Europe's Rivers & Castles Cruise, August 11-18, 2027,
with Gary & Karen Stewart

DAY 1: SUNDAY, AUGUST 8

ARRIVE MUNICH / TEGERNSEE

You will be met on arrival and transferred to our lakeside hotel in the beautiful Bavarian village of Tegernsee. Tonight join your fellow group members for cocktails in the lobby bar. For those arriving arrive prior to August 8th, please make your way to your hotel.

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Caro & Selig on Lake Tegernsee or similar (3 nights)

DAY 2: MONDAY, AUGUST 9

MUNICH SIGHTSEEING

Experience the geographical and cultural heart of Munich at its Marienplatz, the town square since 1158. Stroll through the home of historic buildings, including the Old and New Town Halls in the picturesque heart of the city. This evening enjoy a memorable dinner in an authentic Bavarian Beer Hall. (B,D)

DAY 3: TUESDAY, AUGUST 10

SCHLOSS LINDERHOF, OBERAMMAGAU AND NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

This morning visit Linderhof Palace, inspired by the Palace of Versailles in France. This 19th-century castle is one of Germany’s most magnificent structures. Linderhof is the smallest in a trio of elaborate royal palaces built by King Ludwig II, (also known as the “Mad King”) and the only one he saw completed. Afterward head to the Bavarian village of Oberammergau. Centuries ago, the residents of the beautiful Bavarian village of Oberammergau made a promise to God to re-enact Christ’s Passion if he would spare them from the Black Plague of 1633. Since then, hundreds of local townspeople perform this epic production every 10 years in Oberammergau. Stroll the picturesque town and see the large outdoor auditorium, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon visit Neuschwanstein, the most storied castle of Mad King Ludwig, the model for Walt Disney’s Magic Castles in the USA. (B,L)

DAY 4: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11

REGENSBURG & VILSHOFEN / EMBARKATION

Depart Munich after breakfast. Visit the Roman town of Regensburg for a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by lunch in a local restaurant.  Later we drive to Vilshofen to board our luxury cruise ship down the Blue Danube. (B,L)

DAY 1, WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11

EMBARKATION / NUREMBERG, GERMANY

Board the ship in Nuremberg for your Europe’s Rivers & Castles cruise. (D)

Planning Your Travel:Nuremberg is the second largest city of the German State of Bavaria and is known for its historical landmarks like the Imperial castle and the walled Old Town.

If booking your own flights: Nuremburg (NUE) is the nearest airport.

• Coach Transportation: For those arriving into Nuremburg on the same day as embarkation, AmaWaterways offer coach transportation to the port of embarkation. Cost is $35 per person and must be booked with Expanding Horizons at time of final payment.
• Private Car Transportation:This service is offered by various companies – for example BlackLane Global Chauffeur Services.
• Services subject to change without notice.

DAY 2, THURSDAY AUGUST 12

BAMBERG

Bamberg has been referred to as “Franconian Rome” as, like Rome, it was built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church graces each one. Bamberg’s medieval and Baroque architecture has withstood the test of time and, as such, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions, and afterwards, indulge in the town’s famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour through Bamberg and follow your knowledgeable guide along the river to the enchanting winemaking town of Eltmann. (B,L,D)

DAY 3, FRIDAY AUGUST 13

WÜRZBURG

Go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. For those not going to Rothenburg, enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, a bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As an alternative to the walking tour and the palace visit, the more active guest may choose to venture high above the town for a hike to Marienberg Fortress, which dominates the city. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, SATURDAY AUGUST 14

WERTHEIM

Wertheim’s old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center or learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley or hike high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, SUNDAY AUGUST 15

RÜDESHEIM / RHINE GORGE / LAHNSTEIN

Arrive in Rüdesheim, where you can visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or take a ride over the vineyards of Rüdesheim in a gondola to the Niederwald Monument, and then afterwards be treated to a wine tasting. You may also hike through a Rüdesheim vineyard. Another choice today is to take a guided bike tour along the Rhine Valley, riding between the Rheingau hills and the Rhine River. Later in the day, set sail towards Lahnstein through the Rhine River Gorge, famous for its beautiful and imposing castles. Cap the day off with a visit to Lahneck Castle. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, MONDAY AUGUST 16

