Join Collette Vacations in exploring Prague’s hidden treasures and enjoy the leisurely pace of cruising Europe’s great rivers aboard the M/S Switzerland as you travel on the Main, Rhine and Neckar Rivers. With plenty of leisure time for personal interests, this tour is ideal for exploring the charming towns of Germany’s famed Romantic Road. Beginning with your arrival in the “Golden City” of Prague, enjoy a sightseeing tour of this fairytale city including the beautiful Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. A leisurely walking tour of the old town showcases the unique astronomical clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Board ship in Nuremberg, home to gothic churches and patrician homes before traveling to Bamberg, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Gliding by the charming landscapes and scenery of the Main River, destinations such as Wurzburg, known as the “pearl of the Romantic Road,” Karlstadt, Wertheim, and Miltenberg are all rich in historic sights. At a typical wine cellar, you will sample the wine and find out why the vineyards of this area are considered so special. Your tour manager will have many suggestions on how to spend your full day of leisure in Aschaffenburg before you cruise the Rhine and Neckar rivers to Heidelberg and your journey’s end.  

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome as you join Collette Vacations in exploring Prague's hidden treasures, followed by a 7-night river cruise aboard the M/S Switzerland on the Main, Rhine and Neckar Rivers. Enjoy the leisurely pace of cruising Europe's great rivers - no packing and unpacking; in depth shore excursions; dining and entertainment; and free time to explore the hidden treasures of historic cities and towns.

Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in the "Golden City" of Prague where you have time to relax or explore. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3: Prague
A sightseeing tour of this fairy tale city highlights the amazing Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. A leisurely walking tour of the old town showcases the unique astronomical clock and the statue-lined Charles Bridge. The afternoon is at leisure for you to independently explore Prague's Old Jewish Quarter and its historic cemetery, synagogues and museum. (B)

Day 4: Prague - Nuremberg, Germany - Board Cruise Ship
Travel the picturesque Czech countryside, crossing the German border to the charming town of Nuremberg. Mid-afternoon, board your cruise ship, the M/S Switzerland, and settle in for a relaxing 7-night cruise. An early evening sailing for Forchheim is followed by your first on-board dinner. (B, D)

Day 5: Forchheim - Bamberg - Schweinfurt
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour of medieval Bamberg, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Explore the town's cathedral, port and old town hall as you stroll the serpentine streets lined with charming traditional houses and 18th century mansions. At noon the ship departs and sails to Schweinfurt to anchor for the night. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Schweinfurt - Wurzburg
Sit back and relax as you float by the charming landscapes and scenery of the Main River. Your destination is Wurzburg, capital of Lower Franconia, and a center of wine and trade. Wurzburg, known as the "pearl of the Romantic Road", is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. This ancient town is rich in historic sights, including the magnificent 18th century Residential Palace, built by two prince-bishops, and the ornate Alte Mainbrucke, the oldest bridge on the River Main. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Wurzburg - Karlstadt - Wertheim
Your journey continues as you cruise to the typical Franconian town of Karlstadt. A guided walking tour features the historic old town, city hall and the gothic church of St. Andreas. Mid-day you sail to Wertheim where you overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Wertheim - Miltenberg - Aschaffenburg
12th century history comes to life on a morning walking tour of Wertheim as you stroll the town's cozy streets lined with numerous half-timbered houses. Explore the market square, the gothic collegiate church, and the ramparts of the ancient city wall. In Miltenberg, learn the secrets of Franconian wine making. At a typical wine cellar you will sample the wine and find out why it's considered to be so special. Later, enjoy the scenic, sunny valleys of the meandering Main River as you cruise towards Aschaffenburg. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Aschaffenburg - Frankfurt
Today explore Aschaffenburg independently. Or, you may choose to enjoy an optional city tour of Aschaffenburg, which includes a visit to the romantic water castle called Mespelbrunn, situated in the famous Spessart forest. Mid-day you sail to Frankfurt, the financial heart of Germany. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Frankfurt - Mainz - Heidelberg
This morning cruise to Mainz, where the Main and Rhine rivers meet. Explore Mainz on a guided walking tour featuring the Gutenberg Museum, the small and quirky old town, magnificent Roman and Christian monuments and the cathedral, one of the most important Roman churches in all of Europe. Next, you cruise the Rhine and Neckar rivers to Heidelberg. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Heidelberg - Disembark Cruise Ship - Lucerne, Switzerland
Disembark your cruise ship in Heidelberg and travel via coach to Lucerne, "Swiss Paradise on the Lake." Embark on a scenic and leisurely-paced Alstadt (Old Town) walking tour, exploring the hidden treasures of the city. Join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a marvellous trip. (B, D)

Day 12: Lucerne - Zurich - Tour Ends
(B)