124 Trips found for "valley of the flowers"

• So many delights are in store along the enchanting Moselle and Rhine on our 14-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam... From the Netherlands to Switzerland
• through Germany
• France and Luxembourg
• see the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with jet setters in Baden-Baden; check out the ancient university town of Heidelberg and medieval masterpieces like Bernkastel
• Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who fell in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; get a true taste of Europe with regional specialties
• local wines and folk traditions; and enjoy an exclusive special dinner at a castle in Germany.

• So many delights are in store along the enchanting Moselle and Rhine on our 14-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam... From the Netherlands to Switzerland
• through Germany
• France and Luxembourg
• see the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with jet setters in Baden-Baden; check out the ancient university town of Heidelberg and medieval masterpieces like Bernkastel
• Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who fell in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; get a true taste of Europe with regional specialties
• local wines and folk traditions; and enjoy an exclusive special dinner at a castle in Germany.

• So many delights are in store along the enchanting Moselle and Rhine on our 14-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam... From the Netherlands to Switzerland
• through Germany
• France and Luxembourg
• see the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with jet setters in Baden-Baden; check out the ancient university town of Heidelberg and medieval masterpieces like Bernkastel
• Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who fell in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; get a true taste of Europe with regional specialties
• local wines and folk traditions; and enjoy an exclusive special dinner at a castle in Germany.

• 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
• 12 Breakfast (B)
• 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
• 3 Dinner (D)
• 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
• Rhineland: In a medieval castle high above the Rhine River Valley, you'll enjoy an exclusive Be My Guest lunch and be transported back to a time of kings and knights.
• Frankfurt: Spend the day exploring the sights of Frankfurt.
• Rhineland: Cruise beneath the semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.
• Cologne Cathedral: The towering Cathedral of Cologne is an impressive introduction to this riverside city.
• Berlin: During a sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist, admire Berlin landmarks like the Tiergarten and the neo- Renaissance Reichstag.
• Berlin: Take in panoramic views of the city from the observation platform of the Berlin TV Tower.
• Wurzburg: See the Residenz Palace as you explore the old town with your Travel Director. Stand on the statue-lined Alte Mainbrucke and see the Marienburg fortress.
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Visit the medieval center of Rothenburg.
• Munich: During your orientation of the city with your Travel Director, see Feldherrnhalle in the Odeonsplatz, the Palace of the Dukes of Wittelsbach, the English Garden, the Hofbräuhaus, St. Peter's Church and the famous Marienplatz.
• Munich: Admire the magical countryside at the Neuschwanstein Castle.
• Salzburg: Join your Local Specialist to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' See the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
• Melk: Take in the beautiful landscapes of Wachau Valley.
• Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Specialist reveals the historic core of the city. Tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
• : Explore Berlin, Salzburg and Vienna with a Local Specialist
• : Discover Frankfurt, Cologne, Rothenburg, Munich and Innsbruck
• : Visit the Berlin TV Tower, Neuschwanstein Castle and Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Innsbruck
• : View Cologne Cathedral, the Golden Roof in Innsbruck, Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, Hofburg Palace and St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna
• : See the Lorelei Rock, the Marienberg Fortress and the Prince-Bishops' residence in Würzburg and Melk Abbey
• : Scenic Cruise along the Rhine River
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Step into 15th-century Germany at the Prinzhotel, built in the traditional half-timbered style and ideally located within the city's famous fortified town walls.
• Munich: The Arabella Sheraton Munich once saw Led Zeppelin, Iggy Pop, Freddie Mercury and other musical legends belt out record breaking tunes in the then-hotel basement recording studio.
• Vienna: Step into this unique establishment on the banks of the Danube and discover a building that has undergone a makeover from its previous life as a grain silo since the early 1900s.
• : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• : High-speed train from Cologne to Berlin
• : Optional Experiences and free time

•    ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED
•    THE MUSTS:

• Tour and medieval meal in a magnificent castle overlooking the Rhine.
• The charm of the romantic Rhine Valley and the legendary rock of the Lorelei.
• Rüdesheim, the Drosselgasse, and its music and cafés.
• Heidelberg, the most romantic city in Germany, and its traditional Studentenküss chocolates

• So many delights are in store along the enchanting Moselle and Rhine on our 14-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam... From the Netherlands to Switzerland
• through Germany
• France and Luxembourg
• see the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with jet setters in Baden-Baden; check out the ancient university town of Heidelberg and medieval masterpieces like Bernkastel
• Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who fell in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; get a true taste of Europe with regional specialties
• local wines and folk traditions; and enjoy an exclusive special dinner at a castle in Germany.

