Czech RepublicCities of Light Highlights (45 second video)
Included:
- Seven nights in your river-view stateroom
- 2 nights at the Le Méridien Étoile in Paris (or similar)
- 2 nights at the Hilton Prague (or similar)
- All onboard meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner plus breakfast at the Paris & Prague hotels
- Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service
- Cocktail Reception & Dinner and Captain's Farewell Dinner
- 10 guided tours with audio headset
- PLUS - Visit 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Culture Curriculum: Enjoy a folkloric performance; attend lectures on the European Union & the Main River; learn how to make your own German bread pudding & Rüdesheimer coffee; get to know a local glassblower and his craft
- Port Charges - Included on all itineraries
- Air Taxes, Fees, Fuel Surcharges and Transfers - Included with airfare
- Internet Access - Free wi-fi, connection speed may vary
Air Options
Special airfares may be available. Please inquire for details.Not included:
- Airfare
- Tips and Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
Itinerary
Note: Itinerary is reversed on certain dates.Day 1, Paris
Arrive in Paris, the romantic capital of France. Transfer from the Charles de Gaulle airport to your hotel for a 2-night stay. After check-in, enjoy free time to explore this exciting city, or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and get oriented.Day 2, Paris
Today’s tour begins with a drive along the Champs-Élysées, past the Arc de Triomphe to the world-famous Louvre. The remainder of the day is yours to experience more of this timeless city: visit a museum, explore Montmartre or take a moonlit cruise along the Seine River. The banks of the Seine, with their graceful bridges and unrivaled city views, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B)Day 3, Paris, Luxembourg & Trier
Today, visit the Luxembourg American Cemetery and pay homage to the many Americans who lost their lives during the WWII Battle of the Bulge. See the city of Luxembourg on a guided tour, and then continue on to Trier and embark your ship. Dinner is served on board. (B, D)Day 4, Trier & Bernkastel
UNESCO World Heritage SiteTake a morning tour of Trier, Germany's oldest city, set on the banks of the Moselle River. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Lunch aboard as we depart. Enjoy scenic cruising along the Moselle this afternoon; we dock in Bernkastel around dinnertime. After your evening meal, you can take a walk through cobblestone streets of this charming town, or join an optional wine-tasting excursion in this famous wine region. (B, L, D)
Day 5, Cochem & Koblenz
A walking tour takes you through the quaint Moselle town of Cochem. Then, visit imposing Reichsburg Castle. Eat lunch while sailing the scenic Moselle to Koblenz, arriving in the evening during dinner. Explore the cobbled streets and cafés, or stay aboard and hear folk tales about the Moselle. (B, L, D)Day 6, Koblenz, Braubach & Rüdesheim
UNESCO World Heritage SiteAfter breakfast, disembark in Koblenz for a tour of Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress that was never destroyed. Since its fortifications have remained so intact, stepping inside is a veritable journey back to the Middle Ages. Take in views of the Rhine Valley from this castle’s stunning vantage point. Meet your ship in Braubach, where it has sailed during your excursion. Have lunch and enjoy cruising through the storied Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lined with medieval castles, historic towns and vineyards.. (B, L, D)
Day 7, Heidelberg
Today’s full-day excursion takes you to Heidelberg, home to Germany’s oldest university. Tour the imposing red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle, built in the 12th century but twice destroyed by lightning and then later rebuilt. A guided walk through Heidelberg’s Old Town and marketplace is included, as is lunch in a local restaurant. Return to your ship for dinner and departure. (B, L, D)Day 8, Würzburg
UNESCO World Heritage SiteDisembark in Karlstadt and take a half-day excursion to the charming Franconian wine town of Würzburg where you tour the Bishops' Residenz, a beautiful baroque palace with many paintings and frescoes. Take more time in Würzburg this afternoon, or join an optional journey along the Romantic Road to the walled medieval village of Rothenburg. Meet your ship in Würzburg and dine aboard; remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)
Day 9, Bamberg
UNESCO World Heritage SiteThis morning, enjoy scenic cruising along the Main River as you make your way eastward through the Franconia region of Germany. After lunch we stop in the historic town of Bamberg founded in 902 and an important center of the German Enlightenment. Enjoy a walking tour of Bamberg's beautifully preserved Old Town area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then take time to explore or perhaps sample the town's famous locally brewed smoky beer, Rauchbier. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 10, Nuremberg
After breakfast, disembark in Bamberg for a tour of the Bavarian city of Nuremberg. See the ruins of Zeppelin Field, Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s, and the Palace of Justice, the venerable vestige of the Nuremberg Trials. Enjoy lunch on your own, then transfer to Prague. Check in to your hotel for a 2-night stay and take time to explore the city and see what you discover. (B)Day 11, Prague
UNESCO World Heritage SiteThis morning, tour the “City of a Hundred Spires.” A guided walk takes you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. Then, travel to Hradčany for a guided tour inside Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure; you can see the Town Hall’s intricate 15th-century astronomical clock and spend some time in historic Wenceslas Square. You also have the opportunity today to join an optional tour to Lobkowicz Palace. (B)
Day 12, Prague
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. Or, extend your journey with 2 additional nights in Prague and discover more of this celebrated city. (B)The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Excursions for the Cities of Light Tour
All excursions are included. Please see Itinerary.Pre/Post-Cruise Options
More days means more to discover - with packages you can add before or after your Viking journey. Wherever your journey takes you, we offer exciting ways to see even more of the region.Pre-Extension: Paris
Become enchanted by the romance of France’s capital. Explore Paris’s city center along the banks of the Seine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower reigning over the “City of Light.”Pre-Extension: Oxford and Highclere Castle
Spend three days in the rolling hills of England’s countryside. Explore the historic University of Oxford, Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds. And enjoy an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle, known to audiences worldwide as the setting of the television series Downton Abbey.Pre-Extension: Prague
Give yourself more time in the Czech Republic’s vibrant capital, the “City of a Hundred Spires.” Explore on your own Prague’s many landmarks—Hradčany Castle, St. Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge and more.Combine Your Cruise with an Untour!
The Cities of Light Cruise links well with our Untours in France - Paris and The Czech Republic - PragueThere may be a few gap days between cruise and Untour. Inquire for details.
Dates and Prices
Not finding the date, cabin or price you are looking for? Call us at 1-888-868-6871; for some cruises and adventures, availability changes regularly.
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