Lunéville Main Tour & Rhine River Cruise
Sep 10, 2019 - Sep 22, 2019
(B = buffet breakfast, L = lunch, D = 3 course dinner)
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to visit Anne Frank’s house, please note that reservations are required 2 months in advance (prior to July 20). Please see Sept 21 agenda for the link to make reservations.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you want to visit Anne Frank’s house, please note that reservations are required 2 months in advance (prior to July 20). Please see Sept 21 agenda for the link to make reservations.
Lunéville Main Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 TUE SEPT 10 USA IN AIR
Depart USA for PARIS (CDG) International Airport. Arrive on Sept 11.
DAY 2 WED SEPT 11 ARR PARIS (CDG) AIRPORT
On arrival at Paris (CDG), check into our easily accessible 4-star airport hotel. Expert World War II Veteran's Tour Director and friend of Lunéville (Patrick Hinchy) welcomes you. Time to relax after your red-eye flight or to visit Paris independently.
DAY 3 THU SEPT 12 PARIS - LUNÉVILLE
Depart our Paris airport hotel with Tour Director for Lunéville, via World War 1 battlefields, champagne country and Reims - the beautiful cathedral city where the Germans surrendered in SHAEF Forward HQ, May 8, 1945. (B)
DAY 4 FRI SEPT 13 LUNÉVILLE
Lunéville's Liberation Festival Program begins today by ceremonially commemorating the fierce battles around Lunéville when Hitler ordered Manteuffel's Fifth Panzer Army to pierce the southern flank of Patton's Third Army heading eastwards towards the Rhine in September 1944. But the 79th Division and 2nd Cavalry successfully repelled this dangerous German flank attack at Lunéville. Participate in the 2nd Cavalry and 79th Division Lunéville Liberation Ceremony, followed by a Wine Reception. Then dinner as guests of the City of Lunéville, followed by a documentary film of the Liberation of Lunéville in Lunéville Château. (B, D)
DAY 5 SAT SEPT 14 LUNÉVILLE
This morning the heroic American crossing of the River Meurthe on the southern side of Lunéville against heavy German resistance is festively celebrated in Moncel lès Lunéville. Then follows the highlight of Lunéville's Liberation Festival Program. This is the official dedication ceremony of the new monument to 773rd Tank Destroyer Battalion (TDB) and 106th Cavalry and their 79th Division battle action in the middle of Parroy Forest (where Hitler served as a soldier in World War I), followed by a festive wine reception. The 1944 Battle of Parroy Forest was an extremely tough and critical battle. The forest had to be captured by the Americans because it formed an important part of the formidable German "Vorvogesenstellung" (Vosges Mountains Forward Defensive Line) blocking American access to the Saverne Gap and through to the Rhine and Germany. (B)
DAY 6 SUN SEPT 15 LUNÉVILLE
Lunéville's Liberation Festival Program comes to its concluding climax by again highlighting indomitable American determination to break through the powerful German "Vorvogesenstellung" Defensive Line, firstly in Frémonville in the morning and then in Ancerviller. After lunch there are extended festivities in Ancerviller which specially commemorate the fierce battle actions of 315th Regt of 79th Division. The focal point of this commemoration is Ancerviller's Monument dedicated to Doc Long, Arthur Palmer and all the heroic 315th soldiers who fought here. (B, L)
Depart USA for PARIS (CDG) International Airport. Arrive on Sept 11.
DAY 2 WED SEPT 11 ARR PARIS (CDG) AIRPORT
On arrival at Paris (CDG), check into our easily accessible 4-star airport hotel. Expert World War II Veteran's Tour Director and friend of Lunéville (Patrick Hinchy) welcomes you. Time to relax after your red-eye flight or to visit Paris independently.
