Thinking of European a river cruise? Ask a LOT of questions!

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1 Thinking of European a river cruise? Ask a LOT of questions! Mosel River How much cruising is at night and what do I miss? What happens with low bridges and low and high water conditions that restrict the ships movement? Our longer journeys moor overnight in lovely villages and you miss nothing! Do you go to Europe to see it, or sleep through it? Our intimate, 2 deck Da Vinci is not as tall as the higher 3 deck boats, so you easily glide below the many low bridges and enjoy uninterrupted, 360 views on the sun deck. We charter our own river boat so we control even the smallest details Families working with families Proudly flying the Canadian flag Fewer guests More personal space All English language 100% non-smoking, including the sun deck and entry Enjoy our long relationships with the best local guides Quality cannot be discounted. 26

2 Slow down. Relax. Experience more. We rarely cruise at night. Instead of missing Europe at night, the Da Vinci is moored and our guests spend time in intimate villages, chatting with the locals. You miss nothing! Most other river cruise itineraries travel great distances over fewer days, so they must cruise all night, every night and guests sleep through some incredible scenery. Perhaps it s not what you see, but what you miss by cruising at night that s important. We take the time to show you places you know and many more you never dreamed of. A leisurely, relaxing mixture of scenic cruising and interesting shore visits every day, and quiet evenings moored in unique cities, towns and villages. Visit us online: 27

3 The challenge of changing water levels Da Vinci Don t let high and low water levels negatively affect your river cruise experience. Da Vinci: 90 passengers, minimum draft: 1.3m 3 passenger deck design: passengers, minimum draft: 1.6m Long Boats: 190 Passengers, minimum draft: 2.0m Europe s fabled waterways are affected more each year by this challenging reality. High water in the spring and fall and low water in summer creates havoc for river cruise passengers on larger river boats as they become stranded all along the river. On the Da Vinci, your experience is rarely interrupted. Our shallower draft enables you to continue sailing during low water. A lower overall height enables you to sail under low bridges during high water. Best of all, you are never asked to leave the Sun Deck, giving you a 360 experience, all day, every day. This is impossible on taller three deck boats. 28 Low bridges as experienced from the Sun Deck of the Da Vinci. Low bridges as experienced on a three deck vessel. European River cruising as it was meant to be!

4 European river cruising as it should be Our private river boat, the Da Vinci, caters to just 90 guests. Explore the European Waterways, sailing under the Canadian Flag. The Da Vinci, simply superior. Best Value in Europe add up all the extras found elsewhere and our value is incomparable. Truly all inclusive the fare you see includes most everything. Your journey begins and ends at your door. The Da Vinci is 100% non smoking, including the Sun Deck and entryways. Longer journeys so you rarely cruise at night. Do you go to Europe to see it, or sleep through it? Enjoy a leisurely combination of beautiful cruising and enchanting shore visits each day. Overnight in lovely villages each evening. A two deck river boat offers huge advantages over larger, taller three deck boats. Our Sun Deck is never closed. The Da Vinci glides under all bridges. (see diagram on page 28) 360 views, all day, every day. You experience all the scenery, not half. High water won t turn your cruise into a coach tour. Low water rarely interrupts your experience with our shallower draft. Fares in Canadian funds. All commentary in English. Visit us online: 29

5 Bavaria, Austria and Budapest 32 The best of the Main River, Main Danube canal and Danube! August 6 22, 2018 August 6 26, 2018 with Prague (page 38) Possibly the greatest river cruise in Europe, made possible in 1992 by the completion of the Main Danube Canal. The highlights of this cruise are many. Experience the former kingdom of Franconia, Bavaria, Upper Austria and the beautiful Wachau Valley, the Puszta and Budapest in Hungary and of course Bratislava, capital of Slovakia to name just a few. Best of all you experience everything and miss nothing. Cruising through the most beautiful areas of central Europe during the day, exploring all the highlights you have dreamed about and spend the nights moored in new found favourites. You deserve the best! Your 17-Day Journey Day 1 Bound for Europe You are greeted at Toronto airport and we assist with your check in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow travellers and board your flights. Day 2 Karlstadt and Würzburg Enjoy the 360 views from the sun deck as you cruise from Karlstadt to Würzburg. Overnight Würzburg Day 3 The beautiful gardens of Würzburg In Würzburg, your local guides share the Residenz Hof Kirche, its beautiful gardens and local culture during your walking tour. Free time here enables you to discover hidden secrets. This afternoon a lovely river cruise brings you to Schweinfurt. Overnight Schweinfurt Day 4 Bamberg, a 10th century city, Bavarian beer tasting In Bamberg, your local guides regale you in the beauty of this 10th century city. Discover the Cathedral Neue Residenz, its rose garden and the spectacular Old Town. Indulge in the local speciality during our Bavarian Beer Experience on board with our local expert. Overnight Bamberg Day 5 Nürnberg, Bratwurst and the Main Danube Canal A fairy tale castle stands watch over Nürnberg, one of the greatest German imperial cities that has become the crown jewel along the Pegnitz River. Your Nürnberg guides share its castle legends and the gorgeous medieval town square where you can spin the ring on the Schöner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) for good luck. Overnight Nürnberg Day 6 The Altmühl Valley and Riedenburg Discover the beauty of the Altmühl Valley with our 360 views from our sun deck. This is the heart of Bavaria and one of the most scenic parts of river cruising in Germany. Instead of cruising through at night, your journey spends two days absorbing what many guests say is a highlight. Overnight Riedenburg, in the heart of the Altmühl Valley Day 7 Regensburg A lovely river cruise through the spectacular Altmühl Valley to medieval Regensburg. Your local guides walk you through this medieval city which many Bavarians consider one of the best kept secrets of Germany. We stay overnight so you can go ashore and spend some time with the locals. Overnight Regensburg

