Paris to Istanbul (or reverse) - 29 days |
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Detailed Itinerary: Paris to Istanbul
Day 1: Paris, France
Arrive in Paris and transfer to you hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 2: Paris
Enjoy Paris' famous sights during your morning guided tour. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that the city has to offer. (B)
Day 3: Paris
Enjoy a full free day to explore the "City of Lights. (B)
Day 4: Paris - Remich, Luxembourg (Embarkation)
Bid "Au Revoir" to Paris as you board your TGV high-speed train to Luxembourg. You will have a guided tour of Luxembourg where you will enjoy a city tour of the Grand Duchy. Enjoy a walking tour followed by a panoramic tour of the city where you will see the Centre European and Place d’Armes. Continue on to Remich, a commune with city status in south-eastern Luxembourg, enjoying a panoramic drive along the way, including the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, resting place of Gen. George S. Patton Jr. Arrive at the ship in Remich in the evening. Tonight, gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
Day 5: Trier - Bernkastel
After breakfast, arrive in Trier, Germany’s oldest city, for a guided tour. Continue to Bernkastel, located in the heart of the Mosel wine-producing region. Take a guided walking tour and visit the wine museum. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Cochem - Koblenz - Rhine Castles - Rüdesheim
Today, decide between an excursion to Cochem or to Koblenz. In Cochem, you will take a guided tour of the hilltop Reichsburg Castle. In the alternative, travel to Koblenz, to visit the Koblenz Flower Show. This special event features 120 acres of magnificent floral displays, exhibitions and events. Later, enjoy scenic cruising along the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine. This evening, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This Historic museum houses one of the greatest collections of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from the 18th to 20th centuries. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Mainz - Heidelberg - Frankfurt
Today, decide between two excursions: take a guided walking tour of beautiful Mainz and see the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world's first printed bible, then enjoy a lunchtime cruise to Frankfurt. In Frankfurt, you will have a walking tour of the city’s medieval section. In the alternative, travel by motor coach for an excursion to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town. Later this afternoon, return to the ship in Frankfurt. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Miltenberg - Wertheim
Arrive in Miltenberg for a walking tour of this delightful Franconian town. During lunch, the ship will cruise to Freudenberg. A motor coach tour will take you to Wertheim, where you will have free time to explore the town. A guided bicycle tour from Freudenberg to Wertheim is available. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Wurzburg - Kitzingen
During your guided tour, visit the magnificent Residenz Palace and see the major sights. This afternoon, take an optional tour along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg, and visit its world famous Christmas Museum. A bike tour from Wurzburg to Kitzinger is also avaialbe. Or, relax on board as you cruise to Kitzingen. After dinner on board enjoy an evening walk and wine tasting in Kitzingen, at Germany’s oldest wine cellar. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Bamberg
Arrive this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg, where you will take a guided walking tour of this medieval gem. Enjoy free time in Bamberg before continuing your cruise this evening to ancient Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Nuremberg
Travel by train to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s largest cities. Your escort will be on hand to offer you suggestions on what to see while in town and to take you to lunch. Tonight you will meet fellow travelers embarking from Prague. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Nuremberg - Crossing the Continental Divide
Today decide to either tour the medieval history of Nuremberg or join the “modern tour” of the city’s role in the 20th-century and see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. At lunch time, return to the ship and cruise the Main Danube Canal to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level, where you cross Europe's Continental Divide, then start descending through stair-step locks. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Regensburg
This morning’s scenic cruising takes you to magnificent Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights. In the alternative, you have the opportunity to tour the Audi Car Factory. In the afternoon, you are free to join the optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge (seasonal). (B,L,D)
Day 14: Passau - Linz, Austria
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau for a city tour. Or, substitute the city tour with an optional excursion to Salzburg. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Melk - Vienna
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. Your guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise the romantic Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music" before dinner. Explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own, or participate in the optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
Day 16: Vienna
Enjoy a guided city tour followed by free time in the city center, then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, enjoy your free time or join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, which includes entrance to the Carriage Museum. This evening, cruise overnight to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. (B,L,D)
