CH41
Rick had finished his call with Paula. He needed to tell her something, but just wasn't going to tell her everything. It was his personal life and she might be his publicist, but she wasn't his mother. He already had one of those.
Rick was finished and emailed it to Gina. "There, take that." As he hits the enter button with purpose.
He still had an hour to kill before picking up Alexis from school before the weekend. Time to start that Honeymoon search.
Rick started off in the Caribbean. There were lots of islands to go to; however they had been to Nassau already. Turks and Caicos was also off the list.
Hawaii was coming up at Christmas. Kate was going to love it he just knew it. He was going to make Christmas come alive for her or die trying.
There were lots of nice beaches in Thailand. Some were even famous. But they had been to beaches lately. He needed something else.
Austraila/New Zealand maybe? Maybe a cruise somewhere? A lot of the newer bigger ships had some really nice suites on them.
Then he found that a lot of cruises that lasted longer than 7 days spent a lot of time at sea. Did they want to be trapped on a ship for that long?
Then he came across a rail vacation in Europe. There was one that had 3 days in London, then a train trip to Paris for 3 days, before moving on to Rome by train for 3 more days. Then he found another train trip that started in Rome for 3 days, then a train trip to Florence for 3 days, before moving on to Venice for 3 days.
He wasn't sure about spending so much time in Italy when there were other places to go. However he did like the idea of spending time in Venice, so maybe it was worth it. Now about 6 whole days in Rome?
Then he found a river cruise that he could add to the end of the train tour.
TRAIN TOUR ItineraryDay 1 - Depart USA for London
Board your international flight for the journey across the Atlantic Ocean. (Air travel not included in tour cost)
Day 2 - London
Arrive in London and begin to explore this bustling city after checking into your hotel. Overnight The Cumberland.
Day 3 - The Sights and Sounds of London
This morning embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the city featuring Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Spend the remainder of the day exploring on your own. Overnight The Cumberland. (B)
Day 4 - London at Leisure
The day is yours to take advantage of all there is to see and do in and around the city. See the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, have lunch at the Tate Modern, and shop in Knightsbridge. Or, take a day trip to Bath or Stonehenge. Your options are endless! Your local host can suggest activities or help organize an excursion that suits your interests. This evening you may wish to see a top stage production in the West End. Overnight The Cumberland. (B)
Day 5 - Eurostar to Paris
Transfer to St. Pancras International Station and board the high-speed Eurostar train for your journey under the English Channel to Paris. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, check in, and begin to explore the City of Light. Overnight Concorde Montparnasse. (BB)
Day 6 - Paris Sightseeing
Today's guided sightseeing tour of Paris includes stunning views of the city from the second level of the Eiffel Tower, a drive up the Champs Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and views of Notre Dame Cathedral. Spend the remainder of the day getting acquainted with the city's diverse neighborhoods or dining at a fine restaurant. Overnight Concorde Montparnasse. (BB)
Day 7 - Paris at Leisure
Spend the day visiting the Louvre or take a day trip to Versailles to visit the opulent palace. Shop, enjoy a sweet treat at a local patisserie, or enjoy quintessential Parisian entertainment at a cabaret this evening. Overnight Concorde Montparnasse. (BB)
Day 8 - Flight to Rome
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Rome. After checking into your hotel, begin to explore the city. This evening, sample delicious food as you kick back and relax. Overnight Alta Hotel Villa Pamphili. (BB)
Day 9 - Sightseeing in the Eternal City
Today's guided sightseeing tour includes views of the Forum, Colosseum and Circus Maximus, renowned in ancient Rome for chariot-racing. Afterwards, explore St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Overnight Alta Hotel Villa Pamphili. (BB)
Day 10 - Rome at Leisure
Admire everything that Rome has to offer, from Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel to the elegant shops on Via Condotti. Be sure to savor the mouth-watering cuisine at a variety of excellent restaurants during your stay. Overnight Alta Hotel Villa Pamphili. (BB)
Day 11 - Arrivederci, Rome
Your vacation comes to an end after breakfast. (BB)
RIVER CRUISE
Day 1:
Vienna (embark)
Arrive at Vienna International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship. (D)
Day 2:
Vienna
Featured Excursions: Choice of "Imperial Vienna" tour with a visit to the Imperial Silver Collection or exclusive "Do as the Locals Do" Vienna walking tour
