Magnificent Europe (Budapest to Amsterdam) 2009
Speak to a friendly River Cruise Specialist, call 1-800-342-0019
Itinerary
A magnificent cruise indeed as you follow the route of emperors and kings on your exciting European journey along three great rivers and through five fascinating countries! Marvel at the engineering wonders of the Main-Danube Canal as you traverse Europe's Continental Divide by ship. Discover the culture and traditions of grand old capitals like Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest. Visit perfectly preserved medieval towns and cruise through Europe’s loveliest countryside with fairytale castles and sample the finest wines and local gourmet cuisines.
DAY 1, DEPART USA Board your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary.
DAY 2, ARRIVE BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D)
DAY 3, BUDAPEST
Your morning sightseeing includes Buda & Pest. From historic Buda Castle, 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. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 4, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Relax onboard this morning as you cruise towards Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. An afternoon walking tour reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Later there is time to explore on your own. After dinner you can enjoy an enchanting music performance onboard. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, VIENNA, AUSTRIA
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 6, DÜRNSTEIN – MELK
Early this morning, reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Dürnstein and marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Enjoy your lunch cruising to Melk, followed by a guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. An evening wine tasting highlights your visit to the Wachau Valley. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, LINZ – PASSAU, GERMANY
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and the Sound of Music sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. In Passau, the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, REGENSBURG
After lunch, arrive in 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 a Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore entertainers will come onboard for your delight. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, NUREMBERG
This morning, enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal travels the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering. In the afternoon, decide between a guided tour of the Medieval history of Nuremberg and see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, or join the tour centered on the modern role the city played in the 20th-century and see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, BAMBERG
This morning, arrive in Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this enchanting town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided tour of the medieval gem, with its uniquely intact townscape. Marvel at the breath taking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city's serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. There is free time before you continue your cruise, on the Main River. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, WÜRZBURG
This morning, arrive in Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. "The Pearl of the Romantic Road" is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. During your tour, see the major sights including the magnificent Residential Palace. This afternoon explore Wurzburg on your own, or take an optional tour to Medieval Rothenburg. A beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, WERTHEIM-MILTENBERG
Arrive in Wertheim after breakfast to enjoy some free time browsing the market square and the shops. Then cruise to Miltenberg for a guided walking tour along narrow, cobble-stoned streets, seeing the gabled, half-timbered houses. Tonight, the ship sails leaving Bavaria, Franconia and the Main River behind. (B,L,D)
DAY 13, RÜDESHEIM – RHINE CASTLES – KOBLENZ
This morning, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time before the ships sails late this afternoon for Koblenz. You will cruise through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, passing castle after castle, don't miss the legendary Lorelei Rock, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Arrive in Koblenz late this afternoon. (B,L,D)
DAY 14, KOBLENZ – COLOGNE
In Koblenz, enjoy a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers, then continue to Cologne where you will be awed by the city's fabled 13th-century Gothic Cathedral. (B,L,D)
DAY 15, COLOGNE – AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
Enjoy your last morning leisurely cruising to Amsterdam. Arrive in Amsterdam in the late afternoon for a guided canal cruise before gathering onboard for a Gala Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 16, DEPART AMSTERDAM
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Questions? call 1-800-342-0019
What's Included
- 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
- 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 & Air package
- All local Taxes
NOT INCLUDED: Port Charges of $196 per person.
Pricing Categories for Itinerary is as follows:
| Cabin 1 | Category - B |
| Cabin 2 | Category - C |
| Cabin 3 | Category - D |
| Cabin 4 | Category - E |
Cabin upgrades 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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