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16 Days Great Rivers and Waterways of Europe River Cruise Vacation Package Duration : 16 days / 15 nights Priced From : $4,995 Dates : June, August, September   Realize the vacation of your dreams by cruising the grand European rivers between cosmopolitan Amsterdam and glamorous Budapest. Sail the Amsterdam Canal, along the legendary Rhine River, through the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal, and into the historic Danube — immortalized by Strauss in his Blue Danube Waltz. Cruise leisurely past tulip fields and the windmills of Holland, by Germany’s fairy-tale castles nestled in wooded mountain hillsides along the Rhine, and delight in the scenic Wachau Valley. Along the cruise route, you’ll explore baroque abbeys, ancient castles, and winding cobblestone streets. Take in the elegance of Vienna, with its impressive architecture — a wonderful opportunity to experience history at its front door — and discover Hungary’s dynamic capital, Budapest. Our 98-passenger Sound of Music, inaugurated in 2006, provides services never before offered on a European river vessel. This state-of-the-art ship boasts spacious guest cabins, with either a large window or sliding glass door with French balcony, and also offers such amenities as spa services, a library, and café. Relax in comfort, watching the passing scenery from the open sun deck. The attentive crew serves regional specialties bound to please your palate — all so your cruise can be a one-of-a-kind experience. Itinerary Day 1 – Depart Home Leave your home city on a flight to the Netherlands. Day 2 – Amsterdam (Embark), Netherlands Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to the city center, where your luxury riverboat, Sound of Music, is moored. After settling into your room, spend the late afternoon exploring this beautiful city on your own. Later, an evening walk with your onboard river guide introduces Amsterdam in a most memorable way. Day 3 – Amsterdam Discover Amsterdam today, exploring streets lined with historic structures dating to the 17th century. View Dam Square and the Portuguese Synagogue before continuing to the Rijksmuseum, which features artwork by Vermeer, van Gogh, and Rembrandt. This evening, you’re a guest at the captain’s welcome reception and dinner aboard ship. Day 4 – Cruising the Rhine/Cologne, Germany Dine as you sail serenely down the picturesque Rhine, soaking in the countryside. This afternoon, dock at Cologne for a guided walking tour of the old part of the city. Discover one of Germany’s most imposing Gothic cathedrals today. After dinner, stroll the delightful riverwalk with your onboard guide. Day 5 – Rüdesheim, Germany This morning, awake to the delights of the Rhine Gorge — considered the most evocative scenery bordering the Rhine. Pass the slate crag of Lorelei and listen for the song of this mythical river maiden. Then, after lunch, explore this perfect Rhine Valley wine town by way of “Winzerexpress” — a minitrain. See the Niederwald Monument and enjoy a wine tasting at a local eatery. Day 6 – Cruising the Main/Miltenberg/Wertheim, Germany Much of this quaint Bavarian village consists of the half-timbered medieval and Renaissance buildings so characteristic of central Germany. The Gothic grandeur of Merchant Hall and a 400-year-old fountain are among the sights. Leaving Miltenberg, travel by coach to Franconian Wertheim, where you’ll enjoy a walking tour along the narrow streets before reboarding the ship. Day 7 – Würzburg (for Rothenburg), Germany The region’s center of wine production boasts one of the largest baroque palaces in Germany. Enjoy exclusive admission to the Grand Prince-Bishop’s Residenz, a UNESCO World Monument. Today, you’ll also tour the nearby walled city of Rothenburg, Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval town. Day 8 – Bamberg, Germany Today, explore enchanting Bamberg, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided tour of this medieval gem showcases its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall, and serpentine streets lined with 18th-century houses. Day 9 – Nürnberg, Germany/Cruising the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal Modern Nürnberg is a vibrant commercial and industrial center, yet many sections of its 15th-century city walls still exist. Walk through the Hauptmarkt, main market square, and view 13th-century Gothic Saint Sebald’s Church and an 11th-century castle, Die Kaiserburg. After dinner on board, stroll the decks, enjoying the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal while cruising. Day 10 – Kelheim (for Danube Gorge)/Regensburg, Germany Your tour of Kelheim today includes a breathtaking view of the Altmuehl Valley, after which you’ll visit historic Weltenberg Abbey and the Schneider-Weisse Brewery. Later, you’ll grasp the significance of Regensburg’s history as you wander past its 13th- to 15th-century houses and cross the Steinerne Brücke, a stone bridge and masterpiece of medieval engineering. Day 11 – Passau, Germany/Cruising the Danube Discover this 2,000-year-old city at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers. A highlight of today’s tour is a special concert at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest church organ. Enjoy lunch on board followed by an afternoon and evening at leisure while sailing the Danube toward Austria. Day 12 – Melk/Cruising the Wachau Valley/Vienna, Austria As you tour Melk’s magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, with its wonderful frescoes, medieval manuscripts, and courtyards, you’ll realize why it is considered one of the most imposing architectural masterpieces north of the Alps. Relax this afternoon, cruising the scenic Wachau Valley en route to Vienna. Day 13 – Vienna In this capital and hub of the country’s musical life, see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its 390-foot twin spires, and Hofburg Palace. Stroll through the market area before stopping at a café for a morning coffee and mouthwatering Viennese pastry. Later, enjoy an evening musical performance at the elegant Wiener Kursalon. Day 14 – Bratislava, Slovakia Start the day off touring Slovakia’s modern capital, winding your way through the narrow alleyways to Gothic St. Martin’s Church, Old Town Hall, Primate’s Palace, and Michael’s Gate. Then, as the Sound of Music makes her way toward Hungary’s dynamic capital of Budapest, gather at the captain’s farewell reception and dinner. Day 15 – Budapest, Hungary Arrive in this historic city, where Buda Castle provides a splendid panoramic view. Your morning tour includes the 500-year-old Matthias Church, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Heroes’ Square. Also make your own discoveries during time at leisure today. The ship overnights in port. Day 16 – Budapest (Disembark)/Return Home Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by a Europe river cruise vacation specialist. Contact : Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 9/08 |
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16 Days Great Rivers and Waterways of Europe River Cruise Cruise Vacations Search here for your Cruises, Vacations and Tours
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