Excursion Booklet FROM ONLY 10. per person

Transcription

1 Excursion Booklet FROM ONLY 10 per person

2 Introduction Enhance your holiday experience with a range of optional excursions that allow you to discover the history of our ports of call, experience the tradition of local regions and explore further afield. They re the perfect complement to your cruise itinerary, but they are subject to availability so we recommend you book early! 2 To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 Ahr Valley Alsace Amsterdam Diamonds Antwerp Aachen Christmas Market Each year the Christmas Market in Aachen attracts over a million visitors to take part in the celebrations in the historic town, where the squares and streets are transformed into a festive paradise of lights, colours, sounds and smells. The market stalls offer an enormous choice of traditional crafts and freshly baked specialities such as cakes, gingerbreads, marzipan bread and the delicious Aachen Printen cookies. Why not taste some potato fritters and the mulled wine that flows freely. Ahr Valley with Wine Tasting A scenic drive through the highland area of the Eifel region leads us into the beautiful Ahr Valley, the most northerly of Germany s wine producing regions. Seldom is this wine exported, so our special excursion to the fortified hill village of Ahrweiler will give us an opportunity to sample these rare, pale and light wines. Alluring Alsace The Alsace region of France is unquestionably beautiful, with a special combination of history, culture, scenery and gastronomy. Our excursion visits the medieval village of Riquewihr, which nestles between the Vosges Mountains and some of the most famous vineyards in the Alsace. Every piece of architecture here has been wonderfully preserved making the village appear exactly as it did in the 16th century. We also visit the famous Dopff & Irion winery, where you can taste a sample of the wines in the cellars. Amsterdam Canal Cruise The city of Amsterdam is best appreciated with a cruise along its world famous canals; indeed no visit is complete without having this experience. Our chartered cruiser is accompanied by English commentary to highlight the sights and places of interest passing by. Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Diamond Factory Amsterdam is famous for canals and diamonds, so this wonderful excursion features the best of both as we admire the city from its sparkling waterways before visiting a Diamond Factory. Amsterdam City Tour & Diamond Factory Our City Tour is aboard a tourist bus with a unique fully transparent roof (which opens in good weather), offering panoramic views of the city, canals, squares and main attractions. In the heart of the old Jewish Quarter we make a stop at Gassan Diamonds where you learn about the exciting world of diamond craftsmanship and why Amsterdam has been a leading city worldwide in the area of the diamond industry. Antwerp City Tour & Diamond Factory Museum Antwerp is a charming medieval town with remarkable buildings, narrow streets, a unique market place, a Renaissance Town Hall and a famous cathedral with a unique gothic steeple. Antwerp is also the fascinating World Diamond Centre Antwerp Cut and Antwerp Quality are internationally used trade terms which are synonymous with perfect processing and flawless beauty. For excursion prices please see pages 9 & 10 3

3 Bernkastel Bruges Franeker Planetarium Frankfurt Ghent Antwerp Guided City Tour See this charming medieval town with remarkable buildings, narrow streets, unique market place, Renaissance town hall and famous cathedral with a unique gothic steeple. Bernkastel Highlights Our guide will show us the highlights of this pretty town which is considered the wine capital of the river, storing the produce of more than 5000 wine growers in its cellars. Rising above the market square is the ruined castle of Landshut, a symbol of the region. It is also famed for its half-timbered houses, filigree fountain railings in the market square and artistic weather vanes on the gables of the houses. Black Forest & Rhine Falls Rising above the lush Rhine Plain are the cooler mountain slopes of the Black Forest region, which offers much more than cuckoo clocks and black forest gateau as we learn on our unforgettable scenic drive to the picturesque lake Titisee. We also visit the Rhine Falls, the mightiest falls in central Europe that surge over a ledge of Jurassic limestone. Today is a full day tour therefore a pre-arranged packed lunch is provided. Bonn Highlights A history of more than 2000 years has given this city a huge variety of features which we see on our walking tour with our cruise manager. The old quarter has a number of impressive buildings and squares; indeed the market square is dominated by the baroque Old Town Hall whose steps have been the scene of many historical events. In the centre of the city is the house where Beethoven was born. It has unsurprisingly become a place of pilgrimage for music lovers from all over the world. Boppard Highlights This picturesque town features many historic sites such as Bodoric, a Roman military camp, a medieval market square and the Church of St Severus, famous for its wall paintings. Its location, in the Valley of the Lorelei Rock and on the heights of the Hunsrück Mountains, makes it particularly attractive. A fun and easy way to view Boppard is a 30-minute tour aboard the Rhine Express mini train. One of its stops is at the Sesselbahn (chair lift) that takes you up to Vierseenblick for panoramic views of the city, the Rhine and, from the lookout point, the appearance of the Rhine being split into four separate lakes (warm layers of clothing are advisable). Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery Join our guide as we walk through the charming streets of Bruges, taking in the many sights and learning about the history and culture of this beautiful medieval city. In the heart of the town is the Halve Maan Brewery, the only active family brewery in the centre of Bruges, which we visit as part of our excursion for a behind the scenes visit to the Modern Brewery Hall and the splendid Beer Museum. Cologne Highlights With our cruise manager we walk to see the Highlights of Cologne, a city dominated by the magnificent gothic Cathedral, believed to be Germany s most impressive building which took 600 years to complete. You can also enjoy free time to browse the famous shopping centres. In the run up to the festive season the city hosts its own Christmas Market, which creates a magical atmosphere and offers a glorious array of original gifts. De Hoge Veluwe National Park The De Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest nature reserve in the Netherlands which was once the estate of Anton and Helene Kröller-Müller. Their world famous Museum proudly displays a world class exhibition of art by painters such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Renoir, as well as an evocative sculpture garden. Delft Delft is one of the prettiest cities in Holland and is a wonderful place to spend some time, exploring the beautifully preserved centre and admiring the interesting sites and historic building. Delft is probably best known for the blue and white porcelain pottery that originates from the area known as Delftware. It is also associated with the Dutch Royal Family. Floralia See this colourful flower show held in the grounds of the Château de Grand-Bigard. There are around 150 displays featuring nearly all varieties of spring bulbs for you to discover. Franeker Planetarium In a living room of a lovely Fresian canal house is one of the world s oldest working planetariums, built between 1774 and 1781 by Elise Eisinga. It is driven by a pendulum clock and the planets automatically move around the model in real time a slight resetting must be done by hand every four years to compensate for a leap year. There is also a comprehensive collection of other historical astronomical instruments. Frankfurt This avant-garde city impresses all visitors with its breathtaking skyline, which