Trans-European Odyssey Paris to Rhine

Welcome to Paris! Upon your arrival, we will arrange a transfer to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy some free time to explore the nearby area at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will provide you with details about the start of your tour—look out for information signs in the hotel reception area. Please keep in mind that throughout the tour, new travellers might join, or some might depart, which means the group composition could change. However, rest assured that the group will not exceed the maximum size allowed. Enjoy your first day in this vibrant city with the promise of exciting adventures ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Our second day in Paris promises an enchanting mix of history and vibrant city life. We begin by delving into the splendid history of France at the Palace of Versailles. Although admission isn't included, the allure of its marvellous gardens alone is unforgettable. After our excursion into the regal past, we return to Paris to explore Montmartre. This quintessential bohemian district is renowned for its vibrant art scene, lively cabarets, and the enduring presence of artists at every turn. To further capture the essence of Paris, we'll embark on a panoramic city tour with a local guide, highlighting the city's grand avenues and iconic landmarks. We wrap up the day's activities by returning to the hotel. If you wish to extend the day, an optional evening variety show awaits, adding a touch of Parisian nightlife to your experience.

On Day 3, we begin our adventure in the heart of Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where tickets to ascend to the second floor are included, providing splendid views of the city. Following this, we'll unwind with a serene cruise on the Seine, offering a different perspective of Parisian landmarks. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your leisure, whether it's discovering tucked-away cafés or marvelling at artistic treasures. By late afternoon, around 4:00 p.m., we depart Paris and journey to the picturesque region of Normandy, arriving in the historic city of Rouen. Here, you'll have the chance to delve into its rich past, reflected in its medieval architecture and the awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral. It's a perfect blend of history and culture. Please note, if there are significant delays at the Eiffel Tower, we may need to adjust the schedule to better suit your day.

Today, we'll begin with a leisurely stroll through the heart of Rouen, where you'll have the chance to absorb the city's rich history. After our time in Rouen, we'll journey northwards to catch a ferry, crossing the iconic English Channel to reach Canterbury. Celebrated as the religious capital of England, Canterbury boasts a delightful historic centre that you can explore. From Canterbury, our travels will take us onwards to London. Upon arrival, you'll have free time in the Tower Bridge area, a quintessential symbol of the city, where you can soak in the atmosphere before we proceed to our hotel for the evening.

Explore the vibrant city of London as we embark on a panoramic tour led by a local guide, diving into the heart of its rich culture and history. We'll pass by renowned landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the scenic River Thames, and the stately Buckingham Palace. If the timing is right, you might even catch a glimpse of the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. As evening sets in, we'll meet in bustling Piccadilly and wander through the dynamic areas of Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Soho, each famed for their lively atmosphere and wealth of entertainment options including theatres and dining venues. You will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of restaurants for dinner before we make our way back to the hotel for the night.

Today, we'll start with a visit to the British Museum in London, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious museums, where we can explore a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe, reflecting diverse cultures and histories. After some time to take in this remarkable institution, we'll head to Camden, famous for its vibrant street market. Here, you'll have free time to wander among the unique stalls and food vendors, indulging in the eclectic atmosphere and finding treasures or enjoying a bite to eat.Come late afternoon, we'll depart for Colchester, a town recognised as the oldest in England. You can enjoy a leisurely walk through its historic streets, which hold many stories of the past. Our journey continues to Harwich, where we'll board a ferry for an overnight trip to the Netherlands. We'll settle into our en suite cabins for a restful night at sea.Important to note: This itinerary might change due to cabin availability on the ferry. In such cases, we could travel to Amsterdam via a daytime ferry, with a stopover in Antwerp, or take a train or flight, ensuring a smooth continuation of our adventure.

As dawn breaks, our journey brings us to the Netherlands, where we disembark at Hoek van Holland around 8 a.m. Our first stop is the delightful village of Volendam, renowned for its traditional fishing heritage and striking scenery. After soaking in the quaint charm of Volendam, we head to Amsterdam. Here, we indulge in a guided tour encompassing a blend of the city’s unique highlights. From the iconic windmills that dot the landscape to the expressive Rembrandt statue, we'll explore the cultural essence that defines this vibrant city. We will also venture into the modern allure of the South District and witness the timeless artistry of diamond cutting at Museum Square. For the finale, we leave the coach behind and take a leisurely walk into the heart of Amsterdam, where our tour concludes. Afterwards, you’ll have some free time to further explore or simply unwind in this captivating city.

