Prague is known as the "City of a Hundred Spires” and it is easy to see why. The towering twin steeples of Týn Church and the beautiful baroque Church of St. Nicholas are among some of the city's most notable. Best explored on foot, Prague's Old Town is a maze of ancient cobblestone lanes with the Old Town Square at its core. Here, the medieval Astronomical Clock still chimes today and provides for its viewers a little theater with the "Walk of the Apostles” on the hour, every hour.

Few cities embody the past as authentically as Prague, the Czech Republic's atmospheric capital on the Vltava River that clings to its history with unwavering passion. Prague's medieval architecture is its most prominent, but the city is also a rich repository of Romanesque, baroque and art nouveau buildings that stir the imagination. The city's graceful, pedestrian-only Charles Bridge served as the coronation route of the kings of Bohemia across the river to Hradčany Castle and its rich complex of royal buildings.

Founded in 902, Bamberg remains a medieval-looking city known for its symphony orchestra and rauchbier, specialty smoked beer. The city's winding streets are filled with baroque patrician houses and are home to the stunning 11th-century Cathedral of Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich II, housing his tomb and that of Pope Clement II. Bamberg is especially noted for its Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, situated on a twin-arched bridge over the Regnitz River, and for the old bishop's houses: the 16th-century Alte Hofhaltung (Old Court) and 17th-century Neue Residenz (New Residence).

Bamberg is famed for its beer, particularly its distinctive rauchbier. To create the rauchbier's unique flavor profile, the earliest breweries dried malted barley over fires fed by German beechwood. With the advent of kiln-drying, smoky brews became less common and all but disappeared for a short period. Two breweries, however, clung to the rauchbier tradition: Schlenkerla and Spezial. For almost two centuries, they have been producing several varieties of the brew by drying malt over beechwood fires, honoring a method that was almost lost. Today, rauchbier fills steins throughout the city.

Surrounded by Franconian vineyards, Würzburg was heavily damaged during World War II, but has since been completely restored. This prestigious university city is a jewel of baroque architecture. Its most pristine example of pomp and glory is the great Bishops' Residenz palace, built in 1744 for the prince-bishop; his unwavering support of artists is evidenced by the sweeping staircase and magnificent ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo. Other landmarks include the medieval, statue-lined Old Main Bridge and Marienberg Fortress, originally a Celtic hill fort and later residence of the bishops. The city remains a major wine-making center, hosting Germany's oldest and largest vineyard.

Germany's oldest university town, Heidelberg is situated in the Neckar Valley just east of the Rhine. Known as the cradle of the German Romantic movement, it also boasts beautiful baroque architecture. Heidelberg is most famous as the site of the imposing Heidelberg Castle. A magnificent red sandstone ruin perched 330 feet above the river, it was home to the Palatinate princes until it was partially destroyed by fire in the 17th century. It has been said that Heidelberg's cityscape is so beautiful and so admired that American forces deliberately chose to avoid bombing it during World War II.

Mainz is part of the Rheinhessen wine region, Germany's largest wine region that is renowned for producing high-quality white wines, such as Riesling. Wine has long played a key role in the city's economy and culture, with numerous wine festivals and events throughout the year, including the Mainzer Weinmarkt and the Mainzer Weinwoche. The city is also home to the renowned Geisenheim University, which offers programs in viticulture and oenology. Mainz's wine culture and history continue to thrive today, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation in winemaking.

The Rhine River flows through one of Germany’s most scenic regions. As you sail its most picturesque stretch, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Middle Rhine, you will pass vineyard-blanketed hills whose steep slopes require vintners to pick grapes by hand, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. Splendid castles line the banks, all of which have stories to share, and the Lorelei Rock presides at a dramatic curve in the river. This infamous river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet.

One of Germany’s most treasured cities for its rich history, Trier was once the regional capital of the Holy Roman Empire. After Emperor Constantine the Great had a vision of Christ, he and his mother Helena built great churches and cathedrals here. A few still stand, the magnificent Romanesque Cathedral of Trier among them. The 20,000-seat amphitheater, the Roman Bridge and the massive Porta Nigra, the ancient city gate, are further relics of that time. Today, Trier is a picturesque town surrounded by forests and vineyards, known also as the birthplace of Karl Marx and as a vibrant university town.

Reims lies in the heart of France’s renowned Champagne region. A testament to its rich history, which can be traced back to Gallo-Roman times, is its diverse collection of landmarks. Among its most iconic are the Abbey of Saint-Rémi, the final resting place of the archbishop who baptized Frankish king Clovis and initiated Reims’s long line of coronations; the Palace of Tau, an archiepiscopal residence constructed in the Middle Ages; and Reims Cathedral, where 25 kings of France were coronated. These three monuments were collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

One of the most pleasurable activities in Paris is whiling away the time in one of the city's outdoor cafés. Whether you are sipping a café au lait or a kir royal, there is no better way to feel like a Parisian. The hub of social and culinary life, cafés have been part of the city's fabric since the 1600s. During the 20th century, literary and artistic figures-such as Ernest Hemingway, Colette and Pablo Picasso-famously met over drinks to share their works and ideas. Today, thousands of cafés line the pavements and squares to connect with France's culture and history.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.