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Romantic Rhine & Mosel to Historic Alsace & Lorraine
 Your voyage along the legendary Rhine and
Mosel rivers reveals Europe's beauty and charm as they are best enjoyed --
from the water's edge, where unparalleled scenery presents itself around
every bend.
Embark the 78-passenger Rembrandt --
your comfortable "floating hotel" for eight nights -- in beautiful Mainz at
the confluence of the Rhine and Main rivers. While docked in this charming
river city, view the half-timbered houses of the Altstadt and towering St.
Martin's Cathedral during a walking tour of the old town that includes a
visit to the Gutenberg Museum. From Mainz, continue along the Rhine, gliding
leisurely past hillside castles, sloping vineyards, and the slate crag of
the Lorelei, which rises more than 400 feet from the river and is home to
the mythical maiden whose songs lured sailors to watery graves.
From the Rembrandt's dock in Koblenz,
you can explore on your own during leisure time before continuing by ship to
the quaint village of Cochem, on the Mosel River. As we approach, Reichsburg
Castle towers above us on a high cliff, imbuing the triumvirate of castle,
town, and surrounding vineyards with an almost fairy-tale ambience.
Experience some of the most idyllic scenery in all of Europe along the Mosel
River.
Our visit to charming Bernkastel-Kues
introduces us to its famous half-timbered homes, filigree fountain railing
in the market square, and artistic weather vanes that grace the gables of
its houses. Then it's on to Trier, founded in 16 B.C. by the Emperor
Augustus; it is a treasure trove of Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and rococo
architecture.
From Trier, we'll cruise a short distance
to Grevenmacher and transfer to Luxembourg for a tour of Europe's "Gibraltar
of the North" -- so named because it is one of the world's most protected
cities. Visit Old Town and the U.S. Memorial Cemetery at Hamm, where General
Patton is buried, before returning to the ship. Next, dock in Thionville,
France, for an overland tour to the interesting fortifications of the
Maginot Line, a defensive belt in northeastern France built to repel German
invasion during World War II.
Cruising south, we arrive at Metz, the
largest city in northern Lorraine, famous for its parks and gardens. At
Cathedral St. Etienne, see Chagall's windows and the famous Silbermann
organ. Nancy, the medieval city in Lorraine that was once the seat of power
for the Dukes of Lorraine, is our next port of call. Here, we will visit
Place Stanislas, an elegant square with golden wrought-iron gates and some
of the art-nouveau architecture for which the city is known. Conclude your
tour with a visit to a nearby chocolate factory.
Take advantage of an optional extension to
explore the charming city of Strasbourg; the city's combined French and
German heritage has produced a delightful potpourri of architecture,
culture, and cuisine. Visit the famous 15th-century Cathedral Notre Dame,
and the town's charming Petit France district, and continue your discovery
of this lovely place during time at leisure. A full-day tour to the Alsatian
town of Colmar introduces you to the enchanting wine-producing region near
the border of France and Germany.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1 — Depart U.S.A.
Day 2 — Frankfurt, Germany; transfer to Mainz (Embark)
Day 3 — Cruising Rhine River/Koblenz
Day 4 — Cruising Mosel River/Cochem
Day 5 — Bernkastel-Kues
Day 6 — Trier
Day 7 — Grevenmacher (for Luxembourg)
Day 8 — Thionville (for Maginot Line), France/Metz
Day 9 — Nancy
Day 10 — Nancy (Disembark)/Return to U.S.A.
DETAILED
ITINERARY
Day 1 — Depart U.S.A.