Encounter the highlights of Vienna's Habsburg heritage, including the Imperial Treasury rooms in the Hofburg Palace, where the empire's dazzling crown jewels are displayed. Or explore Vienna's historic town center by foot and subway as the locals do, stopping for a treat at a traditional Viennese coffee house. In the evening, enjoy a Captain's Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner. (BB, L, WD)
Day 3:
Dürnstein, cruising the Wachau Valley
Featured Excursions: Choice of Dürnstein village visit or exclusive saffron workshop and village stroll
Walk with your guide through the lovely Baroque village of Dürnstein and sample the local apricot schnapps, or discover another longtime agricultural treasure of the region, saffron, which has grown here for 800 years. A grower and chef will teach you about this exotic spice and invite you to taste various saffron-flavored foods. Then cruise the enchanting UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley. (BB, L, D)
Day 4:
Cruising the Danube River, Engelhartszell, Passau
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of private visit to Engelszell Abbey with organ concert or exclusive guided "Go Active" bike ride along the Danube
or Inn rivers or Passau walking tour
You have many delightful options today. Enjoy a scenic sail through the Schlögener Schlinge—a beautiful oxbow in the Danube—and then visit Engelszell Abbey for an organ concert and a beer and cheese tasting. Or bike along the Danube with a local guide. Complete the day's adventures with an exploration of Passau's surprising Italian Baroque flair, or, for another active option, take a guided bike ride along the Inn River. (BB, L, D)
Day 5:
Regensburg
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of "2,000 Years in One Hour" Regensburg walking tour or Jewish Regensburg or Audi factory visit
On your tour of Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the town's famous 12th-century Stone Bridge, the Roman gateway Porta Praetoria, the Cathedral of St. Peter, and other treasures. For a different view of Medieval Regensburg, tour sites associated with Germany's oldest Jewish community, which date back more than a thousand years. Alternatively, visit the Audi factory in Ingolstadt. (BB, L, D)
Day 6:
Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Nuremberg
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of Nuremberg city tour or Nuremberg WWII historical tour with Documentation Center visit
Cruise a section of the Main-Danube Canal, a marvel of modern engineering. Then discover Nuremberg, a Medieval gem, during a panoramic city tour. Or see the city's most important WWII sites, including the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and Courtroom 600, venue of the Nuremberg Military Tribunal.
Note: Courtroom 600 is an active court. Visitors will only be permitted to see the courtroom during trial breaks. (BB, L, D)
Day 7:
Bamberg, cruising the Main River
Featured Excursion: Bamberg walking tour
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-designated core of Bamberg, which retains its Medieval layout, Renaissance palaces, and Baroque houses. (BB, L, D)
Day 8:
Würzburg (Würzburg and Rothenburg)
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Würzburg Residenz and tour of Rothenburg
Tour the Würzburg Residenz, a splendid UNESCO-designated Baroque palace, in the morning, and later visit the best-preserved Medieval town in Germany, Rothenburg, which boasts imposing fortifications. (BB, D)
Day 9:
Miltenberg
FEATURED EXCURSION: Miltenberg walking tour with exclusive guided tour and reception at Castle Löwenstein
Visit Miltenberg, with its fairytale half-timbered Crooked House and Royal Inn; then take an exclusive tour of Castle Löwenstein, a magnificent 18th-century palace whose princely owner will be your guide. Afterward, enjoy a wine tasting on the premises. (BB, L, D)
Day 10:
Frankfurt
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Choice of exclusive "Do as the Locals Do" Frankfurt walking tour or Frankfurt "Espresso" tour
Choose between two ways of seeing sophisticated Frankfurt. Roam with your guide through the historic heart of the dynamic city and stop by the colorful Kleinmarkthalle to taste the famous local sausage and try the regional cider, called ebbelwoi. Or get a short, concentrated introduction to the city's highlights, including its landmark skyscraper, Main Tower. (BB, L, D)
Day 11:
Rüdesheim, cruising the romantic Rhine River
FEATURED EXCURSION: Siegfried's Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments
Visit a museum full of curious self-playing musical instruments before cruising the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. (BB, L, D)
Day 12:
Cologne
Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour with Cologne Cathedral visit
Stroll through Old Town as you make your way to Cologne Cathedral. From every angle, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece. In the evening, enjoy a Captain's Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner. (BB, L, FD)
Note: On Sundays and Catholic holidays, guided tours inside the cathedral will not be possible.
