MAGNIFICENT EUROPE. A river cruise between Amsterdam & Budapest aboard the MS AmaBella July to October 2016

Transcription

1 MAGNIFICENT EUROPE A river cruise between Amsterdam & Budapest aboard the MS AmaBella July to October 2016

2 Salzburg F or this journey along the Rhine and Danube, we are delighted to be working with our associates, APT who have made some cabins available for our passengers at special offer prices. This is the perfect trip for those who enjoy seeing something new every day as we sail past ever changing landscapes whilst the slow speed of the vessel allows you to absorb the views of town and country. Each port of call has its own unique character waiting to be discovered whilst on one of our guided excursions. From historic locations to iconic buildings, our itinerary is brimming with highlights including the grand cities of Vienna and Budapest, the picturesque towns along the Rhine including Miltenberg and Rudesheim and the scenic beauty of the Rhine. In addition we have arranged some exclusive experiences which include a concert and cocktail reception at Vienna s City Palace, a banquet at Burg Namedy Castle and the opportunity to spend a day on the Majestic Imperator Train between Passau and Linz stopping in Salzburg. The Danube Marvel at the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest on a guided tour and enjoy a private opera recital Witness rural life during a Hungarian farm visit Visit the newly renovated City Palace in Vienna for a Cocktail Reception and a private classical concert Experience a private rail journey aboard the luxurious Majestic Imperator Explore Namedy Castle at your leisure before a lavish royal banquet NETHERLANDS Amsterdam Rhine BELGIUM Rudesheim Cologne Bonn Miltenberg GERMANY Wurzburg THE ITINERARY Day 1 UK to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Fly by scheduled flight from your choice of UK airport (subject to availability). On arrival in Amsterdam you will be met and transferred to the MS AmaBella. This evening meet your fellow travellers at the Welcome Reception. We will be moored overnight allowing for an after dinner stroll in Amsterdam. Day 2 Amsterdam. For your exploration of Amsterdam today there will be a choice of excursions. ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Bamberg CZECH Nuremberg REPUBLIC Regensberg Durnstein SLOVAKIA Passau Esztergom Melk Vienna DANUBE AUSTRIA BEND HUNGARY Budapest Danube Perhaps take a canal cruise and admire the city from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th-century homes, churches and 16th-century merchant houses. Alternatively tour the Anne Frank Museum, located in the building where Anne Frank went into hiding and composed her famous diary during World War II. You may prefer to visit Zaanse Schans, a lovely village famous for its wooden windmills, traditional Dutch houses and specialty produce. Enjoy some time to explore and a tasting of the

