11-night Paris, Prague & Germany's Hidden Gems Cruise/Land Package

Amid Prague's cobblestone streets and gold-tip spires, galleries, cafes, and clubs teem with young Czechs and "expatriates." New shops and restaurants have opened, expanding the city's culinary reach beyond the traditional roast pork and dumplings. The arts and theater also thrive in Prague. Young playwrights regularly stage their works, weekly poetry readings are standing room only, and classical music maintains famous standards, while the clubs are jammed. The arts - nonverbal theater, "installation" art, world music - are as trendy in Prague as in any European capital but possess distinctive Czech flavor. All of this is set against a stunning backdrop of towering churches and centuries-old bridges and alleyways. Prague achieved much of its glory in the 14th century, during the long reign of Charles IV, king of Bohemia and Moravia and Holy Roman Emperor. Charles established a university in the city and laid out the New Town, charting Prague's growth. Prague Castle is the most popular sight and is the largest ancient castle in the world with three courtyards.

Destination Guide

Amid Prague's cobblestone streets and gold-tip spires, galleries, cafes, and clubs teem with young Czechs and "expatriates." New shops and restaurants have opened, expanding the city's culinary reach beyond the traditional roast pork and dumplings. The arts and theater also thrive in Prague. Young playwrights regularly stage their works, weekly poetry readings are standing room only, and classical music maintains famous standards, while the clubs are jammed. The arts - nonverbal theater, "installation" art, world music - are as trendy in Prague as in any European capital but possess distinctive Czech flavor. All of this is set against a stunning backdrop of towering churches and centuries-old bridges and alleyways. Prague achieved much of its glory in the 14th century, during the long reign of Charles IV, king of Bohemia and Moravia and Holy Roman Emperor. Charles established a university in the city and laid out the New Town, charting Prague's growth. Prague Castle is the most popular sight and is the largest ancient castle in the world with three courtyards.

Destination Guide

Amid Prague's cobblestone streets and gold-tip spires, galleries, cafes, and clubs teem with young Czechs and "expatriates." New shops and restaurants have opened, expanding the city's culinary reach beyond the traditional roast pork and dumplings. The arts and theater also thrive in Prague. Young playwrights regularly stage their works, weekly poetry readings are standing room only, and classical music maintains famous standards, while the clubs are jammed. The arts - nonverbal theater, "installation" art, world music - are as trendy in Prague as in any European capital but possess distinctive Czech flavor. All of this is set against a stunning backdrop of towering churches and centuries-old bridges and alleyways. Prague achieved much of its glory in the 14th century, during the long reign of Charles IV, king of Bohemia and Moravia and Holy Roman Emperor. Charles established a university in the city and laid out the New Town, charting Prague's growth. Prague Castle is the most popular sight and is the largest ancient castle in the world with three courtyards.

Destination Guide

Bamberg is a historical yet dynamic city. It is a town of complementary tradition and progress. The locals like to stress their city spreads across seven hills like Rome, has a network of waterways like Venice, and an old city which is at least as beautiful as Prague and on which the same architects left their unmistakable mark. Old Town Hall, which parts the flow of the River Regnitz, can only be reached by two stone bridges; the Romanesque/Gothic Cathedral is endowed with four unique towers; the picturesque fishermen's houses of "Little Venice" prop each other up on the river bank and the magnificent New Residence boasts a splendid baroque room known as the Emperor's Hall. In summer, Bamberg's beer cellars or "Keller" are a special attraction. The locals and tourists appreciate a locally brewed beer and savor a typical Franconian snack. Bamberg is lovely for those who also enjoy a stroll. The possibilities are many and include the Hain, an extensive wooded park on the periphery, or the pretty paths along the canals and the River Regnitz.

Destination Guide

Part of the German state of Bavaria in the Franconia region, Kitzingen is surrounded by vineyards and produces the most wine in Bavaria. A 13th century leaning tower stands as Kitzingen's main landmark, and is said to have been caused by wine replacing water in the mortar. Kitzingen hosts an open-air wine festival, and is vibrant with Renaissance flair, such as the town hall and market square, whose old architecture remains indicative of the city's long history.

Destination Guide

Wertheim is an important city with a historic past that has remained true to its medieval roots. Wertheim's claim to fame is its fabulous castle ruins. Positioned on the cornerhills between the rivers, the Burg Wertheim appears quite striking on first glance, leaving little indication of the many times it has been conquered, destroyed, and rebuilt. The Pointed Tower (Spitzeturm) is the most prominent of the city towers still standing.

