Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps (2027) - 12 days Paris to Zurich

In ancient times Trier was the largest Roman settlement north of the Alps, and six emperors ruled the Western Empire from here. Remnants of that Roman city still stand, despite taking part in centuries of warfare, earning it UNESCO protection. It’s easy to see the shape of the ancient Roman city, since the layout of the Old Town still exists. Start your visit at the Basilica of Constantine, one of two basilicas built by Emperor Constantine in AD 306. The throne room is the largest surviving single-room structure from Roman times in Germany; it features two tiers of windows with high-rising arches that even now show some of the original wall paintings. The other basilica is St. Peter’s Cathedral, home to the Holy Tunic, a sacred relic donated by Constantine’s mother, St. Helena. Your route to Porta Nigra, the great double-arched stone gate that is all that remains of the Roman wall that used to surround Trier, takes you through Market Square.

Note: lunch will be on your own today.

Over the course of 900 years, Luxembourg grew into one of the greatest fortified sites in Europe because of its strategic geographical position and ever-changing political affiliations. Your panoramic city tour will introduce you to centuries-old battlements as well as to the gleaming high-rises that denote the city’s status as a 21st-century international financial center. To best discover the heart of Old Town, though, you’ll want to walk with a local expert to Notre Dame Cathedral, a fine example of late-Gothic architecture, and the Grand Ducal Palace, where both Louis XIV and Napoleon resided. It has been the official residence of the reigning Grand Duke since 1890.

Your tour ends at Place d’Armes, “the city’s sitting room.” Surrounded by shops and sidewalk cafés, with frequent free afternoon concerts, this is the lively heart of Luxembourg. You’ll have some free time to enjoy yourself on your own there. Or choose to continue to the WWII Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, which lies just within the limits of Luxembourg City. The 50-acre cemetery was established on December 29, 1944, by General George S. Patton’s Third U.S. Army, which liberated Luxembourg. More than 5,000 U.S. military dead are buried here—many of whom lost their lives in the Battle of the Bulge—along with General Patton himself. See the beautiful grounds, white stone chapel, and monument honoring the fallen.

Note: lunch will be on your own today.

A leisurely walk around the romantic village of Bernkastel awaits today. Wander through the town’s idyllic cobbled streets that are lined with half-timbered houses and secluded courtyards and pass by beautiful marketplaces and open-air cafés.

Follow the serene 14 miles of riverside bike paths along the Moselle. As this gentle pathway twists and turns, you’ll cross over two bridges and enjoy numerous stops for pictures.

Board a little train for a charming ride through Rüdesheim. The train will pick you up outside the ship and begin a comprehensive drive through town, passing the famous Drosselgasse and other must-see sights along the way. Take note of your favorite spots as you go, because you’ll have free time to explore on your own at the end of the ride.

Immerse yourselves in the vines today with a refreshing walk through the vineyards by Rüdesheim. Starting with a walk by the river, you’ll wind your way past the markets square and up through the Weinlehrpfad, the Wine Trail. Along the way, you’ll pass several historic buildings and monuments, learning their stories from your guide as you go, enjoy a glass of wine made from the vines around you, and discover some beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Nahe river with its Roman Bridge.

For a different spin on the Palatinate wine region, visit the Weinessiggut Doktorenhof estate for a special vinegar tasting. Yes, you read that right—a vinegar tasting. Founded by Georg Wiedemann some 30 years ago, Doktorenhof produces vinegars from premium wines, rather than inexpensive ones. Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Riesling, and Pinot Noir are aged with a century-old vinegar “mother,” as the bacteria that makes vinegar is known, and flavored with a variety of herbs and fruits. Most importantly, Wiedemann and his family run their farm and vineyards with the utmost care, tending to them with natural materials only.

The results make complex and elegant aperitifs, intended to be sipped from a specially designed long-stemmed glass between courses or after a meal. The atmospheric tasting room (think candles, cloaks, and choir music) is like no other you’ll ever experience. You’ll have plenty of time to explore their enticing gift shop, too.

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Global Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Please note: In the event that this tour falls on a Sunday, when the estate is closed, an alternative tour will be offered instead.

Drive out to the forest for a private tour at a unique old flour mill. Though the silos here are still used to store grain—and the delicious bread you’ll get to sample at the end of your visit is evidence of that—the mill itself is no longer active. Instead, it has been transformed into a beautiful little sanctuary by the owner. An avid world traveler and collector, the owner has filled the inside of the mill with mementos from his expeditions (not trinkets, either, but life-sized Buddha statues, gorgeous photography, and much more). The highlight though, is the award-winning garden he has curated.

Zurich’s Old Town cradles the Limmat River with a series of meandering alleyways and medieval buildings. Not only is this area historic, but it’s also the most popular neighborhood in town for locals and visitors alike, with an excellent shopping, restaurant, and bar scene. Explore the Old Town with your local guide, making your way through the car-free streets of the Niederdof, crossing the bridge over the river, and stopping to try a Luxembergerli (mini-macaron) at a popular local sweet shop. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the twin towers of the Grossmünster church, one of Zurich’s most iconic landmarks, as well as the clock tower of the St. Peter church. It boasts largest clock face of any tower in Europe. Ask your guide for tips on how to spend some free time after the tour, they’ll know just where to send you for some shopping, further sightseeing, or a good bite to eat!