Magnificent Europe 2013 (Amsterdam to Budapest)

Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)
Holland’s delightful 700-year-old capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception.(D)

Day 2 Amsterdam
There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. Afterward, your river cruise vessel sets sail for Cologne.(B,L,D)

Day 3 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne.(B,L,D)

Day 4 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim
The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM in pretty Rüdesheim. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse.(B,L,D)

Day 5 Miltenberg
Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall shown to you during your guided sightseeing. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty.(B,L,D)

Day 6 Würzburg
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significance.(B,L,D)

Day 7 Bamberg
Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site The World Heritage List includes over 800 properties with cultural and/or natural heritage of global significanceis medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions.(B,L,D)

Day 8 Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working.(B,L,D)

Day 9 Regensburg
One of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg’s architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS.(B,L,D)

Day 10 Passau–Linz, Austria
Ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, Passau is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses one of the world’s largest organs with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights.(B,L,D)

Day 11 Melk–Dürnstein–Vienna
Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. Dürnstein, known for the baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.(B,L,D)

Day 12 Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available tonight.(B,L,D)

Day 13 Bratislava, Slovakia
Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace, as well as gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL, should not be missed.(B,L,D)

Day 14 Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the impressive sights you’ll see on your included tour. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika.(B,L,D)

Day 15 Budapest (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)

• CRUISE: Deluxe 14-night cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• AMSTERDAM: Welcome reception; canal cruise
• COLOGNE: Guided walk
• RHINE GORGE: Cruise through the gorge
• RÜDESHEIM: Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum; special treat
• MILTENBERG: Guided walk; baking demonstration
• WÜRZBURG: Guided sightseeing, visit the Bishop’s Residenz
• BAMBERG: Guided sightseeing, see the Old Town Hall
• MAIN DANUBE CANAL: Cruise in the canal
• NUREMBERG: Guided sightseeing
• REGENSBURG: Guided sightseeing; beer tasting
• PASSAU: Guided walk
• MELK: Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey
• DÜRNSTEIN: Guided walk, see the Stiftskirche
• VIENNA: Guided sightseeing
• BRATISLAVA: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral
• BUDAPEST: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion

See the highlights of Central Europe on this enchanting river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest. Guided sightseeing in each city shows you the highlights, with a cruise through the scenic canals of Amsterdam and through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the legendary Lorelei rock. Spend time in magnificent Cologne, the charming wine village of Rüdesheim, and magical Vienna. Attend an authentic baking demonstration in Miltenberg, wine tasting in Austria’s Wachau Valley, and a beer tasting in Nuremberg. Also enjoy inside visits of Würzburg’s Bishop’s Residenz, the phenomenal Benedictine Abbey in Melk, St. Martin’s Cathedral in Bratislava, and imposing Fishermen’s Bastion in Budapest. While on board, be sure to have your camera ready to capture the scenic beauty, quaint towns, fascinating architecture, and historic buildings dotting the landscape as you sail along.

• Superb dining with meals on board featuring full breakfast (B) with complimentary sparkling wine, lunch (L) with complimentary soft drinks, and dinner (D) including complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks; a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements.
• Deluxe cruise in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds.
• Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
• Headsets for shore excursions.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
• Personalized room options & excursions.

Cruising: outside stateroom onboard Avalon Expression, Avalon Panorama, Avalon Tranquility, Avalon Visionary, or Avalon Vista

• Cabin upgrades available.
• Port charges of $252 are not included.
• Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package, at the price quoted.