Hidden Gems: from Paris to Munich

Land at the Paris airport and self-transfer* to your hotel**. Paris is the cultural and political capital of France, replete with grand boulevards, historic museums, and luxe shopping. Take some time to discover the city’s most famous tourist sites, the local culture, and of course the typical French cuisine. Overnight stay in Paris.

*Airport transfer in Paris is not included. You will have the possibility to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.

**You will have the option to add early check-in on arrival in the next step of the booking process. To guarantee optional services, we recommend that you add them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Breakfast at the hotel. Say goodbye to the cosmopolitan bustle of Paris as you head north towards the beaches of Normandy. Stop in the charming village of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont on arrival in this picturesque region, known for its rugged landscape and seaside towns. Learn more about Normandy’s pivotal role in World War II by visiting the Utah, Omaha, and Juno beaches where Allied troops landed in 1944 to turn the tide of the conflict. Afterwards, head to historic Caen and check in to your hotel for the evening. Overnight stay in Caen.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart in the morning for Mont-Saint-Michel. This tiny tidal island and UNESCO World Heritage Site sits about 1 km off the coast of mainland France, and hosts a permanent population of just 29 people. At low tide, pilgrims would walk across the seafloor to visit the islet’s stunning Abbey, a local landmark visible from quite a distance. Explore Mont-Saint-Michel on your own, with an option to enter the Abbey*. Head back to your hotel in the afternoon. Overnight stay in Caen.

*Optional entrance to Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey: Dive deeper into the rich history of the abbey, which is an essential part of the town as a whole and a protected monument since 1862.

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of your hotel in Caen and start your journey back to Paris by road. Before leaving Normandy, make a stop at one of the local cidreries, where delicious apple cider is produced. Discover how it’s made and be sure to try some for yourself!

Continue your journey, arriving at the Palace of Versailles in the afternoon. Visit this UNESCO-listed chateau and enjoy a visit of the structure and grounds, learning about its former inhabitants from the Sun King to Marie Antoinette. When finished, make the short drive into Paris and check in to your hotel there. Overnight stay in Paris.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day in Paris at your own pace, or join our optional city tour and scenic Seine River cruise*, featuring iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and beautiful views from the water. Overnight stay in Paris.

*Optional City Tour & Seine River Cruise: Hop aboard the panoramic coach and plug in your audio guide for a fascinating overview of the city’s iconic landmarks. After the tour, step onto an all-glass boat with open-air observation decks for a one-hour cruise, complete with recorded commentary and panoramic views of Paris from the water.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy Paris at your own pace. As this is your last full day in France, be sure to take full advantage! Join our optional  classic French experience with wine and cheese tasting.*Overnight stay in Paris.

*Optional Wine and Cheese Tasting in Paris: For a bit of curiosity and fun, put your wine and cheese connoisseur skills to the test—or start honing them—during this 1.5-hour experience led by experts. Located in a lively district, relax in a charming wine bar as you discover the perfect pairings of local gourmet cheeses and wines suited to your palate. You’ll learn about grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and more.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the designated time, self-transfer to the airport to board your flight to Frankfurt. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Frankfurt.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is free for you to explore Frankfurt at your own pace. You may choose to stroll along the scenic River Main, visit the historic Römer square, or discover world-class art at the Städel Museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some local specialties like Apfelwein in the Sachsenhausen district. Overnight stay in Frankfurt.

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your tour leader and head to the port* to board a water cruise along the Rhine River. Before setting sail, you'll have free time to explore the picturesque town or put your inner wine connoisseur to the test by sampling regional rieslings.

Next, it’s all aboard for an unforgettable trip through the Rhine Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After some free time for lunch, you'll transfer to Heidelberg and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Heidelberg.

*Depending on the time of year, you’ll transfer to either the port of Rudesheim or the port of St. Goar.

Breakfast at the hotel. The day begins with a city tour of the historic Heidelberg. In between exploring the lively Marktplatz in the center, standing on the Old Bridge over the Neckar, and admiring half-timbered houses, you'll have views of Heidelberg Castle*. Enjoy some free time to wander at your own pace and grab lunch (Maultaschen, a sort of German take on ravioli, is a must!).

A scenic transfer to Rothenburg. Feel like you've been transported back to the Middle Ages on a guided city tour of Rothenburg. The cobblestone streets, quaint squares, and ancient town walls will show you why it’s one of the most popular destinations along the German Romantic Road. Overnight stay in Rothenburg.

*Optional visit to Heidelberg Castle: Visit the stately palace and see the city from a different perspective.

Breakfast at the hotel. A day* of discovering castles lies ahead. Journey to Hohenschwangau, a small town home to the centuries-old Hohenschwangau Castle. Enjoy free time to explore the town and have lunch. Next, it’s on to Neuschwanstein Castle, an iconic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Alps.

Commissioned by King Ludwig II, its towers, frescoes depicting medieval legends, turrets, and throne room are just a glimpse of the castle’s splendor. And the tour of Neuschwanstein Castle is sure to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip, where travelers can live out a fantasy. Transfer to Munich and check into your hotel. Overnight stay in Munich.

*Please note: Final day with the tour leader.

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. In a modern city with timeless charm like Munich, there's plenty to see and do.

Stroll through the streets lined with examples of Brutalism and Art Nouveau, or take an optional hop-on, hop-off bus tour*—a great way to check off the main attractions on your Munich wishlist. Overnight stay in Munich.

*Optional hop-on, hop-off bus tour: Move around Munich with ease and in comfort for a flexible way to explore the city.

Breakfast at the hotel*. Say goodbye—or Auf Wiedersehen—to Germany’s romantic scenery. Optional transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the US.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.