Day 17: Budapest, Hungary
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest. Your optional afternoon excursion takes you back to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. What started out as a student demonstration, the revolt quickly spread across the country causing an uprising against the Communist regime. See the Parliament Building still bearing bullet holes from the Soviet intervention. (B,L,D)
Day 18: Budapest
Today, visit the Puszta, the famous Great Hungarian Plain where cowboys still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival, you will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Try their national dish of goulash for lunch. (B,L,D)
Day 19: Mohács - Pecs - Vilány
Arrive in Mohács during breakfast and then depart for your excursion to Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago. The area around Pecs is made up of rolling hills, vine clad slopes and a modest climate that give the city a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Upon arrival, you will take a city tour that includes UNESCO underground excavations. After lunch on board ship, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion, where you will sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Vilány. (B,L,D)
Day 20: Vukovar, Croatia - Novi Sad, Serbia
Your guided motor coach and walking tour of Vukovar will include the Manorhouse Eltz and the Ovcara Memorial (Croatian victims during the Yugoslav civil war). Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad in the afternoon. The ship sails for Belgrade this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 21: Belgrade
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and explore its myriad of streets, plazas and squares. Belgrade has over 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. Your guided tour features Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, the Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Street, Republic Square and Mihajlova Street, "Varos" Gate and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. You will have free time in the city center after your tour. A guided bicycle tour is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). A shuttle bus will run from the city to the ship during the afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 22: Cruising through the Iron Gates
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your cruise. (B,L,D)
Day 23: Vidin, Bulgaria
The 14th-century "Baba Vida" Fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th-century castle, located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D)
Day 24: Giurgiu - Bucharest, Romania - Rousse, Bulgaria
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, known as “Paris of the East.” Enjoy lunch in a typical Romanian restaurant, and then explore on your own or visit the Open Air Museum, dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. This evening, the ship departs for Rousse. (B,L,D)
Day 25: Rousse (Disembarkation) - Veliko Tarnovo - Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Disembark the ship in Rousse and continue your tour by motor coach. Your first stop is in the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing on to Plovdiv. This evening, see the main highlights of Plovdiv Old Town on a walking tour before dinner at your hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 26: Plovdiv - Istanbul, Turkey
After breakfast, continue on to magical Istanbul after stopping for lunch and transferring to another motor coach at Erdine. Arrive late afternoon and check into your hotel. (B)
Day 27: Istanbul
A comprehensive city tour will take you through its old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of its historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. This afternoon is free to explore the town on your own or join the optional “Turkish Delight” tour, which includes visits to Hagia Sophia, Underground Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. (B)
Day 28: Istanbul
Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise and visit to the Spice Bazaar or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. (B)
Day 29: Istanbul
Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
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Detailed Itinerary: Istanbul to Paris
Day 1: Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Istanbul
This morning's comprehensive city tour will show you the old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of its historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. Later, you can explore the town on your own or choose an optional tour. (B)
Day 3: Istanbul
Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every single Sultan from the 15th-century until the end of the 19th-century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosphorus cruise and visit to the Spice Bazaar or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. This evening is free to explore the town on your own. (B)
Day 4: Istanbul - Plovdiv, Bulgaria
This morning, you will leave Istanbul and continue to Plovdiv. After lunch in Erdine, you will transfer to another bus for the remainder of your journey to Plovdiv. Tonight, you see the highlights of Plovdiv’s Old Town before enjoying dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
Day 5: Plovdiv - Veliko Turnavo - Rousse (Embarkation)
The first stop this morning is the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here, you will tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. You will see the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces and the Patriarchal church, and the Baldwin’s Tower. Those passengers who wish to shop can instead visit Samovodska Charshia - traditional market street. Before continuing on to Rousse to embark your ship, enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch at your hotel. Tonight gather on board for a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Giurgiu - Bucharest, Romania
