Viking River Cruises, Cities of Light from Prague, August 30, 2023

Cruising from: Prague, Czech Republic;

Departure Date: 30 August, 2023;

Cruise Line: Viking River Cruises;

Cruise Ship: Viking Longship Alsvin;

Duration: 12 days;

Ports of Call: Prague, Prague, Bamberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Heidelberg, Mainz, Cochem, Bernkastel-Kues, Trier, Paris, Paris;

Day 0 Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO monument and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Famous for its the Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, known from the novels of Franz Kafka, the Gothic Charles Bridge and Church of St. Nicholas, the Palace Gardens, Petrin and Prague Castle. Each of Prague's districts has its own characteristic atmosphere and unique charm. One of the great joys of the city are its ancient chapels, unexpected gardens, cute cafes and old-fashioned bars.

Day 1 Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO monument and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Famous for its the Old Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, known from the novels of Franz Kafka, the Gothic Charles Bridge and Church of St. Nicholas, the Palace Gardens, Petrin and Prague Castle. Each of Prague's districts has its own characteristic atmosphere and unique charm. One of the great joys of the city are its ancient chapels, unexpected gardens, cute cafes and old-fashioned bars.

Day 2 Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a German medieval town in Upper Franconia, Bavaria. The town consistently charms tourists with its beautiful architecture, abundant culture, beauty spots and lively gardens. Some of the main sights are: Cathedral, Altenburg, and The Neue Residenz and its Rosengarten with over 4500 roses. Bamberg is known for its smoked Rauchbier and is home to nine breweries.

Day 3 Bamberg, Germany

Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a German medieval town in Upper Franconia, Bavaria. The town consistently charms tourists with its beautiful architecture, abundant culture, beauty spots and lively gardens. Some of the main sights are: Cathedral, Altenburg, and The Neue Residenz and its Rosengarten with over 4500 roses. Bamberg is known for its smoked Rauchbier and is home to nine breweries.

Day 4 Wurzburg, Germany

Wurzburg, a city in the region of Franconia, is located on the Main River. The city itself is set in a beautiful hilly location on a river and possesses a wealth of history. One of the city's most important sites is the Fortress Marienberg, a castle on a hill across the Old Main Bridge, that overlooks the whole town area as well as the surrounding countryside. Another significant point-of-interest is the Wurzburg Residenz, a vast compound on the eastern edge of the town. Wurzburg is also smack in the middle of one of Germany's biggest wine-producing areas and has superb connections to other parts of the country.

Day 5 Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg is a university town in Baden-Wurttemberg situated on the river Neckar in south-west Germany. Heidelberg remains primarily a university and residential city. It is one of the most romantic cities in Germany, thanks to its picturesque riverside location, its beautiful old buildings and bridges, and the castle ruins that overlook the town center. Attracting nearly four million visitors each year, the city is chock-full of historic sites and attractions for tourists, as well as excellent dining and entertainment experiences.

Day 6 Mainz, Germany

Mainz is located on the Rhine river at its confluence with the Main river, opposite Wiesbaden on the border with Hesse. This is a city of rich cultural heritage and one of the best places to experience the past is restored Old Town with magnificent Mainz Dom, cathedral with Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque styles all on display. Mainz is famous for its university, its Roman heritage, its status as a media hub and regional capital, and winegrowing tradition. Three most defining features are the Romanesque cathedral, the Gutenberg printing press and the Rhineland carnival.

Day 7 Cochem, Germany

Cochem is a beautiful riverside town along the river Mosel in western Germany. It's a popular stop on the short haul river cruise route, and for good reason. Surrounded by vineyards climbing up the steep sides of the river valley, and topped off with the magnificent Castle Cochem, this town is a perfect weekend trip. In summer, grapevines in leaf are all over the buildings and stretching across arbours. Many restaurants have terraces overlooking the river.

Day 8 Bernkastel-Kues, Germany

Bernkastel-Kues is a a state-recognized health resort, well-known winegrowing centre on the river Moselle in Germany. The old town square of Bernkastel-Kues is deemed to be among the most well-preserved in Germany, and still exists much the same way it used to stand several centuries back. The square is lined with rows of gabled, half-timbered houses, the best cafes and restaurants in town, most of which offer traditional German cuisine.

Day 9 Trier, Germany

Trier is a city on the banks of the Moselle in Germany. Karl Marx, philosopher and founder of the theory that would become known as Marxism, was born in the city in 1818. Trier is known for its well-preserved Roman and medieval buildings, which include: Porta Nigra, the huge Constantine Basilica, Trier Cathedral, a Catholic church and many more. Spread across both sides of the Mosel river, Trier has some stunning waterfront vistas.

Day 10 Paris, France

Paris is the capital and most populous city of France. Paris is especially known for its museums and architectural landmarks, monument-lined boulevards, classical bistros, multimedia galleries, creative wine bars, design shops and tech start-ups. It is an international capital of high fashion since the 19th century, particularly in the domain of haute couture, clothing hand-made to order for private clients. Paris is an art for itself.

Day 11 Paris, France

Paris is the capital and most populous city of France. Paris is especially known for its museums and architectural landmarks, monument-lined boulevards, classical bistros, multimedia galleries, creative wine bars, design shops and tech start-ups. It is an international capital of high fashion since the 19th century, particularly in the domain of haute couture, clothing hand-made to order for private clients. Paris is an art for itself.