Let the music and culture of Europe’s grand cities and fairytale villages serenade you
Sail three scenic and breathtaking rivers: the castle-clad Rhine; the peaceful, meandering Main; and the majestic Danube. From imperial Vienna to colorful and lively Amsterdam, this cruise offers a leisurely pace and ample daytime sailing.
Step back in time as you visit towns right from the pages of fairytales—tiny Miltenberg, with its crooked streets and leaning houses; Rothenburg, with its charming core of Gothic churches and gabled houses; Regensburg, an architectural treasure trove; Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site gem; and Nuremberg, an archetypical Medieval German city encircled by mighty defensive walls. Explore the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, and discover the delights of Amsterdam on a canal cruise.
Indulge your passion for awe-inspiring art and architecture, and for places where history is not only portrayed, but is still an essential part of daily life. Celebrate Europe’s manmade wonders, including magnificent Cologne Cathedral and the Main-Danube Canal. Savor the flavors of Austria and Germany with a chance to sample the world-famous wines of the Rheingau and the award-winning beers of Germany. Let the music and culture of Europe’s grand cities and fairytale villages serenade you.
Who will enjoy this cruise:
Those seeking history and architecture will encounter fascinating Roman ruins, Medieval towns, Baroque castles, and ultramodern buildings. And story lovers will delight in the myths and legends found along the way.
DAY 1:
Amsterdam (embark)
Arrive at Amsterdam Airport where you will be transferred to the ship. (D)
DAY 2:
Amsterdam
Featured Excursion: Amsterdam city tour, canal cruise, and Rijksmuseum visit
Experience the highlights of Amsterdam on a city tour and canal cruise, and then visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner)
DAY 3:
Cologne
Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour and Cologne Cathedral visit
Stroll through Old Town on your walking tour as you make your way to Cologne Cathedral. From every angle, this UNESCO World Heritage Site—which took over 600 years to complete—is a masterpiece of Gothic art. (BB, L, D) Note: No inside tours of the cathedral are given on Sundays or Catholic holidays.
DAY 4:
Boppard, cruising the romantic Rhine, Rüdesheim
Featured Excursion: Siegfried’s Music Museum
Visit Rüdesheim’s unique Siegfried’s Music Museum, which showcases one of the world’s best collections of self-playing musical instruments, before cruising the exquisite Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy leisure time in charming Boppard. (BB, L, D)
DAY 5:
Frankfurt
Featured Excursion: Frankfurt city tour
Your panoramic tour takes you through the city’s financial hub and past Old Town, Goethe University, the Botanical Gardens, and the historical area around Römer Square. (BB, L, D)
DAY 6:
Miltenberg
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour
Take in the serene beauty of the winding Main River before visiting Miltenberg, with its fairytale half-timbered houses, Crooked House, and Royal Inn. (BB, L, D)
DAY 7:
Würzburg (Rothenburg)
Featured Excursion: Full-day tour of Rothenburg
Visit the best-preserved Medieval town in Germany and delight in its half-timbered houses and imposing fortifications. (BB, D)
DAY 8:
Hassfurt (Bamberg)
Featured Excursion: Bamberg city tour
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, passing its Renaissance palaces and Baroque houses. See the fishermen’s village known as “Little Venice,” the famous Bamberg Rider, and the unique frescoed town hall. (BB, L, D)
DAY 9:
Nuremberg, cruising the Main-Danube Canal
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour
Cruise parts of the Main-Danube Canal, a marvel of modern engineering, in the morning. Then discover Nuremberg, a Medieval gem with notable WWII history, during your panoramic city tour. Later, explore the walled city on foot. (BB, L, D)
DAY 10:
Regenburg
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour
On your tour of Regensburg, an unspoiled gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the town’s famous 12th-century Stone Bridge, Roman Porta Praetoria gate, Cathedral of St. Peter, and other treasures. (BB, L, D)
DAY 11:
Linz
Featured Excursion: Linz walking tour
The Danube serves as a dividing line between Linz’s modern city and its old soul. After exploring the historic market square on your walking tour, enjoy the views from Pöstlingberg Mountain. (BB, L, D)
DAY 12:
Cruising the scenic Wachau Valley, Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour and National Library visit
Travel along Vienna’s Ringstrasse to magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and visit the stunning National Library. Then cruise the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley and enjoy the enchanting scenery. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner) Note: On Mondays, Mozarthaus will be substituted for the Library.
DAY 13:
Vienna (disembark), transfer to the airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to Vienna Airport for your flight home
SAVE $1,200 per person on select 2011 Cruises
Pay in full at time of booking on or before October 31, 2010 to SAVE $1,000 per person off cruise or cruise & air rates on suites or category 1 and 2 staterooms.
SAVE $350 per person on select 2011 Cruises
Book and deposit by December 31, 2010 to SAVE $250 per person off select cruise itineraries.
SAVE $600 per person on select 2011 Cruises
Pay in full at time of booking on or before October 31, 2010 to SAVE $500 per person off cruise or cruise & air rates on category 3, 4, and 5 staterooms.
For air pricing, please contact your Preferred Travel Professional800-640-4899
*On these dates cruise operates from Amsterdam to Vienna. †Prices exclude additional port charges of $192 and are per person, cruise-only based on double occupancy. Other restrictions may apply.
To upgrade to a higher category, add per person the following prices below:
Category 4
$250
Category 3
$650
Category 2
$950
Category 1
$1,250
Suite
$2,025
A limited number of singles may be available in certain categories on certain vessels for an additional supplement. Please inquire.
With the decrease in the value of the dollar and the high price of fuel the cost of hotels and meals have doubled in European during the last three years. Savy travelers have come to understand that a river cruise offers the best value for a European Vacation. Accommodations, all meals on board and shore excursions are included in the price and some companies even include wine with dinner. Because of this, you do not have to live in fear of the $300 per night hotel bill, the $100 not so wonderful restaurant meal and the $10 cup of coffee with no free refills.
Many people believe that by dealing directly with the cruise line, they cut out the expense of a middleman. But when it comes to cruising, this is never the case. The cruise lines depend on travel agents to sell their product, and so it is the cruise lines who pay the agent's commission, not the customer. The lines also offer agents various extra incentives, bonus commissions and value-added perks, giving the travel agents more pricing leverage and the ability for us to offer you lower rates: There are many superb and well-trained travel agents, but there are not many who know as much as we do about river cruising.
