2017 CRUISE COMPANION. Ultimate European Journey

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1 2017 CRUISE COMPANION Ultimate European Journey

2 Icon/Letter Code Legend The symbols below will help guide you through the descriptions of the daily itineraries. They will give you an idea of the length and pace of the excursions, and they will note which meals are provided. Uniworld Signature Icons u UNESCO Site b e Embark/Disembark Motorcoach ICON/LETTER CODE LEGEND Dining Letter Codes CB Continental Breakfast BB Buffet Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner WD Welcome Gala Dinner FD Farewell Gala Dinner Tour Duration Icons 5 1 /4 Day 7 1 /2 Day 9 3 /4 Day 8 Full Day WELCOME Our world begins with you Thank you for selecting Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. We want to do everything we can to ensure you have the most enjoyable and worry-free vacation. With that in mind, we have prepared this booklet for you, so you can plan your trip with the greatest of ease. Consider it a guideline to help you get ready for your upcoming trip. It contains valuable tips and advice on what to pack, your flight and transfer experience, onboard information, day-to-day details and much more. We highly look forward to hosting you onboard our beautifully appointed ships and making your vacation the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible. Shore Excursion Icons All tours involve walking unless strictly noted as a panoramic tour. In many cases, the walking takes place over uneven ground, cobblestones or flagstone walkways, and several tours involve stairs or short uphill climbs. Please wear comfortable, non-skid walking shoes while on all tours. These symbols give an idea of what to expect on each program Easy walking Includes walking of 15 minutes or less from multiple motorcoach stops to and around historical sites. Possibly some steps, or gentle uphill and downhill walks. Intermediate walking Includes walks of up to two hours on uneven terrain. Limited seating at sites. Multiple stairs and/or uphill/ downhill walking. Strenuous walking Involves walking at all sites. Many stairs and uphill/ downhill passages. Those with physical limitations and those who may need private arrangements should contact the Cruise/Tour Manager when onboard. Sincerely, The Uniworld Team COVER: Bamberg, Germany Frankfurt, Germany uniworld.com / 1

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Helpful Hints Before You Go 4 Travel Documents Passports Visa Requirements Passenger Information Form Travel Protection Plan 5 Cruise/Tour Documentation Final Documentation Includes 6 Baggage Limitations 6 Travel Essentials 7 Health and Mobility Physical Limitations Medical Special Diets 8 General Money Matters ATMs Currency Exchange Credit Cards and Travelers Checks Transaction Fees Getting There 10 Airport Security and Check-In 10 Transfers Airport Arrival Transfers Airport Departure Transfers Private Car Transfers Guests with Independent Arrangements Cruise-Only Guests Late Flight Arrivals and Missed Flights Baggage Delays 13 Pre- or Post-Cruise Included Land Stays and/or Optional Extension 16 Gift Shop 17 Go Active 17 Gratuities 17 Health and Hygiene 17 Ice Machine 17 Internet Access 18 Laundry 18 Lounges and Coffee Station 18 Mail 18 Mooring and Docking Facilities 18 Quietvox 19 Responsibility and Waiver 19 Safety Deposit Box 19 Shopping 19 Shore Excursions 19 Smoking 20 Spa Treatments and Massage 20 Stateroom and Suite Amenities 20 Sun Deck Access 20 Visitors 20 Water 20 Weather 21 What to Wear 21 Omissions 22 Frequently Asked Questions TABLE OF CONTENTS 14 Hotel Check-In and Hotel Check-Out 14 Embarkation and Disembarkation Embarkation Disembarkation About Your Uniworld Cruise-Only or Cruise/Tour Package and Onboard and Onshore Services 2017 RIVER CRUISE/TOUR PROGRAM Ultimate European Journey 25 Amsterdam to Bucharest / 24 Days 59 Bucharest to Amsterdam / 24 Days 16 Dining 16 Elevators 16 Fitness Center 16 Front Desk 2 uniworld.com / 3

4 Whenever using a visa service, it is highly recommended that you provide the service with a copy of your entire travel itinerary. There are times when multiple-entry visas may be required, or when there may be restrictions to entering one country from another depending on your nationality. If the service does not have your full itinerary, this may result in improperly issued documentation. Passenger Information Form: By now, you should have completed the Uniworld Passenger Information Form. The information on this form is used to comply with certain foreign government and airline security restrictions in advance of your arrival onboard our ships. If you have completed this form, we thank you for your prompt attention. If you have not completed this form, please visit our website at uniworld.com and complete the online Passenger Information Form in the Already Booked section. Each guest must complete the form. Travel Protection Plan: Uniworld strongly recommends that each guest purchase a Travel Protection Plan. Please carry all policy information with you during the course of your trip. CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Helpful Hints Before You Go Travel Documents CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Passports: All Uniworld river cruise/tours require a passport. Passports must be valid for six (6) months after the scheduled return date from the trip. Each guest is fully responsible for obtaining and carrying the travel documents necessary for his or her travel itinerary. Uniworld will not be responsible for any delays, damages and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper travel documents. Visa Requirements: No visas are required for US or Canadian citizens on the itineraries shown in this booklet. Non-US or non-canadian citizens must contact each consulate of the country or countries to be visited for specific requirements. Information for US citizens and Canadian citizens can also be found at uniworld.com in the Already Booked section. All guests are strongly advised to obtain necessary visas well in advance of departure to avoid unnecessary expedited processing charges. During the cruise/tour, it is advisable to have copies of important documents (i.e., first page of your passport, photo, credit card numbers and bank/credit card company phone numbers) in a separate packet, in case the originals are lost or stolen. Cruise/Tour Documentation Uniworld sends all final cruise and air documents between 21 and 30 days prior to your trip departure, provided that Uniworld has received a completed and signed Passenger Information Form and your booking is paid in full. All documents are sent via a priority mail delivery service, such as UPS or FedEx. Final Documentation Includes: Cruise-Only Ticket or Cruise/Tour Ticket Passenger Ticket Contract (which is legally binding between Uniworld and each guest) Airline Tickets or E-Ticket Confirmation (if international air ticket was purchased from Uniworld) Cruise/Tour Companion Baggage Tags Leave-Behind Communication Card Travel Protection Plan Pamphlet (if Uniworld travel protection was purchased) Optional Pre- or Post-Cruise Extension Information (if optional trip extension was purchased) 4 uniworld.com / 5

5 CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Baggage Limitations Airline baggage restrictions change frequently, and each guest needs to check with their specific air carrier for limitations concerning baggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, and excess or overweight baggage charges. This information can be found on the carrier s website or on Uniworld s website at uniworld. com/baggage. Remember to check for both international (over the water) and domestic (intracontinental) regulations, as limitations differ depending on flight routings. Overweight or excess baggage charges vary, and guests who exceed an airline s recommended limit may be asked by the airline to pay fees ranging from $25 to $80 US dollars (USD), or possibly more, per infraction. Onboard the ship and motorcoaches, storage space is very limited. Therefore, for your comfort and convenience on the cruise/tour, we ask that you bring one (1) suitcase per person and one (1) carry-on bag per person (excluding purses). Please note there may be a fee assessed on-site for excess baggage. Keep an eye on your baggage and all personal belongings they are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal belongings. A Travel Protection Plan covering lost, stolen or damaged baggage is highly recommended. Travel Essentials The following items are essential for any destination: comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, and a lightweight raincoat or outerwear garment appropriate for the seasonal weather conditions. It is recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medication, copies of credit card information and copies of your passport information pages. Make sure that your baggage has identification tags both inside and outside with your contact information and address clearly marked. Do not pack valuables or important medication in your checked baggage unless required to do so by your airline; these should be carried with you in your carry-on baggage. Please contact your air carrier for any additional regulations. Health and Mobility Physical Limitations: Uniworld trips are exciting, relatively active vacations. While there will be plenty of time to relax, there will also be much to see and do. Your included excursions generally require an extensive amount of walking, as well as the navigation of numerous steps and cobblestone streets. On shore excursions, guests with physical limitations will find access to sites generally restricted. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition. In addition, river ships, while spacious and elegant, are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and some do not have elevators. Uniworld, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse passage or to require a current passenger to end his or her trip if the passenger s state of health or physical condition may affect his or her own health, safety and enjoyment, or that of other passengers. The use of mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, etc. is not recommended for travel in Europe and such devices cannot be readily obtained in the region. Medical: Uniworld does not employ staff nurses or doctors onboard its ships. Nor can the onboard gift shop carry medications that are sold over the counter in the US and other countries (most European nations allow the sale of medications by licensed pharmacies only). Should you require medical attention, you will need to obtain it at local facilities at your own expense. Uniworld is not responsible for any costs incurred as a result of medical service or for the quality of medical care received. A Travel Protection Plan covering medical expenses is highly recommended. Special Diets: Please advise us in advance of your departure of any special dietary restrictions. This information will be provided to the proper personnel. To the extent possible, and in consideration of local conditions, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as necessary concerning any medically related diet concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter. Dietary restrictions should be reiterated to the service staff at the time of placing orders in restaurants. CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION 6 uniworld.com / 7

