Danube River Cruise Europe Grand Danube Cruise  from Prague to Istanbul  3 nights in Prague, 14-night Danube cruise from Nuremberg to Romania, 1 night in a Black Sea resort and 3 nights in Istanbul 22Days/21nights European cruise and land program on Ms Amadaggio - 2008

    Early Booking Special for all 2009  departures
5% off for bookings made by Sep.30/2008!!!

Detailed Itinerary: (Grand Danube Cruise) Day 1, Thu. ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC. Arrive in Prague and optional  transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city. Day 2, Fri. PRAGUE. This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. In the afternoon why not join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII labor camp, now a memorial to those who perished. The evening is free. (B)

Day 3, Sat. PRAGUE.
Today is a free day to stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River or take the optional tour to Konopiste. (B)

Day 4, Sun. PRAGUE - Karlovy Vary - NUREMBERG, GERMANY.
This morning depart Prague after breakfast and stop in Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Karlsbad, and most famous for its Bohemian spa. After lunch, drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,D)

Day 5, Mon. NUREMBERG - CONTINENTAL DIVIDE - RIEDENBURG.
Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. At lunchtime rejoin the ship further along the Main-Danube Canal and continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending through stair-step locks to Riedenburg (B,L,D).

Day 6, Mon. REGENSBURG.
This morning takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. A guided tour will show you the city's highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. In the evening enjoy folklore music on board. (B,L,D)

Day 7, Tue. PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA.
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or, take an optional full day tour to Salzburg. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on toLinz. After dinner, take a walk through Linz, Austria's third largest city. (B,L,D)

Day 8, Thu. MELK - VIENNA.
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. At lunchtime, continue through the romantic Wachau Valley. Late this afternoon arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music." Tonight explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)

Day 09, Fri. VIENNA.
A tour of Vienna includes Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. Then enjoy a free afternoon to shop, explore or visit one of the cities many museums or palaces. This afternoon continue cruising overnight to Hungary and Budapest. (B,L,D)

Day 10, Sat. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
This morning is free. In the afternoon your sightseeing tour includes Buda & Pest. Your tour also features the Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, and much more. Tonight enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, Sun. BUDAPEST.
The Puszta, is the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world, 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 brandy and scones. Take a ride in an Ox-cart, see a typical Gypsy village and marvel at the equestrian skills of the riders during the horse show. There will be a light lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to Budapest(B,L,D)

DAY 12, Mon: MOHACS - PECS EXCURSION (HUNGARY) - CRUISE TO CROATIA. This morning the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for the excursion to Pecs. Founded more than 2000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Upon arrival there is a walking tour during which you will see the Synagogue, visit the former Turkish Mosque and Christian Basilica, all accompanied by the traditions and tails of old Pecs brought alive by the local guides. As the ship exits Hungary the river makes up the boundary between Serbia and Croatia. You are leaving the European Union and passing into two countries. Tonight the ship will arrive in Vukovar, Croatia. (B,L,D)

DAY 13, Tue. VUKOVAR-NOVI SAD, CROATIA & SERBIA.
Situated in Eastern Slavonia at the confluence of the Vuka and Danube Rivers, Vukovar has a long and often troubled history, fought over by the Austrians, Ottoman Turks, Germans, Croatians and Serbians the city today has a rich history. There will be a bus and walking tour during which you will see the Franciscan Monastery of St.John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and Churchs St.Philip and St.Roch. At noon cruise to Novi Sad and tour the Petrovaradin fortress. The antiquity of Novi Sad can be traced back to the Romans and Byzantines, but, it was the 13th C Tartar invasion that resulted in the building of the original fortress. Ruled by the Ottoman Turks for 160 years, from the early 16th century, the current fortress was improved and modified by the Hapsburg Austriansm (B,L,D)

DAY 14, Wed. BELGRADE, SERBIA.
This morning you arrive in the Capital of Serbia, Belgrade. This cosmopolitan city has fortifications dating back to Celtic times, medieval tombs and Turkish baths. Belgrade is the cultural and religious center of Serbia. See the home of the Patriarch and St.Sava's, the country's largest Orthodox Church. You will also see both old and new towns, Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Sq, Republic Square and Mihajlova street; as well as Belgrade Fort, "Varoš" Gate and you will also visit the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. (B,L,D)

