The Ultimate River Cruise (Paris to Budapest) 2009
Speak to a friendly River Cruise Specialist, call 1-800-342-0019
Itinerary
Combine the highlights of the legendary Main and Danube with the picturesque Rhine and Mosel and experience a voyage of cultural and scenic diversity through the six countries of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg and France. Start your European vacation in Paris, the City of Lights. Cruise through the lush and scenic Mosel Valley, famous for its many historical castles and the steepest vineyards in the world, and be close to the heart of the people living in the medieval cities along the Rhine and Main river. Journey on the Main-Danube Canal across the Continental Divide, and visit charming towns with beautiful vistas. Conclude your European vacation with two grand old capitals, vibrant Budapest and magnificent Vienna.
DAY 1, DEPART USA Overnight flight to Paris, France.
DAY 2, ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Take the balance of the day to relax or explore the "City of Lights."
DAY 3, PARIS
See the most famous sights of Paris on this morning's tour: Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative l’Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Les Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that the city has to offer. (B)
DAY 4, PARIS
Enjoy a free day to explore the most romantic city in the world. Stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, gaze at impressionist masterpieces at the Musée D'Orsay, or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair. Paris at night sparkles with possibilities for every taste. (B)
DAY 5, PARIS - LUXEMBOURG, TRIER, GERMANY - EMBARKATION
This morning, drive through the French countryside of Champagne to Luxembourg, one of the last independent duchies which once made up western and central Europe. The Grand Duchy still plays an important role in today’s international politics and banking. There is free time for lunch and a guided city tour before continuing to Trier and boarding the ship. Tonight, gather together for the welcome dinner. (B,D)
DAY 6, BERNKASTEL - ZELL
This morning, arrive in the charming village of Bernkastel. Strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, Bernkastel boasts over 500 years of documented wine history. Take a guided walking tour through the old town center with its many medieval and Renaissance buildings, before continuing on to Zell, a delightful town famous for its wine "Zeller Schwarze Katz." (B,L,D)
DAY 7, COCHEM - KOBLENZ - RHINE CASTLES -RÜDESHEIM
This morning, take the included excursion to Cochem, where a guided tour of hilltop Reichsburg Castle offers fascinating views of the river valley. Or, choose to stay onboard as the ship cruises to Koblenz, which is situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine Rivers. After lunch, cruise along the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine. See castle after castle and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rüdesheim, the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, MAINZ - HEIDELBERG - FRANKFURT
Today, choose between a city tour in Mainz or an excursion to Heidelberg. If you decide to travel by coach to Heidelberg, you will visit the red-walled Castle, see the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon, 18th-century wine cask and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. Take a walking tour of old Heidelberg with free time for lunch on your own, then drive to Frankfurt to rejoin your ship. Or, you can enjoy a leisurely walking tour of charming Mainz, hometown of the famous printer. You will visit the Gutenberg Museum before taking a lunchtime cruise on the Main river to Frankfurt where you will have a guided walking tour of the historic city center "The Romer." (B,L,D)
DAY 9, MILTENBERG - WERTHEIM
Arrive in Miltenberg and disembark for a guided morning walking tour of this old Franconian town, which reveals narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. Shop for souvenirs before continuing to charming Wertheim for an interesting glass-blowing performance. Then, there is free time to browse the market square before re-boarding the ship. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, WÜRZBURG
Würzburg, "the Pearl of the Romantic Road," is the capital of Lower Franconia, and a center of wine and trade. Visit the major sights including the magnificent Residenz Palace. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg. Appreciate its ramparts and towers, cobbled lanes and 16th-century houses during your guided walking tour. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore on your own before returning to the ship in Würzburg. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, BAMBERG
Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise before you enter the Main-Danube Canal at enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem, with its uniquely intact townscape. Marvel at the breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city's serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. Late tonight, arrive in Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, NUREMBERG
Today, travel by train to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s largest cities, often given the nickname “Germany’s secret capital.” Your escort will be on hand to offer you suggestions on what to see while in town and to take you to lunch at the world famous Hofbrauhaus. Tonight, you will meet fellow travelers embarking from Prague. (B,L,D)
DAY 13, NUREMBERG - CROSSING THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE - DIETFURT
Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant impressive walls. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. At lunchtime, rejoin the ship further along the Main-Danube Canal and continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level before descending through stair-step locks to the charming Bavarian town of Dietfurt. (B,L,D)
DAY 14, REGENSBURG
This morning takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal. Arrive in magnificent Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort which was built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. The afternoon is free for exploring, or perhaps join the optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge. In the evening enjoy a music performance onboard. (B,L,D)
DAY 15, PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or, take an optional full day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and location of the Sound of Music. See the main sights including a visit to Mozart's birth house. For those staying onboard, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port. (B,L,D)
DAY 16, MELK - VIENNA
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. At lunchtime, continue through the romantic Wachau Valley. Late this afternoon, arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music." Tonight, explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
DAY 17, VIENNA
Savor the baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during your guided sightseeing tour, including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral and visit the National Library. The afternoon is free to stroll along the Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant capital on your own or join an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)
DAY 18, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
This morning is free for shopping or sightseeing. In the afternoon, your guided city tour includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, and much more. Tonight, enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 19, BUDAPEST
This morning, transfer from the ship to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own or join an optional Puszta excursion. (B)
DAY 20, BUDAPEST
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest exploring the main square or ancient Buda. (B)
DAY 21, DEPART BUDAPEST
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Questions? call 1-800-342-0019
What's Included
- 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Budapest with daily Buffet Breakfast
- 14-night Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
- Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV stations
- Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
- Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
- Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner onboard the Ship
- Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
- Transfer from the Ship in Trier via Luxembourg to the Hotel in Paris
- 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris including daily Buffet Breakfast
- Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
- Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
- Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
- Services of Professional Cruise Director
- All English Language onboard in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
- All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package
- All local Taxes
NOT INCLUDED: Port Charges of $196 per person.
Pricing Categories for Itinerary is as follows:
| Cabin 1 | Category - A |
| Cabin 2 | Category - B |
| Cabin 3 | Category - C |
| Cabin 4 | Category - E |
Other category options are available upon request.
Questions? call 1-800-342-0019
1-800-342-0019
1-281-269-2600
Mon-Fri 8am-10pm ET
Sat-Sun 10am-6pm ET
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