• So many delights are in store along the enchanting Moselle and Rhine on our 14-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam... From the Netherlands to Switzerland
• through Germany
• France and Luxembourg
• see the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with jet setters in Baden-Baden; check out the ancient university town of Heidelberg and medieval masterpieces like Bernkastel
• Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who fell in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; get a true taste of Europe with regional specialties
• local wines and folk traditions; and enjoy an exclusive special dinner at a castle in Germany.

• So many delights are in store along the enchanting Moselle and Rhine on our 14-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam... From the Netherlands to Switzerland
• through Germany
• France and Luxembourg
• see the marriage of French and German culture in Strasbourg; mingle with jet setters in Baden-Baden; check out the ancient university town of Heidelberg and medieval masterpieces like Bernkastel
• Trier and Cochem. Pay tribute to those who fell in the Battle of the Bulge at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial; get a true taste of Europe with regional specialties
• local wines and folk traditions; and enjoy an exclusive special dinner at a castle in Germany.

• London: Relax on the smooth, high-speed Eurostar train as you journey from London to Europe via the revolutionary Channel Tunnel.
• Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris. See famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower and the facades of the Louvre. Stroll the banks of the River Seine and admire romantic bridges, and enjoy a drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
• Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
• Chateau Chenonceau: Visit the majestic Château de Chenonceau, known as the 'Ladies' Château' it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley.
• Bordeaux: Your Local Expert will show you the quayside facades, Grand Theater, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces.
• San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
• Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
• Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
• Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
• Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
• Monaco City: Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbor.
• Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
• Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th century cathedral and of course, the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
• Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
• Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
• Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
• Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
• Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
• Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Expert reveals why this is the historic core of the city. You will also tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
• Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
• Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
• Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
• Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains.
• Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
• Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
• Amsterdam: Cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
• Madrid:
• Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
• Rhineland: The beautiful scenery of the Rhine River is punctuated by the many castles dotted along its banks. Delight in a private estate viewing of one of these Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments located along the Middle Rhine.
• Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.  The workshop advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Stanserhorn: Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora.
• Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine.
• Paris: Join an avid local foodie on a walk through a local food market - Bastille Marché. Visit a variety of stalls and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
• San Sebastián: Enjoy an evening of pintxos, dining with locals in this Basque tradition. Your delicious dinner includes a wide variety of finger food delicacies, each with their own regional flavor, flair and presentation.
• Avignon: At a local farm learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce before indulging in a farm-to-table dinner of traditional French home-style cuisine.
• Venice: In St Marks Square at sunset, long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels, sip cocktails canal-side before dinner at a local restaurant.
• Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.
• Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
• Amsterdam: Toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Paris: Join an avid local foodie on a walk through a local food market - Bastille Marché. Visit a variety of stalls and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
• Optional - Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
• Optional - Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.

• Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
• Chateau Chenonceau: Visit the majestic Château de Chenonceau, known as the 'Ladies' Château' it perfectly embodies the elegance of 16th century design in the Loire Valley.
• Bordeaux: Your Local Expert will show you the quayside facades, Grand Theater, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces.
• San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
• Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
• Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
• Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
• Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal town of Nice on the French Riviera.
• Monaco City: Enjoy a drive along part of the Grand Prix circuit and wander the old town with your Travel Director to see the Royal Palace and the yacht-filled harbor.
• Monaco City: Explore inside Monaco Cathedral.
• Pisa: Your Local Expert will show you the baptistery bristling with marble spines, the colonnaded bell tower lurching behind the 11th century cathedral and of course, the famous Leaning Tower in the Square of Miracles.
• Florence: Join a Local Expert to view the multi-colored marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square. See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods.
• Rome: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the medieval buildings, including Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches, scattered throughout the city.
• Venice: With your Travel Director cruise to St. Mark's Square and see the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark's Basilica.
• Ljubljana: Explore this elegant capital with your Local Expert, to see the castle City Hall, Cathedral of St Nicholas and Triple Bridge.
• Maribor: Led by your Travel Director, explore this charming city, the second largest in Slovenia. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
• Vienna: Walk through the first district, Inner Stadt, as your Local Expert reveals why this is the historic core of the city. You will also tour the Ring Road to see the Hofburg Imperial Residence, Opera House, Parliament Building and Karlskirche.
• Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
• Salzburg: Join your Local Expert to visit the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace and Residence Square - both locations used in 'The Sound of Music.' You will also see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart's birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse.
• Innsbruck: Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Innsbruck is a beautiful city offering a unique combination of nature, history, and culture. Stroll the streets of the picturesque Old Town, with your Travel Director, learn about its history and admire the Baroque and Gothic architecture.
• Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains.
• Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
• Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
• Amsterdam: Cruise along the old waterways, discovering the architectural gems of the old city, including mansions dating from the Golden Age of the 17th Century.
• Madrid:
• Rome: Enjoy exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes during an after-hours visit. This 9th-century basilica’s simple facade guards the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics. The history of the church springs to life as you admire the interior’s treasured collection, including Bernini's first sculpture and the renowned mosaics, illuminated for your visit. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a rare and unforgettable insight into Rome and its religious history.
• Rhineland: The beautiful scenery of the Rhine River is punctuated by the many castles dotted along its banks. Delight in a private estate viewing of one of these Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments located along the Middle Rhine.
• Venice: Witness the ancient skill of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Watch artisans create delicate works of art using rare traditional practices. The workshop's master craftsmen teach visitors about the traditional craft of glassblowing and its history which dates back to the 15th century. Every visit helps to support the workshop and the survival of this traditional craft.  The workshop advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Stanserhorn: Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora.
• Paris: Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a delightful Welcome Dinner, served with wine.
• Paris: Join an avid local foodie on a walk through a local food market - Bastille Marché. Visit a variety of stalls and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
• San Sebastián: Enjoy an evening of pintxos, dining with locals in this Basque tradition. Your delicious dinner includes a wide variety of finger food delicacies, each with their own regional flavor, flair and presentation.
• Avignon: At a local farm learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce before indulging in a farm-to-table dinner of traditional French home-style cuisine.
• Venice: In St Marks Square at sunset, long after the day-trippers have gone to their mainland hotels, sip cocktails canal-side before dinner at a local restaurant.
• Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.
• Lucerne: Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening and hand-pick your preferred ambience, cuisine and drinks for an intimate culinary experience.
• Amsterdam: Toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Paris: Join an avid local foodie on a walk through a local food market - Bastille Marché. Visit a variety of stalls and sample local treats and delicacies along the way.
• Optional - Paris: We walk up and down the "quartier" and we see the school, the food stores, the housing situation, the heritage landmarks, the sports facilities and the theaters, in this car-free, pedestrianized, neighborhood. Landmarks will include passages couverts, perhaps also Patrick Blanc's spectacular jardin vertical 'oasis d'Aboukir', the Napoleonic "Egyptian" district etc.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Vienna: Visit Capuchins' Crypt - the burial place of the Habsburg family in Vienna.
• Optional - Vienna: Visit a traditional coffeehouse to enjoy Viennese specialties of coffee and Sachertorte.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise on the most beautiful section of the romantic Rhine River
• Typical evening in a riverside restaurant in Rüdesheim, including a "Rüdesheimer Kaffee*"
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Heidelberg, true symbol of German Romanticism
  • Rüdesheim and its Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments
• New Year's Eve dinner with wine and a glass of champagne
• Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle
• Rüdesheim and its Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• The charm of the romantic Rhine Valley
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Picturesque tour through the vineyards and tasting of local products
  • Heidelberg and its castle overlooking the Neckar

• Epicurean delights take center stage on this Rhine River cruise
• with a feast of culinary experiences that showcase wine
• cheese
• chocolate and more in Strasbourg
• Belgium and Switzerland... You'll sip wine in the Lavaux vineyards at a local wine-making cooperative. Taste craft beer and culinary specialties in Düsseldorf
• French fare in Strasbourg and local beer in Antwerp. Enjoy a chocolate demo in Brussels. Dine like royalty at Slot Loevestein
• set on a private island exclusive to Tauck guests. And spend three nights at a luxurious Fairmont Montreux resort amidst spectacular scenery.