Destination Guide

Aschaffenburg is the ideal town for any traveler to rest and relax in for several days after the long flight to Germany. There are many things to see and places to go in and around Aschaffenburg. There are various events and festivals all year long. Aschaffenburg is a very friendly town with old world charm and modern shops.

Heidelberg's fairy tale setting has captivated imaginations for centuries in works from writers to painters to composers. Its culture shows in its museums, private galleries, playhouses, concerts by Philharmonic and the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra, and jazz and dance revues. Browse Main Street and Old Town's fascinating shops. Peruse stores and bars of Untere Strasse around the Church of the Holy Spirit and in “Plöck“ street. Scout treasures at the boroughs of Neuenheim and Handschuhsheim. Walk Philosopher‘s Path, one of Europe‘s most scenic overlooks with expansive views of Old Town and Heidelberg Castle. Saints‘ Mountain has a lookout tower, an amphitheater, and ruins of St. Michael‘s Basilica. Königstuhl Mountain is an excellent place to hike. Other unique attractions are: “Tiefburg“ (sunken castle), Neuburg Benedictine Monastery, the mountainside cemetery above Weststadt and Südstadt neighborhoods, and “Karlstorbahnhof“ culture center.

Destination Guide

Rüdesheim is located in the heart of the Rhine river area at the southern entrance to the Lorelei valley. This romantic holiday town offers much to visitors seeking a fabulous German experience. As you cruise down the Rhine, if you listen carefully, you just might hear the siren calling as you pass the Rock of Lorelei. One attraction to visit is the Niederwald monument. Erected between 1877 and 1883, this huge monument symbolizes the re-establishment of the German Empire and unity. From Rudesheim, one can either take the foot path to the monument or the cablecar leading to the top. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. Rudesheim is also famous for the Abbey of St. Hildegard. Some think the building is older than it is, but truly, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Other sites to see are the Wine Museum in Broemserburg Castle, Siegfried's Mechanical Music Instruments Museum and the Medieval Torture Museum, which boasts a wide collection of medeival relics.

Destination Guide

This medieval town, located in one of the best wine regions of the Mosel Valley, is crowded against the left bank of the river by a huge vineyard-covered hill. Because of its large number of inns, Cochem is your best choice for an overnight stopover between Koblenz and Trier. The town is a typical wine village, with tastings and festivals. But the biggest attraction is Reichsburg Cochem, a huge castle at the top of the mound behind the town. The original 1027 structure was almost completely destroyed by Louis XIV's army in 1689. It has since been restored according to the original ground plans, and its medieval ramparts and turrets create a dramatic backdrop for the town.

Destination Guide

Trier is a charming and very beautiful city. Founded by the Romans in 16 B.C., it is Germany's oldest city and exhibits architectural styles of the last 2000 years.

Destination Guide

Multilingualism is one of the assets of the Grand Ducal capital. Visitors may be ushered in with a hearty ”Moiën”, as the natives stick to their mother tongue, ”Lëtzebuergesch”, now as before. Placed in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg has matured into an economic and cultural center. The modern edifices of the European Institutions on the Kirchberg Plateau or the futuristic bank head offices lining Boulevard Royal bear witness to progress the city has made. The media world has found a home here, just like the circles of the specialist conventions or international conferences. Many great names, from Goethe or Victor Hugo to William Turner, used to think highly of Luxembourg hospitality and open-mindedness. Therefore, visitors should feel at ease in a cosmopolitan city stamped by the spell of smallness, visible at a glance.

Destination Guide

Trier is a charming and very beautiful city. Founded by the Romans in 16 B.C., it is Germany's oldest city and exhibits architectural styles of the last 2000 years.

Destination Guide

Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.

Destination Guide

Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.

Destination Guide

Paris, world capital of art and culture, gathers some of the most famous museums and monuments in the world. Like all the world's great capitals, Paris lives at a fast pace, by day, by night and especially at rush hours. Bear in mind that museums and monuments are often less crowded during the week. Sights that should not be missed include: The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Visit any of the many others according to your tastes and interests: the Musee Picasso, Musee Rodin, Musee Carnavalet, Musee Marmottan and the Arab Institute are just a few. Essential Paris monuments are the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe or the Grande Arche de la Defense.

Destination Guide