DAY 15, Thu. CRUISING - IRON GATES.
Today is a full cruising day through impressive natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube passes through narrows gorges, as the river winds between the Carpathian Mountains on one side of the river and Balkan Mountains on the other. These natural borders make up the frontier between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)

DAY 16, Fri. VIDIN, BULGARIA.
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. You will also travel overland to see Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th century castle, located in a fairytale landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D)

DAY 17, Sat. GUIRGUI-BUCHAREST, ROMANIA.
Today enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, Capital and largest city in Romania. During the morning city tour you will see the Arch of Triumph, Soseaua Kiseleff, Athenaeum and Library, as well as visit the Parliament Palace - the world's largest palace. Followed by lunch in a typical restaurant, in the afternoon you can choose to have free time for shopping and exploration on your own or visit the open air museum, a museum dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. (B,L,D)

DAY 18, Sun. ROUSE - VELIKO TURNAVO - NESSEBAR (BULGARIA)
(disembark the ship) This morning you will disembark in Rouse and continue your tour by coach to the Black Sea and Istanbul. 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, Royal Palaces and the Patriarchal church and Baldwin's Tower. Those pax who wish to shop can instead visit Samovodska Charshia - traditional market street - You will enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing onto the Black Sea and the town of Nessebar. (B,L)

DAY 19, Mon. NESSEBAR-ISTANBUL (TURKEY)
Situated on a small peninsula, Nessebar is one of the oldest towns in Europe. It still exudes the spirit of different ages and peoples - Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Slavs, Byzantines and Bulgarians. Nessebar's greatest wealth are its many churches and the Old and the New Bishops' Residences. During this mornings walking tour you will visit St.Stephan's, Pantocrator church and the 5th-6th century Basilica on the Beach. After free time for lunch, continue to Istanbul, arriving late this afternoon. (B)

DAY 20, Tue. ISTANBUL.
Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, on the banks of the Bosphorus and natural harbour of the Golden Horn, the cities rich history goes back thousands of years. For centuries she was the world's greatest city, filled with treasures from the many Empires and peoples who have ruled her. This morning's city tour will feature the old city and the many Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of her long past. You will see the Suleymaniye Mosque and church of the Pantocrator; as well as the Galata Tower, then you will visit the Blue Mosque. Later you have the choice to explore more of Byzantine Constantinople, or see more of Ottoman Istanbul and visit the Grand Bazaar. (B,D)

DAY 21, Wed. ISTANBUL.
Today, visit the Ottoman Sultans Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every single Sultan from the 15th to the 19th century. The palace has many fine buildings, pavilions and courtyards. See the private chambers of the Sultans, the world famous Harem, treasury home to the Topkapi diamond, holy relics room, Hagia Eirene Church originally constructed by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reception rooms of the Imperial court. (B)

DAY 22, Thu. ISTANBUL
Breakfast and check -out. Optional transfer to the airport. (B)

Included Features:

• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague with daily Buffet Breakfast
• Transfer from the Hotel in Prague to the Ship in Nuremberg
• 14-night Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV Stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Fully escorted Motorcoach Tour from the Ship in Rousse, Bulgaria to Istanbul
• 1 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Nessebar at the Black Sea including daily Buffet Breakfast
• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Istanbul including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, on board Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Amalegro Bicycles to explore
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local Taxes

DEPARTURE DATES 2008 

DEPARTURE DATES 2009 

2008 Port Charges: $182 per person
2009 Port Charges: $196 per person
Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price.
Single supplement for Land: $840 per person.

Prices are per person in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom with window. To upgrade to a higher Category, add per person:
Cat.		Deck		STATEROOM		2008 Price		2009 Price
D		Piano Deck		Window		$198		$298
C		Cello Deck		French Balcony		$798		$898
B		Cello Deck		French Balcony		$998		$1198
A		Violin Deck		French Balcony		$1198		$1398
S		Violin Deck		French Balcony		$2598		$2998

NOTE: 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)

Ships Used: MS Amadagio for ship description 
and pictures click here!