| ITINERARY (Amsterdam to Budapest)
Day 1 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND. (EMBARKATION) 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 awaits to welcome you on board. (D)
Day 2 AMSTERDAM There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. Our river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne this afternoon. (FB,L,D)
Day 3 COLOGNE GERMANY Cologne is one of Germany's largest cities whose river skyline is dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent Gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Koelsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original "eau de cologne". (FB,L,D)
Day 4 RHINE GORGE-RÜDESHEIM. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei where sweet songs of local beauties 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 5 MILTENBERG. 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 6 WÜRZBURG 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 7 BAMBERG Another UNESCO World Heritage site is medieval Bamberg with its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the river, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (FB,L,D)
Day 8 NUREMBERG. 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 9 REGENSBURG 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. The Thurn und Taxis family, who until the second half of the 19th century had the monopoly on the German postal services, owns the impressive St. Emmerammus Abbey buildings making up the THURN UND TAXIS CASTLE. (FB,L,D)
Day 10 PASSAU-LINZ, AUSTRIA 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 over 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular "Sound of Music" sights. (FB,L,D)
Day 11 MELK-DUERNSTEIN. 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 12 VIENNA. Once the centre 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 neighbourhood café. An optional concert is available tonight. (FB,L,D)
Day 13 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA 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 14 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. 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 FISHERMENS BASTION and the MATTHIAS CHURCH are impressive sights. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and paprika. (FB,L,D)
Day 15 DISEMBARKATION - BUDAPEST Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (FB)
REVERSE ITINERARY (Budapest to Amsterdam)
Day 1 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (EMBARKATION) Welcome to Hungary's exciting capital city! This afternoon the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you on board. (D)
Day 2 BUDAPEST 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 FISHERMENS BASTION and the MATTHIAS CHURCH are sights not to be missed. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and paprika. (FB,L,D)
Day 3 BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA. 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 4 VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Once the centre 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 neighbourhood café. An optional concert is available tonight. (FB,L,D).
Day 5 DÜRNSTEIN-MELK. Dürnstein, known for the magnificent 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, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Melk's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! (FB,L,D)
Day 6 LINZ-PASSAU, GERMANY. Linz, Austria's third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with over 17,000 pipes. (FB,L,D)
Day 7 REGENSBURG. Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and Porta Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria's cultural centres. It is here you will find Germany's oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Alte Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). The Thurn und Taxis family, who until the second half of the 19th century had the monopoly on the German postal services, owns the impressive St. Emmerammus Abbey buildings making up the THURN UND TAXIS CASTLE. (FB,L,D)
Day 8 NUREMBERG. 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 famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metal working. (FB,L,D)
Day 9 BAMBERG. Medieval Bamberg with its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the river, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions is a UNESCO World Heritage site. (FB,L,D)
Day 10 WÜRZBURG. Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP'S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage site. (FB,L,D)
Day 11 MILTENBERG. 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 splendour of the Merchant Hall. (FB,L,D)
Day 12 RÜDESHEIM- RHINE GORGE. 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. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. (FB,L,D)
Day 13 COLOGNE, GERMANY. Cologne is one of Germany's largest cities whose river skyline is dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent Gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Koelsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne”. (FB,L,D)
Day 14 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND. 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. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. (FB,L,D)
Day 15 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (FB) |