Following breakfast in Amsterdam, it's time to part ways with fellow travellers as we transfer to the MS Crucevita, docked at either Coenhaven or Zaandam port. This marks the commencement of our Rhine Valley Cruise adventure. Although check-in opens at 4:00 p.m., early arrivals are welcome to leave their luggage at reception and make the most of the opportunity to explore Amsterdam independently. As the evening unfolds, a welcome reception and dinner are included, ensuring a delightful start to our journey. We will spend the night aboard in Amsterdam, setting the tone for our upcoming exploration of this iconic river.

Following breakfast, we’ll continue our exploration of Amsterdam, soaking up the city's unique charm. You are free to enjoy the wealth of museums and meander through the picturesque streets lined with canals. The atmosphere is vibrant and full of character, providing a delightful backdrop to your wanderings. This afternoon, there’s the option of a guided excursion to explore the northern regions of the Netherlands, offering a deeper insight into the area's culture and scenery. As night falls, we’ll continue our voyage on the cruise ship.

As we sail through the breathtaking landscapes of the Netherlands, we dock in Nijmegen, the country's oldest city, steeped in history dating back to Roman times. Upon arrival, we'll take a captivating stroll through the historic centre, where you can admire its beautifully preserved archaeological sites and monuments. Afterwards, you will have some free time to explore this fascinating city further, perhaps visiting landmarks like St. Stevenskerk and the Valkhof Museum. The ship will continue its journey through the night, making for another memorable day on our cruise.

We will begin our day with an early arrival in Cologne, one of Germany's most significant cities, known for its rich heritage and vibrant present. As we embark on a guided walking tour, you will explore the historic heart of this ancient city, culminating at the magnificent Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, the seat of the Archbishop. This stunning Gothic masterpiece is not just an architectural marvel but a symbol of the city's enduring spirit.After the tour, you will have the afternoon free to immerse yourself in Cologne's bustling atmosphere. Consider exploring the traditional breweries where you can sample the famed Kölsch beer, ambling along the lively shopping streets, or visiting one of the city's renowned perfumeries. Alternatively, for those interested in venturing further afield, there is an optional excursion available to nearby Düsseldorf, a city known for its cutting-edge architecture and vibrant arts scene.After a day filled with culture and leisure, we will reconvene for dinner on board before our ship sets sail through the night, continuing our Rhine adventure.

Today, we experience the enchanting Romantic Rhine, a 65-kilometre stretch renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, historical importance, and intriguing legends, such as the tale of the Loreley siren. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this part of Europe offers some of its most picturesque vistas. Our journey takes us to Koblenz and Rüdesheim, two delightful towns nestled at either end of this celebrated route. As we traverse this region, you'll be invited to immerse yourself in its charm and history. We'll sail through the night, continuing our exploration.

Our journey continues as we sail through the heart of Germany, reaching Mannheim by mid-morning. This dynamic university city, located at the meeting point of the Rhine and Neckar rivers, boasts a remarkable history of innovation. Here, notable milestones include Karl Drais's invention of the first two-wheeled vehicle in 1817, the first car by Carl Benz navigating its streets in 1886, and the construction of Julius Hatry's rocket plane in 1929.From Mannheim, we make our way to the enchanting city of Heidelberg. Known for its prestigious 14th-century university and its picturesque hilltop castle, Heidelberg offers breathtaking views of the Neckar River and is steeped in rich historical charm. After our visit, we return to the ship, setting sail overnight as we continue on our captivating journey.

Today, we are delighted to explore Strasbourg, the captivating capital of French Alsace, renowned for its stunning beauty and picturesque surroundings. Our morning begins with a panoramic tour followed by a leisurely stroll through the historic centre, where we will discover the city's key landmarks and embrace its rich cultural heritage. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to enjoy some free time. Alternatively, you might wish to immerse yourself further in the charm of French Alsace with a visit to Colmar, one of its most iconic villages. This evening, we will continue our journey, sailing through the night.

As dawn breaks, we find ourselves in Mainz, the city where Johannes Gutenberg revolutionised the way we share knowledge with the invention of the movable-type printing press. The juxtaposition of its historic centre, marked by a thousand-year-old cathedral, with the lively atmosphere of its modern university scene, offers a unique charm. By 9:00 a.m., we will need to leave our cabins, though you can conveniently store your luggage at reception until it's time to depart. Following breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour of Mainz, perfect for those whose flight schedule allows. Here, our services conclude, leaving you with a treasure trove of wonderful memories from this remarkable journey.