2016 - TM Europe River Cruising

68 Day 9. Tournon, Boucieu Le-Roi. From Tournon, traverse the beautiful countryside of the Rhône-Alpes region on your way to Boucieu Le-Roi, a quaint village in the Ardèche region founded in 1291 by the French king, Philip the Fair. Like a Local – in the charming picturesque village of Boucieu Le-Roi, meet the locals as they take you on a guided tour of their village. Browse the local handicraft at the village market, where you will be able to sample some local delights at morning tea. Soak up the quaint atmosphere as you are entertained by a folk music performance, or perhaps you may like to partake in a game of Pétanque, a popular form of French bowls. BLD Day 10. Lyon. Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône rivers but is also the gastronomic capital of France. Here, you'll uncover its rich ancient history on a locally guided tour that includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites that have helped earn the city its World Heritage listing. You'll absorb the stunning panoramic views of the city from the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière and then discover the Renaissance charm of Old Lyon and its narrow alleyways that pass through its buildings. This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure to further explore the city as you wish. Perhaps visit the delightful botanical gardens, the Parc de la Tête d'Or. Alternatively, you might like to stroll along the leafy paths that follow the banks of the Rhône River. Another option is to take the opportunity to explore the culinary delights at Lyon's fresh food markets. Afterwards, return to your ship for a delicious dinner on board. BLD Day 11. Lyon, Basel. Disembark in Lyon and travel by coach across the Swiss countryside to the town of Basel in Switzerland, long an important university, banking and trade centre. Basel's past is still evident in its medieval town hall and exquisite 18th-century patrician houses. From here, embark on your second cruise along the Rhine River aboard your luxurious river ship. Stay (Seven Nights): MS Excellence Queen. BD Day 12. Breisach. Disembark in Breisach today and explore the famous Black Forest region. Travel by coach past sky-bound pine and birch trees blanketing the mountainsides to the scenic village of Triberg, once the home to the inventor of Black Forest cherry cake, Josef Keller. Enjoy some time at leisure before enjoying A Taste of Germany – where you will visit the open air Black Forest Museum Vogtsbauernhof, and enjoy a Black Forest cake demonstration, followed by a delicious tasting of this famous and exquisite dessert. BLD Day 13. Heidelberg, Speyer. An inspiration to artists, poets and authors alike, the picturesque university town of Heidelberg will delight you with its Baroque old town and reminiscent castle ruins. In 1878, Mark Twain commenced his European travels with a stay in Heidelberg, noted in his literary work, 'A Tramp Abroad'. Like a Local – enjoy the must-see experience of a guided tour of Heidelberg's Old Town, dominated by the incredible ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Continue to the 2,000-year-old city of Speyer, where you will have some free time to explore its amazing historical wonders. BLD Day 14. Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge. This morning, your ship docks in Rüdesheim, the perfect example of a Rhine Gorge wine town. Here, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through town to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, which houses the most beautiful collection of automated musical instruments in Germany. Later, continue cruising to experience a true highlight of the holiday – cruising through the Rhine Gorge, considered by locals to be the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Watch in awe as steep slopes covered in vineyards and dotted with ancient castles drift past. Later this evening, enjoy a tantalising dinner on board your luxury ship. BLD Day 15. Cochem. Like an exquisite ribbon, your ship gently twists and turns through some of Europe's prettiest scenery along the Moselle River. Set off cruising along this picturesque waterway and absorb the scenery of the spectacular Moselle Valley as you pass landscapes of lush vineyards and spellbinding verdant rolling hills. Disembark in the pretty town of Cochem in the Moselle Valley. Explore the narrow alleyways with their half-timbered houses and visit the magnificent Cochem Castle. Perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful Moselle River, this majestic castle is reminiscent of a spectacular scene from a fairytale. Rejoin your ship and continue to marvel at the exquisite countryside. Later this evening, enjoy a delicious dinner on board your river ship. BLD FRANCE – be astounded by the fortified city of Carcassonne – www.travelmarvel.com.au –

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