6 CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION General Money Matters The currency in Austria, Germany and the Netherlands is the euro. The euro comes in banknote denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. One euro is divided into 100 cents, and coin denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, or 1 euro and 2 euros. Currency in Bulgaria is the lev. The lev is tied to the euro at a fixed rate of 1 = lev Notes are in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 levs. With the exception of some larger establishments in Sofia, credit and debit cards are not universally accepted and cash remains the preferred currency. However, ATMs are becoming increasingly popular where Visa and MasterCard can be used to withdraw cash. Money can also be exchanged in bureaux de change and banks. Lev notes dated 1997 and earlier are now out of circulation, but unscrupulous money changers may offer these, as well as advertise misleading exchange rates, so it is advisable to only use official outlets. Currency in Croatia is the kuna. Notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 kunas. Bureaux de change are available across the country and money can be exchanged in banks, at post offices and by authorized dealers. Travelers Checks are accepted, though to avoid additional conversion charges these should be in US dollars, pounds sterling or euros. ATMs are widespread throughout Croatia; Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Currency in Hungary is the forint, which comes in banknote denominations of 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 forints. Hotels, banks and bureaux de change can all be used for currency exchanges, along with some restaurants, airports, railway stations and travel agencies. All currency exchange receipts should be retained in case they need to be presented to officials. ATMs are available in most towns, and the vast majority of international credit cards are accepted in larger establishments. Currency in Romania is the leu. Notes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 leu. Currency can be exchanged at banks and at authorized dealers, as well as in many shops, hotels and restaurants. All receipts should be kept in case they are required by customs or other officials. Travelers Checks are accepted in larger hotels and banks, but not many other places. To avoid additional charges, Travelers Checks should be made out in US dollars or euros. ATMs are becoming more popular, though they are not widespread. Credit and debit cards may be accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, though their use is not widespread. Currency in Serbia is the New Yugoslav dinar. Notes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 1,000 and 5,000 New Yugoslav dinars. Currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change and in exchange machines in Belgrade. Travelers Checks are not widely accepted and cash is recommended instead. ATMs are available, though few accept international credit and debit cards. Credit and debit cards may be accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, though acceptance is not widespread. Uniworld features a cashless environment onboard, and all charges are billed directly to each guest s onboard account. Currency accepted onboard for settlement of final bills is either the euro or US dollar (the total amount will be converted into US dollars based on the onboard exchange rate). The major credit cards accepted are Visa, MasterCard and American Express, and these will incur extra bank charges for transactions, which will be your responsibility. Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your debit and/or credit card(s) overseas. ATMs: The ship does not have ATMs onboard, but ATMs linked to major bank networks can be found throughout Europe. Most debit and major credit cards can be used for cash withdrawals ashore. Your bank can tell you which network your ATM card can access and whether a debit or credit card must be used. Make sure you have the correct PIN for the card you plan to use before leaving home, as the PIN is required for all money withdrawals. It is also recommended that you bring an overseas contact number for your bank or credit card company in case you require assistance while traveling. Currency Exchange: Limited currency exchange is available onboard for the exchange of cash only. Credit cards cannot be accepted for money exchange. All hotels and major tourist sites have exchange facilities. We recommend that you do not carry euro bills in denominations greater than 100, as many merchants are hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Local banks can break larger bills into smaller denominations for you. Credit Cards and Travelers Checks: Most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) are accepted worldwide. There may be some stores or locations where cash is preferred or where a particular credit card cannot be used for purchases. We recommend bringing at least one major credit card, as well as an ATM card that is both a debit and credit card. It is not advisable to bring Travelers Checks, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to cash them at local banks. CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION 8 uniworld.com / 9

7 Transaction Fees: Please note currency exchange transactions and ATM cash withdrawals always involve transaction fees. It is always best to inquire as to the fee before exchanging any money. ATMs will typically ask you if you accept the fee before enabling the transaction. departure in order for transfers to be properly arranged. Your flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Uniworld s recommended transfer guidelines. For complete details, please see the Terms and Conditions section of our current brochure or our website, uniworld.com. CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Please note: = Euro Getting There Airport Security and Check-In It is advisable to contact the airline in advance of your departure to verify that there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule found on your travel documents. After your travel documents are issued and sent to you, Uniworld is not responsible for notifying guests of any changes in flight schedules. Please make sure you arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure to complete check-in and security procedures. For peak travel times, you may even want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time. Transfers Airport Arrival Transfers: If your cruise-only or cruise/ tour package includes a group arrival transfer (and your flights coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been communicated to Uniworld), or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer from Uniworld, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel or ship. Transfers are only provided on the actual start day of the cruise or cruise/ tour. Guests who have purchased a pre-cruise optional extension will also be met by a Uniworld representative at the airport of the city in which the extension is to take place. You will be met as you exit the secure customs area. Please claim all of your baggage before exiting the baggage claim area. Porterage services are not included at the airport. From the airport, you ll be transferred to the hotel or ship. Please note that transfers are nonrefundable. There may be a waiting period of up to two (2) hours for scheduled airport transfers, depending on groupings of flight arrivals. Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed, changed, canceled or missed flights; for missed cruise-only or cruise/tour days; or for extra costs resulting from delayed, changed, canceled or missed flights. Flight information and pre-trip arrangements for all guests making their own flight arrangements must be given to Uniworld no later than 45 days prior to Guests who have purchased extra nights with the Uniworld land stay or pre-cruise/tour optional extension will be provided private transfers to the hotel as part of the extra nights purchase, as long as Uniworld has received their flight information no later than 45 days prior to departure. If your cruise-only or cruise/tour package does not include transfers (i.e., for flights outside Uniworld s recommended transfer time guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated to Uniworld in time), then please make your way to the hotel or ship as per your itinerary at your own expense. Airport Departure Transfers: If your cruise-only or cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer (and your flights coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been communicated to Uniworld), or if you have purchased a private departure transfer from Uniworld, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Transfers are only provided on the actual end day of the cruise or cruise/tour. Guests who have purchased a post-cruise optional extension will be transferred from the ship to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport accordingly. Porterage services are not included at the airport. In accordance with Uniworld s transfer guidelines, all guests making their own flight arrangements are required to provide Uniworld with their flight information and post-trip arrangements no later than 45 days prior to departure in order to receive transfers. For complete details, please see the Terms and Conditions section of our current brochure or our website, uniworld.com. Guests who have purchased extra nights with the Uniworld land stay or post-cruise/tour optional extension will be provided private transfers to the hotel as part of the extra nights purchase, as long as Uniworld has received their flight information no later than 45 days prior to departure. If your cruise-only or cruise/tour package does not include transfers (i.e., for flights outside Uniworld s recommended transfer time guidelines or if flight details have not been communicated to Uniworld in time), then please make your way from the ship or hotel as per your trip itinerary at your own expense. CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION 10 uniworld.com / 11

8 CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Private Car Transfers: Guests who make independent flight arrangements and arrive outside Uniworld s transfer guidelines can purchase private car transfers from Uniworld at an additional cost. Private car transfers are only available on the cruise only or cruise/ tour start and end dates. Please ask your preferred Travel Professional or Uniworld for details. In some locations, private transfers are not available due to the distance between the airport arrival city and the port of embarkation and disembarkation. Guests with Independent Arrangements: For guests who are making their own way to the ship and who are not using Uniworld s transfer options, we strongly suggest that you call the ship to determine its exact location before proceeding to the dock. The ship s telephone number will be shown on your Cruise-Only Ticket or Cruise/Tour Ticket. Docking assignments for river cruise vessels can change at the last minute, and the information provided on your Cruise-Only Ticket or Cruise/Tour Ticket about the expected docking location could be incorrect on your day of arrival. It is not possible for Uniworld to notify guests making their own way to the ship of any last-minute changes. Cruise-Only Guests: Cruise-only guests may join Uniworld s group transfers or may purchase private transfers for the cruise-only start and end dates. However, independent flight arrangements must be made in accordance with Uniworld s transfer guidelines, which are coordinated with the ship s required time of embarkation and disembarkation for all guests and must be provided to Uniworld no later than 45 days prior to departure. Late Flight Arrivals and Missed Flights: If your package includes a Uniworld arrival transfer and you experience a travel delay of any kind, please adhere to the following instructions: Advise an airline representative at the airport that you are a cruise passenger bound for a specific location at a specific date and time to meet your group. Upon arrival in the cruise-only or cruise/tour start city, after you have cleared customs look for the Uniworld representative outside the customs area. Depending on the nature of the delay, Uniworld s ground staff may be able to track flight changes. If your flight arrangements were drastically altered, it is unlikely that the ground staff will be notified of your specific flight changes in time. And due to security protocols enacted after September 11, 2001, airlines very rarely provide updated flight information to third parties. If you cannot find the Uniworld representative, please contact the Transfer Provider in your arrival city. Their contact information is shown in the transfer section of your Cruise Only or Cruise/Tour Ticket. If unable to match you up with a scheduled group transfer, the Transfer Provider will ask you to make your way to the ship at your own expense. Costs incurred due to missed transfers are the responsibility of the guest, and in most cases, compensation can be obtained from your Travel Protection Plan provider or airline carrier. If your delay is serious enough that you miss the starting point of your cruise, you will need to get to the next stop on the ship s itinerary at your own expense. Using the ship s phone number shown on your Cruise- Only Ticket or Cruise/Tour Ticket, please contact the ship for its exact location on your revised date of arrival. The ship s personnel will advise you on the best course of action. Uniworld is not responsible for missed transfers or additional costs incurred in getting to the next destination due to missed or delayed flights. Baggage Delays: Baggage delays do unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. First and foremost, do not leave the baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If traveling with a companion, we recommend that one (1) person exit the baggage claim area and locate the transfer representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that transfers are properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary and the ship s contact information. Report your lost baggage to the Uniworld representative and provide your Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. This will assist our staff in helping to locate your baggage as quickly as possible. Uniworld is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to baggage and/or personal belongings. A protection plan covering lost, stolen or damaged baggage is available through the Uniworld Travel Protection Plan. Pre- or Post-Cruise Included Land Stays and/or Optional Extension All Uniworld land programs are fully hosted by a Uniworld local host who will be on hand during your stay to provide you with information and assistance. Daily breakfast, transfers and porterage are also included. Most feature at least one (1) special sightseeing program. Guests on a pre-cruise included land stay or optional extension will receive a welcome briefing from the on-site Uniworld representative the evening of the first day of the extension. Guests on a CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION 12 uniworld.com / 13

