Magnificent Europe Rhine and Danube Cruises
2012
From Amsterdam To Budapest in 15  Days or Budapest to Amsterdam in 15 Days

Rhine and Danube cruise #1

2012 ITINERARY AND PRICES

DAY 1, ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND – 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 guided canal boat tour. Then enjoy a panoramic city tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at a Windmill, followed by free time. (B,L,D)

DAY 3, DÜSSELDORF – COLOGNE, GERMANY
Arrive in Düsseldorf this morning and take a motor coach to Venlo, where you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo. Bringing together more than 100 exhibitors from dozens of countries, the Floriade Expo grounds will feature fi ve themed zones connected by wooded areas. Each of the zones contains its own horticultural exhibits, cultural attractions, activities, restaurant, music, dance and theatrical performances. Late this afternoon, travel to Cologne, where your ship is now docked. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the old part of the city and a visit to the fabled 13th-century gothic cathedral. As an alternative to a walking tour, take a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). Late tonight, the ship departs for Rüdesheim (B,L,D)

DAY 4, RÜDESHEIM
Today, sail through the magnificent Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and the famous Lorelei Rock. After lunch, arrive in Rüdesheim and take a mini train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns, and restaurants during your free time. Late this afternoon, the ship departs for Miltenberg. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, 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 see the historic city center followed by free time to explore the town on your own. A guided bicycle tour of Wertheim is also available (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

DAY 6, WÜRZBURG – 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. Or enjoy a scenic bike ride from Würzburg to Kitzingen (capacity controlled). After dinner on board enjoy an evening walk and wine tasting in Kitzingen, at Germany’s oldest wine cellar. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, BAMBERG
Arrive this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided walking tour of this medieval gem and 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. You will also sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer before continuing your cruise 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, which includes 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 - gates to a Roman fort built in 179 AD. In the alternative, visit the Audi Factory in Ingolstadt, where a member of the Audi team will take you on a guided tour of the Audi Car Museum or Factory Floor (subject to availability). In the evening, enjoy a music performance on board. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, PASSAU, AUSTRIA
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau for a walking tour. Explore this 2,000-year-old city at the confluence of three rivers (the Danube, Inn, and Ilz), which is noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. Or join the optional excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” Those staying on board can enjoy a scenic journey to Linz, Austria. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, MELK – DÜRNSTEIN
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. After lunch, enjoy a scenic cruise through the lovely Wachau Valley, dotted with castles, to Dürnstein. Marvel at the magnifi cent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and high above town. You will also enjoy a wine tasting, where you will sample several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. A guided bicycle tour from Melk to Dürnstein is also available (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

DAY 12, VIENNA
Savor the baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during your guided sightseeing tour, including the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to sightsee on your own. In the alternative, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. 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 13, VIENNA – BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising to Bratislava followed by your choice of a “Communist Tour” in which you will discover architectural landmarks and experience the history of the city. In the alternative, enjoy a walking tour of Bratislava, which reveals the city’s major sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. 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 spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen’s Basilica. This afternoon, an optional excursion is available, which will take you back to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner before the ship sails a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)

DAY 15, DEPART BUDAPEST
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer (optional) to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
 

REVERSE ITINERAY
 

DAY 1, ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Arrive in Budapest and optional transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. (D)

DAY 2, 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. This afternoon, an optional excursion is available, which will take you back to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner before the ship sails a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)

DAY 3, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising to Bratislava followed by your choice of a “Communist Tour” in which you will discover architectural landmarks and experience the history of the city. In the alternative, enjoy a walking tour of Bratislava, which reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. After dinner you can enjoy an enchanting music performance on board, (B,L,D)

DAY 4, VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during your guided sightseeing tour, including the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to sightsee on your own. In the alternative, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. 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 5, DÜRNSTEIN – MELK
Early this morning, reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Dürnstein and marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. You will also enjoy a wine tasting, where you will sample several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. 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 6, LINZ – PASSAU, GERMANY
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, where you will have the choice of two different excursions. The first choice is an optional excursion to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. The tour includes a visit to the Mirabell Gardens, Salzburg Cathedral, Mozart’s Square, and much more. In the alternative, remain on the ship and cruise through scenic Upper Austria to Passau. Located where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube, this 2,000-year-old city is noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. A walking tour of Passau will take you along the cobblestone streets of Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, 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. In the alternative, visit the Audi Factory in Ingolstadt, where a member of the Audi team will take you on a guided tour of the Audi Car Museum or Factory Floor (subject to availability). The museum not only takes visitors on a tour of the entire history of the car, but also provides a fascinating look back at the 20th century with its radical changes. In the evening, enjoy a music performance on board. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, 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 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, which includes the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, BAMBERG – SCHWEINFURT
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of the enchanting town of Bamberg, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. See the Cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and explore serpentine streets lined with charming houses. Sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer before continuing your cruise to Schweinfurt. Later you can enjoy a free evening in Schweinfurt. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, KITZINGEN – WÜRZBURG
This morning you will arrive in Kitzingen. On your walking tour, you’ll see the famous Leaning Tower, built during the 13th century, the Old Main Bridge, Kitzingen Church and the Renaissance Town Hall. Later, the Aulic Council and Wine Queen will welcome you to Germany’s oldest wine cellar. You will taste several different wines, learning first-hand about wine history and production in the region. In the afternoon, you will have a choice of three different tours. You can choose the Würzburg Tour and Residenz visit, during which you will see the major sights, including the Residenz Palace and gardens, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of Europe’s foremost examples of Baroque architecture and design. In the alternative, take a guided bike tour from Kitzengen to Würzburg (capacity controlled) or enjoy an optional tour to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. Your walking tour includes entrance to the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, WERTHEIM – MILTENBERG
This morning, you will tour Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. The town has retained much of its medieval Franconian character, which you will discover on your walking tour of the historic city center. In the alternative, a guided bike tour from Wertheim (capacity controlled) will take you along the Main River Valley. 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 12, RÜDESHEIM – 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 13, COLOGNE – KREFELD
Arrive in Cologne this morning, where you will enjoy a walking tour of Old Town and Cathedral Square. You will visit the spectacular 13th-century Gothic cathedral whose twin spires are amongst the tallest in Europe. Afterwards, you will have free time to linger in the cathedral, browse the many nearby shops or perhaps enjoy a glass of Kölsch, Cologne’s famous beer. Return to the ship for lunch. Late this afternoon, take a motor coach to Venlo, where you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo. Bringing together more than 100 exhibitors from dozens of countries, the Floriade Expo grounds will feature five themed zones connected by wooded areas. Each of the zones contains its own horticultural exhibits, cultural attractions, activities, restaurant, music, dance and theatrical performances. Return to the ship this evening, now docked in Krefeld. (B,L,D)

DAY 14, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then, enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see the great landmarks of Amsterdam including a photo stop at a windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

DAY 15, AMSTERDAM – USA
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and optional transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
 

Included features:

• 14 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies (Twin Balconies on select vessels)
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Multiple Dining Venues on select vessels
• Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Special Highlights including Lectures, Theme Dinners, Cooking Demonstration, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Manager
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local Taxes

† Itinerary slightly modified

††  15-night itinerary; disembark on Jan. 4, 2012

Port Charges: $294 per person

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price.

Prices are per person in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom with window.
To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person:
 

NOTE: Children are not accepted.

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)
 

    Ms Amalegro Amadolce Amalyra Amacerto AmaBella cruiseship description