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Cruise the Legendary Rhine

July 25 - August 2, 2009

For more than 2,000 years the legendary Rhine River has been Europe’s leading waterway. Discover why this scenic pathway has inspired artists and literary luminaries on a magical seven-night journey from Beethoven’s birthplace in Bonn to the quaint village of Breisach. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and see the mythical Loreley, visit Gutenberg’s city of Mainz and discover the history of Worms. Marvel at the beauty of the Student Prince’s Heidelberg and the grandeur of one of the largest medieval churches in Europe at Speyer. Walk along the streets of global Strasbourg, admire the beautiful French region of the Alsace and travel through the fabled Black Forest. Experience the unrivaled scenery, magnificent architecture and epic history of one of Europe’s loveliest regions on this exciting adventure.

Day-by-Day Itinerary*
Day 1 Depart your gateway city for Frankfurt, Germany. (Flight provided for Air Package participants only.)
Day 2 Upon arrival, transfer to Bonn to embark the MS Switzerland II. (Transfer provided for Air Package participants only.) This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 3 Educational Focus and Excursion: Bonn—In the Footsteps of Beethoven. Examine the life and accomplishments of this great composer. Delight in a private Beethoven concert, then indulge in a walking tour through Bonn, including Beethoven’s House.
Day 4 This morning, cruise the Rhine Gorge and pass by the Loreley. Educational Focus and Excursion: Mainz—The Art of the Printed Word and its Roman History. Visit the Gutenberg Museum with its prize exhibit, the world-famous Gutenberg Bible (1452-1455). Discuss the contributions of Johannes Gutenberg, the most famous son of Mainz, then see the Gutenberg Memorial and the Cathedral of Mainz. Excursion: The City of Worms. During the tour, see the Luther monument and witness the magnificence of the cathedral, one of the finest Romanesque creations in Germany.
Day 5 Educational Focus and Excursion: The Beauty of Heidelberg on the Neckar River. Examine the history of the vibrant city of the Student Prince, and learn why countless poets and composers have been captivated by this enchanting city. Enjoy a visit to the medieval castle and Prince Carl Palace. Local Flavor: During your tour, enjoy regional specialties at a traditional inn. Excursion: Speyer. Explore Speyer and visit its cathedral, one of the largest Romanesque churches in Europe.
Day 6 Excursion: Strasbourg. Located in the heart of France’s Alsace region, Strasbourg is a cosmopolitan French cultural center. See Old Strasbourg, including the stunning Cathedral of Notre Dame, the most novel and Germanic of French cathedrals, and visit the picturesque Petite France quarter.
Day 7 Educational Focus: Europe Today. Independent Exploration. The remainder of the morning is at leisure in Strasbourg. Educational Focus and Excursion: The Wines of the Alsace. Traverse the Route du Vin, the Alsatian Wine Road, which winds its way through the fruitful vineyards and dreamlike villages of the Vosges foothills. Today’s journey also includes a tasting at one of the area’s premier vintners and a visit to the quaint village of Obernai.
Day 8 Educational Focus and Excursion: Freiburg and the Spectacular Southern Black Forest. Travel to Freiburg with its famous cathedral and Münsterplatz, the cathedral square. Continue to the Black Forest and marvel at its spectacular mountain scenery and the beauty of Lake Titisee. Local Flavor: Lunch is served at a charming Black Forest inn. Independent Exploration: Wander along the winding streets of Breisach during an afternoon at leisure. This evening, participate in a farewell reception, graduation ceremony and farewell dinner aboard ship.
Day 9 Transfer to the Frankfurt airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air Package participants only.)

* Itinerary is subject to change due to local conditions. Excursions in this program may involve an element of walking as some of the finest attractions are not always located in areas closely accessible by motorcoach.

Cost: approximately $2,395 per-person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

If you have traveled with the Auburn Alumni Association War Eagle Travelers Program in the past, you will receive information on upcoming trips. If you have not traveled with us in the past and would like to receive trip information, please contact Miriam Sanders.

For More Information
Contact Miriam Sanders 334-844-1143 e-mail
Or Tanja Matthews '92 334-844-1113 e-mail