9 CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION post-cruise included land stay or optional extension will receive their briefing onboard the ship prior to disembarkation. This briefing will familiarize you with the scheduled program and provide additional information about excursions, dining recommendations, shopping tips and more. Details of your pre- or postcruise included land stay or optional extension are included with your final documents. Hotel Check-In and Hotel Check-Out Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival at the hotel. This is not always possible due to differences in hotel check-in times and scheduled airport-to-hotel or airport-to-ship transfers. Most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 2:00 pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 2:00 pm, you may need to wait until the room becomes available. Hotel check-out must be no later than 12:00 pm. Embarkation and Disembarkation Embarkation: Guests are to embark no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled sailing time. Disembarkation: About two (2) evenings before your departure from the ship, your Cruise/Tour Manager will brief all guests about what to expect on the morning of disembarkation and what time to have baggage available for pickup and will distribute any documentation necessary to make your departure as smooth as possible. All guests must vacate their staterooms and suites no later than 8:00 am the day of disembarkation so the staff and crew can prepare for the next group of guests. Breakfast hours are coordinated around airport transfer times, which, in some cases, can be very early in the morning. It is not unusual in some destinations to have airport transfers as early as 4:00 am. In such cases, we will provide guests with coffee, tea, juices and pastries from our 24-hour coffee station. Guests staying onboard for an additional cruise will have time at leisure for their continued enjoyment of the destination. CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Ultimate European Journey (Amsterdam to Bucharest) The ship will embark at 4:15 pm. Ultimate European Journey (Bucharest to Amsterdam) The ship will overnight in the embarkation city the first night of the cruise. All times shown are subject to change without notice. Uniworld is not responsible for any loss, damages, personal costs or inconvenience incurred due to such changes. On embarkation day, the ship is being cleaned and prepared for your arrival. Most of the ship s facilities, including your stateroom or suite, will not be available before 3:00 pm. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Should you arrive at the ship earlier than 3:00 pm, you may leave your baggage at the Front Desk and take a walk in the area or relax in the lounge. Please keep your hand baggage with you at all times. Complimentary coffee, water and light snacks will be available for your enjoyment. 14 uniworld.com / 15

10 CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION About Your Uniworld Cruise-Only or Cruise/Tour Package and Onboard and Onshore Services Dining Your ship s onboard restaurant provides a relaxed environment and accommodates all guests with open seating. It offers both local and international cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are sumptuous buffets, while evenings feature specialties of the chef and regional dishes. All beverages are included (excluding premium wine and premium spirits) for the cruise portion of your trip. In addition, al fresco dining may be available on the Sun Deck on scheduled nights, weather permitting. Reservations are necessary as space is limited. Reservations can only be made onboard the ship. All meal times are scheduled around tour departures, and breakfast can take place very early in the morning. Please notify Uniworld immediately if you have any special dietary concerns or considerations that need to be taken into account while traveling with us. We will do our best to ensure that your request is accommodated, but we cannot guarantee that every request can be met in all cases. Elevators The River Duchess is equipped with an elevator that services all decks except the Sun Deck. Fitness Center The Fitness Center is open 24 hours a day. Use of the fitness equipment is at your own risk. Front Desk The Front Desk operates 24 hours a day. The Night Receptionist will make hourly safety checks of the ship. Gift Shop There is a gift shop onboard with a limited selection of toiletries, souvenirs and other sundries. All purchases are charged to your shipboard account. The hours of operation are adjusted to each day s program. Please note: No over-the-counter medications are available, in accordance with European laws. Go Active Complimentary bicycles and Nordic walking sticks are available for your onshore enjoyment during the cruise portion of your stay. Bicycle and walking paths are easily accessible from some of the ports of call. Your Cruise/Tour Manager can offer recommendations. The number of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks available is limited, and they can only be reserved through the Front Desk 24 hours in advance of the time you wish to use them (or on the day of, if available). Their use is solely at your own risk; all guests must sign a release form prior to using bicycles or Nordic walking sticks. Gratuities All tips and gratuities are included during the cruise portion of your trip as well as on the pre-cruise and post-cruise land stays and optional extensions purchased in conjunction with your cruise. Health and Hygiene As part of our commitment to a clean, safe and healthy onboard environment, Uniworld practices a strict sanitization protocol on our ships. To assist us in this important matter, we kindly ask all guests to frequently wash their hands and to consistently use the handsanitizer machines when entering the ship and when entering the restaurant. The machines are located just inside the main entrance to the ship and at the entrance to the restaurant. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in this very important matter. Ice Machine For your convenience, a self-service ice machine is located on the ship, and an ice bucket is provided in your stateroom or suite. Internet Access Our Internet Corner allows you to send and receive s and to access the Internet using our computer stations. In addition, you may use your own laptop computer to access our Wireless Internet Service (Wi-Fi). Wi-Fi access varies throughout the ship and is generally best in the Main Lounge. Use of the Internet Corner and Wi-Fi service is complimentary. Please note: The Internet connection might not be available in remote areas or when transiting locks. Expect the connectivity speed to be slower than your home connection and not suitable for services requiring a high bandwidth such as Skype or YouTube. CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION 16 uniworld.com / 17

11 CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Laundry A launderette containing a self-service washing machine, dryer and iron is available for your use (detergent is available at the Front Desk). There are no dry cleaning facilities. The ship also provides washing, drying and ironing services for a fee. Lounges and Coffee Station The lounge provides spectacular, expansive views at every turn. Relax in the comfort of soft chairs and sofas upholstered in fine fabrics and leathers. Enjoy our full-service bar and dance the night away to the music of our onboard pianist. The coffee station offers a casual atmosphere with comfortable chairs and tables. Complimentary coffee and tea are available here 24 hours a day. The lounge also serves specialty coffees and finely brewed teas on order. You ll find a pleasant, glass-enclosed Sky Lounge complete with tables and chairs on the Sun Deck of the ship. Here you can enjoy panoramic views of the river while being completely sheltered from the elements. Mail Stamps are available for purchase at the Front Desk. Mail is posted daily unless local mail facilities are not available. Uniworld is not responsible for mail that is not properly delivered to the addressee by the postal service. Mooring and Docking Facilities Local river authorities allocate docking space around ship arrivals and departures in port. Typically, river ships dock facing upstream. Occasionally port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each other, in which case guests may be required to walk through another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the river cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond the control of Uniworld. Guests may experience obstructed views from staterooms and suites when the ship is docked. we provide onboard the ship. We have a limited number of telecoil induction loops available onboard, so please inquire with the Cruise/Tour Manager once you are on the ship. Responsibility and Waiver The guest accepts the terms and conditions of the Passenger Ticket Contract when participating in any organized shore excursion that is provided by Uniworld. Participation in some shore excursions or tours may also be subject to an independent operator s own terms and conditions. Safety Deposit Box Each stateroom and suite onboard and hotel room onshore comes equipped with a safe. We urge you to leave valuables at home. We are not responsible for any valuables left in your stateroom or suite. Any charge to return lost and found property onboard will be at the owner s expense. Please beware of pickpockets when ashore. Shopping Time for shopping is usually allowed for within the framework of most of the sightseeing programs. Actual time available for shopping may be limited due to tour constraints. Keep in mind that many shops in Europe may be closed on Sundays and holidays. Shopping recommendations can be made by your Cruise/Tour Manager and shipboard staff. Larger stores accept most major credit cards. Market vendors and small stores usually only accept local currency. It is a good idea to take a small amount of cash for on-the-spot gratuities or to purchase souvenirs or sundries. Shore Excursions Each cruise-only or cruise/tour program includes comprehensive shore excursions led by a local Englishspeaking expert; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience ashore. CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Quietvox Uniworld is proud to use Quietvox portable audio headset systems on shore excursions, so that you will always be able to hear your local expert s commentary with ease and comfort. Please keep in mind that connection to the local expert s transmitter takes about 40 seconds, so if you do not hear the guide straight away, please be patient. The Quietvox system can be used with hearing aids that are compatible with a telecoil induction loop. All you need to do is to replace the regular Quietvox earpiece with the telecoil, which A complete day-by-day shore excursion itinerary is provided in this booklet. Details of your particular itinerary can also be found at uniworld.com. Smoking The ship enjoys a non-smoking environment in all public areas and in the staterooms and suites. Smoking is only allowed on designated parts of the Sun Deck, which are marked on the deck plan in your room directory. For the comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted on sightseeing or transfer vehicles. 18 uniworld.com / 19

