Paris and Cruise to Amsterdam – report

In the early hours of 7th May, 11 members of the U3A Moraira-Teulada set off on what was to be an enjoyable and memorable 12 night trip to Paris, Luxembourg, Germany and Amsterdam. Led by our well organised group leader Coral Guise-Smith and her able assistant and husband Ray.

Our first stop was in the vibrant city of Paris where we stayed 4 nights at the Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador in the center of Paris. The perfect central location for all sightseeing and shopping. All time in Paris was free time for us to enjoy attractions of choice, including the Palace of Versailles, Paris Catacombs, the Eiffel Tower some of us were brave enough to venture to the top! the must see Louvre with its star attraction the Mona Lisa, and of course the obligatory hop on hop off bus giving all the highlights of Paris in the fine weather 6 of our group enjoyed an evening at the exciting Moulin Rouge. On the last morning the group enjoyed an included tour of Paris and met the colourful, flamboyant and entertaining Robert Zieminski who was to be our cruise director.

Day 5 (11th May)

We boarded the high speed train to Metz, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Once in Remich Luxembourg we boarded the Avalon Imagery II where we enjoyed 7 days of luxury, with buffet style breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea with treats and 5 course dinners with accompanying local wines, and pre dinner happy hour. Everyday there was a choice of included excursions, for active, not so active and slow pace cruisers and after lunch those who chose to could spend the afternoon relaxing on the sun deck or exploring. 6 of our group enjoyed an evening at the exciting Moulin Rouge. On the last morning the group enjoyed an included tour of Paris and met the colourful, flamboyant and entertaining Robert Zieminski who was to be our cruise director.

Day 6 Luxembourg

We were met by our local guide for a walking tour of Luxembourg City with its dramatic views, ancient ruins, and modern architecture along the deep gorge terrain. Once back on board cruising over night to Bernkastel.

Day 7 Bernkastel Germany.

A truly chocolate box town, we joined our guide for the morning walking tour of the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its medieval market place and 17th century gabled timber-framed houses.

Once back on board we enjoyed live after dinner entertainment from a wonderful violinist whilst cruising to Cochem.

Day 8 Cochem

The charm of the Moselle Valley, where our guide took us on a walk through Cochem with its half timbered houses and winding streets then a visit to the hilltop Reichburg Castle with a birds eye-view of the Moselle Valley. Once back on board after lunch we relaxed while sailing through the Moselle valley, famous for the beautiful wine growing villages and vineyards.

Day 9 Rudesheim

Our guide met us on board for our tour of Rudesheim, including an interesting visit to Mechanical Music Museum for a one of a kind instrumental experience followed by an open air cable car ride above the vineyards to the Niederwald Monument. Once back down we were treated to a masterclass in making and sampling the famous Rudesheim Coffee.

On our way to Engers we sailed through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World heritage site) taking in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and passing the legendary Rock of the Lorelei.

That evening we enjoyed a remarkable classical music concert in a lovely baroque venue at Engers Castle, home to the Villa Musical Rhineland-Palatinate National Foundation, one of Germanys largest musical institutions.

Day 10 Cologne (KOLN)

Our guide today took us on a walking tour of Colognes important Jewish heritage sites with its soaring twin steepled Gothic cathedral. Afternoon/overnight cruise to Amsterdam.

Day 11 Amsterdam

Some of our members chose to explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a guided canal cruise past stately homes of the city’s Golden Age, whilst others opted for a guided off-the-beaten-track walking tour through cobblestone streets.

After lunch some of us chose to board the coach to the Zaanse Schans to see the historic working windmills, a clog making demonstration, charming Dutch houses and cheese tasting.

Day 12 Home

Sadly after one last group lunch we said a sad farewell to our beautiful home for the last few days and the amazing Robert and headed home. Many thanks from all of us to Coral and Ray for making this a truly wonderful trip.

A selection of photos from the trip