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to Along the and Rivers aboard the elegant River Cloud II October 6–19, 2014 Romantic old world villages set among picturesque winding rivers, vineyards, and rolling hills along with vibrant emblematic of a rapidly transforming comprise the culturally rich and historically significant threads of a memorable journey in , Germany, and the . Rhine Würzburg

Paris Main Prague This fascinating itinerary is bookended by two of Europe’s vibrant cities—Paris and Prague— FRANCE connected by a two-hour journey on France’s high-speed CZECH train, TGV, from Paris to Strasbourg and a scenic river Strasbourg REPUBLIC cruise aboard the elegant River Cloud II from Strasbourg Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Danube motorcoach As you cruise along the Rhine and Main Rivers aboard cruise the lovely 88-passenger River Cloud II, chartered for rail our exclusive use, you will enjoy the amenities of one of the finest river vessels in Europe, including elegant staterooms and public areas, refined cuisine, and impeccable . A series of presentations will enrich your experience.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the elegant atmosphere, impeccable service, and excellent cuisine of the 88-passenger River Cloud II, just over half the size of most riverboats in the region. • Visit seven UNESCO World Heritage sites: The banks of the Seine in Paris; the historic centers of Strasbourg, Bamberg, and Prague; Speyer Cathedral; the Upper Valley; and the Würzburg Residenz. • Sample the diverse cuisines and wines of Paris, Alsace, , and during meals and private tastings ashore. • Enjoy private musical performances —from the Bamberg String Quartet to Czech folk music and dance—in memorable settings. • Attend a guest lecture on European affairs inStrasbourg , seat of the European Parliament, and tour the Nuremberg Courthouse, site of the war crimes trials.

Contact us with any questions or to make your reservation today! 888-328-2089 [email protected] DAILY ITINERARY

MONDAY & TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 & 7 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 U.S. / Paris, France Strasbourg Miltenberg Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to This morning, visit the European Parliament After a morning of cruising, dock this Paris. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel. for a specially arranged tour and a guest afternoon at Miltenberg along Bavaria’s gather this evening for a special welcome lecture on European affairs. The afternoon is famous Romantic Road, which runs reception and dinner. at leisure in port, with time for independent through the medieval heart of Germany. HOTEL SCRIBE (D) explorations. In the early evening, meander Miltenberg’s strategic location on the Main on local boats through the canals of River allowed it to develop into an important WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 Strasbourg’s “Petite France,” as the former trading center. Enjoy a walking tour among Paris tanners’ and fishmongers’ districts are picturesque timberwork houses, followed by After a morning orientation, choose between known. a private children’s choir concert. two walking tours of Paris neighborhoods RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) —either the stylish Marais district, including Place des Vosges and the newly reopened SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 Picasso Museum, or the boutique-lined Speyer & Heidelberg, Würzburg streets and artistic haunts of the Germany One of the most magnificent Quarter. Or, at an additional cost, take a This morning visit Speyer’s acclaimed buildings in —the FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 guided coach excursion to Giverny and Romanesque cathedral, which houses the Würzburg Residenz Palace—rises high above visit the house where Claude Monet lived the Main. In the 16th century, the medieval Prague largest crypt in germany. Continue cruising Enjoy a special private visit to the most of his life, including the lovely gardens north along the Rhine, then stop for an castle was converted into a magnificent featured in many of his most famous works. palace with five grand halls, 300 bedrooms, Monastery library, with two Baroque rooms afternoon guided walking tour of Heidelberg, housing an impressive collection of precious The afternoon and evening are free for home to a number of great poets and a mirrored gallery, and an enormous, recently independent exploration. restored ceiling painting by Tiepolo. Enjoy ancient manuscripts. Continue with an academics, world-famous castle ruins, and exploration of the ancient HOTEL SCRIBE (B) Germany’s oldest university. a guided tour of the Residenz, followed by a private tasting of Franconian wines in its complex, which dominates a hilltop on the THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) historic cellar. left bank of the River and offers lovely views over the . Prague Castle, Paris / Strasbourg (Embark) SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) Transfer to the train station this morning Romantic Rhine a royal residence in the 9th century, today and board the TGV (high-speed train) to WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 comprises a rich variety of churches, gates, Dock this morning at Boppard, near the chapels, palace halls, and towers from every Strasbourg. like many of the region’s border confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers, Bamberg cities, Strasbourg has traded hands several After a morning of cruising, call at Bamberg, period of its history, including the gothic St. and enjoy a walking tour of a classic Rhine Cathedral, built over a 600-year period, times between France and Germany; today, village, followed by a private recital at the founded in 902 and situated on seven hills, the French capital of Alsace and seat of with a network of canals winding their way and the Old Royal Palace, with its beautiful impressive Namedy Castle, a UNESCO World Late-gothic . The evening is the European Parliament reflects both Heritage site and home of the Princess of around splendid baroque buildings. Enjoy a cultures—linguistically, architecturally, and walking tour of its beautifully preserved Old at leisure to take advantage of the many Hohenzollern. This afternoon, cruise along musical offerings in Prague. gastronomically. Built at the intersection of the most beautiful stretch of the Romantic and a private concert by the excellent INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL (B,L) several Roman roads, Strasbourg features a Rhine through the Middle Rhine Valley, a Bamberg String Quartet. During a final historic, UNESCO World Heritage-designated storybook landscape of medieval castles evening of cruising, transit the Main–Danube SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 city center with 16th-century half-timbered and myths. Here, according to German Canal, an engineering triumph originally Prague houses and a gothic cathedral built of red legends, the siren Lorelei calls to sailors from conceived by Charlemagne in the 8th sandstone. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, century and completed in 1992. Discover the –like setting of the rocks, and the accursed Niebelungen Prague’s , a UNESCO World then explore the city by coach and on gold treasure lies submerged beneath the RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) before embarking the River Cloud II late this Heritage site, during a guided walking tour waters. This UNESCO World Heritage site has THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 that showcases six centuries of architectural afternoon. inspired artists and composers for centuries, RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) Nuremberg, Germany / styles lining cobbled streets. Also visit such including the great 19th-century Romantics treasures as the Municipal Lord Byron, Victor Hugo, and . Prague, Czech Republic house and the Alfons Mucha Museum, RIVER CLOUD II (B,L,D) Arrive this morning in Nuremberg and dedicated to the works of the well-known disembark the River Cloud II. Visit the Art Nouveau painter. The afternoon is at Third Reich parade grounds and tour the leisure. This evening gather for a private courthouse, site of the Nuremberg trials. farewell gala at Lobkowicz Castle, a lovely Enjoy a typical Bavarian lunch at a local ancestral palace within Prague Castle. restaurant before driving through scenic INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL (B,D) countryside and across the Czech border to Prague. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL (B,L) Prague / U.S. This morning transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)