12 CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Spa Treatments and Massage Spa treatments and massage services are available onboard the ship. These services are available for a fee and can be paid for in cash or with a credit card at the time of purchase or at the time you settle any of your onboard charges prior to disembarkation from the ship. Stateroom and Suite Amenities Every riverview stateroom and suite includes an individual thermostat for air-conditioning and/or heat, a flatscreen TV, an internal telephone, a safety deposit box, a bathroom stocked with L Occitane and Hermès bath and body products, a luxurious bathrobe for each guest, complimentary bottled water, a hair dryer and an umbrella. Electrical current is 220V, the European standard; however, each stateroom and suite has one 110V outlet. The majority of staterooms and suites have hotel beds that can be positioned separately or together. Your stateroom or suite will be serviced by your Stateroom/Suite Attendant on a daily basis. Security and maintenance checks may also be performed. Butler service is available in the suites. Sun Deck Access For safety reasons, access to the Sun Deck or Sky Lounge may be limited while passing through areas with low bridges and during inclement weather. Visitors Visitors are generally not permitted onboard the ship and are not allowed to join any shore excursions. Please make arrangements to meet your friends and relatives onshore. Water The ship has been outfitted with a sophisticated filtration system, and the tap water in each stateroom and suite is safe for drinking. In addition, bottled water is provided in your stateroom or suite for your comfort. For your convenience, we ve provided two reusable, eco-friendly water bottles in each stateroom and suite that may be refilled and carried along on your daily shore excursions. The bottles are yours to take home as a souvenir of your voyage. What to Wear Prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your travel season and the regions you will be cruising through. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows you to adjust to any temperature, including artificially maintained temperatures, by removing or adding items throughout the day. Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, walking shorts and everyday skirts/ dresses are recommended. For warmer temperatures, we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered, such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, slacks and walking shorts. For early spring and late fall departures, you ll find sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants perfectly suitable. Mix-and-match color schemes work best to help keep baggage light. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. For evenings, any resort-type wear is perfectly suitable; however, we do ask that you not wear shorts to dinner. Men may want to bring one sport jacket for dressier restaurant venues and for special events onboard such as the Captain s Welcome and Farewell festivities. Women find that a cocktail dress or two always comes in handy no matter the destination. Don t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier-weight windbreaker for colder temperatures. Omissions Uniworld is not responsible for omissions or printing and/or presentation errors in brochures, on Internet sites or in any other media where such information may be presented; we reserve the right to make corrections as required. CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Weather Today, weather forecasts are widely available at the click of a button on the Internet. Uniworld s favorite resource for up-to-the-minute international weather information is weather.com. Weather.com features a very informative vacation-planner tool that you may find useful. 20 uniworld.com / 21

13 CRUISE/TOUR COMPANION Frequently Asked Questions I have concerns about my physical ability. What do I do? Guests with mobility concerns should discuss their concerns with Uniworld staff in advance of their departure. Guests requiring the use of a mobility device, such as a wheelchair, motorized scooter or walker, may not be able to participate in many shore excursions or use such devices onboard the ships. Also, guests who are limited in their ability to walk long distances may have difficulties, as there is often uneven terrain on many shore excursions. How accurate are the shore excursion/tour descriptions? Uniworld does everything possible to ensure that shore excursions are performed as promoted and as outlined in the subsequent pages. In certain circumstances, or for reasons beyond the control of Uniworld, it may not be possible or practical for the excursion to be performed exactly as written. The decision not to operate, to alter the operation, to change content, and/ or to otherwise adjust or modify any element of the excursion as advertised is at the sole discretion of Uniworld, always taking into account the safety and best interests of the guests and the overall product delivery. Any such modifications to excursions will not result in eligibility for a refund. Can the itinerary change? What happens if it does change? You can count on the value of Uniworld s experience and regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your cruise/tour even when conditions beyond our control occur. The very nature of a river, with its sources and networks of bridges and locks, means that there will be times when weather or other conditions in a region require Uniworld to make adjustments and modifications to the operation of an itinerary. Itineraries may need to be altered specifically because of water levels. Although every effort is made to keep itineraries as advertised, Uniworld reserves the right to make changes and substitutions as necessary to ensure the safety of our guests and the vessels. Time permitting, every possible effort will be made to alert guests in advance of boarding of any known changes. Otherwise, all guests will be informed onboard of amendments. Any changes to itineraries, including the addition of extensive motorcoach touring to affect delivery of the intended itinerary operation, will not result in eligibility for a refund. What time will excursions depart? All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the ship s daily schedule. During the daily port talk, your Cruise/Tour Manager will brief all guests about what activities will take place the next day. This briefing includes information about departure times, specifics about the shore excursions/tours not covered in this booklet, suggested shopping and restaurant recommendations, and other important information about the port of call. In addition to the briefing, a daily program will be distributed to each guest s stateroom or suite every evening. This program provides a written overview of all events taking place the next day whether onboard or ashore. Does each motorcoach or walking group have its own tour guide? Yes. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own English-speaking local tour guide. Uniworld tries very hard to ensure that our guides are of the highest quality and are well-versed in their subjects, making sure that you have the best possible time ashore. What is the transportation like on excursions? Uniworld works with some of the world s best tour companies, all of which are chosen with our exacting standards in mind. To ensure your maximum enjoyment of each excursion, all motorcoaches seat 40 to 45 people and are air-conditioned whenever possible. There are a few destinations where the equipment may not be of a similar standard and, in such cases, the best possible transportation will be arranged. Rest stops will be provided throughout the course of the excursions, as not all of the motorcoaches used for excursions have onboard toilets. Is smoking allowed on shore excursions/tours? Smoking is not allowed while on the motorcoach, and many historical venues now request that visitors not smoke anywhere on-site. We ask all our guests who smoke not to do so while on excursions/tours. CRUISE COMPANION 22 uniworld.com / 23

14 Start/End River CRUISE LAND NIGHTS ONSHORE UNESCO Ultimate European Journey AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST / 24 DAYS Discover all of Europe in one grand journey from the North Sea to the Black Sea For centuries, people have dreamed of linking the great rivers of Europe, making it possible to travel by water across the continent between the North and Black seas. Today that dream is a reality. This cruise lets you travel Europe s great rivers from the Netherlands to Romania. Throughout your trip you ll uncover the best medieval towns and the most majestic imperial cities. Experience the grandeur of the past and the magic of the present on one all-encompassing voyage across Europe. uniworld.com / 25

