Budapest to Paris (or reverse) - 20 days |
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Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2: 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 spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica and Great Market Hall. An optional Baths & Liberty Monument excursion will take you to a panoramic view point above Budapest, followed by a visit to the area’s famous Thermal Baths (B)
Day 3: Budapest (Embarkation)
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join an optional Puszta excursion. This afternoon transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center of the city. Tonight, gather onboard for a Gala Welcome Dinner. Around midnight, the ship slips away from Budapest and continues to Slovakia. (B,D)
Day 4: Bratislava, Slovakia - Vienna, Austria
A guided afternoon 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. After midnight the ship departs for Vienna. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Vienna
Enjoy a guided city tour followed by free time in the city center, then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Naschmarkt. This large outdoor market area features numerous stands/stalls selling a large variety of foods and other products. A shuttle will operate from the ship to the city center in the afternoon, should you decide to 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. A shuttle bus to the city center will also operate in the evening, for those guests who do not attend the concert. (B,L,D)
Day 6: 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. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Linz - Passau, Germany
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music” or cruise through Upper Austria to Paassau 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 8: Regensburg
At lunchtime, 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 an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. You will also have the opportunity to join an optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge (operated from May 1 to Oct. 17.) Tonight, folklore entertainers will come on board for your delight. (B,L,D)
Day 9: 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 10: Nuremberg - Munich
Enjoy your breakfast as you cruise through the engineering marvel known as the Main-Danube Canal which straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks. Arrive in the town of Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. There is free time before you continue your cruise, now on the Main River. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Bamberg
Enjoy your breakfast as you cruise through the engineering marvel known as the Main-Danube Canal which straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks. Arrive in the town of Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. There is free time before you continue your cruise, now on the Main River. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Würzburg
This morning 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 the magnificent Residenz Palace. This afternoon explore Würzburg on your own, 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. A shuttle bus from the ship to the Residenz will be available in the afternoon for those guests who do not take the Rothenburg excursion. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Miltenberg - Wertheim
Disembark the ship in Wertheim where you will have free time to explore the town on your own. 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 cobble-stone streets lined with gabled, half-timbered houses. Tonight, the ship sails leaving Bavaria, Franconia and the Main River behind. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Mainz - Heidelberg - Rüdesheim - Koblenz
Today, you decide: either disembark for a trip to Mainz and Rudesheim or travel by motor coach to Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. Then there is a walking tour of old Heidelberg and free time for lunch on your own before returning to Mainz. If you choose Mainz, your guided walking tour of this beautiful town includes the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world's first printed bible. Then take a lunchtime cruise on the Main and Rhine rivers to the wine village of Rüdesheim. Here, tour the town by mini-train and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Late this afternoon, everyone will cruise the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine River, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and the Mosel. After dinner, your cruise manager will lead an evening walk around Koblenz. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Cochem - Zell
After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit of Reichsburg Castle, situated above Cochem with spectacular views of the River Mosel. 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 Queens. Enjoy a wine tasting as you are treated to a special performance by the local children aka the “Black Cats.” (B,L,D)
Day 16: Bernkastel - Trier
Arrive in Bernkastel early this morning and explore this quaint little town on your included walking tour. Strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, Bernkastel boasts over 500 years of documented wine history. Continue to Trier, Germany's oldest city, for a guided tour of the city's rich ancient Roman past. (B,L,D)
Day 17: Trier, Germany - Luxembourg (Disembarkation) - Paris, France
This morning, bid farewell to your cruise ship and head to Luxembourg for a city tour of the Grand Duchy and some free time. Continue to Paris, stopping for lunch en route. You arrive this afternoon. (B)
Day 18: Paris
Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, La Madeleine, Les Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that the city has to offer. (B)
Day 19: 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)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 20: Paris
Your journey ends after breakfast. Individual departure. (B)
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Detailed Itinerary: Paris to Budapest
Day 1: Arrive in Paris, France
Arrive in Paris and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 2: Paris
Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during your morning guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, see the unique Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, La Madeleine, Les Champs Elysées and much more. 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 free day to explore the amazing “City of Lights,” where romance fills the air. Stroll along the Champs Elysees, the boutique-lined boulevards, or see the Eiffel Tower, built for the World's Fair of 1889. (B)
Day 4: Paris - Remich, Luxembourg (Embarkation)
Say "Au Revoir" to Paris as you board your TGV high-speed train to Luxembourg, one of the last independent duchies that made up Western and Central Europe. Today the Grand Duchy is important because of its role in international politics and banking. You will have a guided tour of Luxembourg before transferring to your ship in Remich. Tonight, gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner (B,D)