• Epicurean delights take center stage on this Rhine River cruise
• with a feast of culinary experiences that showcase wine
• cheese
• chocolate and more in France
• Belgium and Switzerland... You'll sip wine in the Lavaux vineyards at a local wine-making cooperative. Taste craft beer and culinary specialties in Düsseldorf
• French fare in Strasbourg and local beer in Antwerp. Enjoy a chocolate demo in Brussels. Dine like royalty at Slot Loevestein
• set on a private island exclusive to Tauck guests. And spend three nights at a luxurious Fairmont Montreux resort amidst spectacular scenery.

• Epicurean delights take center stage on this Rhine River cruise
• with a feast of culinary experiences that showcase wine
• cheese
• chocolate and more in Strasbourg
• Belgium and Switzerland... You'll sip wine in the Lavaux vineyards at a local wine-making cooperative. Taste craft beer and culinary specialties in Düsseldorf
• French fare in Strasbourg and local beer in Antwerp. Enjoy a chocolate demo in Brussels. Dine like royalty at Slot Loevestein
• set on a private island exclusive to Tauck guests. And spend three nights at a luxurious Fairmont Montreux resort amidst spectacular scenery.

• Epicurean delights take center stage on this Rhine River cruise
• with a feast of culinary experiences that showcase wine
• cheese
• chocolate and more in France
• Belgium and Switzerland... You'll sip wine in the Lavaux vineyards at a local wine-making cooperative. Taste craft beer and culinary specialties in Düsseldorf
• French fare in Strasbourg and local beer in Antwerp. Enjoy a chocolate demo in Brussels. Dine like royalty at Slot Loevestein
• set on a private island exclusive to Tauck guests. And spend three nights at a luxurious Fairmont Montreux resort amidst spectacular scenery.

• Explore Habsburg castles
• medieval wine-towns
• alpine peaks and lakes
• Baroque monasteries
• and enchanting cities on a 12-day journey through Germany
• Austria
• Slovakia
• and Hungary
• discovering hidden treasures on and off the beaten paths
• including a 7-night cruise on the Danube
• the river of kings.

  Spend 12 unforgettable days in the heart of Europe

• exploring Germany
• Austria
• Slovakia
• and Hungary on a Danube odyssey of cosmopolitan cities
• medieval villages
• castles
• cathedrals
• wineries
• ruins
• and abbeys. Immerse in the opulence of the royal Residenz at Munich
• or make a pilgrimage to BMW's ultramodern car museum. Take a train-ride to the clouds and the Top of Germany for breathtaking views of alpine peaks and glaciers. Discover the soul of Bavarian beer at Weltenberg Abbey
• marvel at Oberammergau's parade of medieval painted houses
• and lose yourself in the Romanticism of Mad King Ludwig's fairytale castles. Sail through the Wachau Valley
• the heart of Austrian wine country
• with tastings along the way. Enjoy a gala evening of dinner
• music
• and pageantry at a palace in Vienna
• for Tauck guests only. Drink in the eccentric spirit of Bratislava
• its colorful history
• and eclectic architecture on a walking tour with local guides
• and enjoy an evening of Slovakian cuisine
• music
• and dance. In Budapest
• find a feast for the senses around every corner
• bursting with medieval castles and monuments
• romantic Parisian-style architecture and elegance
• and a vibrant
• cosmopolitan spirit. Best of all
• a river runs through it.

• Explore Habsburg castles
• medieval wine-towns
• alpine peaks and lakes
• Baroque monasteries
• and enchanting cities on a 12-day journey through Germany
• Austria
• Slovakia
• and Hungary
• discovering hidden treasures on and off the beaten paths
• including a 7-night cruise on the Danube
• the river of kings.