15 DAY 1 Amsterdam b e D Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. A. Kölsch beer tasting 5 2 Mingle with the locals at a tavern for an exclusive tasting of Kölsch, the celebrated pale ale that is unique to the city. It s one of the few German beers to have a regional appellation similar to that given to wines; its characteristic flavor comes from the unique yeast used in its brewing. It is always served in a straight-sided narrow glass called a stange, meaning a rod or stick. AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST DAY 2 Cologne u BB L WD Cologne is the largest and oldest city of the Rhineland and a cultural mecca, with more than 30 museums and hundreds of art galleries. A congenial atmosphere and a mix of ancient, modern and reconstructed buildings characterize the heart of the city. Featured Excursion: Cologne walking discovery tour with Cologne cathedral visit 5 2 As you walk through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, you ll find it hard to believe that more than 70 percent of the city was destroyed by bombs during WWII. Three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its Renaissance façade. The famous 12 Romanesque churches were reconstructed from the rubble, and the cathedral, Cologne s iconic landmark, rises magnificently in the city center. Though it was badly damaged in WWII, the great UNESCO-designated cathedral retains many of its original treasures the relics of the Magi and other sacred figures, which inspired its building in the 12th century, the 14th-century stained-glass windows that were stored safely throughout the war and the beautifully painted choir stalls though other treasures are displayed separately. Enter the awe-inspiring nave and learn about the history of the cathedral and its art collections, especially the pieces surrounding the Shrine of the Magi. Note: The number of visitors allowed in Cologne Cathedral is regulated by a very strict schedule of time slots. Sightseeing will be arranged around the time slots obtained. On Sundays and Catholic holidays, guided tours inside the cathedral will not be possible. Following your walking tour, you have your choice of ways to explore further: You may opt to taste the famous local beer or drop by Museum Ludwig. B. Museum Ludwig 5 2 Cologne s first museum to exhibit modern art, the Ludwig was named for Peter and Irene Ludwig, who donated th-century works representing such pop artists as Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, as well as more than 200 Picassos in These pieces were joined by a group of expressionist paintings that collector Josef Haubrich had managed to save from the Nazis, who confiscated some 16,000 samples of degenerative art from private hands, selling some and burning others. Haubrich donated paintings by Marc Chagall, Otto Dix and Ernst Kirchner, among other notable artists, that had been thought lost. A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 3 Cruising the romantic Rhine River, Rüdesheim u BB L D Byron described it as a work divine, a blending of all beauties. Turner painted it. Wagner used it as inspiration for his opera Götterdämmerung. Today you ll see it: the sublime beauty of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this scenic 40-mile (65-kilometer) stretch of the Rhine features a stunning, castle-dotted landscape that 19th-century composers, painters and poets considered the embodiment of an ideal romantic spirit, which was later dubbed Rhine Romanticism. Legend plays its part here too, with shipwrecks and lost lovers attributed to the Lorelei who, so the tale goes, lured all to their doom in the Rhine. Each bend and twist of the river affords new delights: Steep riverbanks are graced with sloping vineyards and picturesque towns, and hilltops are crowned by fairytale castles. Each one of those castles tells a tale: of great families raising fortresses, of AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST A Kölsch beer tasting B. Museum Ludwig 26 uniworld.com / 27

16 warfare and ruin, and of rebuilding through the centuries. Some castles have been entirely reconstructed; others tower above the water in majestic ruin, still an inspiration for romantics. elaborate preparation that is as fun to watch as the coffee is to drink or stop by a wine tavern for a glass of the local Riesling. The Rheingau is one of the smallest wine-growing districts in the world, but it is also one of the best. Like many cities along the Rhine, Rüdesheim has a lengthy history that stretches back to Roman times. These days, the town is best known for its narrow lane of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse and its impressive Niederwald Monument. A. Gondola ride to the Niederwald Monument B. Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum Did You Know? A hillside abbey set amid the vineyards above Rüdesheim was founded by 12th-century mystic and composer Hildegard of Bingen, known as the Sybil of the Rhine. Nuns belonging to her order still live and work here, tending vineyards and singing Hildegard s ethereal music in their chapel. The abbey is not open to the public, but you may visit the chapel and its gift shop, which carries CDs of the ravishing music their founder wrote. AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST A. Gondola ride to the Niederwald Monument 5 3 The huge statue of Germania atop the hill above Rüdesheim is visible for miles. Erected by Wilhelm I to commemorate the unification of Germany following the Franco-Prussian War in 1877, the monument may perfectly embody 19th-century imperial grandiosity but the ride to and from it is the real point of your expedition. Hop aboard a cable car and begin your ascent to Niederwald Heights. You ll get a great view of the town and the entire Rheingau wine-growing region as you climb high into the air, with the precipitous vineyards falling away below you and spectacular views of the Rhine valley spreading into the distance. Don t worry if you find there are far too many glorious things to see as you ascend; anything you miss while going up, you ll have a chance to catch coming back down. Explore the historic Niederwald Monument, then head back down into Rüdesheim, where you can enjoy some free time. Note: The gondola to Niederwald Monument is covered but not heated. Cars are open on the sides, and it is recommended that you dress warmly. B. Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum 5 2 Board a delightfully quaint mini train to Siegfried s Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments. This small, personal museum houses one of the world s best collections of mechanical musical instruments in a 16th-century mansion, the Brömserhof. Here a guided tour will introduce you to rare mechanical instruments; some of them are 300 years old, and all of them are wonderfully inventive and fun. Listen as tiny birds pop out of music boxes and begin to sing; marvel as colorfully costumed mechanical figures play miniature violins. It s an enchanting and surprising experience. Following the museum tour, you ll have time for some leisurely exploration of Rüdesheim s cobblestone streets. Try a Rüdesheim coffee a local specialty requiring DAY 4 Frankfurt BB L D Delve into exciting Frankfurt today. A major European financial and trade center, vibrant Frankfurt boasts world-class museums, soaring skyscrapers, cozy wine taverns and lovely parks. Choose a brief tour that gives you an overview or a more in-depth walking tour and then explore on your own. There s a lot to discover including a great bike path along the Main, if you d like to get out and about for some exercise. A. Frankfurt city tour B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Frankfurt walking tour A. Frankfurt city tour 5 2 Just as a shot of espresso gives you the essence of coffee intense and aromatic in a tiny cup, this quick tour aims to give you the essence of Frankfurt in a tiny amount of time. Ride up to the Main Tower s 650-foothigh (198-meter-high) viewing platform, where your guide will describe the panorama spread out before you and introduce you to Frankfurt s most engaging destinations. You ll learn which sites no visitor should miss so you can tailor the rest of your exploration to your own tastes and interests. From here, take off on your own: Investigate Frankfurt s historic center, Römer Square, or visit one of its exceptional museums. The "Museum Mile" stretches along the south bank of the Main, right where the ship is docked, making it very easy to visit the Städel (which has works by painters ranging from Rubens to Baselitz) or any of the other dozen museums nearby. The Zeil, Frankfurt s best-known shopping district, offers dazzling window shopping. AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST 28 uniworld.com / 29

17 AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Frankfurt walking tour 7 2 Although Frankfurt is unabashedly modern, with a dynamic international population and a skyline dominated by skyscrapers, it has a much-loved historic core, and your ship docks within easy walking distance of it. Stroll with your guide through Römer Square, bordered by the 15th-century mansions that constitute the old city hall, to the Klein Market Hall, where locals choose produce and sausage, cider and eggs, flowers and spices, from the covered market s 154 stalls. Sample Frankfurt s beloved apple cider and sausages as you take in the colorful scene. Frankfurt s residents come from more than 200 nations, so you ll find plenty of international specialties, too, along with regional items. You may stay here on your own or continue with your guide to Goethe House, the house museum devoted to Germany s national poet, who was born in this city. Though Goethe s work belongs to the world, Frankfurters take particular pride in their native son; the rooms here display furnishings from the writer s day, as well as family portraits and the desk where Goethe completed Faust not to mention a puppet theater with which the four-yearold future poet played. You ll encounter the city s bustling present-day economic power as you walk past the Frankfurt stock exchange and continue to Main Tower. Nothing exemplifies Frankfurt more than this lofty skyscraper: The façade of a historic building is incorporated in its base and 56 stories of glass-encased offices soar above it. Ride up to the viewing platform for an amazing view of the city and its surroundings. DAY 5 Wertheim BB L D Your port of call today, Wertheim, nestles at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers; it s a picturesque and friendly town dominated by the ruins of a 13th-century castle. Featured Excursion: Wertheim walking tour with pretzel-making and wine tasting at a private wine estate 9 2 b This region of Bavaria is known for its amber-colored beer, spicy bratwurst, traditional soft pretzels and unique wine bottles with short necks and round bodies and you ll encounter several of these local specialties today. First, though, you get to see a little of Wertheim itself. Despite centuries of flooding, a great deal of the Old Town remains. The Pointed Tower, used as a jail for drunkards and shrews in the 13th century, leans toward its neighbors, not from age but because flood waters have undermined it. It s not the only architectural wonder you ll see on your tour. You may choose to spend some leisure time in the village or head straight to nearby Kreuzwertheim, a wine-growing area, for a hike through the vineyards your efforts will be rewarded with a glass of sparkling wine and a wonderful view of the Main River valley. Whichever option you select, your next stop is a historic winery that produces fine Franconian wines. Its charming sandstone architecture, vaulted cellars and covered courtyard make for a delightful afternoon. You ve probably tasted some yummy soft pretzels on your trip already, but these are special: Watch a fifthgeneration baker make some for you and discover for yourself why he supplies some of Berlin s top hotels. Then meet the winery s winemaker, who will present a special wine tasting. DAY 6 Würzburg u BB L D Your ship will dock in the delightful Franconian town of Würzburg, where you will visit the extraordinary Würzburg Residence one of the most opulent baroque palaces in Europe. Featured Excursion: Würzburg Residence visit 7 2 b This incredibly lavish 18th-century palace was created under the auspices of two Schönborn prince-bishops, Lothar Franz and Friedrich Carl, who brought enormous knowledge and passion, as well as a budget for the best, to the project. Over the course of 60 years, they fostered the creation of a 300-room palace that contains jaw-dropping baroque art. The magnificent grand staircase boasts the world s largest ceiling fresco, painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Portions of the building were damaged by Allied bombing in 1945, but, fortunately, most of the historic furnishings had been stored off-site and key rooms were unharmed, so you can see the original and matchless artwork, gilding and statuary. Check out both the spectacular Hall of Mirrors and the imposing Imperial Hall, which boasts a large oval dome and 20 half-columns. Even the gardens have been restored, right down to the topiary fruit trees AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST 30 uniworld.com / 31