Note: Scroll down to see the reverse itinerary for this journey at the
bottom of this page. |
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Day 2 — Frankfurt, Germany;
transfer to Mainz (Embark)
Arrive in Frankfurt this morning and
transfer to beautiful Mainz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and
Main rivers, where you embark the exclusively chartered, 78-passenger
Rembrandt. Join a walking tour of the old city that includes a visit
to the Gutenberg Museum to see the press on which Johann Gutenberg
developed movable metal type. Walk through the Altstadt to see the
magnificent Renaissance fountain in the square. Return to the
Rembrandt and enjoy the captain's welcome reception and dinner as we
cruise the Rhine River toward our overnight port of Rüdesheim. |
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Day 3 — Cruising Rhine River/Koblenz
This morning, we'll cruise the most
scenic section of the Rhine, gliding leisurely past hillside castles,
sloping vineyards, and the slate crag of Lorelei. Stopping in Koblenz,
located at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers, you'll have
ample time at leisure to walk along the Deutsches Eck promontory and the
riverside promenades that enfold the two twin-towered churches in old
town. Dinner is served on board the Rembrandt tonight. |
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Day 4 — Cruising Mosel River/Cochem
This morning, we'll cruise up the Mosel
to Cochem. Much narrower than the Rhine and more scenic, the Mosel winds
its way in sweeping curves southwest of Koblenz toward the Vosges
Mountains in France. Steep hillsides rise on both sides of the river,
and vineyards cover the land. Quiet, peaceful villages and tiny hamlets
line the shores. It is here in this tranquil countryside that grapes for
the popular Mosel wines are grown.
As we approach Cochem, you'll see
Reichsburg castle perched high above the quaint village, surrounded by
lush vineyards. You'll have an opportunity to learn more about the
castle's history during an afternoon tour. Although a castle has stood
on this site since the 11th century, the original was destroyed in 1689
during an attack by the French. The modern-day castle was rebuilt from
the foundations of the original, and was opulently refurbished in the
19th century. |
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Day 5 — Bernkastel-Kues
Arrive at Bernkastel-Kues in the heart
of the central Mosel Valley after a leisurely morning cruise along the
river. One of the region's main wine-producing areas, its central
cellars store more than 17 million gallons of wine. You'll have free
time late this afternoon to explore the lovely town on your own. It is
noted for its half-timbered homes, market square, and the artistic
weather vanes that grace the gables of its houses. With the ruined
castle of Landshut rising above it, the Bernkastel-Kues marketplace has
become a symbol of the beautiful Mosel region. |
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Day 6 — Trier
Founded in 16 B.C. by the Emperor
Augustus, Trier was once the residence of Diocletian, Constantine the
Great, and other Roman emperors. Explore its Roman legacy and later
history during an afternoon tour that takes you by the fortresslike St.
Peter's Cathedral, one of Germany's oldest churches built in the
Romanesque style. Just a few steps away from the cathedral is the
Hauptmarkt -- a picturesque square surrounded by beautiful Gothic,
Renaissance, and rococo buildings. Enjoy time at leisure to continue
your discovery of Trier before joining your fellow travelers for a
delicious dinner ashore at a local restaurant. |
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Day 7 — Grevenmacher (for
Luxembourg), Luxembourg/Thionville, France
From our dock in the small town of
Grevenmacher, you'll travel overland this morning to Luxembourg -- the
European financial center that is home to many prestigious institutions.
Your tour includes a visit to the Luxembourg American Cemetery, one of
14 permanent World War II cemeteries erected on foreign soil. More than
5,000 American military dead are buried here, including 101 "unknown"
soldiers and General Patton. Continue on to Luxembourg's Old Town,
stopping at the Cathedral of Our Lady and Place D'Armes, bordered by
monuments to national poets Dicks and Lentz. After a leisurely lunch,
you'll have time for independent exploration and shopping before
returning to the ship, now docked in Thionville, France. Enjoy dinner on
board this evening. |
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Day 8 — Thionville (for the
Maginot Line)/Metz, France
In the areas of Germany and France we
have visited the past few days, reminders of the two great wars of the
20th century are all around. Today, you'll visit the famous Maginot Line
-- a powerful line of defense constructed by the French to protect its
borders from its perennial enemy, Germany. When World War II began, the
Maginot Line stretched from Switzerland to the Ardennes in the north,
and from the Alps to the Mediterranean in the south. Today, you'll visit
one of the fortresses along the line, near the German border.