bears strong similarities to New York s Manhattan. Amongst the quaint old houses and narrow alleys of the Sachsenhausen area, we round off our tour with a visit to one of the traditional Ebbelwei taverns to sample a glass of apple wine, Frankfurt s popular social drink. Ghent by Night This informative boat trip takes you through the historical heart of Ghent and reveals the period of the Middle Ages. See the silent witnesses of the prestigious and glorious past: the beautiful house fronts of the Graslei, the big old meat-market, the rugged and steep walls of the Castle of Counts, and admire the only typical wooden house front. Ghent Guided Tour Ghent is a maze of cobbled streets and winding canals dominated by the magnificent towers of the Belfry, the Cathedral of St. Bavo and the 13th century Church of St. Nicholas. There are more listed buildings here than anywhere else in Belgium, along with many other attractions, and the compact size of the city makes it so easy to explore. Wine Tasting The Mosel-Saar-Ruwer wine region is one of Germany s most famous. Our excursion to the small town of Cochem includes a visit to a local grower who has transformed the delicious grapes gathered from the steep, slate hillsides into a respected vintage. You have the opportunity to sample the end product as well as make any purchases. A good Riesling is never cheap but it s worth paying any extra for a bottle purchased directly from one of these hillside villages! Heidelberg Highlights Heidelberg is one of the most popular destinations in Germany, situated on the edge of the Denwald Forest, where the River Neckar reaches the Rhine Plain. The three main attractions are its castle, the Church of the Holy Ghost and its university, the oldest in Germany. A 15-minute climb or funicular ride leads you to view the restored areas of the castle that are used for public events. The castle s terrace in particular offers fine views of the city, whilst at the castle down in the adjacent cellar we encounter the Heidelberg Tun, one of the largest wine vats in the world. Het Loo Palace This magnificent palace was the former home of the Dutch Royal Family and has fascinated the public since opening in The lavish interiors contain a wealth of historic exhibits including china, silver, royal garments and portraits and the exquisite gardens have been renovated in their original 17th century style, with the Stables displaying a great line up of classic cars and carriages. 4 To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 For excursion prices please see pages 9 & 10 5

4 6 Keukenhof Gardens Kinderdijk Windmills Koblenz Christmas Market Wine Tasting Strasbourg Canal Cruise Hunsrück Mountain Railway The Hunsrück Mountain Railway is one of the most delightful mountain railway routes in Germany, taking you through the forests of Boppard. The track was opened in 1908 and was formally a rack railway. You can enjoy wonderful views as it reaches a height of more than 300 metres up the mountainside, crosses two viaducts and passes through five tunnels. Keukenhof Gardens Keukenhof is spring at its most beautiful, where all the best floral features of the season are brought together to form stunning displays which are reflected in the still waters of the surrounding lakes. This is the perfect place to pause and saturate your senses with the sights, smells and sounds of a Dutch spring. Kinderdijk Windmills Kinderdijk is a small village unique for its 19 windmills dating from the 1500s which symbolise the way in which the Dutch have managed water. To this day they are beautifully preserved and in recognition of its outstanding man-made landscape, the area is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Enjoy an exhilarating ride across the Rhine to visit the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Europe s second largest surviving fortress where you can immerse yourself in a world of Celts, Romans and knights. The Koblenz Cable Car was built for the 2011 BUGA Flower Show and is one of the largest cable cars in Europe outside the Alps, which offers amazing views of Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. UNESCO approved the construction of the cable car for a limited three year period, so book this excursion for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Koblenz at Night with Wine Tasting The Weingut Göhlen vineyard is located at the foot of the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, where the Göhlen family have been producing fine wine since During our visit we are taken on a guided tour through the cellars to learn about how they manage and cultivate the vines. You can then take a seat in a cosy wine cavern to sample the different wines, along with champagne and fine spirits. Koblenz Christmas Market This is one of the largest and most beautiful traditional Christmas Markets along the Rhine. Held in the picturesque old town of Koblenz, you will find over 130 stalls offering a huge selection of gifts and goodies. Historic buildings are illuminated with fairy lights to add to the festive atmosphere, with the smell of gingerbread and Glühwein (mulled wine), and in particular, the baroque town hall is a lovely attraction with its 24 advent calendar windows. Lucerne With its colourful pitched roofed buildings that perch on the edge of blue lake and a magnificent mountain range backdrop, Lucerne is a picture-postcard scene of a Swiss resort. Our excursion stops on the lake s north-west shore where you can relax at leisure and may be enjoy a steamer ride on the lake or, time permitting, take a train ride up nearby Mount Pilatus. Today is a full day tour therefore a prearranged packed lunch is provided. Luxembourg Visit the world s only Grand Duchy on this fabulous excursion. Cosmopolitan Luxembourg is a city of contrasts where the historic and modern parts of the city are linked by over a hundred bridges. Take time to visit the old town, a UNESCO heritage site where you can discover the architectural and artistic treasures on show. Today is a full day tour therefore a pre-arranged packed lunch is provided. Magical Moselle Towns & Castles The quaint wine town of Beilstein is our destination, where you can explore the narrow lanes, visit the unusual market place hewn into the rocky hillside or see the fabulous views from the ruins of the 12th century Metternich Castle. After this we return to Cochem to visit Reichsburg Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in Germany which stands above the Rhine. Over 1000 years old, Reichsburg is filled with baroque and renaissance furniture and offers magnificent views of the area. Magical Moselle Wine & Castles Trail This wonderful trail takes you to Winningen, located on a gentle bend of the Moselle, to enjoy a spot of wine tasting before we visit Lahneck Castle. This 13th century castle stands on a steep rock above the confluence of the Lahn River with the Rhine. Romantic Rhine Towns Our excursion features visits to Linz am Rhein and Königswinter. The town of Linz am Rhein is located on the confluence of the River Ahr and the River Rhine. This attractive place, with its well preserved town gate, castle and half-timbered houses is a pleasant place to explore. Königswinter is a popular resort and wine producing town, which lies at the foot of the Siebengebirge and is dominated by the Drachenfels mountain where, according to legend, Siegfried slayed the dragon that lived on the mountain. Rhine Wine Tasting Evening Our evening excursion takes us to Weingut Göhlen which has been run by the Göhlen family since In the beautiful steep surroundings of a narrow valley near to Koblenz, the family cultivate a variety of wines such as Riesling, Muller- Thurgau, Bacchus, Huxelrebe and Spatburgunder which we will be able to purchase as a reminder of our visit. Rüdesheim by Night Visit a traditional wine cellar to sample some of the region s best wines, before exploring the captivating street, Drosselgasse. Rüdesheim Delights The quaint town of Rüdesheim holds a particular charm during the winter months, with the wine