Spend 3 nights in Paris, then enjoy a 7-night cruise from Trier to Amsterdam
12 Days, fly to Paris & return from Amsterdam
Join the magic of Christmas celebrations from splendid Paris to lively Amsterdam. Along the way, visit fascinating Christmas Markets in charming towns and bustling cities. Cruise from Trier, Germany's oldest town, through the meandering Mosel River Valley to beautiful Bernkastel and Cochem. In Koblenz, enter the Rhine River with its many breathtaking castles and sail upriver to experience the Christmas traditions in medieval Heidelberg as well as in modern Frankfurt. Continue your cruise to Cologne, world famous for its magnificent Dome, and to Düsseldorf, Germany's fashion centre. Celebrate the grand finale of your winter exploration in Amsterdam, a modern city with a rich and fascinating history.
Itinerary
Day 1, DEPART CANADA.
Board your overnight flight to Paris.
Day 2, ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE.
Arrive in Paris and check-in to your hotel. Take the balance of the day to relax or explore the "City of Lights."
Day 3, PARIS.
See the most famous sights of Paris on this morning's tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative l'Arc de Triomphe, Opèra, Madeleine, Les Champs Elysèes and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that the city has to offer. (B)
Day 4, PARIS.
Enjoy a free day to explore the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, gaze at impressionist masterpieces at the Musèe D'Orsay, or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair. Paris at night sparkles with possibilities for every taste. (B)
Day 5, PARIS - LUXEMBOURG - TRIER, GERMANY - EMBARK SHIP.
This morning, drive through the French countryside of Champagne to Luxembourg, one of the last independent duchies which once made up western and central Europe. The Grand Duchy still plays an important role in today's international politics and banking. There is free time for lunch and a guided city tour before continuing to Trier and boarding the ship. Tonight, gather for the Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
Day 6, TRIER - BERNKASTEL.
Tour Germany's oldest city, Trier, and explore the city's rich Roman past, including the Roman Baths and Amphitheatre. After lunch, arrive in Bernkastel for a city tour. Situated in the heart of the Mosel wine region, this medieval village has been called the "international town of vine and wine." (B,L,D)
Day 7, COCHEM - BOPPARD.
This morning, take the included excursion to Cochem, where a guided tour of the hilltop Reichsburg Castle offers stunning views of the river valley. Then enjoy scenic cruising to Boppard, where the evening is free for you to explore. The ship moors overnight in Boppard. (B,L,D)
Day 8, MAINZ - FRANKFURT.
Today, decide between two excursions: take a guided walking tour of beautiful Mainz and see the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world's first printed bible, then travel to Frankfurt by bus for a tour of the historic "Romer" centre. Or travel by motorcoach to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town, where you will visit the red-walled castle, enjoy gorgeous views of the Neckar valley below, and see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 8th-century wine cask. Later this afternoon, return to Frankfurt, where the remainder of the day is free for you to explore. The ship moors overnight in Frankfurt, allowing plenty of free time to enjoy the Christmas market. (B,L,D)
Day 9, KOBLENZ - COLOGNE.
Situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers is picturesque Koblenz. This morning's walking tour will take you through its cozy lanes and alleyways where you'll see the many cultural monuments and historical buildings. After lunch, cruise on to Cologne where the evening is free to explore the Christmas markets. You will also be minutes away from Old Town, the perfect place to enjoy an after dinner Kölsch - Cologne's local beer. (B,L,D)
Day 10, COLOGNE - DÜSSELDORF.
This morning's tour of Cologne includes a visit to the fabled 13th-century Gothic cathedral. During lunch, cruise to Düsseldorf, where your afternoon tour will take you to the Burgplatz with its Old Castle Tower, the Markplatz and its Town Hall, and the sophisticated shopping on Kings Avenue. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore the Christmas markets, where you will find an assortment of unique children's toys, tinsel angels, dolls and gingerbread. (B,L,D)
Day 11, AMSTERDAM.
This afternoon, enjoy a guided cruise through the city's historic canals. Your last evening is free to explore the 700-year-old European capital with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, lively marketplace and exciting nightlife. Perhaps, visit one of the city's renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House. (B,L,D)
Day 12, DEPART AMSTERDAM.
Your magical Christmas Wonderland vacation ends today as you transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