6 Anniversary Celebration save $1,000 per guest * Day 8 Captivating Passau Enjoy more of our 360 views from the sun deck as we cruise to the lovely city of Passau. One of our favourite places, Passau is sure to delight you. Our downtown mooring and no overnight cruising gives you unlimited access to the true culture of this town in the evening with the friendly locals. Overnight Passau Day 9 Breathtaking scenery in Austria Depart Bavaria and cruise into Austria. The lovely village of Grein, seldom visited by river boats, remains a favourite because Andy and Harry, two local friends, share their love for this very special place during their walking tour. Overnight Grein across from the ice cream shop, of course! Day 10 Melk and the Benedictine Abbey Melk, one of the earliest residences of the Austrian rulers, is dominated by the Benedictine Abbey. Local guides take you through the Abbey and give you time to explore the very quaint town square. During lunch we cruise into the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein for an afternoon wine tasting with a dear local friend. Overnight Dürnstein Day 11 Romantic Vienna Undoubtedly one of the most romantic and artistic cities in the world, Vienna is a true highlight. No one knows it better than your local guides who share the history and quirky culture of the Hapsburg Empire. Tonight, enjoy a special evening concert in a most memorable setting. Overnight Vienna Day 12 Schönbrunn Palace Your private tour of Schönbrunn Palace will leave you speechless. Explore at your leisure during free time this afternoon and enjoy our included shuttle service. Overnight cruise to Budapest (We see this part of the river during the day on our return to Vienna.) Day 13 Budapest, the star of Central Europe Enjoy the beauty of the Danube as we cruise into Buda and Pest. Combined, they create one of the most beautiful cities in Central Europe. Your local guides introduce you to Fisherman s Bastian, Matthias Church and Hero s Square. Discover the local culture during our exclusive evening folklore show. Overnight Budapest Day 14 Hungarian cowboys and the Puszta Today s excursion may well be your highlight as you venture into the Puszta region for a traditional horsemanship show and indulge in a very traditional Hungarian lunch. Overnight Budapest Day 15 Budapest and Esztergom We listened to past guests and give you free time this morning to explore. A lovely river cruise brings us to the birthplace of Hungary s first King, Esztergom. Today Esztergom boasts of the country s largest basilica and the medieval Royal Palace. Depart at midnight for Bratislava Day 16 Bratislava, Slovakia In the Slovakian capital, discover a city mixed with pastel 18 th century rococo buildings and modern communist architecture. Bratislava is often a guest favourite. Our evening cruise takes us to Vienna. Overnight Vienna Day 17 Home Bid Auf Wiedersehen to your new friends as we make our way to the airport for our flights home. Visit us online: Included Highlights All features listed on pages 6, 34-35, night cruise aboard the Da Vinci Experience more of the stunning Altmühl Valley than any other river boat. Locals guide tours of Würzburg, Bamberg, Nürnberg,Regensburg, Passau, Grein, the Melk Abbey, Vienna with Schönbrunn Palace, Budapest, Bratislava and more Entrance to the Bishops Residenz in Würzburg The Danube Shipping Museum and the Stadt Theatre in Grein Evening Concert in Vienna Plenty of free time in all towns and attractions Special tour of the Puszta Many surprises along the way! More time in Budapest! Meals All, including day tours on land, except lunch last day at airport Canadian Dollars per Guest Twin Single Upper Deck $9,790 $13,520 Lower Deck $9,540 $13,270 All fares are for departure from Toronto. Other air gateways available. Air Credit $1,700 per guest Air credits include flights and transfers. These become the responsibility of the guest. *Deduct $1,000 per guest, pay 95% by cash, cheque or bank payment within 7 days of your reservation. This promotion expires January 31,