Then trade battlegrounds for land once
trod by royalty as you arrive in Metz this afternoon. The former capital
of the Carolingian kings in medieval times and now the largest city in
northern Lorraine, Metz has a long and fascinating history. It was
fortified by the Romans; sacked by Attila the Hun in the fifth century;
prospered as a free imperial city until the 13th century; captured by
the French, along with Tours and Verdun, in 1552; surrendered to the
Germans in 1870; under German rule from 1871-1918; and reverted to
French jurisdiction after World War I. Your tour today traces some of
the city's history from Gallo-Roman times through the 20th century, and
includes visits to the Gothic Cathedral of St. Etienne with its
13th-century stained-glass windows; and the fourth-century Church of St.
Pierre-aux-Nonnais, thought to be France's oldest church. |
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Day 9 — Nancy, France
Nancy, the medieval city in Lorraine
that was the seat of power for the Dukes of Lorraine, is our final port
of call. Here, you will explore the Old Town on a walking tour that
includes visits to the Palais Ducal (Dukes' Palace), Place Stanislas
with its golden wrought-iron gates, and the cathedral. A stop at a local
chocolate factory offers a demonstration and -- even better -- a taste
of the results. Following the tour, there will be ample time to explore
this lovely city -- famous for its art-nouveau school -- on your own. |
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Day 10 — Nancy
(Disembark)/Return to the U.S.A.
After breakfast this morning, disembark
the Rembrandt and transfer to the airport in Luxembourg for your
return flight to the United States. Upon arrival, connect with the
flight to your home city. |
DEPARTURE DATES
June 27, 2003*
· June 27, 2003* · July 6, 2003 ·
July 14, 2003* · July 22, 2003 ·
September 10, 2003* · September 19, 2003 ·
September 27, 2003* · October 5, 2003
(* Denotes Reverse Itinerary)
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Rates per Person |
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Category
|
Deck(s)
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Description
|
Price |
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1 |
Main Deck |
Outside Twin with two picture windows
|
$3,595 |
|
2 |
Upper Deck |
Outside Twin with one large picture
window |
$4,095 |
|
3 |
Upper Deck |
Outside suite with one lower double bed
and interior French balcony |
$5,895 |
|
Single Supplement |
Main and Upper Decks |
Singles available in Categories 1 and 2
only |
$1,500 |
Rates per person are in U.S. dollars
and are based on double occupancy (except where stated otherwise).
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Sample Airfares To/From New York
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Atlanta |
$227 |
Houston |
$410 |
Raleigh/Durham |
$146 |
|
Baltimore |
$157 |
Kansas City |
$410 |
Saint Louis |
$319 |
|
Boston |
$175 |
Los Angeles |
$460 |
San Diego |
$566 |
|
Chicago |
$248 |
Miami |
$197 |
San Francisco |
$416 |
|
Cincinnati |
$278 |
New Orleans |
$272 |
Seattle |
$416 |
|
Cleveland |
$261 |
Philadelphia |
$225 |
Syracuse |
$228 |
|
Dallas/Ft. Worth |
$306 |
Phoenix |
$247 |
Washington, DC |
$171 |
|
Denver |
$310 |
Pittsburgh |
$175 |
|
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Detroit |
$271 |
Portland, OR |
$410 |
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The above sample airfares are based
on airline tariffs in effect October 1, 2002, and are subject to
change. Please inquire about airfares from other cities.
|
International Air Credit: $575
Passengers electing to use this air credit
are solely responsible for all air transportation.
