Paris to Cologne: From the Seine to the Rhine


	After three days in Paris you will head east across Burgundy and Alsace to the romantic city of Heidelberg, then move to the Rhine for a stay in a medieval castle. The tour continues up the river to ancient Cologne before returning to Paris via the famous Champagne region of France.				14 days USD 2,349.00¹ EUR 1,720.00 Recommended travel period: April – October

1st day: Paris

		Arrival in Paris

		Transfer to your hotel Take a taxi or other public transportation to the city.

In the heart of Paris: hotel near the Louvre

Accommodation: A small inn near the Louvre
This enchanting little hotel is situated in the heart of Paris, in the shadow of the Louvre. It is so close to St. Germain l'Auxerrois that you can hear the hymns from the former "King's Church" and see the Gothic windows from your bedroom. In the cellar there is an old printing press that was used to print illegal leaflets during the French Revolution. It is said that the reception area was once the Café Momus (a debating club of the revolutionaries) and it was there that Puccini allowed parts of his opera "La Boheme" to be played. Breakfast, true to Parisian custom, is served in your suite. The hotel is air conditioned. Sophie Aulnette has managed the hotel for the past 10 years and personally attends to her guests' comfort. Tickets to local museums and other attractions can be purchased at a shop near the hotel.

3 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Paris more info »

4th day: Beaune

		Rental car pick-up Type: Citroen C3 or similar Pick-up location: Paris Downtown		Duration of rental: 11 days

		Via Vézelay Distance: 320 km Travel time: 4:00 h more ... The route heads to the southwest, entering Burgundy near Auxerre. At Avallon we recommend taking a 14 km detour to see Vézelay. The picturesque village is situated on a hill in the shadow of a Benedictine abbey church that represents an outstanding masterpiece of Burgundian Romanesque architecture. The hill and church have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Hotel in downtown Beaune

Accommodation: Hotel Le Cep
The manor house has served as an inn since the 16th century and many famous people have stayed there - including Ludwig XIV. The property was fully renovated in 1986 and turned into a modern hotel. One of the towers contains a glass elevator which offers nice views of the old town. The rooms are decorated with priceless antiques. The hotel has a first-class restaurant with an excellent wine cellar. The old wine cellar, a cosy room with a low, arched stone ceiling, is used as a breakfast room when the courtyard cannot be used due to inclement weather.

2 nights
Accommodation only

		Burgundy more info »

6th day: Colmar

		Through the gates of outer Burgundy Distance: 350 km Travel time: 3:30 h more ... You will follow an ancient trade route along the gentle Doubs River to the outer gates of Burgundy. You will then pass through a heavily forested region called Franche-Comté, which is relatively untouched by tourism. The regional capital, Besançon, is worth a stop if time allows to see the city's surviving 17th century fortifications, including a citadel, city walls and moats.

At the city gates of Riquewihr: A country inn

Accommodation: A country inn in Riquewihr
In the heart of Alsace is the historical wine-producing village of Riquewihr, one of the most picturesque towns in France. Riquewihr is still surrounded by its original medieval fortifications, making it a popular tourist destination. A castle overlooking the town completes the picture.

The 17th century guesthouse with individually decorated rooms is situated just inside the medieval city gates. From here you can wander through the narrow streets of the town or take a stroll through the surrounding vineyards. The hotel has a restaurant that serves hearty local cuisine.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Alsace more info »

8th day: Heidelberg

		Strasbourg Distance: 200 km Travel time: 3:00 h more ... You will cross the Rhine River at Strasbourg, the border between France and Germany. This former free city during the Holy Roman Empire and current seat of the European Parliament is definitely worth a visit. Strasbourg boasts the first historic city centre to be named a World Heritage Site in its entirety by UNESCO. The famous Strasbourg Cathedral is surrounded by historical buildings lining narrow medieval streets.

Renaissance architecture: Hotel in Heidelberg

Accommodation: A Renaissance hotel in downtown Heidelberg
Heidelberg is a romantic old university town with a long pedestrian street, the Hauptstrasse, which constitutes the dynamic heart of the city. The hotel stands at the beginning of this key avenue. Its stately facade dates from 1592, the year the gold sign was imprinted that still hangs above the door. Official records show the building served as a town hall for a decade before becoming the Hotel Zum Ritter. Thanks to the hotel's impressive facade and central location, its lovely panelled dining room is popular among the throngs of tourists that flock to Heidelberg. This makes the hotel a very bustling place in the evenings. It has been extended to the rear, and in the newer wing you find ten spacious, modern bedrooms with custom-fitted furniture and floor-to-ceiling draperies. The remaining rooms vary from small single rooms to large bedrooms overlooking the busy main street. The decor is more modern than old-world.

