Europe : Christmas Wonderland

Spend 3 nights in Paris, then enjoy a 7-night cruise from Trier to 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 center. Celebrate the grand finale of your winter exploration in Amsterdam, a modern city with a rich and fascinating history.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Paris, France

Take the balance of the day to relax or explore the "City of Lights."

Day 2 - Paris

See the most famous sights of Paris on this morning's tour: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the renowned Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées 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. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Paris

Enjoy a full free day to explore the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the Jardin de Tuilleries, gaze at impressionist masterpieces at Musée 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. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 - PARIS - LUXEMBOURG, TRIER, GERMANY

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. In today’s international politics and banking, the Grand Duchy’s role still plays an important role. There is free time for lunch and a guided city tour before continuing to Trier and boarding the ship. Explore the town’s Christmas markets before gathering on board for a Welcome Dinner. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - TRIER-BERNKASTEL.

This morning, enjoy a tour of Germany's oldest city, Trier, which has been the home to six Roman emperors. 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." Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 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. This afternoon, we cruise to Boppard where the evening is free for you to explore. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - MAINZ - FRANKFURT

Today, you decide: either disembark for a trip to Mainz 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. If you choose Mainz, your guided walking tour of this beautiful town will include the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world's first printed bible. Later this afternoon, both tours return to Frankfurt, where there is free time to enjoy the Christmas market. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - 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, you’ll 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Cologne - Dusseldorf

This morning's tour of Cologne includes a visit to the fabled 13th-century Gothic cathedral. During lunch, cruise on to Düsseldorf, where your afternoon tour will take you to Burgplatz with its Old Castle Tower, Markplatz and its Town Hall, and the sophisticated shopping on Kings Avenue. The remainder of the afternoon is Relax at a local coffee shop Decorated German house Christmas at Notre Dame yours to explore the Christmas markets, where you will find an assortment of unique children's toys, tinsel angels, dolls and gingerbread. We cruise overnight to Amsterdam. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - DEPART AMSTERDAM

Your magical Christmas Wonderland holiday ends today as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. Meals included: Breakfast

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Prices

Europe - Christmas Wonderland - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult
23/11/2008 - 03/12/2008 27/11/2008 - 07/12/2008 07/12/2008 - 18/12/2008 11/12/2008 - 21/12/2008	£1,179
21/12/2008 - 31/12/2008	£1,179
23/12/2008 - 03/01/2009	£1,282
Notes
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.

Prices for single travellers:

Europe - Christmas Wonderland - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult
23/11/2008 - 03/12/2008 27/11/2008 - 07/12/2008 07/12/2008 - 18/12/2008 11/12/2008 - 21/12/2008	£1,954
21/12/2008 - 31/12/2008	£1,954
23/12/2008 - 03/01/2009	£2,108
Notes
Prices are per person.

What's Included?

• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Transfer from the Hotel in Paris via Luxembourg to the Ship in Trier
• 7-night Deluxe Cruise in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV Stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Transfer from the Ship in Trier via Luxembourg to Hotel in Paris
• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, on board Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local Taxes

What's NOT Included?

• Flights and transfers however these can be arranged through us. Please contact us for details.
• Port Charges: approx £46 per person
• Optional Excursions

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Itineraries for Dec 21 and Dec 24 departures will differ from the above day-by-day itinerary. At the time of creating this itinerary, many events during the Christmas and New Year 2008/2009 were still in a planning stage. Please refer back to this website at a later date for updated information regarding these 2 departures. NOTE: Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The choices are: Choice A: Two twin beds Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size) * Most Christmas Markets are open Nov 19 - Dec 23

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