Paris to the Swiss Alps

Arrive in Zürich, Switzerland's largest city and often cited as one of Europe's most livable places. Transfer from the Zürich airport to your hotel for a 2-night stay. After check-in, enjoy free time to explore this exciting lakeside city.

Discover Zürich during a city walk and lake cruise. As you explore, the distant snowcapped Alps tower across the lake and cast their reflection in the glassy waters. See the twin-spired Grossmünster church, founded by Charlemagne, with its stained-glass windows by Augusto Giacometti. Across the Limatt River, admire the Fraumünster, with its distinctive green spire. Marc Chagall created five windows of the abbey's choir. After your walk, embark a boat for a scenic tour on Lake Zürich.† (B)†Lake cruise is available April 7—October 20, 2019.

Transfer to Basel this morning, a fascinating blend of modern and traditional with a thriving arts scene. Get acquainted with its Market Square of guild houses and Gothic, Renaissance and baroque splendor. Then embark your ship in time for dinner. (B/D)

Visit Strasbourg today, the cultural center of France's Alsace region. Thanks to its location at the border of France and Germany, it boasts a convivial mix of cultural influences. See its well-preserved Old Town, or Petite France, enclosed on all sides by the little Ill River. Stroll the cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and intersected by picturesque canals, pausing to visit the cathedral. Indulging in Alsatian café culture is central to any visit here. You might join an excursion to sample Alsatian wine. (B/L/D)

Explore the quiet German town of Speyer, on the west bank of the Rhine. Visit its stunning Romanesque imperial cathedral, considered a pivotal structure in the evolution of European architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the burial place of eight emperors, including some of the most famous Holy Roman Emperors. Stroll Speyer's charming, shop-lined main street and see the impressive clock tower of its Altpörtel, the Old Town Gate. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Mainz today in the heart of the Rhine wine region. Visit one of the Upper Rhine's most dramatic cathedrals here: Mainz Cathedral, with its six towers reaching toward the heavens. Browse the Gutenberg Museum, dedicated to the inventor of movable type and book printing. The collection includes many beautiful books and fascinating printing technologies, including a replica of Gutenberg's workshop. (B/L/D)

This morning, sail along the Middle Rhine and enjoy scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the sleepy town of Sankt Goar, home to Rhinefels Castle, the largest fortress on the Rhine. See Lorelei Rock, named after the fabled figure who once lured sailors to her shores and stop in Koblenz. Stroll around the romantic town, witness where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet and explore its historic past. (B/L/D)

This morning, cruise the Moselle before disembarking in the quaint town of Cochem for a tour of this stunning medieval town and its millennium-old Reichsburg Castle perched on a hill. Visit the scenic Moselle wine country, where some of the finest Rieslings in the world are produced along terraced slopes. During your tour, delve into a wine-making history that dates back nearly 2,000 years to Roman times. Stop at a local winery for a tour and tasting before returning to your ship. (B/L/D)

We dock in Bernkastel this morning, one of the Moselle's most beloved medieval villages and a thriving wine center. You might join an optional wine-tasting excursion during your stay. Later, continue cruising to Trier, Germany's oldest city, set on the banks of the Moselle River. See the wonderfully preserved Roman Porta Nigra gate, Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Your ship remains docked here this evening. (B/L/D)

Disembark this morning and transfer to Paris, France. En route, pass through Luxembourg where, at the American Cemetery, you can pay homage to the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives during the World War II Battle of the Bulge. Then, pause in Reims to visit the cathedral and stop for lunch before continuing on to Paris. When you arrive in the romantic capital of France, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Your evening is free to explore and dine on your own. (B)

Today's tour begins with a drive along the Seine River, past the city's landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the world-famous Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay. Ride along the Champs-Élysées past the Arc de Triomphe. The remainder of the day is yours to experience more of this timeless city: you may visit a museum or explore Montmartre. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the Charles de Gaulle airport for your return flight. (B)