3 Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna Esztergom Cologne region s cheeses before returning to your ship. We set sail this evening off along the Rhine River enjoying a Gala Welcome Dinner. Day 3 Cologne & Bonn, Germany. We enter Germany today and cruise into Cologne, a city centred around the twin spires of its famous cathedral. Take a locally guided tour or explore the Fragrance Museum, the birthplace of Eau de Cologne. Alternatively, travel to Bonn and explore the city with a guide or discover the Bonn Botanic Gardens and enjoy a presentation from the gardeners. Later, rejoin your ship in Bonn and cruise to Andernach for an exclusive visit to Namedy Castle. This 14th-century residence is home to Princess Heide von Hohenzollern who has opened the doors of her castle exclusively for our group. Enjoy some free time to wander about the castle s rooms, hidden nooks and grounds at your leisure, then savour a lavish banquet in the ballroom, accompanied by a classical piano recital. Day 4 Rudesheim. Approach the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River today, where crumbling ruins cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides are marked with perfectly planted vineyards. We will moor in Rudesheim and take a trip aboard the Winzerexpress mini-train to the town centre. Perhaps tour Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to the world s most beautiful collection of automated musical instruments. Alternatively, take in views over the Rhine Valley as you travel in a gondola to the Niederwald Monument. Day 5 Miltenberg. Witness the skilful art of glass-blowing onboard as we cruise toward the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg this morning. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town is much like a time capsule revealing old-world village life, remarkably preserved buildings and lively town squares. A local guide will take you on a special discovery of the town including a stroll along the winding cobblestone lanes. Explore the charming half-timbered shops, mingle with friendly residents and sample some delicious local fare along the way. Day 6 Wurzburg. The architectural beauty of Wurzburg is on show today as you stroll through the city to the Wurzburg Residence, an 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Wurzburg. Inside, marvel at intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo. If you prefer, take a journey along the Romantic Road, one of Germany s original holiday routes. Today, this beautiful thoroughfare takes you to the Medieval town of Rothenburg where we will stop for a guided tour. Day 7 Bamberg. Arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another of the few German cities that wasn t destroyed during World War II. Explore the Old Town with a guide to discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the River Regnitz. Alternatively, after a walking tour, visit a local brew house and sample a selection of the city s famous beers. Then rejoin your ship to cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas and is recognised as a feat of modern engineering. Day 8 Nuremberg. Discover Nuremberg on a choice of guided tours today. A guided city tour will include a selection of World War II sites, such as the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler s now infamous rallies held annually from 1927 to Discover spectacular Medieval architecture, including the 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and more. Alternatively, step back in time at the Faber-Castell Old Lead Factory Museum, where a unique guided tour brings the industrial history of the 19th century to life. Back on board, sample some freshly baked gingerbread before continuing along the Main-Danube Canal. Day 9 Regensburg. Today we will moor alongside one of Germany s best-preserved Medieval cities, Regensburg, standing at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers. On a guided tour of the city s highlights, see such sites as the iconic Old Town Hall, the World Heritage-listed city centre, and the remains of the ancient Romanesque fortress walls, including Germany s most ancient stone building, the Porta Pretoria. You will also see the historic Stone Bridge, which gracefully arches across the water. Day 10 Passau to Salzburg & Linz, Austria, by private train. Today, an exquisite private rail journey aboard the Majestic Imperator reveals the legacy of the once powerful Habsburg Empire as you travel from Passau to Linz. Step aboard and be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine, then be wrapped in a warm welcome and transported to another era. Wander through the elegant carriages taking in artworks and furnishings that once belonged to the Imperial family, including a section of curtain from the Vienna State Opera and the original mirror from Empress Elisabeth of Austria s salon carriage. Relax amid luxurious surrounds and savour refreshments while you wind your way through graceful alpine countryside. Disembark in Salzburg where a city tour includes some of the sights from the classic film, The Sound of Music. Re-board the Majestic Imperator and mingle with your fellow passengers as you are entertained by live music en-route to Linz. Day 11 Melk & Durnstein. Cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley wine region today. We will