Day 5: Trier - Bernkastel
After breakfast, arrive in the charming village of Trier, Germany’s oldest city, for a guided tour which will introduce you to the city’s rich Roman past. Continue to Bernkastel. Strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine-producing region, Bernkastel boasts over 500 years of documented wine history. Take a guided walking tour through the old town center with its many medieval and Renaissance buildings. You will also enjoy a visit to 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 of the spectacular hilltop Reichsburg Castle, which offers fascinating views of the river valley. In the alternative, travel to Koblenz, an historic wine-growing town at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. There, you will visit the Koblenz Flower Show. This special event taking place through October features 120 acres of magnificent floral displays, exhibitions and events. Exhibit grounds include the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which you will visit. Later, enjoy scenic cruising along the most beautiful and famous part of the Rhine, seeing castle after castle and the legendary Lorelei Rock. Arrive in Rüdesheim and take a mini train to visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum after dinner. Tonight, explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Mainz - Heidelberg - Frankfurt
Today, you decide between two excursions: take a guided walking tour of beautiful Mainz and see the 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. Visit the red-walled Castle, the Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and enjoy the beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. You will also enjoy free time in Heidelberg. Later this afternoon, return to Frankfurt. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Miltenberg - Wertheim
Arrive in Miltenberg for a walking tour of this delightful old Franconian town with its 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 to explore the town on your own before boarding your ship for an overnight cruise to Wurzburg. A guided bicycle tour is also available (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)
Day 9: Würzburg - Kitzingen
The “Pearl of the Romantic Road," Wurzburg, is the capital of Lower Franconia, and a center of wine and trade. During your guided tour, visit the magnificent Residenz Palace and see the major sights. In the afternoon, join an optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg, which includes a visit to its world-famous Christmas Museum. 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, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem. Enjoy free time in Bamberg before you continue your cruise this evening to ancient Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Munich - Nuremberg
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 be on hand to offer you suggestions on what to see while in town and to take you to lunch at a local restaurant. Tonight, you will meet fellow travelers embarking from Prague. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Nuremberg
Today, decide to either tour the medieval history of Nuremberg to see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city and the Imperial Castle or join the “modern tour” of the city’s role in the 20th century. 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 journey-1,332 feet above sea level, where you cross the Continental Divide, then start descending through stair-step locks. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Regensburg
This morning’s scenic cruising takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to arrive in magnificent 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 an ancient Roman fort which was built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Or, in the alternative, take a tour of the Audi Car Factory (subject to availability). In the afternoon, you are free to join the optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge (seasonal). In the evening enjoy a musical performance on board. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Passau - Linz, Austria
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the Inn and Ilz Rivers join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or, substitute the city tour with the optional excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music.” During your walking tour see Mozart’s birthplace. 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 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. Enjoy dinner as you continue your journey pass Slovakia and cruise overnight to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. (B,L,D)
Day 17: Budapest, Hungary
This morning is free for shopping or sightseeing. In the afternoon, your guided city tour includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle 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, St. Stephen's Basilica, and more. Tonight, enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 18: Budapest (Disembarkation)
This morning, transfer from the ship to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own or join an optional Puszta excursion. (B)
Day 19: Budapest
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest exploring the main square or ancient Buda. (B)
Day 20: Depart Budapest
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Please Note:
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- Guided bicycle tours are capacity controlled.
- Day 15 - Zell replaced by Bernkastel in reverse direction.
2012 Departures
|
Program Start Date |
Cabin Rates are per passenger in $USD |
|
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 |
From Budapest |
11-May-12 |
Amadolce |
$6,938 |
$7,336 |
$8,096 |
$8,496 |
$8,716 |
$9,936 |
$10,736 |
15-Jun-12 |
Amadolce |
$6,738 |
$7,136 |
$7,896 |
$8,296 |
$8,516 |
$9,736 |
$10,536 |
9-Jul-12 |
Amalyra |
$6,738 |
$7,136 |
$7,896 |
$8,296 |
$8,516 |
$9,736 |
$10,536 |
3-Aug-12 |
Amadolce |
$6,738 |
$7,136 |
$7,896 |
$8,296 |
$8,516 |
$9,736 |
$10,536 |
7-Sep-12 |
Amadolce |
$7,138 |
$7,536 |
$8,296 |
$8,696 |
$8,916 |
$10,136 |
$10,936 |
15-Oct-12 |
Amalegro |
$6,438 |
$6,836 |
$7,596 |
$7,996 |
$8,216 |
$9,436 |
$10,236 |
From Paris |
22-Jul-12 |
Amalyra |
$6,738 |
$7,136 |
$7,896 |
$8,296 |
$8,516 |
$9,736 |
$10,536 |
2-Sept-12 |
Amalegro |
$7,138 |
$7,536 |
$8,296 |
$8,696 |
$8,916 |
$10,136 |
$10,936 |
28-Oct-12 |
Amalegro |
$6,138 |
$6,536 |
$7,296 |
$7,696 |
$7,916 |
$9,136 |
$9,936 |
* Port Charges are an additional $294 per passenger // Single Supplement: 50% of twin, suite 100% of twin, $650 for land |
For 14 night cruise only (No Paris & Budapest) Subtract $1,240 from above rates |
| Please select your 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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