Day 2 Amsterdam, Holland. (Embarkation) (Sun.) Holland’s delightful 700-year-old capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard. (D) Day 3 Amsterdam(Mon.) There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. Afterward, our river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne. (FB,L,D) Day 4 Cologne, Germany(Tue.) Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent Gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns, and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne.” (FB,L,D)
Day 5 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim(Wed.) The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Pretty Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Explore the Drosselgasse, pick up some souvenirs, and be sure to try one of the vintages in any of the little wine taverns. (FB,L,D)
Day 6 Miltenberg(Thu.) Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and Renaissance houses and the Gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. (FB,L,D) Day 7 Würzburg(Fri.) Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (FB,L,D) Day 8 Bamberg(Sat.) Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg, with its breathtaking cathedral, Old Town Hall straddling the river, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (FB,L,D) Day 9 Nuremberg(Sun.) Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (FB,L,D) Day 10 Regensburg(Mon.) One of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg’s architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall and the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL. (FB,L,D) Day 11 Passau–Linz, Austria(Tue.) Ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, Passau is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. (FB,L,D) Day 12 Melk–Dürnstein(Wed.) Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. Dürnstein, known for the baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (FB,L,D)Day 13Vienna(Thu.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available tonight. (FB,L,D) Day 14Bratislava, Slovakia(Fri.) Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace, as well as the Gothic cathedral of ST. MARTIN, should not be missed. (FB,L,D)
Day 15 (Sat.) Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church are impressive sights. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (FB,L,D) Day 16 Budapest (Disembarkation) (Sun.) (FB)
Call 800-640-4899 for discounted rates for this itinerary with all River Cruise lines
Ship Amenities
All staterooms feature large closets. Individual climate control, telephone, color satellite TV, radio, minibar, safe, hair dryer and modern bathrooms with shower
Beds may be configured as two twins or one queen
All staterooms are outside and those on Royal Sapphire Decks have floor to ceiling sliding glass doors
Connecting rooms available
The interior of the ships are non-smoking
Enjoy the exercise room
Pamper yourself with a visit to the hair salon
Enjoy personal service from our English-speaking staff
One sitting at mealtimes, with open seating
Wine included with all onboard dinners
Coffee and tea are available free of charge, throughout the day
The Sky Deck is fitted with newly developed shade systems, which are lowered and guaranteed to be back in position immediately after passing under a bridge
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.Mike Davies
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.