DAY 3 THU SEPT 12 PARIS - LUNÉVILLE
Depart our Paris airport hotel with Tour Director for Lunéville, via World War 1 battlefields, champagne country and Reims - the beautiful cathedral city where the Germans surrendered in SHAEF Forward HQ, May 8, 1945. (B)
DAY 4 FRI SEPT 13 LUNÉVILLE
Lunéville's Liberation Festival Program begins today by ceremonially commemorating the fierce battles around Lunéville when Hitler ordered Manteuffel's Fifth Panzer Army to pierce the southern flank of Patton's Third Army heading eastwards towards the Rhine in September 1944. But the 79th Division and 2nd Cavalry successfully repelled this dangerous German flank attack at Lunéville. Participate in the 2nd Cavalry and 79th Division Lunéville Liberation Ceremony, followed by a Wine Reception. Then dinner as guests of the City of Lunéville, followed by a documentary film of the Liberation of Lunéville in Lunéville Château. (B, D)
DAY 5 SAT SEPT 14 LUNÉVILLE
This morning the heroic American crossing of the River Meurthe on the southern side of Lunéville against heavy German resistance is festively celebrated in Moncel lès Lunéville. Then follows the highlight of Lunéville's Liberation Festival Program. This is the official dedication ceremony of the new monument to 773rd Tank Destroyer Battalion (TDB) and 106th Cavalry and their 79th Division battle action in the middle of Parroy Forest (where Hitler served as a soldier in World War I), followed by a festive wine reception. The 1944 Battle of Parroy Forest was an extremely tough and critical battle. The forest had to be captured by the Americans because it formed an important part of the formidable German "Vorvogesenstellung" (Vosges Mountains Forward Defensive Line) blocking American access to the Saverne Gap and through to the Rhine and Germany. (B)
DAY 6 SUN SEPT 15 LUNÉVILLE
Lunéville's Liberation Festival Program comes to its concluding climax by again highlighting indomitable American determination to break through the powerful German "Vorvogesenstellung" Defensive Line, firstly in Frémonville in the morning and then in Ancerviller. After lunch there are extended festivities in Ancerviller which specially commemorate the fierce battle actions of 315th Regt of 79th Division. The focal point of this commemoration is Ancerviller's Monument dedicated to Doc Long, Arthur Palmer and all the heroic 315th soldiers who fought here. (B, L)
Rhine River Cruise Itinerary
DAY 7 MON SEPT 16 LUNÉVILLE - BETSCHDORF - BREISACH
Depart Lunéville by coach to Lorraine TGV train station (approximately one hour journey) and enjoy a short coffee break. Continue by coach and travel through the famous Saverne Gap in the Vosges Mountains, access to which was defended so strongly by the German "Vorvogesenstellung" Defensive Line, which featured in our Lunéville Liberation Festival Program. Then you cross picturesque French Alsace for a stop in the famous little Alsatian pottery town Betschdorf. Afterwards, you join our luxury Rhine river cruise ship "Monarch Countess" with outside cabins on the River Rhine at Breisach. Take a stroll in Breisach - a small town that dates back over 4,000 years. It's hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored to its original beauty. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. Relax on the cruise ship after dinner. (B, D)
DAY 8 TUE SEPT 17 RHINE CRUISE - STRASBOURG
A lovely day awaits you in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, the ship sets sail toward Speyer. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 WED SEPT 18 RHINE CRUISE - HEIDELBERG - RÜDESHEIM
This morning, we arrive in Speyer. Feel free to take a refreshing morning walk through this picturesque town founded by the Romans or join an optional tour to Heidelberg - the home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. Rejoin the ship at lunchtime and relax on board this afternoon. After dinner, arrive in Rüdesheim (a famous and lively wine village in the heart of the Rhine) and perhaps take a leisurely walk through town or visit a quaint wine tavern. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 THU SEPT 19 RHINE CRUISE ALONG THE WORLD HERITAGE RHINE VALLEY
In the morning, take in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. After lunch on board, the ship docks in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join an orientation walk and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, (but only if you are good at walking!), the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 FRI SEPT 20 RHINE CRUISE - COLOGNE
Today the ship will dock in Cologne, originally built by the Romans. It is one of Germany's largest and most historic cities and capital of the Rhineland. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns. The ship will set sail just before dinner this evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 SAT SEPT 21 RHINE CRUISE - AMSTERDAM
Cruise into Amsterdam as you enjoy breakfast on board, and join a panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Queen's official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. Then time for shopping and to visit Anne Frank's House. Individual online booking two months in advance is essential. This evening a farewell dinner on your final night on board. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 SUN SEPT 22 AMSTERDAM - USA
This morning, disembark and transfer to Amsterdam International Airport for your departure flight home. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 am. (B)
NOTE: Please allow adequate time to disembark and get to the airport in Amsterdam. Group departure from the Cruise Ship will be at 8:00 AM. If an earlier departures from the Cruise Ship is necessary, this must be booked by the individual traveler.