4 Wachau Valley Bamberg Miltenberg Amsterdam disembark in Melk for a guided tour of Melk Abbey which is perched spectacularly on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Alternatively, join a local guide for a tour of the town. You may then choose to ride a bicycle along the banks of the Danube River from Melk to Durnstein or rejoin your ship and cruise to Durnstein. On arrival explore Durnstein s cobblestone lanes at your leisure and perhaps view the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was -imprisoned in Day 13 Vienna. On our second day in Vienna there will be a choice of excursions. Perhaps tour Schonbrunn Palace, the former Rococo summer residence of the imperial family. Wander through its lush, manicured gardens and marvel at sculptures representing deities and virtues. Alternatively, join an excursion to Bratislava, the diverse capital of nearby Slovakia. A mixture of 18th-century Rococo design and more modern communist architecture, it is a city of complex contrasts. Or, you may prefer to explore the Fine Arts Museum and see impressive works from the old masters. Day 14 Esztergom & Budapest, Hungary. Dock at Esztergom, set on the edge of the Danube River, and head into the countryside for a traditional Hungarian farm experience. Learn about rural life on a wagon tour of the farm, experience a daring horse show from Magyar cowboys and then savour a goulash lunch accompanied by gypsy music. We will continue overland to Budapest where a city tour offers a thrilling discovery. See Buda Castle, the Royal Palace, Fisherman s Bastion and more before we visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a tour, a glass of sparkling wine and a private opera recital. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner and twilight cruise this evening. Day 15 Budapest to UK. Disembark after breakfast and return to your choice of UK airport by scheduled flight. Day 12 Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, Austria s capital, home to striking architecture, a rich classical musical culture and vibrant cafes. Take in a number of the city s most important landmarks during an orientation tour along the Ringstrasse, Vienna s famous ring boulevard officially opened by Emperor Franz Joseph on May 1, We will then visit the Spanish Riding School to witness the Lipizzan horses during a morning practice session. This evening, your third Royal Invitation awaits at the princely family of Liechtenstein s City Palace in the heart of the city. Attend an exclusive Cocktail Reception and a private concert featuring members of the acclaimed Mozart Boys Choir, a full orchestra performing classical masterpieces by Strauss and Mozart, and breathtaking arias. In keeping with typical Viennese tradition, the evening concludes with a performance of the Radetzky March DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy 16th*, 30th July; 13th*, 27th August; 10th*, 24th September; 8th October* Cat Cabin Description Deck E Twin cabin with window Piano deck D Twin cabin with window Piano deck C Twin cabin with French Balcony Cello deck B+ Twin cabin with French Balcony Violin deck T Twin cabin with French & Outside Balcony Cello deck T+ Twin cabin with French & Outside Balcony Cello/Violin deck P Twin cabin with French & Outside Balcony Cello deck P+ Twin cabin with French & Outside Balcony Cello/Violin deck OS Twin cabin with French & Outside Balcony Violin deck OS+ Twin cabin with French & Outside Balcony Violin deck Prices for sole use are available on request FLIGHTS: We are delighted to be able to offer a wide choice of regional flights in-conjunction with this tour. Please advise which airport you would like to travel from at the time of booking and we will confirm if there is flight availability. REVERSE ITINERARY: Please note that the departure dates marked with an asterisk operate in the reverse direction to that shown, from Budapest to Amsterdam. Itinerary can be viewed online at Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 14 nights aboard the MS AmaBella on full board basis, beverages onboard throughout the cruise (excluding champagne & premium wines & spirits), shore excursions as described, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes, gratuities. Not Included: Travel insurance. +44 (0)