18 in the kitchen garden, which are re-creations of the trees grown there in the 18th century. Return to the ship for a delicious lunch, and then spend the afternoon exploring Würzburg on your own. Head off to the central market square and pop into the local shops. Admire Würzburg Cathedral, a Romanesque structure built in 1040 and dedicated to Saint Kilian, the apostle of Franconia. Or check out Old City Hall and the 15th-century Old Main Bridge, which is adorned with statues of saints. Original furnishings belonging to the Hohenlohe family are on display throughout the rooms, and you ll learn surprising details about the family and the techniques used to maintain and restore their heritage. The gardens are exquisite and amusing too, as you will see when you stroll through them with your guide. DAY 8 Bamberg u BB L D AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST Note: Visitors may not take photos or videos or carry backpacks inside the Würzburg Residence. DAY 7 Cruising the Main River BB L D Spend a relaxing day onboard as your ship wends its way along the Main River between Würzburg and Bamberg. It s something of a truism to say that this route takes you from wine to beer, and you ll see the transition as you sail past the vineyard-covered slopes around Würzburg toward Bavaria s famous beerbrewing center, Bamberg. Along the way, you ll pass delightful little villages and romantic castle ruins, drift under lovely old bridges, and have plenty of time to observe the fascinating variety of vessels plying the river, from heavily loaded barges to jaunty little pleasure craft. Featured Excursion: Rothenburg and Weikersheim village & castle tour 8 2 b Step into a fairytale version of the Middle Ages in Rothenburg. The great stone walls surrounding the medieval core stand tall, linking towers, bastions and parapets. Timber-framed houses line narrow cobblestone lanes and tiny village squares, each with its own fountain. Your first stop is Market Square and the magnificent Town Hall, which combines Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture. Close by is the Gothic Franciscan Church, revered for its famous Tilman Riemenschneider altarpiece depicting St. Francis receiving the stigmata. Your tour ends with a traditional Franconian deli lunch, and then you ll have some time to browse before boarding the motorcoach to Weikersheim Castle. Once a medieval moated fortress, Weikersheim was transformed by the Hohenlohe counts into a miniature Versailles over the course of two centuries. The doubleheight banquet hall is one of the most beautiful Renaissance rooms remaining in Germany, adorned with spectacular coffered ceilings and hunting scenes. Today, your ship will dock in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, which has one of the largest intact medieval town centers in Europe. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills but in Bamberg, a church tops each one. During the Middle Ages, Bamberg was split in two, divided by the Regnitz River, one side controlled by the prince-bishop and the other by the burghers (a formally defined class in medieval Germany). As a result of this division, the Old Town Hall was built on a tiny island in the middle of the Regnitz to serve both sides of town. Marvel at this medieval city s striking architecture and stirring history on a walking tour through Bamberg s Old Town. Or leave the city behind for an experience of Franconian rural life with a visit to a charming village in the verdant hills just outside of town. A. Bamberg walking discovery tour B. Exclusive Franconian Village Day A. Bamberg walking discovery tour 7 2 b Now a pleasant city with a lively student population and a world-famous symphony orchestra, Bamberg was the center of economic and political life for a huge swath of Central Europe in the Middle Ages. Spared WWII bombing, the entire heart of historic Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval layout of the city remains intact, along with 2,000 historic buildings; it is yours to explore today. In the splendid late- Romanesque Imperial Cathedral you will find the only papal tomb in Germany, that of Pope Clement II (who was the bishop of Bamberg before he became pope), as well the tomb of Emperor Henry II (who established the bishopric). Near it are two magnificent palaces: The Old Palace, the late-gothic imperial residence (if you saw the AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST 32 uniworld.com / 33

19 AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST D version of The Three Musketeers, you ll recognize it immediately), sits across from the New Residence, where the 17th-century prince-bishops lived, separated by a lovely rose garden. Cross the cobblestone footbridge to the Old Town Hall, which is adorned with colorful frescoes, and ramble along the narrow lanes lined with picturesque half-timbered houses. B. Exclusive Franconian Village Day 7 2 b If you re interested in exploring a small village and getting to know more about the landscape and local farming techniques in the beautiful Steigerwald region, this visit to a Franconian village is perfect for you. Meet a local farmer who is determined to make sure that his way of life continues for future generations; he s dedicated to restoring the natural environment around him and making sure that school kids know more about where their food comes from. Join him as he introduces his village to you: the typical farmhouses and the crops, the hardships of the life as well as the pleasures of living among the vineyards and forests. Take a tractor ride over the rolling hills to a small-scale vintner s where you can sample the wine they make strictly for home consumption. There you ll share a hearty snack and learn what it takes to run a traditional farm in the 21st century. This is a unique look at daily life in a very special and historic region. You ll spend the rest of the day on the peaceful Main River, cruising past quiet Franconian hamlets and picturesque countryside. It s the perfect time to indulge in the many comforts of your luxury ship while watching some of Europe s loveliest scenery glide by. DAY 9 Nuremberg, cruising the Main-Danube Canal BB L D Your ship docks in Nuremberg very early in the day. One of Germany s leading cities for many centuries, Nuremberg s glowing heritage as a center of German arts, culture and economy was, sadly, also responsible for its disastrous experience in the 1930s and 1940s. Which aspect do you wish to explore? You must choose between two very different but equally fascinating excursions. A. Nuremberg city tour 7 2 b It was never officially the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, but German rulers made Nuremberg their base for 500 years. They surrounded the medieval city with stout walls and built a great castle on a hilltop, which they expanded again and again over the centuries. Prosperous, secure and vibrant, Nuremberg lured artists and thinkers, merchants and scientists, for centuries. This is the archetypal medieval German city that you ll discover today as you trace the great ramparts and gate towers around the Old Town. Stroll through the castle gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, then walk through a maze of cobblestone lanes down to the central Market Square, gathering around the well-named Beautiful Fountain, first erected in The red sandstone Church of Our Lady stands on the east side of the square the 14th-century façade survived WWII bombing and, like much of Old Town, was meticulously reconstructed after the war, with the original stones plucked from the rubble. Browse on your own following your tour; there is much to see and enjoy. The National Germanic Museum is one of the largest museums in the world; in it you ll find the first pocket watch ever made (by a local craftsman), the first globe produced in Europe, a thousand period musical instruments, and innumerable paintings and drawings by German artists. The half-timbered shops in Crafts Court, next to the King s Gate in the old wall, give you a sense of what it was like to buy goods in Renaissance Nuremberg wooden toys, pewter cups and leather goods are for sale here, and so are commemorative coins hand-stamped on a 15th-century press. Visit Dürer House, where Nuremberg s most famous native son, Albrecht Dürer, lived, or simply relax in a beer garden and enjoy the city s specialty sausages and dark beer. Did You Know? Wagner s opera Die Meistersinger was inspired by the Renaissance-era master singers who instructed pupils at St. Martha s Church, just a few blocks from Market Square. Though they were called master singers, they were actually masters of other crafts; the best known was Hans Sachs, a master cobbler, singer and poet. AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST A. Nuremberg city tour B. WWII historical tour with Documentation Center 34 uniworld.com / 35

