CHRISTMAS TRIPS, tours, visit Christkindl Markets in Germany and France. River Cruises Europe

G E R H A R D'S  O D Y S S E Y S

 

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Mosel & Rhine River Cruise
Trier to Amsterdam

ms amadagio

DAILY ITINERARY – December 12th to 21st, 2008

Join me on a relaxing river cruise as we explore some of my favorite towns and villages on the banks of the famed Rhine and Mosel Rivers. We’ll explore Gothic cathedrals, lush vineyards and medieval villages along the way. Wherever we go, it will be a Christmas wonderland with the magical Christkindle markets and the festive holiday decorations. Our journey will be by land in combination with a seven night cruise aboard one of Europe’s newest and most deluxe river ships, the MS Amadagio.

The tour has been planned for your convenience. All gratuities, port charges, shore excursions, transfers and porterage are included in the cost of the tour. Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are included with each dinner. All meals, but one dinner and lunch are included. It would be my pleasure to share this special trip at this special time of year with you.

Friday, December 12th – to Europe
Overnight flight to Frankfurt. Relax and enjoy your flight across the Atlantic, as your holiday begins.

Saturday, December 13th – Mainz
We will meet you at the airport for transfer to the hotel. Time to stroll through the Christmas Market before this evenings Get Acquainted reception. The 1,000 year old Cathedral is an idyllic backdrop for the popular St. Nicholas Market.  Mainz Hilton Hotel

Sunday, December 14th – Trier
Our coach transfers us to Trier, Germany’s oldest city. We board our ship in time for the lavish welcome dinner.  Meals (B, D)

Monday, December 15th – Bernkastel
A morning tour of Trier includes the Porta Nigra gateway, the finest Roman relic in Germany. During lunch we cruise the Mosel River, the longest of the Rhine's tributaries. Castles, vineyards and fairytale villages hug the hillsides.  Meals (B, L, D)

Tuesday, December 16th – Boppard
A guided tour of Cochem and the hilltop Reichsburg Castle with stunning views of the river valley below. On our afternoon cruise the ship sails past  a succession of massive castles that crown the hillsides of the “Romantic” Rhine.  Meals (B, L, D)

market placeWednesday, December 17th – Frankfurt
This morning you can choose between a walking tour of Mainz with the famous Gutenberg Museum that honors the printing pioneer – or join an excursion to Heidelberg. After lunch, you will have leisure time to explore Frankfurt, visit museums and enjoy one of the markets.  Meals (B, L, D)

Thursday, December 18th – Cologne        
After a walking tour of historic Koblenz our ship sails to Cologne where the evening is free to explore the Christmas markets. The Old Town is only a few minutes walk from the ship.  Meals (B, L, D)

Friday, December 19th – Düsseldorf
On our morning tour you’ll see many of the historic highlights of Cologne, including the 13th century Gothic cathedral. After a luncheon cruise we arrive in Düsseldorf for another tour.  Meals (B, L, D)

Saturday, December 20th – Amsterdam
Today we cruise Amsterdam’s lovely tree-lined canals flanked by gabled houses. If time allows you may wish to visit one of the many museums and the lively marketplace.  Meals (B, L, D)

Sunday, December 21st – return to USA
Morning transfer to Amsterdam airport.  Meals (B)

PRICE PER PERSON: $2,235 land cost, $595 single room surcharge
TOUR COST INCLUDES:
• One night at the first class Mainz Hilton Hotel.
• Seven nights aboard the MS Amadagio, “C” category outside cabin (“E” for singles).
• 21 meals -- buffet breakfast daily, six lunches & seven specialty dinners, including the Welcome & Farewell dinners on board the ship. 
• Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks with all dinners.
• "Get Acquainted" reception at our hotel on Saturday evening.
• Land transport and transfers by motorcoach.
• Personalized tours of most towns visited with local guide and entrance fees.
All gratuities, port charges, taxes, and service charges for the restaurants, hotel staff, coach drivers, local guides and the MS Amadagio crew. No additional tipping.
• Porterage and handling of luggage at the hotel and on the ship.
• Laminated luggage tags and "tour information" packet.
• Other additional features mentioned in the itinerary.
• A careful balance of free time to pursue your own interests.
• Hosted by Gerhard Meng.
Special feature: a brisk pre-breakfast or after dinner walk for those who would like to start or finish the day with a bit of exercise

GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 29 GUESTS

RESERVATIONS:  Notify us that you wish to join the tour.  Your space will be reserved and a sign-up packet will be forwarded with registration form, invoice for deposit and optional insurance application.  Upon receipt of your deposit, another information packet will be forwarded with final confirmation of your reservation and details to help prepare for the tour.  Full and final payment is due 95 days prior to departure.

EXTRA NIGHTS:  If you wish to arrive a day early the rate of $220 per double room ($195 single) will apply at the hotel in Mainz.  A buffet breakfast, airport transfer, taxes and service are included.  Ask us about extra nights in Amsterdam.  Additional nights are confirmed on a space-available basis.

CABIN UPGRADES:  Options and pricing will be included in the sign-up packet.

TOUR COMBINATION:  Those guests combining the Dec. 6th and Dec. 12th tours will receive $135 per person ($220 single) price reduction.

The MS Amadagio:
Enjoy total relaxation and uncommon comfort aboard our floating hotel.  The ship was built in 2006 and accommodates a maximum of 142 guests in well appointed cabins.  Our double cabins all have a French balcony with full length doors that can be opened.  Single cabins are the same size, with a large window.  While sailing enjoy the scenery from the sun-deck and the viewing lounge with its panoramic window or relax in the library.  The wellness area offers a fitness center, beauty salon and massages.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SHIP, click here


Frankfurt - Meiningen - Erfurt - Coburg - Lauscha Glassworks -
Annaberg - Seiffen - Dresden • November 28 to December 6, 2008
GO

Prague - Regensburg - Nurnberg - Rothenburg -
Heidelberg - Mainz • December 6th to 14th, 2008
GO

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©2008 Gerhard's Odysseys
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