Depart Lunéville by coach to Lorraine TGV train station (approximately one hour journey) and enjoy a short coffee break. Continue by coach and travel through the famous Saverne Gap in the Vosges Mountains, access to which was defended so strongly by the German "Vorvogesenstellung" Defensive Line, which featured in our Lunéville Liberation Festival Program. Then you cross picturesque French Alsace for a stop in the famous little Alsatian pottery town Betschdorf. Afterwards, you join our luxury Rhine river cruise ship "Monarch Countess" with outside cabins on the River Rhine at Breisach. Take a stroll in Breisach - a small town that dates back over 4,000 years. It's hard to believe this town was mostly destroyed in WWII and then totally restored to its original beauty. View the towering Romanesque and Gothic St. Stephansmunster Cathedral, a highlight of the city. Relax on the cruise ship after dinner. (B, D)
DAY 8 TUE SEPT 17 RHINE CRUISE - STRASBOURG
A lovely day awaits you in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, situated on the border of France and Germany, blending the cultures of both countries. Discover Strasbourg on the tour highlighting the city's center, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Of special note is the stunning Gothic Cathedral, an exquisite example of late Gothic architecture that houses one of the finest astronomical clocks in existence. See the magical La Petite France district, home to quaint shops and charming bistros, Place Kleber, a large historic square in the center of the city and Place Gutenberg, dedicated to the inventor of the printing press. This evening, the ship sets sail toward Speyer. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 WED SEPT 18 RHINE CRUISE - HEIDELBERG - RÜDESHEIM
This morning, we arrive in Speyer. Feel free to take a refreshing morning walk through this picturesque town founded by the Romans or join an optional tour to Heidelberg - the home to the oldest university in Germany and inspiration for some of the world's greatest writers and artists. Rejoin the ship at lunchtime and relax on board this afternoon. After dinner, arrive in Rüdesheim (a famous and lively wine village in the heart of the Rhine) and perhaps take a leisurely walk through town or visit a quaint wine tavern. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 THU SEPT 19 RHINE CRUISE ALONG THE WORLD HERITAGE RHINE VALLEY
In the morning, take in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. After lunch on board, the ship docks in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join an orientation walk and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, (but only if you are good at walking!), the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 FRI SEPT 20 RHINE CRUISE - COLOGNE
Today the ship will dock in Cologne, originally built by the Romans. It is one of Germany's largest and most historic cities and capital of the Rhineland. Your walking tour of the city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns. The ship will set sail just before dinner this evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 SAT SEPT 21 RHINE CRUISE - AMSTERDAM
Cruise into Amsterdam as you enjoy breakfast on board, and join a panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Queen's official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. Then time for shopping and to visit Anne Frank's House. Individual online booking two months in advance is essential. This evening a farewell dinner on your final night on board. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 SUN SEPT 22 AMSTERDAM - USA
This morning, disembark and transfer to Amsterdam International Airport for your departure flight home. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 am. (B)
NOTE: Please allow adequate time to disembark and get to the airport in Amsterdam. Group departure from the Cruise Ship will be at 8:00 AM. If an earlier departures from the Cruise Ship is necessary, this must be booked by the individual traveler.
NOTE: This tour requires a minimum of 10 participants. We recommend you book your flight with Gate 1 Travel to avoid any airline penalties. Gate 1 Travel can secure an airline reservation on your behalf without jeopardizing any losses towards airline tickets in the event the tour gets postponed or cancelled due to lack of participants.