bars, streets and narrow alleys bustling with seasonal festive fayre and sales of its regional Rheingau wines and beers. In Rüdesheim s most captivating, inclined street called the Drosselgasse, you can seek out a souvenir bottle or two along with some local Asbach brandy. A highlight of our excursion is a visit to the marvellous Siegfried s Mechanical Music Museum, where fascinating examples of early 1900 mechanical music making systems can be viewed. Topping off our visit will be the offer of a complimentary mug of Glühwein, with the invitation to keep our mug as a souvenir. Prost! Rüdesheim Highlights On our enchanting excursion, a road train ride transports you to view fascinating examples of early 1900 mechanical music making systems at Siegfried s Mechanical Music Museum. We also include a spectacular cable car ride that rises 37 metres up the hillside to reach the Niederwald Monument. This is a unique experience, taking you over the sloping vineyards for an amazing panoramic view over the romantic Rhine Valley. For departures in March the cable car is closed and the excursion cost is adjusted accordingly. Speyer Highlights Our walking tour takes you to Speyer s main town square. The magnificent 11th century Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the Holy Roman Empire s most exquisite monuments with the most beautiful crypt in Germany. Nearby we can relax with a drink in one of the many bars and restaurants in the main shopping area. Strasbourg Canal Cruise Strasbourg is well known for its historical and cultural sights which can be viewed from the unique canal system that surrounds the city. Our excursion is aboard a small glass topped canal cruiser which offers a great To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 For excursion prices please see pages 9 & 10 7

5 8 Trier Christmas Market Mainz Flanders Museum vantage point. Having seen some of the sights from the water, you can disembark in the heart of Strasbourg, close to the old pedestrianised walled city and cathedral. When taking time out to relax with a drink, why not sample a glass of locally brewed Kronenbourg? Santé! Trier Christmas Market Held in the city of Trier, believed to be the oldest in Germany, in front of the imposing backdrop of the cathedral, this wonderful market creates an enchanting festive atmosphere. Beautifully decorated chalets in the medieval market square are laden with every gift imaginable, along with seasonal gastronomic delights. Trier Guided Walking Tour Formerly the residence of Roman emperors, Trier is believed to be the oldest city in Germany. Several Roman buildings still grace the city with the Porta Nigra, once one of the four gates to the Roman settlement, being the best-preserved structure of its kind north of the Alps. Bringing architectural history a little closer to present day, the picturesque town square, or Hauptmarkt, is surrounded by gothic, renaissance and rococo buildings. Bringing us closer to date still, not too far from the Hauptmarkt is the birthplace of Karl Marx which is now a museum. Valkenburg Christmas Market In this charming hill side town, built around the romantic ruins of a castle, a beautiful Christmas Market is held in the labyrinth of caves that run underneath it known as The Velvet Caves. These ancient passageways were only discovered in 1937 and would have originally enabled the knights and warriors that occupied the castle to vanish in times of war and attack the enemy from behind. The soft marlstone walls display mysterious carvings, inscriptions and sculptures which will be illuminated in festive light, with market stalls selling unique gifts, exquisitely made handicrafts and culinary delights. Vibrant Mainz The central area of this charming city is made up of three squares, with the fine Romanesque Cathedral of St Martin s, known as the Dom, being the focus from every vantage point. Many of the attractions which we see on our guided tour are easily reached on foot including St Stephan s Church, with its beautiful stained glass windows, and one of the oldest and most beautiful renaissance fountains in Germany. Gutenburg-Museum is dedicated to the inventor of the print book, Johannes Gutenburg Mainz s most famous son. In addition, Mainz s Old Town is a great place to explore with its quaint alleys, rococo facades and baroque town houses. Ypres, the Flanders Battlefields & the Flanders Museum We start with a tour of Flanders Fields, stopping at Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, where you can visit the museum at Sanctuary Wood and see the trench system in the woods. We then visit Ypres, a beautifully moving place and see the most visited war memorial, the Menin Gate. Finally we call in at the Flanders Fields Museum, located in the Cloth Hall, which tells the story of the Great War. To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 Amsterdam Canal Cruise Het Loo Palace Rüdesheim Delights Koblenz OPTIONAL EXCURSION PRICES Amsterdam & Bulbfields Spectacular 4 Day Option Het Loo Palace Keukenhof Gardens...Included Amsterdam Canal Cruise Special pre-book package price Saving per person Amsterdam & Bulbfields Spectacular 5 Day Option Het Loo Palace Keukenhof Gardens...Included Amsterdam Canal Cruise Amsterdam City Tour & Diamond Factory Special pre-book package price Saving per person Floralia, Bruges & Ghent Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery Ghent by Night Floralia...Included Antwerp Guided Tour Special pre-book package price Saving per person Bruges, Ghent, Ypres & the Battlefields Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery Ghent by Night Ypres & The Flanders Museum...Included Antwerp Guided Tour Special pre-book package price Saving per person Dutch Towns & Waterways De Hoge Veluwe National Park Het Loo Palace Franeker Planetarium Keukenhof Gardens Amsterdam Canal Cruise Special pre-book package price Saving per person Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent & Bruges Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Diamond Factory Delft...Included Kinderdijk Windmills Antwerp City Tour Ghent Guided Tour Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery Special pre-book package price Saving per person Rhine Discovery Hünsruck Mountain Railway Ahr Valley with Wine Tasting Special pre-book package price Saving per person Magical Moselle Magical Moselle Towns & Castles Bernkastel Highlights Trier Guided Walking Tour Luxembourg Magical Moselle Wine & Castles Trail Special pre-book package price Saving per person Rhine Explorer Especially For You Wine Tasting Ahr Valley with Wine Tasting Special pre-book package price Saving per person Rhine & Moselle Highlights Wine Tasting Bernkastel Highlights Trier Guided Walking Tour Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Koblenz at Night with Wine Tasting Boppard Highlights Special pre-book package price Saving per person Rhine in Flames Wine Tasting Vibrant Mainz Boppard Highlights Ahr Valley with Wine Tasting Bonn Highlights...Included Special pre-book package price Saving per person All prices are for 2014 cruises unless otherwise stated 9