7 Canada s leader in European River Cruising Cruising the European Waterways since 1988, longer than anyone in Canada. Enjoy your private yacht catering to Canadians and proudly flying the Canadian flag. Families working with families We firmly believe small family-owned and operated companies work harder to deliver a better experience for the guests. After all, it is their level of service that at the end of the day sets them apart from others. The Da Vinci is owned and operated by the van Hengst family, a family we are proud to partner with for over 25 years. If there is ever an issue with the water levels or anything that might affect the guest experience while on the Da Vinci, the van Hengst family is a quick phone call away. This provides us the opportunity to make sure that every detail is quickly and efficiently looked after before any issues can affect your European River Cruise. This is just one of the many benefits when working with families. Our local guides, vintners, coach drivers and hotel owners are all friends and trusted partners that provide the ultimate level of service and share our enthusiasm for providing an exceptional experience for our guests. Experience Our family has been involved with European River Cruising since We have developed incredible relationships with vessel owners, Captains, coach driver and local guides, each of whom share a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the European Waterways and your European River cruise. Experience taught us that longer itineraries and two deck vessels are always better for the guest experience. Limiting the number of 34 guests on the vessels provides more personal space while on board. Finally, we have learned that not every mooring location is equal and that there are certain areas to avoid while others at which to spend more time. The right place at the right time Few things can have such an effect on your European River cruise than water levels and low bridges. Every river in Europe fluctuates on a daily basis and sometimes an inch will make the difference between your river cruises becoming a coach trip. Every week we hear from our guests about their friends that ended up having to continue their journey by coach as a result of the three deck river boat they were on getting stuck due to low or high water. We are a tour company, not a shipping company. When you own or operate more than one vessel your priority switches from the guest experience to making sure beds are full. We charter the Da Vinci and make sure it is in the right place at the right time. We have learned that the Rhine and Danube Rivers dry up in the heat of July and beginning of August and that they are unpredictable in early spring and September when they can suffer from high water levels. Whereas large companies have multiple vessels and must operate them on the rivers during these times, by chartering only the Da Vinci and having it in the best locations at the best time of the year, we minimize the chance water levels will affect your river cruise. This is of course why a two deck vessel is a far better choice than a three deck vessel!

8 Cruising the European waterways since 1988! Visit us online: Our private river boat is very important for our guests As we are a Canadian family-owned company, catering mainly to Canadians, we charter the entire Da Vinci and market our journeys to Canadians from coast to coast. Our itineraries have been designed with our Canadian guests in mind. Every detail of your journey has been designed for your benefit. These details include: the itineraries, the airport transfers and flights, menus, local attractions, length of time in cities, towns and villages, mooring locations and our legendary local guides. Most of all, as we work with other families, our guests can feel comfortable that if any challenges arise our Journey Mangers will be there to look after the situation quickly and efficiently. After all, at the end of their journey each guest knows that it is the Van Dyke family responsible for their experience. Superb value in Canadian dollars The price you see is the price you pay in Canadian funds. From door to door, it is included. Yes, even the taxes. We will never increase the price due to fluctuating currency or for any reason other than a fuel surcharge. All the meals both on board and during all day excursions, gratuities, and airfares are all included in the price in the Journal. Please read the Terms and Conditions of any company you are considering traveling with, including ours on pages 78 and 79. You owe it to yourself to know what you are investing in. Small groups for an intimate experience Although built to accommodate 113 guests, we prefer that the Da Vinci pampers 90 guests, allowing more personal room for everyone on board. This means 2 coaches as opposed to 6 for larger boats. Larger, three deck vessels accommodate 140 to 200 guests. Often the common areas on these vessels don t allow for all guests on board utilizing them at the same time. Less passengers provides more personal space, less confusion during shore excursions, smaller groups with local guides and a better experience. All English language Announcements and commentary in English, not three or four others so you miss nothing. We rarely cruise overnight Do you dream of experiencing Europe on your river cruise, or cruising through Europe as you dream about it? Every day is a well planned mixture of scenic cruising and intimate shore excursions and visits. Spend your evenings moored in tranquil places that become a highlight of your journey. This is all possible with longer itineraries. 100% non-smoking Including the sun deck and entrance ways, the vast majority of vessels still allow smoking on board. Longer journeys It is said that one day is required per hour change to recover fully from jet lag. Imagine turning around for home just after you started to fully enjoy your time in Europe. Slow down, relax and discover more of what you invested to experience. Cruise under the Canadian flag Because we are Canadian. 35