Contact us with any questions or to make your reservation today! 888-328-2089 [email protected] RIVER CLOUD II Launched by the owners of the legendary Sea Cloud, the five-star River Cloud II combines nostalgic luxury with state-of the-art marine technology to create an elegant and intimate cruising experience. The 44 outside cabins each offer a large queen or two twin beds, individually adjustable air conditioning, minibar, TV/video, personal safe, cozy robes, fresh flowers, and private bathroom (with shower) appointed in marble with brass and gold fixtures. Cabin deck staterooms feature brass-rimmed portholes; Promenade deck staterooms feature panoramic arched windows. The public areas include a spacious lounge with a custom-built Steinway grand piano, paneled mahogany library, large sun deck with teak deck chairs and bar, small boutique, hair salon, and a dining room that accommodates all guests in a single, unassigned seating. Refined Italian-influenced cuisine is prepared by outstanding European chefs incorporating local ingredients fresh from the market, and a fine selection of wines from regional vintages is included with lunches and dinners on board.

RATES Double Single

CATEGORY C (Cabin Deck forward) $8,995 $13,495

CATEGORY B (Cabin Deck) $9,995 $14,995

CATEGORY A (Promenade Deck) $11,595

U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare from major U.S. gateways to Paris with return from Prague is approximately $1,200 as of February 2014 and is subject to change without notice. In order to give you as much flexibility as possible with the variety of air travel options available, you are free to make your own air arrangements for this program.

