Canals, Vineyards & Castles with 2 Nights Paris – Southbound

Start this magnificent river cruise vacation in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. See the treasures of this 700-year-old city from a unique perspective—on a canal cruise along the elegant grachten.

Then, begin your scenic cruise along the Rhine River and come to Cologne, Germany—a 2,000 year-old city known for its gothic architecture. You’ll sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge—the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. In the charming wine town of Rüdesheim, enjoy a stroll through its famous cobblestone Drosselgasse lined with shops, restaurants, and lively taverns. Along the Moselle River, you’ll stop at the picturesque town of Cochem where the Riesling grape is cultivated. Visit Reichsburg Castle, nestled among vineyards and offering breathtaking views of the town and river valley below. In Bernkastel, enjoy a guided walk and taste some of the region’s best-loved wines. Go on an excursion to historical Luxembourg City, offering unique and dramatic views as it is set on two levels—high above on straddling hills and dropping into two river valleys.

Ride the high-speed train to Paris, the last stop on this fabulous European river cruise. Guided sightseeing shows you the famous sights of the romantic “City of Light”: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre Museum with its elegant glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture.

City Highlights

Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation): onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Amsterdam: canal cruiseDay 3 Cologne: choice of Cologne highlights walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tourDay 4 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: cruise through the Rhine Gorge; in Rüdesheim choice of visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument; special treatDay 5 Cochem: guided walk, visit Reichsburg CastleDay 6 Bernkastel: guided walk; wine tastingDay 7 Remich. Excursion to Luxembourg City: guided tour in LuxembourgDay 8 Remich (Disembarkation)–Paris: travel by motorcoach from Remich to Luxembourg City or Metz; continue by high-speed train to Paris; guided sightseeingDay 9 Paris: day at leisureDay 10 Paris: your vacation ends this morning

Notes

In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WARE-2019