1 night
Bed & Breakfast

		Heidelberg more info »

9th day: St. Goar

		Via Worms Distance: 150 km Travel time: 3:00 h more ... You will pass by the city of Worms, where Martin Luther was threatened with excommunication in 1521 unless he retracted his teachings. He refused and was declared an outlaw by Emperor Charles V. Important sites in Worms include the Romanesque cathedral from the 11th and 12th centuries and the oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe.

Extraordinary: A medieval castle hotel overlooking the Rhine

Accommodation: Romantikhotel Schloss Rheinfels
Awarded the "Conga Award" as one of the best conference hotels in Germany in 2007, this inn is located in a 900-year-old romantic castle overlooking the Rhine Vallley near the famous Loreley cliff. From its lofty perch above the river, the fortress offers a spectacular view of one of the most scenic landscapes in Germany. The inn's 60 luxury rooms meet the standard for 4-star hotels. The unique combination of historical ambiance and magnificent landscapes make a stay an unforgettable experience.

2 nights
Bed & Breakfast

		Middle Rhine Valley more info »

11th day:

		Via Bonn Distance: 150 km Travel time: 3:00 h more ... You will follow the Rhine Valley to Koblenz, where the Moselle River flows into the Rhine. Shortly before reaching Cologne you will pass Bonn, the former capital of the Federal Republic of Germany and the birthplace of Beethoven. Important sites include the 11th century cathedral and Beethoven-Haus, which contains the largest Beethoven collection in the world, including the last piano owned by the composer.

Best location in Cologne: The Dom Hotel

Accommodation: A luxurious hotel next to Cologne Cathedral
This hotel immediately adjacent to the world famous Cologne Cathedral is considered one of the city's top addresses. The Hohe Straße, the oldest street in Germany in the heart of the Cologne shopping district, is just around the corner. Numerous museums, restaurants and traditional pubs, where visitors can sample the local beer, called Kölsch, are also just minutes away. Guests who prefer to relax can take a scenic stroll along the banks of the nearby Rhine River. The hotel's 124 rooms with bathrooms of black marble meet five-star standards.

1 night
Bed & Breakfast

		Cologne more info »

12th day: Reims

		Aachen, Sedan Distance: 400 km Travel time: 5:00 h more ... Near the border to Belgium you will pass Aachen, one of Europe's leading cities during the Middle Ages and the centre of the Frankish Empire under Charlemagne. Many German emperors were crowned and buried in the magnificent Aachen Cathedral.

		Accommodation: A villa in Epernay Visitors have always been attracted to the vineyards in the Champagne region of France. Epernay is the second leading city after Reims for champagne production. This small hotel with only seven guest rooms has retained its early 19th century charm and elegance. Guests are welcomed with a glass of champagne in the salon. The interior remains decorated with art deco furniture and cubistic artworks. The individually decorated rooms with excellent bathrooms always contain a bouquet of fresh flowers. Breakfast is served in the garden in summer. The perfect place for champagne sampling!		2 nights Bed & Breakfast

		Reims more info »

14th day: Paris

		Isle de France Distance: 150 km Travel time: 2:00 h more ... Isle de France is the name of the province that contains not just Paris but such charming villages as St-Denis, Chantilly and St-Germain-en-Laye.

		Rental car drop-off Drop-off location: Paris, Airport

		Departure

Rental car: AVIS (France)

Citroën C3 or similar

Type: Citroën C3 or similar (Group B)

Equipment: Air-conditioning, radio/CD

max excess: EUR 600.

Cost of this tour

The price is per person based on two persons sharing a double room and includes accommodations (meals included as stated above) and rental car.

USD 2,349.00¹
EUR 1,720.00

Should you want to revise this itinerary, we can change any of the following items: the route, the number of persons travelling, the time schedule, the standard of accommodation and the type of vehicle, according to your wishes.

The tour can begin on any date desired.
Recommended travel period: April – October

Upon booking this tour you will receive:

the names, addresses and telephone numbers

for each accommodation

detailed directions to each accommodation

vouchers

If you have any questions, would like to request changes or book this tour, please call your personal consultant Dr. Jerry Crippen on +49 (0)2268 9098-21 or submit an enquiry via the Internet:

14 days

Recommended
travel period:
April – October

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1) Price per person based on two people sharing a double room, flights not included. Prices may vary by season and due to differences in available services. All tours are sold in euros. Prices indicated in other currencies are for informational purposes only and may vary in accordance with changes in exchange rates.

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