6 10 Rhine Falls Moselle Valley Boppard Lucerne Trier Christmas Market Cruise the Rhine to Switzerland Speyer Highlights Strasbourg Canal Cruise Alluring Alsace Black Forest & Rhine Falls Heidelberg Highlights Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Castle Lucerne...Included Special pre-book package price Saving per person Scenic Rhine & Switzerland Strasbourg Canal Cruise Alluring Alsace Black Forest & Rhine Falls Heidelberg Highlights Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Castle Lucerne...Included Special pre-book package price Saving per person Great Rivers of Germany Magical Moselle Towns & Castles Boppard Highlights Frankfurt Vibrant Mainz Heidelberg Highlights Ahr Valley with Wine Tasting Special pre-book package price Saving per person Rhine Valley Turkey & Tinsel 2013 Rüdesheim Delights Wine Tasting Ahr Valley with Wine Tasting Special pre-book package price Saving per person German Christmas Markets 2013 Rüdesheim Delights Rhine Wine Tasting Evening Special pre-book package price Saving per person Magical Moselle Christmas Markets 2013 Wine Tasting Trier Christmas Market Koblenz Christmas Market...Included Special pre-book package price Saving per person... 5 Christmas Markets Extravaganza 2013 Valkenburg Christmas Market Aachen Christmas Market Special pre-book package price Saving per person... 5 Christmas Rhine Cruise 2013 Rüdesheim Delights Wine Tasting Bonn Highlights...Included Romantic Rhine Towns Special pre-book package price Saving per person Christmas Cruise Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent & Bruges 2013 Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Diamond Factory Antwerp City Tour & Diamond Museum Ghent City Tour Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery Special pre-book package price Saving per person New Year Cruise Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp 2013 Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery Ghent City Tour Antwerp City Tour & Diamond Museum Kinderdijk Windmills Special pre-book package price Saving per person New Year Rhine Cruise 2013 Rüdesheim Delights Wine Tasting Romantic Rhine Towns...Included Special pre-book package price Saving per person To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruises Airborne Museum, Oosterbeek Basel Bern Christmas Markets Ahr Valley Christmas Markets The half-timbered houses of Ahrweiler s old town guarantee the best setting for a romantic Christmas atmosphere. The wonderful Christmas Market held here offers everything you would expect from delicious snacks to mulled wine offered by famous Ahr-winegrowers. Ahr Valley with Wine Tasting A scenic drive through the highland area of the Eifel region leads us into the beautiful Ahr Valley, the most northerly of Germany s wine producing regions. Seldom is this wine exported, so our special excursion to the fortified hill village of Ahrweiler will give us an opportunity to sample these rare, pale and light wines. Arnhem, Oosterbeek & the Airborne Museum Join our excursion as we explore the historic town of Arnhem before visiting the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek which has the world s largest collection of Market Garden memorabilia. This region saw heavy military engagement during the Second World War is the 70th anniversary of a particular mission Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne military operation of its time. Bad Ems Join our coach for a city tour of Koblenz, one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Germany which is surrounded by four low mountain ranges. Afterwards we take a scenic drive through the beautiful Lahndal to reach the quaint city of Bad Ems, where you can enjoy some free time before we return to our ship. Belgrade City Tour See the highlights of this Serbian capital on our optional City Tour, which is a great way to see the main sights including the huge Belgrade Fortress which now serves as the central park and St Sava Church, the biggest Eastern Orthodox Church in the world. Bern by Rail & Guided Tour Bern, the city of the Bear and capital of Switzerland, is a beautiful place to visit where the preserved streets and architecture have earned the city its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval air of this city, with its many fountains, facades and historic towers, make it particularly unique. Our guided walk through the Old Town is the best way to get a sense of the atmosphere and see the highlights. Bernkastel Christmas Markets Tucked away in the beautiful Moselle Valley, this pretty town is home to an amazing Christmas Market. More than 40 stalls fill the market square which is surrounded by half timbered, colour washed houses with steep roofs and gables. Being in the middle of a world renowned wine growing region, you may want to try the local Glühwein made with delicious red wine. Black Forest The deep-green wooded mountain range of the Black Forest is famed for its legends, cuckoo clocks and delicious gateaux, and was the setting for many of Grimm s fairytales, Germany s most famous storytellers. Join us as we take an unforgettable drive through the area, stopping to enjoy the magnificent views. For excursion prices please see page 18 11ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruise

7 ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruise ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruises Bonn Bratislava Budapest Cochem Bonn & Beethoven Ludwig van Beethoven s birthplace is the main attraction in the musical city of Bonn. The Museum contains the largest Beethoven collection in the world and a variety of exhibitions which give a deeper insight into the life and work of this great composer. After our visit to the museum we explore the old quarter of the city, which is filled with impressive building, squares and monuments. Bonn City Tour A history of more than 2000 years has given this city a huge variety of features which we see on our city tour. The old quarter has a number of impressive buildings and squares; indeed the market square is dominated by the baroque Old Town Hall whose steps have been the scene of many historical events. In the centre of the city is the house where Beethoven was born. It has unsurprisingly become a place of pilgrimage for music lovers from all over the world. Bratislava Guided Tour Explore the charming squares, courtyards and narrow lanes of the Slovakian capital with the help of our guide. The Old Town is filled with all the must-see sites and is a pedestrian zone which makes exploring on foot a safe and relaxing activity. Our walking tour lasts around 2½ hours and features interior visits to one of the city s landmarks and its largest church St. Martin s Cathedral, and Primate s Palace, often referred to as the most beautiful sight in all of Bratislava. Bucharest Visit the Romanian capital of Bucharest, where there s plenty of time to explore the wide tree-lined boulevards and admire many landmarks including Parliament Palace, the second largest building in the world after the US Pentagon, the Arch of Triumph and the beautiful Romanian Atheneum. Budapest by Night See this beautiful city when it lights up against the night sky. First of all you can experience an authentic piece of Hungarian culture at a folklore show and enjoy famous gypsy music and dancing with a glass of Schnapps. We then take a tour to admire the night-time views around Budapest. Budapest City Tour Budapest is an architectural gem, filled with baroque, neoclassical, Eclectic and art nouveau buildings. Accompanied by a local guide, our coach city tour takes in some of the most beautiful areas including Gellért Hill, Heroes Square, the city s most impressive square which is home to the iconic statue complex of the Millennium Memorial, and Castle Hill where we find Matthias Church at the heart and the splendid terrace of Fisherman s Bastion which offers a grand panorama of almost the entire city. Cochem Tour & Castle Join us as we explore the medieval town centre of Cochem, with its half timbered houses, romantic alleyways, pretty squares and Baroque town hall. We then visit the magnificent castle, which was built in the first millennium and rises more than 330 feet above the Moselle River. Cologne Dresden Durnstein Cologne City Tour & Walk The 2000 year old Roman city is well worth a visit so join our coach tour which collects you from the ship and takes in all the major sights. At the magnificent Cathedral we will stop and have time to walk with the guide through the centre of the town before walking back to the ship. If you don t want to walk, the coach will take you back to the ship after the city tour. Cologne Guided Tour & Cathedral The Cathedral of Cologne is one of Germany s most important architectural monuments, a gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city which boasts the highest church spires ever built. We have a visit here before we venture into the city to explore the old town for an insight into the city s 2000 year history. Cologne