Enjoy Premium River Cruising along Europe's wateways with Travelmarvel.
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35 Slovakia Netherlands France Belgium Hungary Germany Czech Rep. Austria Würzburg Regensburg Passau Nuremberg Rüdesheim Melk Vienna Dürnstein Linz Cologne Brühl Budapest Bamberg Amsterdam Utrecht Paris 3 Prague Coach Cruise Stay (no. of nights) Miltenberg 3 Rhine River Main River Danube River Main-Danube Canal Travelmarvel River Ship 14 European Gems – Paris to Prague 1. Paris's magnificent Eiffel Tower 1 before travelling by coach via Rembrandt's Windmill, immortalised in the artist's paintings, to Utrecht. From here, your ship will set off along the Rhine as you enjoy a special Gala Dinner. BLD Day 6. Cologne, Brühl As you cruise into the riverside city of Cologne, head to the Sun Deck and watch as the magnificent twin spires of its famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, appear on the horizon. Disembark your ship and take a short drive to the town of Brühl. Pay a visit to World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle and Falkenlust hunting lodge, the lavish rococo-style residences of archbishop-elector Clemens August. On a tour of the 18th-century castle, learn enthralling stories of its infamous former resident and marvel at the ornate staircase, with marble and stucco work by Balthasar Neumann. Afterwards, enjoy a guided walk through the perfectly landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the lodge, where the archbishop would come to practise his favourite sport – falconry. Later, return to Cologne and enjoy free time to drift through this enchanting city, perhaps inspecting the facade of the Cologne Cathedral up close. BLD Day 7. Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known 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, accompanied by the melodic rush of the river. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through the town to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, which houses one of the most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments in all of Germany. Admire delicate songbird boxes and curious musical dolls before returning to your ship for dinner. BLD Day 8. Miltenberg Today, explore the evocative town of Miltenberg, perfectly positioned on the confluence of the Tauber and Main rivers. Discover true German hospitality as you are welcomed into the homes of friendly Miltenberg locals for coffee and cake. After learning about the town's history, return to your ship and enjoy leisure time as you cruise the Main River. Later this evening, enjoy a superb dinner on board then watch the glittering lights of medieval towns glide past as you cruise through the night. Along the Main River, your ship is able to cruise the entire journey with ease, courtesy of the Main River's 34 locks. BLD Day 9. Würzburg Verdant hills and rich vineyards sit on the fringe of Würzburg, while the Main River is a prominent feature of this stunning city. The architectural beauty that further defines Würzburg is on show today as you admire its magnificent baroque palace, the Würzburg Residence. Here, a walk through the Court Garden is a delight, with its terraced gardens and water basin encircled by stunning yew trees. Reboard your ship after your discovery to relax before dinner. BLD Day 10. Bamberg One of the few German cities that wasn't destroyed during World War II, World Heritage-listed Bamberg beckons this morning. You'll be treated to a guided tour, during which you'll gaze upon such sights as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral. A visit to one of the historic taverns is perhaps the best place to get a taste for the local Bavarian culture. Here, you're sure to find locals enjoying pretzels and steins of local beer. Later on, your ship will reach the Main-Danube Canal. BLD Day 11. Nuremberg The site of Hitler's now infamous Nuremberg rallies, held annually from 1927 to 1938, Nuremberg played a pivotal role for the Nazis during World War II. You'll learn about the city and indeed the era during a World War II tour, which includes such sights as the Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice. Finish your day back on board with a drink and an exquisite dinner prepared by your expert chef, then continue over the Main- Danube Canal, crossing Europe's Continental Divide (435 metres above sea level) thanks to the canal's 16 stair-step locks. BLD Day 12. Regensburg Having reached the Danube River overnight, Regensburg awaits at the meeting point of the Danube and Regen rivers. A guided tour shows the medieval city's story through the ages, as Regensburg was lucky to escape most of the devastating bombings of World War II. See the ancient Stone Bridge, which gracefully arches across the water, as well as the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage- listed city centre and the Porta Pretoria – ancient gates to a Roman fort built in AD179. travelmarvel.com.au/EUTCPP21