5 MS AMABELLA Launched in 2010, the MS AmaBella accommodates a maximum of 161 passengers in a high level of comfort with spacious public areas and the added benefit of up to seven different dining experiences, including the intimate Wine Room and the Chef s Table. While onboard you will be looked after by a team of experienced staff. Whilst on tours, expert English-speaking local guides will accompany you adding insider insights into the local culture, architecture and traditions of the regions you are visiting. The vessel is renowned for its high standards of service on board and the added inclusion of drinks throughout the cruise, as well as all gratuities makes for all-round ease and enjoyment. The captain and crew boast great expertise, and they will work tirelessly to ensure your safety and comfort while on your cruise. The exceptional hospitality staff, meanwhile, have been selected for more than just their undeniable skills, bringing to the ship vast knowledge and experience that you will benefit from. Whether pouring you a drink, preparing a gourmet delight, turning down your suite or staffing the Reception Desk, they perform their roles with a genuine enthusiasm for providing the ultimate in first-class service. YOUR CABIN All staterooms are spacious ranging in size from 170 square feet to the Owner s Suite + at 350 square feet. All feature outside views and with the exception of the cabins on the Piano deck, all feature either a French Balcony or both French & outside balconies. In each stateroom there is a sitting area with table and chair; a custom-designed queen or twin-size DreamBed; an Infotainment System with box office movies, music and TV; a personal computer and included wireless internet; a spacious ensuite with a hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers and toiletries; a large wardrobe, safe and full-length mirror; and individual climate control. Additionally, all suites are serviced twice daily, bottled water is supplied daily and a laundry and pressing service is available. PRIVATE BUTLER SERVICE The onboard butler service offers guests in many suite categories additional personalised attention. Silver Butler Service: Includes pressing of two garments a day; shoe shining; tea & coffee service; booking of appointments and is available to guests in Cat. T+ and P suites. Gold Butler Service: Includes pressing of two garments a day; shoe shining; tea & coffee service; booking of appointments, service of afternoon fruit skewers, pre-dinner canapés and evening petits-fours; a packing and unpacking service and is available to guests in categories P+, OS and OS+. YOUR SPACE The wide range of sophisticated and stylish onboard recreational areas are the perfect place in which to unwind. The expansive Sun Deck is the ideal area to enjoy a cocktail and take in uninterrupted 360 views of Europe s heartland. It features comfortable lounge chairs, a walking track and retractable shaded roofing. There is also a small heated pool on the Sun Deck. The well-stocked onboard Library holds a selection of books and games to choose from and for guests Bar wishing to rejuvenate, the Wellness Centre offers you a place to both relax and indulge, boasting a range of cardiovascular equipment, as well as massage and hair styling services. Additional onboard facilities include the stylish Main Lounge with comfortable sofas, floor-toceiling windows and an expansive bar, while the Observation Lounge is perfect for taking in the approaching sights. For entertainment, including lectures, demonstrations and performances, the Main Lounge transforms into an elegant Showroom. There is also an onboard boutique and the reassurance of a Reception Desk that s staffed 24 hours a day. In addition there is complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout public areas. YOUR DINING Dining on board is a leisurely and friendly experience, a time to relax with friends and appreciate the flavours of Europe. Using fresh produce from local suppliers, each meal is prepared by onboard chefs who are constantly striving to excite guests with new and creative gastronomic experiences. Your day begins with a hearty buffet breakfast, including eggs cooked to your liking and sparkling wine. Lunch comprises of a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, complemented by à la carte options. Each evening, meanwhile, be treated to a beautiful five-course à la carte dinner. Every morning, an early risers breakfast is available, while throughout the day you can

6 Lounge D cabin SUN DECK Twin cabin with French & Outside Balcony Putting Green Walking Track Heate take advantage of the fresh, made-to-order delights that await at the River Bistro, located in the Main Lounge. Afternoon tea is served daily and each evening, tasty late-night snacks will be served. European teas and coffee are available 24 hours a day. environment, but still always free to explore at VIOLIN your own pace. DECK Meticulously organised excursions Massage & make Hair Salon the most of the fascinating places you have come to see and for those Chef s who Table seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the sun deck or simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. The vessel is equipped with more than two dozen bicycles Cat. Aand plenty of safety helmets that are free for you to use. The bicycles give you the freedom to venture out and explore the riverside bikeways In addition the vessel features the intimate Chef s Table restaurant, a speciality restaurant where you can observe the chef as he prepares an array of delicious dishes. Guests are allocated one sitting each per week so all can experience the fine dining here at no extra cost. As part of your all-inclusive nature of the cruise, complimentary beverages are served throughout the entire day, including juices, quality espresso coffees, fine teas, spirits, regional beer and wine (excluding Champagne and premium spirits). In suites with mini-bars, these beverages are also complimentary. LIFE ON BOARD The atmosphere onboard is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English speaking SUN DECK Fitness Centre & Sauna Engine Room Putting Green CELLO DECK VIOLIN DECK Massage & Hair Salon Chef s Table Fitness Centre & Sauna Cruise Director Cruise Director CELLO DECK Engine PIANO Room DECK No Lift Access Crew Cabins CAT OS+ CAT OS CAT P+ CAT P CAT T+ CAT T CAT B CAT C CAT D 225 PIANO DECK No Lift Access CAT E Crew Cabins Walking Track Heated Pool Elevator 215 Reception Elevator CAT OS+ CAT OS CAT P+ CAT P CAT T+ CAT T CAT B+ CAT C CAT D Wine Room CAT E Gift Shop Library Bridge River Bistro Bella Cucina Verde Fine Dining Lower Sun Deck Bicycles Main Lounge & Bar Kitchen Teak Front Deck Observation Lounge Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Regensburg _P