Today, enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania. This “Paris of the East” is famed for its Belle Epoque Era buildings dating from the 19th-century. The French influence is paramount in many of the restored buildings of the former aristocracy and monarchy. The post war communist era of grandiose architecture is brought home by the world’s second largest building, the Palace of the Parliament. During the morning city tour you will see the Arch of Triumph, the Soseaua Kiseleff, the Athenaeum and Library, and visit the Parliament Palace. In the afternoon, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, and then choose to have some free time or visit the Open Air Museum, with typical village builds from throughout Romania. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Vidin, Bulgaria
Today, you will enjoy a leisurely day of cruising the Danube, arriving in the late afternoon in Vidin. The “Bada Vida” fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th-century castle has thick walls and dark towers, which contrast with the natural surroundings of the park it sits within. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Cruising through the Iron Gates
Today is a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your cruise. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Belgrade, Serbia
This morning, arrive in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, where you have a chance to explore both the old and the new town. Your guided tour features Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, the Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Street, Republic Square and Mihajlova street, "Varos" Gate and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. A guided bicycle tour is also available (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)
Day 10: Novi Sad - Vukovar, Croatia
Arrive in Novi Sad in the morning and enjoy a walking tour. After your tour, continue to Vukovar, Croatia. Vukovar is situated in Eastern Slavonia at the confluence of the Vuka and Danube Rivers. Vukovar’s rich history bears the influence of the Austrians, Ottoman Turks, Germans, Croatians and Serbians. During your city tour, you will see such highlights as the Manorhouse Eltz and the Ovcara (Croatian victims during the Yugoslav civil war). Memorial. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Mohacs - Pecs, Hungary
This morning the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for your excursion to Pecs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. The area around Pecs is made up of rolling hills, vine clad slopes and a modest climate that give the city a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Upon arrival, you will take a city tour that includes UNESCO underground excavation. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Budapest
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. Continue to Puszta, the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world. The vast flat Great Hungarian Plain stretches across to the east, where Hungarian cowboys still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival, you will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Bratislava, Slovakia - Vienna, Austria
A guided tour of Bratislava reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. Perhaps, visit the 13th-century Bratislava Castle, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views overlooking three countries - Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. An eventful day is followed by an evening filled with an enchanting music performance on board. Just before midnight the ship departs for Vienna. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Vienna
Enjoy a guided city tour followed by free time in the city center, then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, enjoy your free time strolling along the main shopping street, Karntnerstrasse, or sampling some of Vienna’s famous pastries. In the alternative, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, which includes entrance to the Carriage Museum. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Dürnstein - Melk
Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley for your walking tour of Dürnstein, known as one of the prettiest towns along the Danube. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns and includes a wine tasting at a local vintner. After lunch, enjoy your scenic cruise to Melk. Here, you will tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. A guided bicycle tour from Durnstein to Melk is also available. (B,L,D)
Day 16: Linz - Passau, Germany
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg, setting for “The Sound of Music,” or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. Located where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube, a walking tour will lead you through this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
Day 17: Regensburg
After lunch, arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Praetoria – a gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. In the alternative, you can take a tour of the Audi Car Factory (subject to availability). The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or join an optional excursion to the beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge (seasonal). Tonight, folklore entertainers will come on board for your delight. (B,L,D)
Day 18: Nuremberg