Highlights With our cruise manager we walk to see the Highlights of Cologne, a city dominated by the magnificent gothic Cathedral, believed to be Germany s most impressive building which took 600 years to complete. You can also enjoy free time to browse the famous shopping centres. In the run up to the festive season the city hosts its own Christmas Market, which creates a magical atmosphere and offers a glorious array of original gifts. Danube Gorge & Weltenberg Abbey This afternoon excursion takes you by coach to Kelheim where you board a boat and cruise through Donaudurchbruch The Danube Gorge. This beautiful area formed millions of years ago and is part of the Upper Jurassic, the richest fossil formation of Germany. We stop at Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, where you can step ashore to explore this historic site which is also the oldest beer producing monastery in the world. We return to Regensburg by coach. Dresden City Tour The beautiful city of Dresden is shaped by soaring towers and dominant domes of palaces, churches and stately homes. Known as the Florence of the Elbe, it s hard to imagine the huge destruction the city suffered during World War II. Our tour encompasses Dresden Castle, the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) with its distinctive bellshaped dome, which survived the World War II bombings but collapsed the following day and was later rebuilt. Dürnstein Guided Tour Dürnstein is a wonderful mix of medieval and baroque architecture, pastel-hued houses with red-tiled roofs and winding cobbled streets. Our guided tour points out some of the highlights such as the abbey, which perches on the edge of the Danube with its stately blue tower, and the ruins of Kuenringer Castle which overlook the town. Dürnstein Tour with Wine Tasting This charming town is surrounded by beautiful scenery and filled with traditional architecture and places of historic interest. Our guided walking tour takes you around the cobbled streets to admire the 16th century houses and pretty courtyards, before ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruise 12 To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 For excursion prices please see page 18 13

8 ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruise ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruises Düsseldorf Frankfurt Heidelberg Melk Abbey stopping at one of the Wachau Valley s renowned wine cellars to enjoy some wine tasting. Düsseldorf Guided City Tour Düsseldorf s famous Old Town is a great place to explore. It is known as the longest bar in the world because of its many taverns and restaurants along a single street. It also has some notable landmarks which our guide will point out with enlightening tales, including the square, the city hall and the statue of Jan Wellem. You can then enjoy a famous beer (not included) brewed in only a few places in the world from an old traditional recipe. Eau de Cologne & Cologne City Tour Cologne is most famous for producing Eau de Cologne so it s only right that we start our excursion with a visit to Glockengasse, home of the original 4711 Eau de Cologne and one of the city s top attractions which boasts world fame and more than 200 years of history. Learn more about this classic scent and its wonderfully invigorating effect. We also take a tour by coach and foot to see the highlights of the city, which is filled with monuments, churches and of course the magnificent cathedral. Frankfurt City Tour Our coach takes you on a tour of this modern city, known as Mainhatten because of the breathtaking skyline which bears a strong resemblance to New York. As well as rich architecture, the city is filled with history and our coach will take in all the important sights before stopping in the old town centre, where you have some time to explore on your own. Heidelberg & Castle Set against the deep green forest of Königstuhl Hill, the red sandstone ruins of Heidelberg Castle tower over the Neckar Valley and dominate the city of the same name below. It is one of the most popular castles in Germany attracting millions of visitors each year. A funicular railway takes you up to the castle which is a combination of several buildings surrounding an inner courtyard. We have arranged a guided tour for you to explore and learn more about the castles fascinating history. You can also walk around the gardens, see the Heidelberg Tun the World s Largest Wine Barrel and visit the unique Apothecary Museum which tells the history of pharmacy and dispensaries. Heidelberg Highlights Heidelberg is one of the most popular destinations in Germany, situated on the edge of the Denwald Forest, where the River Neckar reaches the Rhine Plain. The three main attractions are its castle, the Church of the Holy Ghost and its university, the oldest in Germany. A 15-minute climb or funicular ride leads you to view the restored areas of the castle that are used for public events. The castle s terrace in particular offers fine views of the city, whilst at the castle down in the adjacent cellar we encounter the Heidelberg Tun, one of the largest wine vats in the world. Interlaken by Rail or Coach In the heart of the Swiss Alps, between the sparkling waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with commanding views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Mountains, lies the picture-postcard resort of Interlaken. Our excursion takes you by rail or coach where you can enjoy plenty of free time, exploring, enjoying the activities or simply relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere of this fabulous location. Kalocsa Paprika Town Kalocsa is found in the Great Plains of Hungary. Much of the country s paprika comes from the pepper fields surrounding this small town there s even a Paprika Museum and Paprika street in the centre. It is also known for its beautiful handmade embroidery. Kasbachtal Train & Nostalgic Christmas Markets This journey takes you along a 5.5 mile section of track which is the steepest in Germany, with an overall height difference of 300 metres. During the journey we stop at Steffens Brewery, tucked away in the Kasbach Valley, and visit a nostalgic Christmas Market. Keukenhof Gardens Keukenhof is spring at its most beautiful, where all the best floral features of the season are brought together to form stunning displays which are reflected in the still waters of the surrounding lakes. This is the perfect place to pause and saturate your senses with the sights, smells and sounds of a Dutch spring. Koblenz & Bad Ems Join our coach for a city tour of Koblenz, one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Germany which is surrounded by four low mountain ranges. Afterwards we take a scenic drive through the beautiful Lahndal to reach the quaint city of Bad Ems, where you can enjoy some free time before we return to our ship. Koblenz at Night with Wine Tasting The Weingut Göhlen vineyard is located at the foot of the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, where the Göhlen family have been producing fine wine since During our visit we are taken on a guided tour through the cellars to learn about how they manage and cultivate the vines. You can then take a seat in a cosy wine cavern to sample the different wines, along with champagne and fine spirits. Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Enjoy an exhilarating ride across the Rhine to visit the mighty Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Europe s second largest surviving fortress where you can immerse yourself in a world of Celts, Romans and knights. The Koblenz Cable Car was built for the 2011 BUGA Flower Show and is one of the largest cable cars in Europe outside the Alps, which offers amazing views of Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. UNESCO approved the construction of the cable car for a limited three year period, so book this excursion for a once in a lifetime opportunity. Little Alsace Wine Route This delightful excursion takes you along a section of the world famous Alsace Wine Route, known for its exceptional natural beauty and delicious wines. Our coach takes us across rows of undulating, vine covered hills and through picturesque villages such as Rosheim and Boersch. During the journey we stop at wine cellar where you can learn about the fine wine produced in this region and enjoy a tasting session. Lucerne With its colourful pitched roofed buildings that perch on the edge of blue lake and a magnificent mountain range backdrop, Lucerne is a picture-postcard scene of a Swiss resort. Our excursion stops on the lake s north-west shore where you can relax at leisure and may be enjoy a steamer ride on the lake or, time permitting, take a train ride up nearby Mount Pilatus. Today is a full day tour therefore a prearranged packed lunch is provided. Melk Abbey Discover one of the world s most famous monastic sites. Today, Melk Abbey is a prestigious school with more than 800 students, yet black-robed Benedictine monks still stroll among the marble structures and frescoed walls. Our guided tour shows you the magnificent Marble Hall, Emperor s Gallery, Abbey Church and the terrace where you can enjoy fine views of the Danube River and the town. There is also free time to explore the grounds and the gardens Novi Sad Guided Tour Novi Sad is the second largest city in Serbia after Belgrade and our optional guided tour takes in the many highlights. The most recognised landmark is the Petrovaradin Fortress, which dominates the city from its position on the right bank of the Danube. There s also the historic neighbourhood of Stari Grad. ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruise 14 To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 For excursion prices please see page 18 15

9 ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruise ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruises Nüremberg Passau The Drosselgasse, Rüdesheim Schönbrunn Palace Nüremberg City Tour Our coach takes you through this medieval city, which was beautifully restored with original stone after being destroyed in World War II. The old town is almost completely surrounded by the 15th-16th century city walls and is filled with half timbered houses, cobblestone squares, and the mighty Kaiserberg Castle. After seeing the sights aboard our coach you can enjoy some free time exploring the city on foot before our coach returns to the ship. Passau Walking Tour Experience the Three Rivers City on this walking tour, named so because it is the meeting place of the Danube, the Ilz and the Inn River. A walk though the old city is a great way to see Passau and this is where most of the sights are found. Highlights include the City Hall, where you can see the water levels marked when the town has flooded it is very impressive to stand there and imagine the water reaching several feet above your head! We also see the Dom St. Stephan which is believed to have the largest organ in the world. Puszta Horse Show Join us as we travel through the sweeping plains of Hungary to the town of Lajosmizse, where we visit a traditional stud farm. We take a tour of the grounds in a horse drawn carriage, before watching human skill and horse power come together in a spectacular live show performed in an open-air arena. Regensburg City Tour & Danube Gorge In the morning this excursion shows you the highlights of Regensburg, a fascinating city with over 1500 listed buildings. Many of these make up the Old Town which became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in In the afternoon this excursion continues by coach to Kelheim where you board a boat and cruise through Donaudurchbruch The Danube Gorge. This beautiful area formed millions of years ago and is part of the Upper Jurassic, the richest fossil formation of Germany. We stop at Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, where you can step ashore to explore this historic site which is also the oldest beer producing monastery in the world. We return to Regensburg by coach. Rüdesheim Asbach Brandy Travel aboard this popular road train for a visit to the Asbach Visitor Centre, which gives a fascinating insight into the distiller s art that makes the Asbach range of products so popular. The Multi-Vision Show shows the production of this fine brandy, from grape and distillation to storage and the finished product which you can buy from the shop. We have also arranged a tasting session. Rüdesheim by Night Visit a traditional wine cellar to sample some of the region s best wines, before exploring the captivating street, Drosselgasse. Rüdesheim Highlights A small train collects you from the ship and takes you through the wine fields surrounding Rüdesheim before taking you into the town centre. Here you have two hours free time and can combine the excursion with either a visit to Siegfried s Mechanical Museum, which is filled with fascinating examples of early 1900 mechanical music making systems, or a wine tasting session and learn about the wines from the surrounding region. Afterwards the train returns to the ship. For our Christmas and New Year Cruise you can combine the excursion with a visit to the Mechanical Museum only. Ruse Guided Tour The city of Ruse is the most important river port in Bulgaria and is filled with beautiful buildings, giving the city the name Little Vienna. Our guided tour takes in many sights such as the Roman Fortress of Sexaginta, the Russian style Church of Sveta Troitsa Ruse s oldest surviving Ottoman-era building, and the Danube Bridge which links Bulgaria with Romania and is known locally as the Friendship Bridge. Schönbrunn Palace Schönbrunn Palace is part of the World Cultural Heritage. This is a wonderful opportunity to see inside the luxurious interiors and explore some of the 1441 rooms, which are filled with magnificent chandeliers, beautiful ceiling frescoes and lashings of gold decoration. Highlights include the Great Gallery, the Chinese Cabinets and Emperor Franz Joseph s private suite. Speyer Highlights Our walking tour takes you to Speyer s main town square. The magnificent 11th century Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the Holy Roman Empire s most exquisite monuments with the most beautiful crypt in Germany. Nearby we can relax with a drink in one of the many bars and restaurants in the main shopping area. Strasbourg Canal Cruise Strasbourg is well known for its historical and cultural sights which can be viewed from the unique canal system that surrounds the city. Our excursion is aboard a small glass topped canal cruiser which offers a great vantage point. Having seen some of the sights from the water, you can disembark in the heart of Strasbourg, close to the old pedestrianised walled city and cathedral. When taking time out to relax with a drink, why not sample a glass of locally brewed Kronenbourg? Santé! Strasbourg Guided Tour The historic centre of Strasbourg is an island in the Ill River, inscribed on the UNSECO World Heritage Site List. It is a beautiful place with much to tell: its past, its architecture, its art, its traditions, its great men and with the help of our guide you can enjoy explanations, commentaries and anecdotes which bring the city to life as we explore by coach and on foot. Vienna City Tour This is the perfect introduction to Vienna, the City of Music. Our tour focuses on the historic centre and its rich architecture, where we learn about the baroque castles and gardens, and the 19th century Ringstrasse which is lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks all of which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site (entrances to attractions not included). A Typical Austrian Evening Experience a typical Austrian night on this exciting excursion! We are taken by coach to a wine tavern where you can enjoy an evening of dancing and wine. Wertheim Little Road Train A small train takes you through the town of Wertheim before ascending to Wertheim Castle. This 12th century structure is mostly in ruins, giving it a romantic appeal. You have free time to enjoy the fantastic views over Wertheim and the Main Valley, and of course to explore the ruins. The train takes you back to the ship or the town centre if you wish to explore. Speyer Strasbourg Wertheim ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruise 16 To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 For excursion prices please see page 18 17

