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North Sea to Black Sea Cruise2012 Season |
From 4,612EUR |
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Length: 23 days from Amsterdam to Bucharest
Overview
The North Sea, the Black Sea, and the rivers in between are the focus of this memorable cruise along the magnificent Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. Relax and enjoy as you cruise past quaint villages, taking in the scenery and learning about the history. Cruise through Amsterdam’s lovely canals and the Main Danube Canal, sail through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, and enjoy included guided sightseeing in each city—Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Vukovar, Belgrade, and Constanta. Spend time in the charming wine village of Rüdesheim, experience the famed Vienna Woods, and explore Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital. Other highlights include a baking demonstration in the pretty Bavarian village of Miltenberg and guided visits of the amazing Benedictine Abbey in Melk, Fishermen’s Bastion in Budapest, Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress, and Patriarch’s Church in Veliko Târnovo. This is a vacation of a lifetime!
Duration: 23 Days
Ships Serving this Tour: Imagery
| Start Date |
End Date |
| 03 June, 2012 |
25 June, 2012 |
| 12 August, 2012 |
03 September, 2012 |
City Highlights
CRUISE: Deluxe 21-night cruise from Amsterdam to Oltenita in an outside stateroom with hotel-style bedsAMSTERDAM: Welcome reception; canal cruiseCOLOGNE: Guided sightseeingRHINE GORGE: Cruise through the gorgeRÜDESHEIM: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; special treatMILTENBERG: Guided sightseeing; baking demonstrationWÜRZBURG: Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s ResidenzBAMBERG: Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town HallNUREMBERG: Guided sightseeingMAIN DANUBE CANAL: Cruise in the canalREGENSBURG: Guided sightseeing; beer tastingPASSAU: Guided sightseeingGREIN: Guided sightseeingMELK: Guided visit of the Benedictine AbbeyVIENNA: Guided sightseeing; excursion to the Vienna Woods, visit Heiligenkreuz MonasteryBUDAPEST: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s BastionMOHÁCS: Excursion to PecsVUKOVAR: Guided sightseeingBELGRADE: Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan FortressIRON GATES: Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; see the Trajan TableVELIKO TÂRNOVO: Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch’s ChurchARBANASSI: Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the NativityCONSTANTA: Guided sightseeing, visit the Natural History & Archaeological MuseumBUCHAREST: Guided sightseeing, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art Museum
Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation). Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s 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, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (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 dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” This afternoon, there is time to explore or perhaps join an optional excursion to a nearby picturesque small town before your ship sets sail for Cologne. (B,L,D)
Day 3 Cologne, Germany. 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. (B,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. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM in pretty Rüdesheim. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,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. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (B,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. (B,L,D)
Day 7 Bamberg. Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,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—all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)
Day 9 Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
Day 10 Passau. 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 more than 17,000 pipes. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Grein, Austria–Melk. At the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle, Grein’s turreted houses on the main square offer excellent photo opportunities. Situated in the picturesque Wachau Valley, Melk is home to the magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY, which dominates the town and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! (B,L,D)
Day 12 Vienna. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. You do not rush through Vienna—you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B,L,D)
Day 13 Vienna. Excursion to the Vienna Woods. Today, join us for an excursion to the VIENNA WOODS, the hill chain that surrounds the Austrian capital and that inspired artists throughout the ages. Visit one of Austria’s oldest monasteries, “HEILIGENKREUZ,” then follow Johann Strauss’ Tales from the Vienna Woods as we pass castles and hear stories of times gone by. Learn about the tragic legend of Archduke Rudolph and his mistress before continuing through the Helenen Valley that inspired Ludwig van Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. The small city of Baden is ideal for lunch and some time at leisure before returning to Vienna through the vineyards of Lower Austria. (B,L,D)
Day 14 Budapest, Hungary. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth 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 is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. (B,L,D)
Day 15 Budapest. A free day to explore Budapest at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B,L,D)
Day 16 Mohács. Excursion to Pecs. Mohács, on the border with Croatia, was the scene of two famous battles that marked the beginning and the end of the Ottoman dominance of Hungary. From here, an excursion takes you to Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture. (B,L,D)
Day 17 Vukovar, Croatia. Today, learn more about the complex history of Croatia and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence. Vukovar, Croatia’s largest river port located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers, was scene to an 87-day siege in 1991, known as The Battle of Vukovar. This and other dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region. (B,L,D)
Day 18 Belgrade, Serbia. The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights, which include the city’s principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS; St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox church; and Marshal Tito’s tomb and monument. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (B,L,D)
Day 19 Iron Gates. The Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac and the Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia are impressive sights on the right bank of the Danube. The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the IRON GATES, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
Day 20 Svistov, Bulgaria–Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi–Rousse. A comfortable ride from Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces, and the PATRIARCH’S CHURCH. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY. Rejoin your ship in Rousse. (B,L,D)
Day 21 Harsova, Romania. Excursion to Constanta, Black Sea–Cernavod?. Constanta, situated on the Black Sea, is the most important commercial center in Romania. Enjoy a guided tour of this popular resort town and visit the NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. Return to your ship at Cernavod?. From here, the 40-mile-long canal, the pride and joy of communist achievement, runs to Agigea and N?voradi on the Black Sea. (B,L,D)
Day 22 Oltenita (Disembarkation)–Bucharest. Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, is only a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name “Paris of the East.” Much recent history has taken place here. During your included tour, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon, and the Royal Palace Square, scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. (B)
Day 23 Bucharest. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Meals: Full buffet breakfast (B) in Bucharest, one lunch (L) during Vienna Woods excursion; superb dining with meals on board featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements.
Hotel Information: BUCHAREST Athénée Palace Hilton (SF) |
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