Grand Danube Cruise

Grand Danube Cruise – Ms Amalegro

Prague, Nuremberg, Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest, Black Sea, Istanbul

Itinerary

DAY 1, Wed: ISTANBUL
Arrive Istanbul, transfer to hotel. Hosted Welcome Desk at the hotel.
Three Night Stay: Istanbul, Ritz Carlton Hotel.

DAY 2, Thu: ISTANBUL
Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, on the banks of the Bosphorus and natural harbour of the Golden Horn; the Black Sea to it’s north and Sea of Marmara, the entrance to the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea’s, to the south. Formerly Constantinople, capital of Byzantium and as Istanbul capital of the Ottoman Empire, 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 comprehensive city tour will feature the old city of Istanbul, the many Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of her long past. You will see the mighty defensive walls, Roman aqueduct and hippodrome; 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 see more of Byzantine Constantinople and visit one of Christendoms greatest church St.Sophia, or explore more of Ottoman Istanbul and visit the Grand Bazaar.
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DAY 3, Fri: ISTANBUL
Today visit the Ottoman Sultans Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every single Sultan from the time of the conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century till the end of the 19th century. The palace has many fine buildings, pavilions and courtyard. During your tour you will 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.
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DAY 4, Sat: ISTANBUL-NESSEBUR (BULGARIA)
This morning you will leave Istanbul bound for the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, Nessebur. Situated on a small peninsula Nessebur 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. Nessebur’s greatest wealth are its many churches: the Old Bishop’s Residence in an early Byzantine style (4th-5th c.), the New Bishops Residence (St. Stephan’s), containing valuable 12-th century murals, the Christ Pantocrator and Aliturgetos churches (13-th -14th c.). Nessebur’s National Revival houses with stone foundations and broad wooden eaves, overhanging narrow cobbled lanes leading right into the sea, are also remarkably beautiful. During this mornings walking tour you will visit St.Stephan’s, Pantocrator church and Nessebur’s oldest church the 5th-6th century Basilica on the Beach.
Stay: Nessebur.
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DAY 5, Sun: NESSEBUR-VELIKO TURNAVO-ROUSSE (embark the ship)
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. Passengers who wish to shop can instead visit Samovodska Charshia, a traditional market street. You will enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing onto the Rousse, the Danube Port city, where you will embark your ship.
14 night cruise: Board your elegant ship ms Amalegro
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DAY 6, Mon: GIURGIU-BUCHAREST (ROMANIA)
Today enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, capital and largest city in Romania, this “Paris of the Eastâ€? is famed for it’s Belle Epoque era buildings dating from the 19th century. The French influence is paramount in many of the restored buildings of the former aristocracy and monarchy. The post war communist era of grandiose architecture is brought home by the world’s second largest building, the Parliament Palace. 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 Palace of Mogosoaia, the former home of a Romanian Prince.
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DAY 7, Tue: VIDIN (BULGARIA)
Today you will enjoy a leisurely day cruising the Danube, arriving in the late afternoon in Vidin. 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.
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DAY 8, Wed: CRUISING – IRON GATES
Today is a full cruising day through one of Europe’s most 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 today make up the frontier between Serbia and Romania.
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DAY 9, Thu: BELGRADE (SERBIA)
This morning you arrive in the Capital of Serbia, Belgrade. The “white city – Bel Gradâ€? dates back more than 2500 years. Located at the strategic meeting point of the Danube and Sava Rivers, this truly cosmopolitan city has fortifications dating back to Celtic times, medieval tombs and Turkish baths. Belgrade is the cultural and religious center of Serbia. The Old Town streets are lined with 19th century buildings from the period of Serbian independence. The home of the Patriarch and St.Sava’s, the largest Orthodox Church in the country will all been seen during the city tour. You will see both old and new towns. Tito’s memorial, the Town Hall, Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Sq, Republic Sq. and Mihajlova street; as well as Belgrade Fort, “VaroÅ¡" Gate and visit the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress.
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DAY 10, Fri: NOVI SAD -VUKOVAR (CROATIA & SERBIA)
Novi Sad is dominated by its huge fortress of Petrovaradin, guarding the Danube. Its commanding position faces the Fruska Gora Mountains on one side and Danube River below. 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 Austrians. You will tour the fortress before cruising during lunch to Vukovar, Croatia. 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 sightseeing tour by bus and foot during which you will see the Franciscan Monastery of St.John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and Churchs St.Philip and St.Roch. The Danube makes up the boundary between Serbia on one side and Croatia on the other. Tonight you will be entering the European Union as you arrive in Hungary.
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DAY 11, Sat: MOHACS – PECS EXCURSION (HUNGARY)
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. The area around Pecs is made up of rolling hills, similar to Tuscany. The vine clad slopes and modest climate all combine to give the city a distinctly Mediterranean feel. 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 tales of old Pecs brought alive by the local guides.
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DAY 12, Sun: BUDAPEST
The Puszta, is the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world; the vast flat Great Hungarian Plain, stretching across to the east, 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 warm hospitality, brandy and scones. You can take a ride in an Ox-cart, see a typical Gypsy village and will marvel at the equestrian skills of the riders and drivers during the horse show. There will be a light lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to Budapest. OR Arrive in Budapest this morning and enjoy a sightseeing tour, which includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvellous Royal Palace and much more.
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Day 13, Mon. VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
Relax on board today as you cruise to Vienna, arriving late this afternoon in the “City of Music.� Tonight explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.
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Day 14, Tue. VIENNA.
A wonderful day to savour the baroque elegance of romantic Vienna. A guided sightseeing tour includes the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy a free afternoon to stroll along Kärtnerstrasse or sample Vienna’s famous pastries. Tonight explore the vibrant capital on your own or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.
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Day 15, Wed. DÃœRNSTEIN – MELK.
Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Dürnstein and marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you’ll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. At lunchtime, continue on a short cruise to Melk. A guided tour takes you to the town’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. An evening wine tasting highlights your visit to the Wachau Valley.
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Day 16, Thu. LINZ – PASSAU, GERMANY.
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and the Sound of Music sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. In Passau the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago.
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Day 17, Fri. REGENSBURG.
Afternoon arrival 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 Pretoria – gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore entertainers will come on board for your delight.
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Day 18, Sat. NUREMBERG.
This morning enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. See the storybook 900-year old ramparts that surround this historic city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg.
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Day 19, Sun. NUREMBERG –PILZEN, CZECH REPUBLIC – PRAGUE.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Prague. Your first stop is Pilzen, world famous for beer. There is free time for lunch before continuing on to Prague and the hotel.
Three Night Stay: Prague, Renaissance Hotel.
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Day 20, Mon. PRAGUE.
This morning’s sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities. Visit the thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and Golden Lane, then walk through the Jewish quarter to the Old Market Square. The evening is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafés or restaurants.
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Day 21 Tue. PRAGUE.
Today is a free day, relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. Another consideration is to travel further afield and take the optional tour or two. This morning why not join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII labour camp, now a memorial to those who perished. In the afternoon you can venture to Konopiste, former home of the Emperors.
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Day 22, Wed. DEPART PRAGUE.
Bid farewell to Prague after breakfast before your return flight home.
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What’s Included

