Amsterdam to Istanbul (or reverse) - 26 days |
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Detailed Itinerary: Amsterdam to Istanbul
Day 1: Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Embarkation)
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and embark your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. (D)
Day 2: Amsterdam
After breakfast, admire beautiful 18th-century homes, charming churches and 17th-century merchant houses on a canal boat. Then enjoy a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill., followed by free time in Amsterdam. Enjoy an afternoon information briefing as you cruise towards Germany. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Cologne,Germnay - Koblenz
This morning, arrive in Cologne for a guidedwalking tour through the old part of the part of the city and visit the fabled 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Cruise past the Ludendoff Bridge at Remegen as you continue on to 2000-year-old Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Koblenz - Rudesheim
Today, you will have your choice of visitng the Koblenz Flower Show or Rudesheim. The Flower Show is a special event featuring 120 acres of magnificent floral displays, exhibitions and a river side promenade. If you choose the Rudesheim excursion, you will travel to this charming town, and take a mini train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.You will have free time to explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants, during your free time. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Miltenberg - Wertheim
Arrive in Miltenberg for a walking tour of this old-Franconian town with narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. During lunch, the ship will cruise to Freudenberg. A motor coach tour will take you to Wertheim, where you will have free time before boarding your ship for an overnight cruise to Wurzburg. A guided dicycle tour of Wertheim is also available (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)
Day 6: 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 cisit its world famous Christmas Museum. Or, relax on board this afternoon as you cruise to Kitzingen. After dinner on board enjoy an evening walk and wine tasting in Kitzengen, at Germany's oldest wine cellar. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Bamberg
Arrive this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg,nd take a guided walking tour of this medieval gem. Enjoy free time before continuing your cruise late this evening to ancient Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Nuremberg
Today decide to either tour the medieval history of Nuremberg to see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, 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 lunchtime, 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 9: Regensburg
A guided morning tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. In the alternative, you can take a tour of the Audi Car Factory. The afternoon is free to relax or join an optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge (seasonal). In the evening, enjoy a music performance on board. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Passau - Linz, Austria
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau for a walking tour, or join the optional excursion to Salzburg. Those staying on board can enjoy a scenic journey to Linz, Austria. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Melk - Durnstein - Weissenkirchen
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictinc Abbey. After lunch, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley to Durnstein, for a walking tour. A guided bicycle tour from Melk to Durnstein is also available (capacity controlled). From here, continue on a short cruise to the town of Weissenkirchen, for some fine wine-tasting tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Vienna
Enjoy a guided city tour followed by free time in the city center, then a walking tour from St. STephen's Cathedral. Enjoy an optional excursion to the Schonbrunn Palace and the Carriage Museum. Or use the free afternoon to stroll along the main shopping street, Karnterstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the Austrian capital on your own, or join an optional Mozart and Strauss concert, This ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Vienna - Bratislava, Slovakia
Enjoy scenic cruising to Bratislavia followed by your choice of a "Communist Tour" or a walking tour of Bratislavia. The rest of the afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. Tonight there is an evening music performance on board. (B,L,D)
Day 14: 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 tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion , the Royal Palace and St. STephen's Basilica. Afterwards, the ship will sail a special "Illuminations Cruise" past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Budapest
Today you will visit the famous Puszta region, the vast flat plain 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, brandy and scones. Try a lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to the ship in Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 16: Mohacs - Pecs - Vilany
Arrive in Mohacs 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 distinctive 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 Vilany. (B,L,D)
Day: 17: Vukovar, Croatia - Novi Sad, Serbia
Your guided motor coach and walking tour of Vulkovar 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 18: Belgrade
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and explore its myriad of streets, plazas and 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 (controlled capacity). A shuttle bus will run from the city o the ship during the afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 19: Cruising through the Iron Gates - Vidin, Bulgaria
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 Montains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today's passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. Late this evening, the ship sails to Vidin. (B,L,D)
Day 20:Vidin
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 21: 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 choose to shop, explore on your own or visit the Open Air Museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. This evening, the ship departs for Rousse. (B,L,D)
Day 22: Rousse (Disembarkation) - Veliko Tarnovo - Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Dissembark 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 23: Plovdiv - Istanbul, Turkey
After breakfast, continue on to magical Istanbul after stopping for lunch and transferring to another motor coach. Arrive late afternoon and check into your hotel. (B,L)
Day 24: Istanbul
A comprehensive city our 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 visit to Hagia Sophia, Underground Cistern and he Grand Bazaar.
Day 25: Istanbul
Today your guided tour will take you to the Ottoman's Sultan' Grand Palace of Topkapi. Admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to he Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise and visit to the Spice Bazaar or use the free time to relax or shop. (B)
Day 26: Istanbul
Transfer to the airport for your homeward bound flight.