Reservations and Payment: A deposit of $500 per person is required to
confirm reservations. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Here's What Your Voyage Includes:
All Sightseeing and Shore Excursions
- Mainz -- walking tour of the city, with
Gutenberg Museum tour
- Cochem -- Reichsburg Castle and walking
tour
- Trier -- Roman history and cathedrals
tour
- Luxembourg -- walking tour of the city
and visit to U.S. Memorial Cemetery at Hamm, with lunch
- Thionville -- Maginot Line excursion
- Metz -- city tour
- Nancy -- walking tour of the old town
and visit to chocolate factory
Dining and Special Events
- 8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners
(wine included with lunches and dinners on board), including these special
events:
- captain's welcome aboard and farewell
receptions and dinners
- dinner ashore in Trier
- lunch in Luxembourg
Air Travel
- Round-trip international flights from
New York City to Frankfurt, return from Luxembourg
- All overseas airport/ship transfers for
tour operated air-ticketed passengers traveling on scheduled dates of
departure and return, including tips to porters for luggage handling
Plus, Many Extras
- Limited to 78 guests
- Onboard experts who lead sightseeing and
shore excursions, and offer informative lectures and presentations
- Professional travel director
- Travel bag, passport wallet, and name
badge
- Full pretrip information and assistance
- Automatic $250,000 travel insurance
policy for each tour operated-ticketed passenger, subject to policy terms
and limitations
Optional Trip Extension:
Strasbourg Extension 3 Days/2 Nights
Double Occupancy: $ 680
Single Occupancy: $1,030
Rembrandt Cruises
Premier Cruises invites you to travel to
legendary ports of call on a vessel with a history of its own. Welcome
aboard the Rembrandt! Serving only 1,114 guests, you’re assured the highest
level of service and personal attention. You’ll feel like a pampered guest
in an elegant home decorated with chandeliers, figurines, paintings and
floor-to-ceiling murals that surround you in glamour and style. Plus the
amenities you’d find in a world-class resort. You’ll savor all the delicious
details of meals prepared by our chefs whose years of culinary training show
in every bite. Or try the Lido restaurant for a more casual mood. Days are
filled with adventure and fun.
| 78
Passengers |
| Built:2002 |
| Ship's
Registry: Luxembourg |
| Officers & Crew: European |
Optional Trip
Extension:
Strasbourg Optional Extension
3 Days/2 Nights
As the intellectual, cultural, and economic
capital of Alsace, Strasbourg has the scale, atmosphere, and attractions of
a big city without being overwhelming to visitors or citizens alike. An
ancient town to which everyone hopes to return because of its variety and
cosmopolitan appeal, Strasbourg offers a wealth of gracious architecture,
including the cathedral and the Petite France area, as well as celebrated
gastronomic delights -- foie gras, the wines of Alsace, chocolates, and
eau-de-vie.
En route to Strasbourg, tour the wine
country near the Vosges Mountains -- driving through the scenic countryside
of Lorraine and the vineyards of the Vosges to the quaint village of Boersch.
This medieval town located on the Route du Vin is exceptionally beautiful.
Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, it is a place steeped in history, with
a lifestyle and culture influenced by the rich pastoral traditions of the
area. Enjoy wine tasting at the lovely Domaine Schaetzel followed by lunch
and time at leisure to absorb the atmosphere and scenic beauty of this
idyllic place.
Upon arrival in exquisitely medieval
Strasbourg, transfer to the Hotel Sofitel where you will have time to check
in and relax before enjoying the evening at leisure. Sample exceptional
Alsatian cuisine at one of the city's many wonderful restaurants or cafés on
your own.
While in Strasbourg, tour the city and join
a walking tour of the Old Town, which includes visits to the famous
cathedral and the unique Petite France area. Here, wander along cobblestone
streets and browse through the interesting shops that form a colorful border
in the narrow alleyways. Take time to sit at one of the sidewalk cafés and
watch the life of Strasbourg as it flow around you.
Rates Per Person
Double Occupancy: $ 680
Single Occupancy: $1,030
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