Contact us with any questions or to make your reservation today! 888-328-2089 [email protected] GENERAL INFORMATION RESERVATION FORM Program Rates Include clearly understand the difference between To reserve a place on Paris to Prague please complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per A full program of briefings, lectures, and “primary” and “secondary” travel insurance. person, payable to Criterion Travel. Mail to: 145 Forest Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301. For more information or to presentations by study leaders and local reserve by phone, please call (888) 328-2089 or (650) 328-2089, or email [email protected] guides • All accommodations and meals as Reservations and Deposits specified in the itinerary • All excursions, To reserve space, please complete the including entrance fees, as specified in the reservation form and mail it with your check itinerary • Tickets aboard the TGV from or credit card information to the address NAME #1 (as on passport) BIRTHDATE Paris to Strasbourg • Airport transfers at the top of the form. You may also fax for all participants on program arrival the form to (650) 560-6400 and your and departure days • Baggage handling reservation will be held for five working days NAME #2 (as on passport) BIRTHDATE gratuities to porters, guides, drivers, wait pending receipt of your check or credit card staff, and shipboard personnel for all group information. If you have questions, please activities • Port fees and embarkation call (888) 328-2089 or email STREET ADDRESS taxes • House wine, beer, and soft drinks at [email protected]. Final payment all group lunches and dinners • Welcome deadline is June 9, 2014, 120 days prior to and farewell receptions • Bottled water departure. CITY / STATE / ZIP / POSTAL CODE on excursions • Complete packet of pre- departure information • Professional tour Cancellations and Refunds manager throughout Upon payment of a $1,000 deposit per HOME PHONE WORK PHONE FAX person, all reservations are subject to the Program Rates Do Not Include cancellation provisions set forth below and U.S. domestic and international airfare • by which the passenger agrees to be bound. E-MAIL(s) Passport and visa fees • Medical expenses Cancellations shall not be effective until they and immunizations • Trip cancellation/ are received in writing and confirmed by interruption and baggage insurance • the Criterion Travel. Deposits are refundable PAYMENT Optional excursions or deviations from the (less a $250 per person administration fee) O Enclosed is my check for $ ______($1,000 per person), to reserve _____ place(s) on scheduled tour • Excess-baggage charges if written notice of cancellation is received Paris to Prague Meals not specified in the itinerary; dishes within 30 days of reservation; after that, OR O Charge the deposit to my credit card (circle one): and beverages not part of the included deposits are 100% nonrefundable. Final meals • Alcohol or soft drinks except where payment is due June 9, 2014 (120 days prior VISA MC AMEX Diners Club Discover indicated as included • Private transfers to departure). Cancellations within 120 days or transfers not on program arrival and of departure are 100% nonrefundable. For departure days • Personal items such as this reason we strongly urge participants NAME ON CREDIT CARD room service; email, telephone, and fax to purchase trip cancellation insurance. If charges; and other items of a personal the program is cancelled by the Criterion nature Travel, you will receive a full refund, without CARD # EXP. DATE SECURITY CODE further obligation on our part. No refunds What to Expect will be made for any part of this program on The pace of this program is moderately which you choose not to participate. Note: SIGNATURE AS IT APPEARS ON CREDIT CARD DATE active, with a few miles of walking each day. Criterion Travel does not accept liability for Most of the historic city centers have large any airline cancellation penalty incurred by segments that are closed to motor coaches, the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in CATEGORY PREFERENCE and city tours involve walking on cobbled conjunction with this tour. 1st Choice ______2nd Choice ______streets or uneven terrain, and may involve extended periods of standing in museums Itinerary Changes Bed Preference (not guaranteed): O One bed O Two beds and churches. Participants must be in good The itinerary presented for this tour is health and able to keep with the group subject to modification and change by SINGLE TRAVELERS without assistance from tour staff. Criterion Travel. Every reasonable effort will O I prefer to have single accommodations. be made to operate the program as planned; Group Size however, should unforeseen world events OR O I plan to share accommodations with: ______This program is limited to 74 participants, and conditions require the itinerary to be OR O I’d like to know about roommates. I am a O Non-smoker O Smoker. including travelers from Smith and Stanford. altered, Criterion Travel reserves the right I understand that if a roommate cannot be found by the final payment deadline of to do so for the safety and best interest of June 9, 2014, I will pay the single rate. Insurance the group. Any extra expenses incurred in Travel insurance for trip cancellation and this situation are the responsibility of the interruption, medical problems, baggage participant. O I/We have read the Terms & Conditions section of this brochure and understand and agree with them loss and delay, etc., is highly recommended, as stated herein. and we hope that you will obtain it for this Reservation Contact expedition. Trip cancellation policies that (888) 328-2089 or [email protected] apply to this expedition are included in this brochure. Please be sure to carry the California Seller of Travel Program SIGNATURE DATE details of your travel insurance coverage CST #2088800-40 with you on the program. Travelers are free to purchase the travel insurance of their choice. It is recommended that travelers SIGNATURE DATE

Contact us with any questions or to make your reservation today! 888-328-2089 [email protected]