20 AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST B. WWII historical tour with Documentation Center 7 2 Hitler considered Nuremberg the perfect expression of German culture (partly because of its significance in the Holy Roman Empire, which he called the First Reich), and so beginning in 1927, he chose to hold his massive rallies in the city. By 1933, his favorite architect, Albert Speer, had designed the vast Nazi Party Rally Grounds, where thousands upon thousands of Nazi troops saluted Hitler. (Leni Riefenstahl captured these events in her famous propaganda film Triumph of the Will.) Not all of Speer s plans were executed, and some of his grandiose structures were bombed out of existence, but the remainder stand as vivid testimony to Hitler s megalomania. A four-square-mile (10-square-kilometer) complex known as Zeppelin Fields contains parade grounds and a huge grandstand, the excavation site where a stadium for 400,000 people was begun the hole is now filled with water and the half-finished Congress Hall. Step into Congress Hall, intended to outdo and outlast the Colosseum in Rome, to walk through the Documentation Center and its exhibition Fascination and Terror, which covers the causes, the context and the consequences of the National Socialist reign of terror. The second part of this excursion takes you from the Rally Grounds to the Nuremberg Memoriam, dedicated to the Nuremberg trials, where you ll visit Courtroom 600, the scene of the Nuremberg trials, and an exhibit that discusses the historic trials. Note: Courtroom 600 is an active court. Visitors will only be permitted to see the courtroom during trial breaks. Later, prepare to take an exciting journey through a marvel of modern engineering the Main-Danube Canal. The canal is the fulfillment of a millennia-long dream, permitting ships of all shapes and sizes to travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea. A formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts your ship to the crest of the European continental divide. Unlike the US and Canada, where the Continental Divide is in high mountains, in Europe the watershed changes at 4,382 feet (1,332 meters), and the countryside is a gentle slope. Regardless of altitude, it s amazing to watch each lock open and fill with water and to feel the ship rise and move forward. DAY 10 Kelheim, Regensburg u BB L D the 6th to the 13th centuries. The remnants of Regensburg s golden age are still on display, particularly in the Stone Bridge, the first bridge to span the Danube, built in the 12th century. This bridge, which is 1,014 feet (309 meters) long, was an architectural wonder in its day. But don t let Regensburg s illustrious history fool you into thinking the town s best days are all in the past. Modern Regensburg is a popular center of higher learning, with more than 30,000 students attending its various colleges and universities. In fact, Pope Benedict XVI was a professor of theology at the University of Regensburg until Regensburg also frequently appears on lists ranking the world s best places to live, thanks to its outdoor spaces, historic city center, lively cultural and nightlife scenes, and great shopping. You have a variety of options for exploring this area today, from the ancient to the modern, including your choice of exclusive Go Active options. A. 2,000 Years in One Hour Regensburg walking discovery tour B. From Hops Field to Beer Stein farm visit C. BMW factory visit D. Exclusive guided Go Active bird s-eye view of Regensburg E. Exclusive guided Go Active bike ride to Walhalla A. 2,000 Years in One Hour Regensburg walking discovery tour 5 2 People have been describing Regensburg as old and new for a thousand years. A single structure perfectly illustrates this: Porta Praetoria, the gate built by the Romans during Marcus Aurelius s reign. The gate and adjacent watchtower have been incorporated into a much newer building, but the plaster has been removed to reveal the ancient stones laid so long ago. As you walk through the cobbled lanes of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, the city s 2,000-year history is similarly revealed: the Stone Bridge that made Regensburg a 12th-century trading powerhouse, the Gothic town hall where the Imperial Diet met for three centuries, the 13th-century fortified patrician houses, and the spectacular Cathedral of St. Peter, whose magnificent 14th-century stained-glass windows alone are worth your walk. You ll have free time to explore on your own; it s very hard to get lost in Regensburg because the spires of the AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST Regensburg is a friendly town with quaint cobblestone streets, historic Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage designated medieval city center. This unspoiled gem was the capital of Bavaria for about 700 years, from 36 uniworld.com / 37

21 AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST cathedral are visible all over town, so don t hesitate to roam. The historic quarter not only boasts almost a thousand beautiful old buildings but also many cozy pubs and some great shopping and the ship is docked conveniently close, so it s easy to drop your treasures off and go back for more. B. From Hops Field to Beer Stein farm visit 7 2 b Hops vines growing up their strings in a field tower almost twice a man s height. They re grown for their flowers, which add a distinctive flavor to beer but the fields they grow in add a distinctive flavor to the hops. You could call it terroir for beer, and you can delve into hops cultivation and hops brewing today. Travel through Bavaria s Holledau region, the largest hops-growing district in the world, and meet an enthusiastic ambassador of hops growing and beer making. She will give you a quick and lively history of hops in Germany including Bavaria s law governing the making of beer, which has specified since 1560 that the only ingredients permitted in beer are water, barley and hops and lead you on a tour through the fields where her family grows hops, followed by a craft beer tasting in the cozy barn turned beer hall. It s a delicious way to get to know a fascinating aspect of the international farm-to-table movement. C. BMW factory visit 7 3 b Here is your opportunity to see German engineering, famous the world over, in operation as you tour the state-of-the-art BMW factory on the outskirts of Regensburg. About a thousand cars a day roll off the assembly line here, many of them in the BMW 3 series. You ll see various stages of the process, from rolls of sheet metal being stamped out into body parts to watching elements of the car being robotically assembled. Follow an already assembled car into the finishing department to see it painted, polished and have the final touch applied the BMW roundel. Note: For safety reasons, BMW does not allow those with pacemakers or insulin pumps to participate in factory tours. The plant is closed on Sundays and holidays, so no visit is possible if the tour lands on those days. D. Exclusive guided Go Active bird s-eye view of Regensburg 5 3 Regensburg s UNESCO-honored medieval complex. Pause atop another bridge to take a look at boats cruising through the lock and then begin your ascent of Holy Trinity Hill; you ll have a great view of old Regensburg from Windsor Heights, and you ll pass some of the beautiful mansions that overlook the city including the buildings that housed the silk plantation begun by Ludwig I in the early 19th century. Your route continues along the heights, offering views of the entire region: fields, woods, even the Bavarian forest in the far distance. After a brief rest, you ll head back down to the town and the ship. E. Exclusive guided Go Active bike ride to Walhalla 5 3 Meet your guide dockside, fasten your helmet and set off across the Nibelungen Bridge to the north bank of the Danube, where you ll pick up the bike path. Your route carries you through the pretty waterfront villages of Tegernheim and Donaustauf, an ancient market town. The ruins of a 10th-century castle loom above Donaustauf, but the most impressive landmark in the region is Walhalla, a vast white-marble replica of the Parthenon commissioned by Ludwig I to honor German cultural heroes. If you wish, you may climb the 358 marble steps to the terrace of the Temple of Fame, which offers a phenomenal view of Bavaria s verdant fields. You will probably be ready for a break and a cold drink after that climb; luckily the next stop is a cozy Bavarian beer garden. Refreshed, you'll pedal back along the river to Regensburg and the ship. DAY 11 Passau, cruising the Danube River BB L D Located at the confluence of three rivers the Danube, Inn and Ilz Passau is well known for its ornate baroque cathedral. Long ago, it was a Roman colony in the province of Noricum, called Batavis after an ancient Germanic tribe. Today, the city is unusually well preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during WWII, as you ll see on your walking tour of Passau. If you d like some active touring, join us for a guided bike ride along the Danube. AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST Did you know that Regensburg residents raised silkworms at one time? It s just one of the unusual aspects of the city that you ll discover on a hike that begins at the ship s dock. Meet up with your guide and head out along the eastern gate road (that eastern gate was part of the old Roman walls), crossing the river to the narrow streets of Stadtamhof, an island in the Danube that is part of 38 uniworld.com / 39

22 A. Passau walking discovery tour B. Passau city tour with old town walk C. Exclusive guided Go Active Bavarian river bike ride the high-water marks on the buildings as you pass them, and your knowledgeable local guide can tell you about the city s plans to control flooding in the riverfront areas as you head back to the ship. AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST A. Passau walking discovery tour 5 2 The skyline of Passau is dominated by two buildings that owe their existence to the prince-bishops who ruled the city until 1803: the great fortress looming on a hill above the three rivers, home to the bishops until the 17th century, and the green onion domes of St. Stephan s Cathedral. As you walk through the cobblestone streets toward those green onion domes, you ll realize that Passau retains the layout of the medieval town. However, many of the wooden medieval buildings burned to the ground in the 17th century, and the prince-bishops imported Italian artists to build a new cathedral and a magnificent new residence for the bishops themselves. As a result, these splendid structures flaunt Italian baroque and rococo style and ornamentation, complete with opulent gilding and wonderful frescoes. Your guide will introduce you to some of the architectural highlights the rococo stairways of the New Residence; the cathedral; and the Town Hall, which boasts a magnificent atrium adorned by large paintings by Ferdinand Wagner and make sure you get a close-up view of the point where the three rivers meet: The waters of each one are a different color. Because it s built on a peninsula between the Danube and the Inn, the city has flooded often over the centuries; you can see high-water marks on many buildings (2013 saw the worst flooding in 500 years). B. Passau city tour with old town walk 5 2 b Board a motorcoach for a drive along the Danube, crossing over the river and climbing the hill to the Oberhaus fortress. It may look like a typical red-roofed Bavarian palace now, but for hundreds of years, the prince-bishops used it to enforce their rule over the region; the citizens of Passau assaulted it twice without success in an effort to gain their freedom from the bishops. The bishops threw religious dissidents into the Oberhaus prisons, as well as political enemies, so it was known as the Bastille of Bavaria for a time. From the walls here you can see how the fortress dominated the city below, and you also get a fabulous view of the three rivers merging. Your panoramic tour continues with a drive through Passau, over the Inn River, and into the heart of the old city. A stroll through historic Passau shows you the highlights: the town hall, the lovely baroque churches, the twisting medieval layout. It s no mistake that St. Stephan s Cathedral stands on the highest ground in the old town; Passau has flooded often over the centuries. You can see C. Exclusive guided Go Active Bavarian River bike ride 7 3 Discover Passau s Old Town from a new vantage point with a guided bicycle ride. Pass through Residence Square and along winding streets lined with historic homes on your way to the riverbank bike path, one of Europe s longest and best-known paths. You re guaranteed a scenic ride as you glide past rolling hillsides, orchards, meadows and streams that flow into the mighty Danube. Pause for a breather at an old salt-trading post before heading into the village of Kasten, with its 800-year-old church. Cross the river for a little more riding, followed by a stop at a typical Austrian beer garden you just may see your ship sail past as you sip a refreshing beer in the shade of a chestnut tree. As you return to the ship, you ll use an old-fashioned passenger ferry to cross the river. Later you ll see one of the most breathtaking stretches along the Danube. The ship will pass through the famous Schlögener Schlinge, a gooseneck or hairpin turn, in the Danube s course. It s simply beautiful and will warrant lots of photos. DAY 12 Cruising the Wachau Valley, Engelhartszell, Weissenkirchen (Weissenkirchen or Melk) u BB L D Sail through the spectacular scenery of the Wachau Valley one of the most beautiful stretches of river landscape in all of Europe. The 19-mile-long (30-kilometerlong) valley was formed over many centuries by the Danube River, which slowly wore away a rocky gorge in the foothills of the Bohemian Forest between Krems and Melk. This enchanting region which boasts steep-sided, densely wooded southern slopes and northern slopes composed of a picturesque mixture of crags and vineyards is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. Dotted along the banks are boutique winemaking communities and historic small towns, like the pleasant village of Weissenkirchen, which you will have the opportunity to explore on a delightfully savory AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST 40 uniworld.com / 41