Day 13:
Amsterdam
FEATURED EXCURSIONS: Amsterdam city tour with canal cruise, and choice of Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum
Experience the highlights of Amsterdam on a panoramic city tour and a cruise through its 17th-century canals, and then choose to visit one of two world-famous museums: the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. (BB, L, D)
Day 14:
Amsterdam (disembark)
Disembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in exciting Amsterdam. (CB/BB)
River Duchess Suite
Features
Lavishly appointed riverview suite with a French balcony
Handcrafted Savoir® of England bed, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite, and bottled water
Marble bathroom with L'Occitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, waffle bathrobes, and slippers
Additional special amenities and services
Rick was satisfied it took them to a lot of places. They could stay in the hotel for as long as they wanted and then the river ship stopped somewhere basically every day.
So he booked it as Mr. and Mrs. Castle. It was the first time he got to do that and it gave him Goosebumps. Then he printed it so he could show it to Kate. He was sure Alexis would want to see so he printed one for her too.
"DAMN! I'm late. Alexis is going to kill me." And Rick jumps up and runs for the elevators.
"Thanks Lanie. I've never felt like this before. I wasn't sure I would ever feel like this. …. Now tell me what you found on that sword."
"We need to celebrate girl. I think there is a bottle of wine with our names written all over it waiting for us." Lanie wants to spend some more time with Kate and grill her for more information.
"I'd love to Lanie. Now, the sword?" Kate can't wait any longer.
"Right, the sword. I got DNA off of it that matched that guy who had his head cut off at our first case." Lanie tells her.
Kate stands there with her mouth hanging open. "You're sure? Absolutely sure?"
"I'm absolutely sure. If the description of that guy is accurate, he is more than capable of taking someone's head off with that thing. You'll have to talk with Espo if you want to know anything about that guy." Lanie tells her.
"Thanks Lanie, I'll see you after work for that drink." And races back upstairs.
Kate finds Espo in the break room getting coffee. "Have you tried this coffee Beckett. This stuff is great all of a sudden. The last few days have been fantastic, ..." And is interrupted by Kate.
"Yea, yea it's great. Tell me about Frankenstein's monster and what the FBI said?"
"They said no. So I had Lanie ask them and they told her no. Then I had Ryan ask them and they told him and I quote. "Don't ever ask again." End quote."
"Damn it. I want that guy, thing." Kate goes to her desk and pulls up a form and starts typing.
"You're wasting your time Beckett. They're never going to let us have that body." Espo tells her while watching her type.
"It's my time to waste Javi. I want him. ….. Is the Captain in?" Kate tries another option.
"Yea he's downstairs in robbery at the moment." And Espo goes back to his desk since Kate is not paying attention to him and just keeps on typing.
Kate is done and just sits there playing with her ring while waiting for the Captain to come back. They haven't had time to re-size it yet so it spins easily.
Kate finally spots him and stands up and follows him to his office. "Do you have a minute Captain?"
Roy sits at his desk. "Sure Beckett, have a seat."
Kate stands. "I wanted to see if you could ask the FBI to let Lanie look at Frankenstein's monster." Kate tells him.
"And I would want to do this why?" Roy counters.
"Lanie pulled some DNA off of the sword he had at the site. Some of it matched some old unsolved cases. If she had access to him she might give us something to help solve them." Kate tells him while continuing to spin her ring.
Roy stares at her a moment and notes the ring she is spinning. "Fine, I'll make a call."
Kate is now very happy and it shows on her face and she stops spinning her ring and starts to leave.
"Beckett." Roy calls after her.
Kate stops and spins to face him. "Is there something else you want to tell me?" Roy asks her? Waits a moment and then points at her hand.
Kate lifts up her hand and figures Roy has seen the ring.
Kate looks suddenly shy. "I got married the other day."
"So I figured. Anyone I know?" Roy asks her.
"It was Castle." Kate looks even more shy.
"CASTLE? As in Rick Castle?" Roy is shocked and looks it.
Kate just nods her head.
Roy stands up and offers his hand. "Congratulations Beckett, Rick's a good man and a lucky man."
Kate takes his hand and shakes it. "Thank you sir, but I'm pretty sure I'm the lucky one."
"When's the honeymoon?" Roy asks when done shaking her hand.
"We haven't had time to talk about that yet." Kate responds.
"Well you let me know how much time you need and it's yours." Roy tells her.
"Thanks you sir. … Oh can I also have a week during Christmas? Seems Castle's family celebrates Christmas in Hawaii sir." Kate is almost pleading.
"Oh I don't know Beckett that's asking a lot." Roy tells her looking stern face at her.
"Yes sir, I understand sir." Kate tells him sounding dejected a little.
"I'm just messing with you Beckett. You can have the week of Christmas off. Consider it my wedding gift." Roy grins at her with a devilish smile.
Kate puts her hand over her heart since it is beating again. "Yes sir, thank you sir."