9 Prague Jewel along the Vltava River August 22 26, 2018 Post Bavaria, Austria & Budapest (page 32) It has been said that of any city in Europe, you should discover Prague. This ancient city has been the capital of an empire and flourished in the 14th century during the reign of Charles IV. It has survived history virtually untouched by wars or disasters and is everything you have heard. A short drive from Vienna, Prague is the perfect extension to our Bavarian, Austria & Budapest journey. Our central location in the historic centre of Prague provides a perfect stepping stone to places such as Karlovy Vary, a highlight in the Bohemian countryside. Space is limited as this Journey extension fills quickly! Your 5-Day Journey Extension Day 1 Vienna to Prague Discover the beauty of rural Austria and Czech Republic on a scenic coach journey to the historic city of Telč, a UNESCO World Heritage City and one of the most beautiful in Moravia. On arrival in Prague, enjoy a relaxing dinner and free time to explore. Day 2 Prague, City of Romance Our famous local guides introduce you to Prague Castle, the seat of the Head of State and a cultural and historical monument. 38 Discover the Loreta, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Golden Lane, the crown jewels, relics of Bohemian kings, precious Christian reliquiae, art treasures and historical documents. Stroll across the glorious Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square where a scrumptious lunch awaits. This afternoon, explore on your own during your free time. Day 3 Karlovy Vary Your tour takes you on a relaxing and scenic adventure through the Bohemian countryside to Karlovy Vary, an ancient spa treatment resort, founded in 1350 and today remains a stunning example of local culture. Your local guide shares the myths, legends and history of this stunning town. Lunch today is a highlight. Enjoy free time to indulge in the spas, drink from the springs or shop for the famous local cut glass. Day 4 Prague: Explore, indulge, experience at your leisure The historical centre of Prague, more than ten centuries old, offers its inhabitants and visitors a unique symbiosis of all architectural styles. Prague is a living city in which an unprecedented number of theatres, concert halls, exhibition spaces, museums and galleries are close at hand. The cultural offerings are expansive. Prague is as heterogeneous as a person could wish and shows one of its enchanting faces to every new arrival. Built in 1904 by the Brandejs family, the Hotel Pariz offers unequalled style, beauty and excellent service in the very heart of Prague. Situated in the historic area, the hotel provides you with the best location and is only minutes from the architectural and historic gems that await your exploration. More than just a hotel, The Hotel Pariz is part of your experience. Day 5 Fond memories Today we must bid rozloucˇeni to this fascinating city and depart for the airport and our flights home. Included Highlights Scenic drive from Vienna to Prague UNESCO World Heritage city of Telč 5 star Hotel Pariz, in the heart of Prague city tour with a local guide Prague Castle Charles Bridge Old Town Square glorious spa town of Karlovy Vary with lunch Loret St. Vitus Cathedral Golden Lane Farewell Dinner Canadian Dollars per Guest Twin Single $2,665 $3,965 All fares are for departure from Toronto. Other air gateways available.

10 The Da Vinci your personal European Yacht River cruises on the Da Vinc include: Our unique 360 experience! No sun deck restrictions. Only 90 guests on a 113 guest ship. Devine! All shore excursions with local guides 100% smoke-free atmosphere, including outside decks and entry platform No formal nights Wifi Unlimited use of the sun deck and lounge, only available on a two deck river boat Wines of the region, beer, soft drinks and juices with dinner MAIN DECK SKY LOUNGE BAR/LIVING ROOM DINING ROOM KITCHEN All meals daily while on board and while on shore excursions 24 hour cappuccino, hot chocolate, coffee, tea and ice machine Coffee and tea service morning and afternoon in the lounge World class European cuisine SKY LOUNGE Bottled water in your cabin All gratuities to ship s staff, local guides, coach drivers, porters, Journey Managers, attraction guides All admissions while on tour LIFT LIVING ROOM Welcome reception and farewell dinner Private car pick up service Our famous little surprises! All taxes, (even the HST and VAT) port charges Round-trip airfare with transfers W.C. LIFT DINING ROOM Services of professional Journey Managers in addition to your local guides and ship staff 44

11 The Da Vinci The Da Vinci Twin Cabin Plan SHOWER STORAGE CLOSET COUCH COUCH BED (UNFOLDED) BED (UNFOLDED) WINDOWS BUREAU TV Visit us online: 45