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Detailed Itinerary: Istanbul to Amsterdam
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey
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 to 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 Bosporus cruise 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 for Plovdiv. After lunch in Erdine, you will transfer to another bus for the remainder of your journey to Plovdiv. Tonight, you will 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. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing on to Rousse to embark your ship. (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 - 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 Black Sea adventure. (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 available in the afternoon (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 the Franciscan Monastery of St. John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz, the St. James and St. Nicholas churches as well as the Ovcara (Yugoslav Genocide) Memorial. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Mohacs - Pecs, Hungary
This morning the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for your excursion to Pecs, EU Cultural Capital 2010. 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 excavations. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Budapest, Hungary
The Puszta is 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. Try a lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to the ship in Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 13: 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 Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. ( B,L,D)
Day 14:Bratislava, Slovakia
Relax on board this morning as you cruise towards Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. Choose either a “Communist Tour” or a walking tour of the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Later there is time to explore on your own. After dinner you can enjoy an enchanting music performance on board. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Vienna, Austria
Enjoy a guided city tour followed by free time in the city center, then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy an optional excursion to the Schonbrunn and the Carriage Museum. Or simply use your free afternoon to stroll along the main shopping street, Kärntnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or join an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 16:Dürnstein – Melk
Early this morning, reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Dürnstein and marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Enjoy a wine tasting with a local vintner. After lunch, the ship will cruise to Melk, where you will have a guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. A guided bicycle tour from Durnstein to Melk is also available (capacity controlled). ( B,L,D)
Day 17: Linz - Passau, Germany
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and the “Sound of Music” sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. In Passau, the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. ( B,L,D)
Day 18: 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 - gates to a 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 a colorful performance. (B,L,D)
Day 19: Nuremberg
This morning, enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal traverses the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering. In the afternoon, decide between a guided tour of 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 was held in 1946. (B,L,D)
Day 20: Bamberg - Schweinfurt
This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the enchanting town of Bamberg, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Marvel at the breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city's serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. 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 Road" is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. During your tour, see the major sights including a visit to the magnificent Residenz Palace. Or, take an optional tour to Medieval Rothenburg. A beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. The tour includes entrance to the Christmas Museum. ( B,L,D)
Day 22: Wertheim - Miltenberg
Cruise to Wertheim for some free time to explore the town on your own. A guided bicycle tour is also available (capacity controlled). A motor coach will transfer you to Freudenberg to rejoin the ship. Cruise during lunch on your way to Miltenberg. In Miltenberg, a guided walking tour will take you through narrow, cobble-stoned streets lined with gabled, half-timbered houses. Tonight, the ship sails leaving Bavaria, Franconia and the Main River behind. (B,L,D)
Day 23: Rüdesheim – Rhine Castles – Koblenz
This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim and take a mini train to visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time before the ships sails late this afternoon for Koblenz. You will cruise through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river, passing castle after castle, don't miss the legendary Lorelei Rock, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Arrive in Koblenz after dinner and enjoy a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. ( B,L,D)
Day 24: Koblenz - Cologne
This morning you will visit the Koblenz Flower Show. This special event features 120 acres of magnificent floral displays, exhibitions and a river side promenade. Exhibit grounds include the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which you will visit. Return to the ship in Bonn, and then continue to Cologne. Enjoy a walking tour of Cologne and visit the spectacular 13th-century Medieval Gothic cathedral, its twin spires amongst Europe’s tallest. (B,L,D)
Day 25:Cologne - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Enjoy your last morning leisurely cruising to Amsterdam. Arrive in Amsterdam after lunch for a guided canal cruise and city tour, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill. Enjoy free time in Amsterdam before gathering on board for a Gala Farewell Dinner. ( B,L,D)
Day 26: Amsterdam (Disembarkation)
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B)
Please Note:
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
2012 Departures
|
Program Start Date |
Cabin Rates are per passenger in $USD |
Ship: Amadolce, Amalyra & Amalegro |
Lower Deck - Cat E w/window |
Lower Deck - Cat D w/window |
Middle Deck - Cat C w/french balcony |
Middle Deck - Cat B w/french balcony |
Upper Deck - Cat A w/french balcony |
Upper Deck - Cat A+ w/french balcony |
Upper Deck - Suite w/french balcony |
|
30-May-12 |
Amalyra |
$8,318 |
$8,915 |
$10,055 |
$10,655 |
$10,985 |
$12,815 |
$14,015 |
8-Jul-12 |
Amadolce |
$9,018 |
$9,615 |
$19,773 |
$11,355 |
$11,685 |
$13,515 |
$14,715 |
29-Jul-12 |
Amalyra |
$9,218 |
$9,815 |
$10,955 |
$11,555 |
$11,885 |
$13,715 |
$14,915 |
30-Sep-12 |
Amadolce |
$9,418 |
$10,015 |
$11,155 |
$11,755 |
$12,085 |
$13,915 |
$15,115 |
Port Charges are an additional $441 per passenger // Single Supplement 50% of twin, suite 100% of twin; $650 for land
|
For 21 nights cruise only (no Bulgaria & Istanbul) Subtract $920 from above rates |
Please select bedding choice at the time of booking. The choices are: Choice A -Two twin beds; Choice B - One large bed (larger than queen size) |
2012 Departures
|
Program Start Date |
Cabin Rates are per passenger in $USD |
Ship: Amabella |
Lower Deck - Cat E w/window |
Lower Deck - Cat D w/window |
Middle Deck aft & Upper Deck aft - Cat C w/french balcony |
Middle Deck - Cat BB w/french & outside balconies |
Upper Deck aft - Cat BA w/french & outside balconies |
Middle Deck - Cat AB w/french & outside balconies |
Upper Deck - Cat AA w/french & outside balconies |
Upper Deck - Suite w/ french & outside balconies |
|
30-Mar-12 |
$8,318 |
$8,915 |
$10,055 |
$11,315 |
$11,615 |
$12,215 |
$12,815 |
$14,915 |
| From Istanbul |
16-Apr-12 |
$8,718 |
$9,315 |
$10,455 |
$11,715 |
$12,015 |
$12,615 |
$13,215 |
$15,315 |
Port Charges are an additional $441 per passenger // Single Supplement 50% of twin, suite 100% of twin; $650 for land |
For 21-nights Cruise Only (no Bulgaria & Istanbul) Subtract $920 from above rates |
Please select bedding choice 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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