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EUROPE
Splendours of Europe River Cruise - Amsterdam to Budapest
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Inclusions
Departure Dates
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The cruise and/or tour map shown is provided as a guide only.
The actual route of the cruise or tour may vary.
Tour Summary
Tour name: Splendours of Europe River Cruise - Amsterdam to Budapest
Tour code: EGFC  
Days: 15  
Overview:

  
Tour Itinerary
Day 1Arrive Amsterdam - Embarkation (HD)
Welcome to Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, a fascinating 700 year old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and cafés. This afternoon, a warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Evergreen Tours river cruise ship. After boarding, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore Amsterdam. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail reception followed by a Gala Welcome dinner.
Day 2Amsterdam – Cologne (FB,L,D)
This morning we join a glass top canal boat cruise and explore Amsterdam’s maze of canals.  Cruise past 16th century merchant houses and charming churches, dating back to Holland’s Golden Age. We continue our sightseeing with a visit to the world-famous Van Gogh Museum, containing the worlds largest collection of Van Gogh paintings, for a first hand appreciation of the Dutchman’s artistic genius.
Day 3Cologne – Koblenz (FB,L,D)
Founded by the Romans, Cologne is Germany's oldest city and is famous for its magnificent World-heritage listed Gothic Cathedral. Join your guide this morning and explore the city including the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Return to your ship for lunch and afternoon cruising along the Rhine River, past quaint villages and spectacular landscapes to the beautiful 2,000 year old townsite of Koblenz.
Day 4Koblenz - Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim (FB,L,D)
Today’s cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Keep your camera at the ready as around every bend there are stunning vistas of castles perched above steep vine-covered slopes. We’ll also pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured to their doom onto treacherous rocks by enchanted temptresses. In the afternoon we arrive at Rudesheim, one of Germany’s most popular towns. Join the “Winzerexpress” mini-train ride to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Instrument Museum, where your guided tour features displays of self-playing instruments.
Day 5Miltenberg – Wertheim (FB,L,D)
A picturesque village on the Main River, Miltenberg creates an imitable feeling of Bavarian life in medieval times and the Old Town is lined with well-preserved half-timbered buildings. The gothic Merchant Hall is an impressive symbol of past affluence created by trade from river traffic. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise onto Wertheim, a beautiful town known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people. The highlight of your afternoon will be a walk through the medieval city along its cobblestone streets and discovering the traditional methods of Wertheim’s glassblowing tradition in a private demonstration.
Day 6Würzburg (FB,L,D)
Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road", Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. After breakfast, we join our guide for a walking tour of Würzburg and visit the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, enjoy free time or take an optional tour (own expense) on the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, considered to be the best preserved medieval city in Europe.
Day 7Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Relax onboard this morning as we cruise through the Main-Danube Canal, arriving after lunch at our destination, Bamberg. Feel the magic of the past as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide today. Boasting one of Europe’s largest intact medieval town centres, Bamberg is bursting with original character and charm. At the centre of the town is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. Around 2,400 listed buildings and the centuries-old garden quarter form a special cultural heritage.
Day 8Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. This morning we explore this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. You’ll see the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle rising above the old quarter enclosed by thick walls punctuated with 80 towers. We then join a guided tour of the fascinating Nuremberg Rallies and Trial Sites which were part of the aftermath of WWII.
Day 9Weltenburg - Regensburg (FB,L,D)
This morning we embark on a motorcoach tour to the spectacular Benedictine abbey of Weltenburg, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, founded around 600 AD. The monastery’s brewery is the oldest still existing brewery in the world, and is famous for its dark ale, which is still produced by the monks.  Dating back to settlement in 500BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and its architectural gems are testament to its long history and past grandeur. Your guided tour visits the Old Chapel, the Thurn and Taxis Castle, and the medieval stone bridge across the Danube, which is a wonderful place to view the cityscape of red roofs, churches, towers, turrets and townhouses from the 12th to 14th centuries.
Day 10Passau – Linz (FB,L,D)
Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Return for lunch and afternoon cruising to Linz. After dinner, catch a night view of the town square, where baroque-era houses surround the town’s Trinity Column. You may also wish to stop for an espresso and sample the famed Linzer Torte. Today there is also the opportunity to take an optional tour (own expense) to either 1) Salzburg, birth place of Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music”, or 2) the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.
Day 11Melk – Dürnstein (FB,L,D)
Situated within Austria’s wine-growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900-year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and spectacular fresco ceilings and offers spectacular views of the Danube. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau valley and on to Durnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century.
Day 12Vienna (FB,L,D)
Vienna the “City of Waltzes”. Today, on a comprehensive half-day tour, we explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see Vienna’s world-famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. You’ll then visit the Belvedere Palace and gardens, the palace at the heart of Vienna, was once the Baroque summer residence of the renowned general and art connoisseur Prince Eugene. This afternoon is at leisure to stroll the main shopping street or as an option (own expense) a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace. This evening in you have the option (own expense) to attend a Viennese concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss.
Day 13Bratislava (FB,L,D)
Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. Set on the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, the city embodies various cultures – primarily Celtic, Roman and Slavic. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin.
Day 14Budapest (FB,L,HD)
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan cities. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex with Fishermen's Bastion and the Matthias Church, and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore more on your own. This evening enjoy a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner complete with folk dancing and music.
Day 15Disembarkation - Depart Budapest (FB)
After breakfast this morning it’s time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer* to the airport.

NOTE: On the Reverse itinerary (Budapest - Amsterdam), all tours will be included, however actual port sequence and times may vary.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary. 
Tour itinerary is valid from 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2010 and is subject to change. Enquire for itinerary details that fall outside of these dates. If you have booked on a tour please refer to the itinerary provided in your tour documentation or on Tour Personaliser for any changes that have been made.


Evergreen Tours (a division of Scenic Tours Pty Ltd)
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