Treasures of Central Europe

Day 1 UK - Amsterdam Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your flight to Amsterdam. On arrival we transfer to the port to embark MS Johannes Brahms (3T+), with time to settle before dinner. Day 2 Amsterdam - Wijk bij Duurstede Spend this morning on a tour which takes you on foot and canal boat through Amsterdam. This exquisite capital has many fascinating stories to share, from the Golden Age of the 17th century, when Dutch trade, science and military was admired throughout the world, to the struggles of living through World War II. This afternoon we sail towards Wijk bij Duurstede arriving in the late evening. Day 3 Emmerich We sail early morning, to cross the German border and dock in the next town. Much of Emmerich was destroyed by allied forces during World War II, and the rebuild has created a new town with interesting structures including a unique cross of scrap metal in the Holy Ghost Church. The local Rhine Museum displays the development of shipping on the Rhine and memorabilia including a WWII ‘beaver’ - a one-man submarine. Or you may like to make your own way to Arnhem, forever associated with Operation Market Garden, an attack that went a ‘bridge too far’. Day 4 Düsseldorf After a morning of scenic cruising, we arrive in Düsseldorf and head to Benrath Palace, for a guided tour. Within its pink Baroque-style walls is a collection of grand 18th century furnishings and art, focussing particularly on garden art. Surrounding it is Benrath Park, with a spectacular orangery, a romantic flower garden and avenues of old lime trees. Day 5 Königswinter Day 6 Beilstein Relax as we spend the day cruising, docking in time for an optional wine tasting excursion in the Moselle region; famed for Reislings, yet home to many more grape varieties. Day 7 Saarburg Another leisurely morning as we sail to Saarburg. A city tour introduces us to this romantic city, nestled among vineyards and forests. Its historical interest is enhanced by the ruins of Saarburg Fortress, a once imposing castle that has watched over the Saar River since AD 964. The town continues to enchant with crooked lanes of colourful fishermen’s houses and a 20m-high waterfall that cascades between half-timbered buildings in the centre of the city. We dock overnight. Day 8 Saarburg - Mettlach Enjoy a morning on board as we negotiate locks to reach Mettlach. You have an afternoon to discover this town from the Middle Ages. Maybe visit the remains of Montclair Castle, once one of the area’s largest and most powerful castles, or admire the stunning glass and gold mosaic interior of the parish and pilgrimage church of St Lutwinus. The town is also known for its porcelain, created in an 8th century abbey. After visiting the Villeroy and Boch shop, you may like to stroll around the abbey’s extensive park. Alternatively, a stroll may lead you to a vantage point over the juncture of three countries - Germany, France and Luxembourg. Day 9 Mettlach - Merzig (Luxembourg - Schengen) The small, landlocked country of Luxembourg is closely intertwined with its powerful neighbours, with many inhabitants able to speak Luxembourgish, German and French. Its wealth once depended on steel manufacturing, but now it is Europe’s most powerful investment centre. On our tour of Luxembourg City, discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the powerful fortress which changed hands many time through the centuries, leaving traces of Italian, Spanish, Belgian, French, Austrian, Dutch and Prussian embellishments. You have free time this afternoon before we travel to Schengen for a short tour. This small town is famed for The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1990 to abolish border checks in mainland Europe. You have the option to visit the European Museum (at own expense), which documents the European Union. Day 10 Merzig - Saarbrücken Day 11 Saarbrücken - Frankfurt - UK Transfer to Frankfurt Airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.