Inclusions

• City tours of Nuremberg and Prague
• Walking tour of Passau and Regensburg
• Evening walk Linz
• Tour Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey
• Sightseeing tours of Vienna and Budapest
• Budapest, Puszta excursion
• Mohacs, excursion to Pecs
• City tours of Vukovar, Belgrade and Vidin
• Visit Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad
• Bucharest excursion & city tour
• Veliko Turnavo, visit Tsarevets Hill
• Nessebur, walking tour
• Istanbul city tour & Topkapi Palace

Finest Dining

• Daily breakfasts in Prague, Nessebur and Istanbul; one dinner in Istanbul
• All meals included whilst on board the ship
• Cocktail reception and Welcome Dinner
• Quality wines with dinner
• Special highlights including folklore performances, wine tastings, lectures, theme dinners, local festivities and on board music performances

Outstanding Places to Stay

• 14 night cruise on board the ms Amalegro in an outside cabin
• On board amenities including bicycles, elevator, fitness centre, massage & beauty salon and shop
• Non-smoking ship (smoking only on Sun Deck)

Additional Information

• Single supplement available on application
• Tour Notes. Port charges – add A$285 per person
• Arrival/Departure Transfers on first and last day of package – add A$140 per person
• All departures are guaranteed
• Cruise Upgrades available Contact Us for further details
• Cruise operated in conjunction with Amadeus Waterways

Earlybird Savings

• Ask about our Early Booking discounts on cruises and airfares

The APT Difference

• Services of a professional Cruise Manager
• All English language on board
• 6-star service and facilities
• APT Ownership

Air$aver Airfares

• Enquire about our great airfares to Europe

Additional Information

• Europe River Cruising pdf
• Europe – What to Bring pdf
• Europe – While on Tour pdf
• Europe Travel Documents pdf
• Europe 0708 ms Amalegro Deckplan