COCHEM

Wake up in fairytale Cochem and visit Reichsburg Castle followed by a walking tour. For an active alternative, set out on a panoramic hike leading to Reichsburg Castle. Or embark on a bicycle tour from Cochem along the beautiful riverbanks of the Moselle to Beilstein and back. Along the way, enjoy the sights and sounds of the historic town center, picturesque gabled houses, and beautifully preserved landscapes. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, TUESDAY AUGUST 17

WASSERBILLIG & TRIER

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moselle to Wasserbillig, gateway to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Trier is renowned for its rich ancient Roman past and referred to as the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome”. because of the town’s impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Join a guided tour of the city, including the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths and Basilica of Constantine. Alternatively, enjoy a tasting at a local establishment to sample Luxembourg’s famed wines. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, WEDNESDAY AUGUST 18

LUXEMBOURG / DISEMBARKATION

Bid au revoir to Luxembourg as you prepare for your journey home.

Planning Your Travel:Transportation to the Luxemburg Airport (LUX) for onward flights can be arranged on board your cruise ship it the cruise manager.

• AmaWaterways offers three transfers to the airport: 3:45 AM, 8:00 AM & 11:45 AM.
• Cost is $45 per person.

Services subject to change without notice.

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18

LUXEMBOURG TOUR / BRUSSELS

This morning experience the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This small, landlocked country, headed by the Grand Duke Henri, has a population of 576,000 people. Luxembourg City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the exceptional preservation of the fortifications and buildings, going back to the 10th century. See Old Town, the Grand Ducal Palace and view the Alzette and Petrusse gorges from high atop the battlements, the American Cemetery and grave of WWII General George S. Patton Jr. Enjoy a late lunch at Am Tiirschen, perhaps the city’s most historic eatery with a profoundly medieval ambience. TIP: Try the Luxembourg specialty Kniddelen — bacon dumplings with mustard sauce! Later this afternoon arrive in Brussels and the lovely Hotel Metropole. The capital of Belgium, greater Brussels covers 62 square miles with a population of 2.1 million inhabitants. Brussels is a marvel of 19th century neo-classical buildings, combined with tasteful modern day structures. This is the de facto capital of the European Union. The EU Secretariat and NATO headquarters are here. Most residents are bilingual in French and Dutch, with English spoken as a second language by a third of the population.

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Le Plaza Brussels (3 nights)

DAY 2: THURSDAY, AUGUST 19

BRUSSELS SIGHTSEEING

Brussels is known for its cuisine and gastronomy as well as its historical and architectural landmarks. This morning we see the iconic sites of the Brussels city center: the Grand Place, Sablon and Royal districts. Stroll the Rue Royale and see Parliament, the Royal Palace and St. Michael Cathedral. Walk, explore and photograph the historic Grand Place and the naughty Manneken Pis. Enjoy a guided tour about Belgian chocolate; its history, fabrication and varieties. Belgian chocolatiers constantly experiment with new flavors. Sample hazelnut, dark ganache, salted butter caramel, ginger, tea, coffee, saffron and chili! Tonight dine at the Belga Queen, one of Brussel’s great restaurants. (B,D)

DAY 3: FRIDAY, AUGUST 20

BRUGE

With your guide travel by train one hour to Bruge, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium.Bruge is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage protectorate. Its port, Zeebrugge, is an historic center for fishing and European trade. In the city center’s Burg Square, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall) has an ornate carved ceiling. Nearby, Markt Square features a 13th-century belfry with a 47-bell carillon and 250 foottower with panoramic views. Lunch today is in a delightful Bruge bistro.This afternoon return to Brussels by train. (B,L)

TIP: Bring your Belgian beer goggles!

DAY 4: SATURDAY, AUGUST 21

DEPART BRUSSELS

This morning you will be transferred to Brussels Airport for your onward flight. (B)