10 ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruise ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity Cruises OPTIONAL EXCURSION PRICES All prices are for 2014 cruises unless otherwise stated From the Dutch Bulbfields to the Rhine Valley Keukenhof Gardens...Included Düsseldorf Guided City Tour Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Koblenz at Night with Wine Tasting Rüdesheim Highlights Eau de Cologne & Cologne City Tour Special pre-book package price Saving per person Grand Voyage Along the Rhine to Switzerland Arnhem, Oosterbeek & the Airborne Museum Eau de Cologne & Cologne City Tour Bonn & Beethoven Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Fortress Cochem Tour & Castle Rüdesheim Highlights Heidelberg...Included Strasbourg Canal Cruise Lucerne Black Forest Speyer Highlights Frankfurt...Included Ahr Valley with Wine Tasting Special pre-book package price Saving per person Rhine Cruise & Swiss Delights Bonn & Beethoven Rüdesheim Asbach Brandy Heidelberg & Castle Strasbourg Guided Tour Little Alsace Wine Route Bern by Rail Interlaken by Rail or Interlaken by Coach Special pre-book package price Saving per person If you choose Interlaken by Coach the excursion package price will be 119 saving 53 Up the Rhine & Down the Danube Bad Ems Rüdesheim Highlights Frankfurt City Tour Wertheim Little Road Train Nüremberg City Tour Regensburg City Tour & Danube Gorge Passau Walking Tour Melk Abbey A Typical Austrian Evening Vienna City Tour Bratislava City Tour Budapest City Tour Special pre-book package price Saving per person The Danube from Budapest & Vienna to the Rhine Valley Budapest City Tour Bratislava City Tour Vienna City Tour Dürnstein Guided Tour Danube Gorge & Weltenberg Abbey Nüremberg City Tour Wertheim Little Road Train Frankfurt City Tour Rüdesheim Highlights Special pre-book package price Saving per person Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest Melk Abbey Vienna Guided Tour Schönbrunn Palace Budapest City Tour Budapest by Night Puszta Horse Show Bratislava City Tour Dürnstein Tour with Wine Tasting Special pre-book package price Saving per person The Danube to the Black Sea Bratislava City Tour Budapest City Tour Belgrade City Tour Ruse Guided Tour Bucharest Novi Sad Guided Tour Kalocsa Paprika Town Puszta Horse Show Vienna Guided Tour Schönbrunn Palace Melk Abbey Special pre-book package price Saving per person Rhine Valley Christmas Markets 2013 Ahr Valley Christmas Market Kasbachtal Train & Nostalgic Christmas Markets Cologne Guided Tour & Cathedral Special pre-book package price Saving per person... 9 Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets 2013 Cologne Guided Tour & Cathedral Bernkastel Christmas Markets Bonn & Beethoven Special pre-book package price Saving per person... 5 Christmas Rhine Cruise 2013 Düsseldorf City Tour Bonn City Tour Koblenz & Bad Ems Rüdesheim Mainz Small Train City Tour Cologne City Tour & Walk New Year Rhine Cruise 2013 Düsseldorf City Tour Bonn City Tour Rüdesheim Cologne City Tour & Walk Wine Tasting Budapest ms Princess Cruises Ahlbeck Pier Berlin Cologne Dresden Jasmund National Park Ahlbeck & The Isle of Usedom Enjoy wide vistas and superb countryside on this scenic excursion. The Isle of Usedom is Germany s second largest island with an unbelievable variety of landscapes white, sandy beaches, woods, hills, meadows, forests, bays and lakes. Our tour takes us across the island to visit the elegant seaside town of Ahlbeck, with its art nouveau buildings, sandy beach and the ancient pier which is more than 300m long. Berlin City Tour Berlin is a fascinating city which has undergone enormous changes in the last 100 years. Despite being the capital and largest city in Germany, our excursion makes it easy for first time visitors to get acquainted with the city and location of the main attractions such as Potsdamer Platz one of the busiest squares in Europe, Brandenburg Gate Germany s iconic symbol, Checkpoint Charlie the most famous part of the Berlin Wall and Reichstag home to the German Parliament. Cologne City Tour The Cathedral of Cologne is one of Germany s most important architectural monuments, a gothic masterpiece in the heart of the city which boasts the highest church spires ever built. We have a visit here before we venture into the city to explore the old town for an insight into the city s 2000 year history. Dresden City Tour The beautiful city of Dresden is shaped by soaring towers and dominant domes of palaces, churches and stately homes. Known as the Florence of the Elbe, it s hard to imagine the huge destruction the city suffered during World War II. Our tour encompasses Dresden Castle, the Baroque Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) with its distinctive bellshaped dome, which survived the World War II bombings but collapsed the following day and was later rebuilt. Hiddensee Horse-drawn Carriage Tour The idyllic resort island of Hiddensee is around 17km long and offers a tranquil atmosphere being completely car free. Join our horse-drawn carriage tour for one of the best ways to see the island, as we relax aboard a modern covered wagon pulled by a Haflinger light draft horse. Highlights include the island church, the monastery gate and the nature reserve of Dunenheide. In the Footsteps of Martin Luther Visit the places where Martin Luther, father of the reformation, lived and ministered. Landmarks include Martin Luther s house, which is well-preserved as a museum and contains an unsurpassed collection of Reformation manuscripts and artefacts, and St Marien s church, where Martin Luther preached regularly. Jasmund National Park This scenic excursion takes you on a tour through the nature reserve of the Jasmund National Park, on the Island of Rügen, where you can enjoy a beautiful landscape with incredible views. It is the smallest national park in Germany, covering 3,000 hectares, with some parts ms Princess Cruises 18 To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 For excursion prices please see page 20 19

11 ms Princess Cruises ms Princess Cruises inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The landscape is dominated by chalk cliffs, the largest in Germany which rise 161m above the Baltic Sea and are nicknamed the king s chair. Magdeburg City Tour Due to its position as an imperial seat, Hanseatic city and Prussian fortress, Magdeburg has been at the centre of war and destruction. Today it is home to two of Germany s top ranking universities and is a beautiful city filled with squares, monuments, sculptures, towers and churches which depict its 1200 year history. It is also one of the greenest cities in Germany with many parks. Our sightseeing city tour will take in many of the highlights such as the impressive cathedral, where the first Holy Roman Emperor is buried, and the Monastery of Our Lady, considered the oldest surviving building in Magdeburg (entrances not included). Meissen Prague Meissen & The House of Meissen The first porcelain in Europe was produced at the 300 year old factory in Meissen, bringing fame to the small town. Our excursion lets you see firsthand how this trademarked porcelain is created by hand and tour the museum where a spectacular wealth and variety of exhibits illustrates the history of porcelain manufacturing. Prague City Tour With some six hundred years of architecture virtually untouched by natural disaster or war, there are few cities in Europe that match Prague. Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in Europe and stands above the Lesser Town, known as the Mala Strana. It s linked to the Old Town by the world famous 14th century Charles Bridge. Our tour takes in the many highlights to introduce you to this Czech Republic capital followed by plenty of free time to explore at your own leisure. Rushing Roland Steam Train Join us for a journey of romance and nostalgia as we travel by train across the Island of Rügen. The Rügensche Bäderbahn Orlando Furioso, affectionately known as the Rushing Roland, is a steam engine-powered narrow-gauge railway. It runs 24.1km from Putbuz to Göhren with historic locomotives and coaches, some of which are almost 100 years old. This is a wonderful way to see the island. Szczecin City Tour Szczecin is the capital of West Pomerania, Poland, and has fine architecture, vast panoramas, elegant streets, beautiful squares, and a wealth of old buildings. One of the best sights is the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes; there is also the Gothic Hall, the Gothic Cathedral, the Baroque Harbour Gate, the Baroque Palace and the Baroque White Eagle Fountain and White Eagle Square. Wolin Island Tour Explore Poland s largest island, most of which is a National Park, dominated by sandy hills which cover a large area of the park, along with glacier formed lakes and forests. It is a main tourist attraction with popular seaside resorts including Miedzyzdroje, known as the Pearl of the Baltic due to its wide, sandy beaches and beautiful surroundings. OPTIONAL EXCURSION PRICES All prices are for 2014 cruises unless otherwise stated Elegant Elbe, Berlin & Prague Prague City Tour Dresden City Tour Meissen & The House of Meissen (Porcelain) In the Footsteps of Martin Luther Magdeburg City Tour Berlin City Tour Special pre-book package price Saving per person Baltic Isles, Berlin & Poland Berlin City Tour Jasmund National Park Szczecin City Tour Wolin Island Tour Ahlbeck & the Isle Usedom Rushing Roland Steam Train Hiddensee Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour Cologne City Tour...Included Special pre-book package price Saving per person Seine Cruises Abbey Trail Discover one of the most romantic ruins in France Jumièges Abbey, set in beautiful parkland close to the River Seine. Founded by Saint Philibert in 654, it once housed 700 monks and 1500 lay brothers. You can walk through the 14th century porch and see the impressive church of Notre-Dame, before passing the old hospice to see the smaller Saint-Pierre church. A walk through the park to a small formal terrace gives you a wonderful overall view. Chateau de Martainville This is a perfect example of a 15th century Renaissance castle which still has its original layout and annexes dovecote, wagon shed, baker s oven and half-timbered well. Built by Flemish architect Jacques Le Pelletier, Seigneur of Martainville, it was once a country residence for a very prominent family of businessmen from Rouen. Today it houses a wonderful museum the ground floor displays an exceptional collection of furniture from Upper Normandy, the second Chateau de Martainville Chateau of Versailles floor is devoted to daily life in the region and the top floor is devoted to the history of textile and costume. There is also a rich agricultural collection in the outbuildings. Château of Malmaison (visited in place of Versailles) This beautiful country house was once the home of Joséphine Bonaparte, wife of Napoléon and is now a fascinating museum dedicated to their lives. Visitors can explore the sumptuous rooms with their original 19th century decor, porcelain collections, paintings and furniture. Château of Versailles The Château of Versailles is among the most famous monuments of world heritage and the most beautiful and complete work of French art from the 18th century. Join us as we discover grand apartments, colonnaded walkways, breathtaking ballrooms and pristine formal gardens at this astounding palace, built in its current form by Louis XIV between 1664 and Sacré Coeur, Montmartre Côte Fleurie The Côte Fleurie is a beautiful stretch of coastline, with sandy beaches and charming seaside towns bordered by lush countryside. During our excursion we visit the resorts of Deauville and Trouville so you can explore the sophisticated towns and take a walk along the promenades to enjoy the views. We also visit a famous Calvados Distillery where you can learn more about the delicious apple brandy with a tour of the orchards and cellars. Guided Visit to Old Montmartre Montmartre is the highest hill in Paris where you can enjoy wonderful views along with a village-like atmosphere, which sets it apart from the city. Montmartre s most famous site is the magnificent Basilica of the Sacré Coeur, along with the charming Artist s Square, where works are painted and sold. It is also renowned as the home of Picasso. Seine Cruises 20 To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 For excursion prices please see page 22 21

12 Baltics Cruise Seine Cruises Guided Tour of Rouen Rouen is classified as a City of Art and History and has more than 200 protected sites. The cathedral is undoubtedly one of the highlights a textbook example of French gothic architecture famously painted by Claude Monet. Wandering around the old centre, along the cobbled streets lined with fine half timbered buildings, you will find many more noteworthy attractions as our guide reveals more about Rouen s fascinating history, linked to characters such as Joan of Arc, William the Conqueror and Victor Hugo. Honfleur Still a fishing port and now a popular yachting harbour, the medieval town of Honfleur is beautifully preserved with picturesque streets, traditional buildings, museums, churches and monuments. It is famous for being the city of painters, artists, writers and musicians, such as William Turner and Claude Monet, and is recognised as one of the cradles of Impressionism. The port itself is one of the main attractions along with the Church of St Etienne, the original 17th century Salt Halls which you can go inside to admire the wooden roofs, the remains of the old prison and St Catherine s Church which is built entirely of wood. You can also take a stroll along the sea-walls, past the lighthouse and lock to the beach. Panoramic Guided Tour of Paris This half day guided tour explores the mythical places of Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Élysées. It s the perfect introduction to the city prior to a free afternoon when you can explore at leisure. OPTIONAL EXCURSION PRICES All prices are for 2014 cruises unless otherwise stated Paris to Honfleur, Seine Valley Cruise 5 Day Option Chateau de Martainville Guided Tour of Rouen Honfleur Côte Fleurie Special pre-book package price Saving per person Paris to Honfleur, Seine Valley Cruise 7 Day Option Chateau of Versailles or Malmaison Guided Tour of Rouen Abbey Trail Honfleur Côte Fleurie Special pre-book package price Saving per person Paris Cabaret Cruise Panoramic Guided Tour of Paris...Included Guided Visit to Old Montmartre...Included Please complete the Booking Form and post it together with your payment to: The River Cruise Line, Anson House, Compass Point, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9HW. Alternatively, you can call us to book and pay on RIVER CRUISE TITLE: DEPARTURE DATE: EXCURSIONS/PACKAGES REQUIRED: DETAILS OF LEAD PASSENGER: Name: Address: BOOKING REFERENCE No.: Optional Excursion Booking Form Daytime Telephone No.: Postcode: Rouen DETAILS OF PASSENGERS: Title First name Surname PAYMENT BY CREDIT / DEBIT CARD If you wish to pay by credit / debit card please call our Holiday Advisors. Any payments made by credit card will incur an administration fee of 2%. There is no fee for payment by debit card. Honfleur Notre Dame, Paris Please note: Cheques & Postal Orders should be made payable to The River Cruise Line Please note: Optional excursions will operate subject to weather conditions and minimum numbers. Changes to advertised programmes are rare, but we do reserve the right to amend the excursions at any time. The order of excursions may vary according to local circumstances. 22 To book simply call or complete and return the booking form on page 23 23

13 Anson House, Compass Point, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9HW To book call us on or visit Please me