Avalon Waterways Reviews – 12 Day River Cruise Prague to Paris

Avalon Waterways Reviews – 12 Day River Cruise Prague to Paris. Central European Experience Westbound.

Prepare yourself for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you explore the magnificent Main, Moselle and Rhine Rivers, in addition to the breathtaking Main Danube Canal on this incredible Avalon Waterways river cruise. During your 12-day excursion, you will experience multiple overnight stays and guided sightseeing tours in some of Europe’s most glorious cities and towns such as Bamberg, Würzburg, and Trier. Also on the itinerary are visits to fascinating locales including the Bishop’s Residence in Würzburg, the impressive Rhine Gorge, renowned wineries in Moselle and the Hradcany Castle Grounds in Prague.

In addition to a relaxing and breathtaking European river cruise, you will experience travel via high-speed trains to Paris, as well as two overnights in this destination. Discover this romantic city through guided tours of the most famous sights. Disembarkation takes place after breakfast in Paris.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to magnificent Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Here you will spend two nights in this delightful city filled with rich history and architecture. Stretch your legs and become better acquainted with the city as you take in a light stroll along the Vltava River. Be sure to bring along your camera as you explore the “City of a Hundred Spires.”

Day 2 Prague
Imagine a city preserved in time and you can imagine Prague. Unlike other Central European capitals, this 1,200-year-old city was not destroyed by bombings during the 20th-century wars, leaving its original structures and environment intact. Spend your day on a guided sightseeing tour that will take you to the area’s most remarkable locales including: the Town Hall’s Astronomical Clock, dating back to the 15 century and was once the highlight of Europe; the Hradčany castle grounds, where you can explore the Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, considered to be the oldest bridge in Prague.

During your leisure, spend some time in Wenceslas Square, where you can interact with the locals. Browse through quaint shops for unique art books or hand-cut crystal keepsakes. For those looking to discover the city’s rich Jewish heritage, visit the Josefov Quarter before heading back for the evening. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Prague-Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
After lunch in the beautiful city of Prague, you will drive to Nuremberg to board your Avalon river cruise vessel and meet fellow passengers. Before enjoying a delectable dinner, you will mingle with your crew during a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 4 Bamberg
During the early hours, you will arrive in the beautiful, medieval fashioned city of Bamberg. This historical city was once home to one of Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties. Today, it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors breathtaking scenery and rich culture.

Bamberg is situated on numerous hills, all adorned with a spectacular church. Having survived the bombings of World War II, the city is known as the “Franconian Rome.” Take in a sightseeing tour that will bring you to treasured destinations such as the Cathedral, Old Town Hall, the tombs of the emperor, and the renowned fishermen’s houses along the Regintz river. Be sure to sample the city’s famous brewed smoky beer, also known as “Rauchbier.” (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Würzburg
Prepare to arrive in Würzburg during breakfast-time and set your sights on the area’s stunning hillside vineyards and scenery as you cruise the Main River. While Würzburg experienced damage during World War II, heavy restoration has brought it back to its original splendor.

You can gaze your eyes upon the dramatic Fortress Marienberg situated above town along with the 15-century Alta Mainbrucke, also known as Old Main Bridge. Guided sightseeing tours will escort you to the impressive Bishop’s Residence to see the largest ceiling fresco ever created. Don’t forget to pencil in some time to relax, shop, have a cup of coffee and perhaps a mouthwatering pasty in Konditorei. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Main River Village
Towered gates and defensive walls tuck away multiple scenic towns full of narrow streets, medieval artistry and half-timbered houses. Welcome to the Main River Village, where each tiny town is considered a photographer’s dream. Join a local guide to experience any one of these towns and be sure to have your camera on hand. You will want to share this area’s beauty with others. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Rudesheim – Rhine Gorge
Get ready to explore and experience one of Central Europe’s most sought after destinations. Rudesheim is a picturesque wine town in the Rhine Valley. Take a trip to the area’s renowned Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where you can experience the sounds of a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes. Enjoy a special treat and then take in some free time to stroll the beautiful cobblestone streets, listen to live music and purchase some souvenirs.

In addition, prepare yourself (and your camera) to travel down the magnificent Rhine Gorge, where you will gaze upon ancient castles atop cliffs and pass the infamous Lorelei rock. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Bernkastel

During the early morning hours, you will arrive in the beautiful wine village of Bernkastel situated on the scenic Moselle River. Set your sights upon half-timbered houses and narrow streets that have survived since the Middle Ages. To make the most of your day, consider a guided tour that will escort you to a pleasant marketplace that surrounds the renaissance-styled Town Hall constructed in 1608. The Moselle is renowned for its wines. The growers in this area’s vineyards are responsible for the largest expanse of vineyards in all of Germany. During the evening hours, experience a tasting of some of the most popular German wines, especially the treasured Bernkasteler Doktor. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 Trier
After the conclusion of breakfast, you will travel to Trier, the oldest city in Germany. Many historians believe Trier is older than Rome, and was occupied for more than 1,000 years before the Romans arrived. Many structures have remained through all of these years including a 20,000-seat amphitheater, The Roman Bridge (Germany’s oldest bridge), and the Porta Nigra, the last surviving gate from the Roman settlement.

Architecture and design buffs will appreciate the abundance of styles in this area, including Roman, neoclassical, baroque, renaissance and gothic. The city offers numerous marketplaces, Germany’s oldest church, and plenty of scenic areas to stroll through. Choose from two guided sightseeing tours – the City Tour or the more historical-heavy Roman Trier tour. After some free time, you will rejoin with your vessel and crew and head to Remich. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10 Remich, Luxembourg
(Disembarkation) – Paris, France
After arriving in Remich and enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will say goodbye to your crew. Then, you will travel to Metz or Luxembourg City to catch a high-speed train to Paris. (Breakfast)

Day 11 Paris
Prepare yourself to experience one of the most romantic cities in the world. From food to architecture and history, Paris is a city that will delight each one of your senses. Take part in the included guide tour that will escort you to the famed Louvre Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. During your free time, you may want to take a breathtaking stroll down the Champs-Elysées, enjoying cafes, pastry shops and more. This city is famous for its lively and unique nightlife, so be sure to catch a cabaret show or art opening. The night is yours, so be make the most of your time in this fascinating city! (Breakfast)

Day 12 Paris
Your 12-day trip aboard the European river cruise comes to a close after a delightful breakfast in Paris. (Breakfast)

 
Avalon River Cruise Reviews