Welcome to Paris! France’s capital on the River Seine, the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air.

Paris’ famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid contrasting its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colourful nightlife, including some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (B)

This morning, board a high-speed TGV train for a swift and comfortable journey to Metz. From here, drive to Trier in Germany. this venerable Episcopal city is the ldest in Germany and, some claim, even older than Rome! The famous Porta Nigra is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and still gives access to the town centre. See the highlights on your included tour. It is here that the crew of your river cruise vessel awaits to welcome you on board! The Moselle River is some 312 miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery. (B,D)

In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel, with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful Market Place. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the “Bernkasteler Doktor”. Before dinner, visit a local wine cellar and taste several of this region's varietals. (B,L,D)

Visit Reichsburg Castle, towering above the river at Cochem, can be seen from afar and sits atop a conical hill covered in vines. Views of the little town of Cochem nestled below and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river, it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine-growing region. Most notably, Riesling grapes are cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Coblenz is the cultural and business centre of the Middle Rhine region. The “Deutsches Eck”, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. (B,L,D)

The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town and Siegfired’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum is a real surprise! A special treat is planned, then you have time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)

Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and Renaissance houses and the Gothic splendour of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided walk. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local soft cookie specialty. (B,L,D)

Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent Bishop’s Residenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in the breathtaking cathedral, Old Town Hall straddling the river, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)

Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the "Golden City." (B)

Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Its best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; Hradcany Castle; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (B)

Check out of your hotel (B)