  Spend 12 unforgettable days in the heart of Europe

• exploring Germany
• Austria
• Slovakia
• and Hungary on a Danube odyssey of cosmopolitan cities
• medieval villages
• castles
• cathedrals
• wineries
• ruins
• and abbeys. Immerse in the opulence of the royal Residenz at Munich
• or make a pilgrimage to BMW's ultramodern car museum. Take a train-ride to the clouds and the Top of Germany for breathtaking views of alpine peaks and glaciers. Discover the soul of Bavarian beer at Weltenberg Abbey
• marvel at Oberammergau's parade of medieval painted houses
• and lose yourself in the Romanticism of Mad King Ludwig's fairytale castles. Sail through the Wachau Valley
• the heart of Austrian wine country
• with tastings along the way. Enjoy a gala evening of dinner
• music
• and pageantry at a palace in Vienna
• for Tauck guests only. Drink in the eccentric spirit of Bratislava
• its colorful history
• and eclectic architecture on a walking tour with local guides
• and enjoy an evening of Slovakian cuisine
• music
• and dance. In Budapest
• find a feast for the senses around every corner
• bursting with medieval castles and monuments
• romantic Parisian-style architecture and elegance
• and a vibrant
• cosmopolitan spirit. Best of all
• a river runs through it.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the major capital cities along the Danube
• Bask in the idyllic landscapes of the Wachau Valley
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Imperial Vienna and Schoenbrunn Palace, the former summer residence for the Hapsburg monarchs, with splendid gardens and lavish rooms
  • Budapest, 2000 years of history

• Cologne Cathedral: The towering Cathedral of Cologne is an impressive introduction to this riverside city.
• Rhineland: Cruise beneath the semi-ruined castles and terraced vineyards. Sleepy villages slip by as you saunter upstream to the Lorelei Rock where the enchantress lured sailors to their doom.
• Heidelberg: See the magnificent castle built in red sandstone, overlooking the Student Prince’s town.
• Colmar: Stroll through the medieval streets of Colmar on a sightseeing orientation with your Travel Director.
• Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
• Vaduz: Explore Vaduz and admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital.
• Brenner Pass: Marvel at the stunning beauty of the Brenner Pass on your scenic drive through the Alpine landscape.
• Tuscany: View the stunning landscape of Tuscany on your drive today.
• Vatican: Visit Vatican City and tour St. Peter's Basilica with a Local Specialist. Witness the early genius of Michelangelo as you take in the Pietà.
• Rome: Experience Rome through the eyes of a local, as a passionate Roman guides you past the city's most iconic sites.
• Pompeii: Walk with a Local Specialist through the cobbled streets of this ill-fated town, frozen in time since the 1st century.
• Capri: Join a Local Specialist on a walk through elegant Capri to gain insight into the island's local culture and historic landmarks.
• Monte Cassino: View the abbey on Monte Cassino, founded by Saint Benedict in 529.
• Assisi: With a Local Specialist, find out why the Basilica of St. Francis is considered to be one of the crowning artisitic achievements of 13th-century Europe.
• Florence: Join a Local Specialist to view the multi-coloured marble cathedral, bell tower and baptistery, adorned by Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise. Visit the political heart of the city, Signoria Square.
• Florence: See the area around Santa Croce Basilica, famous for the quality of its luxury goods, and witness a gold and leatherwork demonstration.
• Pisa: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you the baptistery, cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
• Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
• Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Discover the beauty of this hilltop town and gain insight into why it became a refuge for artists.
• Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
• Lyon: Take in panoramic views of Lyon from Fourvière Hill and explore the city's cobblestone streets on a sightseeing orientation.
• Beaune: Marvel at Beaune's famous renaissance roofing style during an orientation of this wine capital.
• Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
• Venice: Learn about the history and ancient skill of Venetian glassblowing, playing your role in ensuring the survival of this traditional craft through your visit.
• Explore Rome, Pompeii, Capri, Assisi, Florence and Paris with a Local Specialist
• Discover Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Colmar, Lucerne, Vaduz - the capital of Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Venice, Sorrento, Pisa, Monaco, Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Avignon, Lyon and Beaune
• Visit a glassblowing factory in Venice, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and the excavations in Pompeii
• See the Lorelei Rock in Rhine Valley, the Benedictine Abbey of Monte Cassino and the vineyards of Burgundy
• Scenic Cruise through Amsterdam's canals, along the Rhine River, by private launch to St. Mark's Square in Venice and to the Isle of Capri