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. In the afternoon, you decide as you enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. Either choose the medieval history of Nuremberg and see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, or join the tour centered on the modern role the city played in the 20th-century and see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
Day 19: Nuremberg - Munich
Today, travel by train to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities, often given the nickname "Germany's secret capital." Your escort today will offer suggestions of to what to do whilst you are there and take you to lunch in a local restaurant. Tonight, you will meet fellow travelers embarking from Prague. (B,L,D)
Day 20: Bamberg - Schweinfurt
Enjoy your breakfast as you cruise along and marvel at the engineering feat of the Main-Danube canal which straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks. Then arrive in Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. This evening, you will have free time in Schweinfurt.( (B,L,D)
Day 21: Kitzingen - Würzburg
This morning, arrive in Kitzingen, where you will enjoy a walking tour and wine tasting at Germany’s oldest wine cellar. In the afternoon , arrive in Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. The “Pearl of the Romantic Raod” is surrounded by sloping h ills covered with vineyards. During your city tour, see the major sights including the magnificent Residenz Palace. Or, take an optional tour to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. Your walking tour includes entrance to the Christmas Museum. (B,L,D)
Day 22: Wertheim - Miltenberg
Disembark the ship in Wertheim where you will have free time to explore the town on your own. A guided bicycle tour is also available (capacity controlled). A motor coach will then take you to Freudenberg to rejoin your ship. Cruise during lunch time to Miltenberg, arriving in the afternoon for a guided walking tour along cobblestone streets lined with gabled, half-timbered houses. Tonight, the ship sails leaving Bavaria, Franconia and the Main River behind. (B,L,D)
Day 23: Mainz - Rüdesheim - Koblenz
Today, decide between two excursions: take a guided walking tour of beautiful Mainz and see the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world’s first printed bible, and then return to the ship. Then take a lunchtime cruise on the Main and Rhine rivers to the wine village of Rüdesheim. You will tour the town by mini-train and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Late this afternoon, cruise the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine River, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. Your second option today is a visit to the Koblenz Flower Show, taking place through October in the historic wine-growing town of Koblenz situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. This special event features 120 acres of magnificent floral displays, exhibitions and events. Exhibit grounds include the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which you will visit. (B,L,D)
Day 24: Cochem - Zell
After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit of Reichsburg Castle, situated above Cochem with spectacular views of the Mosel River. This afternoon, continue past hillside vineyards to Zell, home of the famous "Zeller Schwarze Katz" (“Black Cat”) wine. A welcoming wine fest awaits you this evening. Experience the hospitality of Zell with a visit by the Mayor and Wine Queen. Enjoy a wine tasting as you are treated to a special performance by local children aka the “Black Cats.” (B,L,D)
Day 25: Trier
Continue to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, where a guided tour will introduce you to the city's rich ancient Roman past. This evening, the ship sails for Luxembourg. (B,L,D)
Day 26: Remich, Luxembourg (Disembarkation) - Paris, France
This morning, bid farewell to your cruise ship in Remich, Luxembourg. Enjoy a walking tour of Luxembourg, one of the last independent Grand Duchies of Europe and one which still plays a role in international politics and b banking. You will have some free time before boarding a TGV high-speed train to Paris. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and check into your hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 27: Paris
Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, see the Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, the Opéra, La Madeleine, Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)
Day 28: Paris
Your last day in the “City of Lights” is free for you to enjoy. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair; gaze at the Impressionist collection at the Musee d’Orsay; stroll along the Seine; or choose one of several optional tours. (B)
Day 29: Paris
Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B)
Note:
2011 Itinerary: To accommodate the Koblenz Flower Show some excursions may be substituted. Guided bicycle tours are capacity controlled. Day 5: Zell replaced by Bernkastel in reverse direction.
2011 Departures
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Program Start Date |
Cabin Rates are per passenger in $USD |
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Lower Deck - Cat E w/window |
Lower Deck - Cat D w/window |
Middle Deck - Cat C w/balcony |
Middle Deck - Cat B w/balcony |
Upper Deck - Cat A w/balcony |
Upper Deck - Cat A+ w/balcony |
Upper Deck - Suite w/balcony |
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* Port Charges are an additional $399 per passenger // Single Supplement: 50% of twin, suite 100% of twin, $910 for land |
| ** For 21 night cruise only ( no Paris & Istanbul) Subtract $1,700 from above rates |
*** Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking. The choices are: Choice A - Two twin beds; Choice B - One large bed (larger than queen size) |
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