23 AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST excursion. Or, if you re feeling active, consider a vineyard hike that will lead you high above the village. Some of Austria s finest white wines are produced from grapes ripened on the terraces that cling to these rocky slopes, including Grüner Veltliner, which is grown almost exclusively in Austria. If you have a taste for history rather than wine, consider a visit to Melk Abbey, where you ll explore its massive library and admire its magnificent architecture. A. Weissenkirchen Village Day with exclusive guided Go Active vineyard hike with wine tasting B. Melk Abbey with library visit A. Weissenkirchen Village Day with exclusive guided Go Active vineyard hike with wine tasting 5 3 You ve seen the apricot orchards along the river banks; now taste the fruit. Begin with an easy walk to Weissenkirchen, which may be the prettiest village in the Wachau and that s saying quite a bit. Named for its famous white church, Weissenkirchen is simply picture perfect. Its centuries-old wine estates, houses with colorful flower boxes, lovely gardens and apricot orchards make for a wonderfully idyllic setting between the river and the mountains. Stroll through the town with your guide, stopping at a farm store where local growers display their products, such as wild boar salami, cheeses, jams and traditional poppy-seed sweets. Apricots contribute their essence to many products: jams and brandy, of course, but also chocolates, honey, mustard and chutney, so your stop should be full of fun flavors. Stay in the village and explore a bit on your own or, if you re up for a hike, join a group on a hike up through the vineyards. A stairway at the church will take you past the ancient cemetery and up to the hiking trail that leads through vineyards planted with Riesling and Grüner Veltliner grapes. You ll enjoy expansive views over the river valley as you approach your resting point, where you can sample some Wachau wines as your guide explains the qualities that make these vintages unique. Your next treat is an easy walk back to the ship; instead of a reverse hike, you can comfortably stroll back into the village via a different route, passing many small vintners along the way. Benedictine monks. These monks, some 900 years ago, turned it into a fortified abbey and the greatest center of learning in Central Europe. Their library was celebrated far and wide (and still is Umberto Eco paid tribute to it in his best-selling novel The Name of the Rose). Monks there created more than 1,200 manuscripts, sometimes spending an entire lifetime hand-lettering a single volume. Today the library contains some 100,000 volumes, among them more than 80,000 works printed before This beautiful complex, completely redone in the early 18th century, is a wonderful example of baroque art and architecture, and the views from its terrace are spectacular. As you walk through the abbey s Marble Hall with your guide, look up at the ceiling fresco painted by Paul Troger: Those classical gods and goddesses represent Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, allegorically bringing his people from darkness to light and demonstrating the link he claimed to the original Roman Empire. DAY 13 Vienna u BB L FD The grand dame of the Danube, Vienna was the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains, to this day, the political and cultural center of Austria. Klimt painted here; Beethoven and Mozart composed here; Freud developed his theories here. It s a treasure trove of splendid architecture, astonishing art collections and inviting cafés and it s yours to enjoy. To begin your exploration of this delightful and historic city you may choose between two different guided tours: a panoramic city tour that includes a stop at Vienna s exquisite Winter Palace of Prince Eugene, or our exclusive Vienna, City of Arts tour, which will take you to the Kunstkammer wing of the famed Art History Museum to see one of the finest art collections in the world. Later in the day, you can discover the endless charms of Vienna at your leisure. A. Vienna city tour with Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit B. Exclusive Vienna, City of Arts tour AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST B. Melk Abbey with library visit 5 2 b The Babenbergs, a great medieval ducal family that controlled a wide swath of Austria before yielding to the Habsburgs, were the first to erect a castle on the hill above Melk, which they subsequently gave to 42 uniworld.com / 43

24 AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST A. Vienna city tour with Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit 7 2 b Ring Street, the great horseshoe-shaped boulevard lined with many of the city s major landmarks Parliament, City Hall, the Vienna State Opera, glorious palaces and museums is a mere 150 years old, practically an infant for a city of Vienna s age. It replaced the walls and fortifications that had protected the city for centuries. Its construction was a testament to confidence, forwardthinking and grand urban planning, and it resulted in a 50-year building spree. You ll pass most of these opulent and lavish landmarks on your way to the older section of the city, the area the walls once enclosed. There, as you walk through the heart of the historic city, you will discover Vienna s ongoing debt to Prince Eugene of Savoy. Born in France in 1663, the prince served the Habsburg emperors for 60 years, ably commanding their armies and assuring the Habsburgs dominance throughout Central Europe and the Netherlands. Emperor Charles VI rewarded the prince with honors and wealth wealth that he spent in part on building one of the loveliest palace complexes in Vienna, the Belvedere, and collecting fine art. In 2013 his Winter Palace, not far from St. Stephen s Cathedral, was opened to the public for the first time in centuries. His state apartments, with magnificent baroque ornamentation and paintings by Louis Dorigny and Ignace Jacques Parrocel, are part of your guided tour today. After you leave this jewel-box palace, you ll walk along Kärntner Street, the celebrated pedestrian boulevard that links the State Opera with St. Stephen s Cathedral, past the elegant shops on the Graben and the Kohlmarkt. The neighborhood offers a lively combination of historic architecture, street performances, shoppers delights and true Viennese atmosphere. Did You Know? Louis XIV refused to give Prince Eugene of Savoy, a French nobleman, a commission in the French army, a decision he may have regretted, since Prince Eugene subsequently defeated the French king s armies a number of times. B. Exclusive Vienna, City of Arts tour 7 2 b The sheer number of artistic gems on view in Vienna is overwhelming. Let an art historian provide you with knowledgeable guidance as you visit two extraordinary and quite different collections. The objects assembled at the Kunstkammer Wien almost defy description. For centuries the Habsburgs collected curiosities that caught their fancies: an automaton of the goddess Diana riding a centaur, a priceless salt cellar made by Benvenuto Cellini, Renaissance tapestries, exquisite gold Communion cups, sculptures and ivories the range is staggering. The museum was closed for more than a decade and only reopened in 2013; now these precious, idiosyncratic and magical pieces are once again on public view. The collections at the Belvedere, by contrast, concentrate on paintings and sculpture. The Belvedere palace complex, a triumph of baroque architecture, was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Habsburg Empire s leading general in the early 18th century. The Upper Belvedere houses the world s largest group of works by Gustav Klimt, including his exquisite The Kiss, as well as paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir, among many others. Note: The Kunstkammer Wien is closed on Mondays. If the tour lands on a Monday, Albertina Museum will be visited instead. A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 14 Budapest u BB L D Called the Queen of the Danube, in part because of the way the city hugs the banks of the river, Budapest is an enchanting city that vibrantly mixes East and West, medieval and modern. Made up of two parts Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands) and divided by the Danube, Hungary s capital presents an array of architectural styles that reveal its long and varied history. You have a variety of ways to experience the city: Take a panoramic guided tour aboard a motorcoach, discover the Budapest that locals love on a walking tour, or bike along the city streets with an expert local guide. Later in the day you are free to enjoy leisure time in Budapest. A. Budapest city tour B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Budapest walking tour C. Exclusive guided Go Active Budapest by bike A. Budapest city tour 7 2 b This panoramic tour is a wonderful way to get an overview of the city if you have never been here before. It will carry you along elegant Andrássy Avenue from Heroes Square, created in 1896 to honor the thousandyear anniversary of Hungary s founding and its greatest AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST 44 uniworld.com / 45

25 historical figures, and past the state opera house, taking in some of the city s other striking architectural sights Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, St. Stephen s Basilica and the truly stunning Parliament Building on the way to Castle Hill, which has been called the heart of the nation. The city of Buda began here, when King Béla built a strong keep in 1243 as a defense against Mongol invaders, and the Castle Hill district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll go inside the magnificent 700-year-old Matthias Church, named for one of Hungary s greatest kings, and then wend your way on foot to the picturesque Fisherman s Bastion, whose seven fairytalelike towers represent the seven tribes that originally settled the region. It offers a glorious view of the city and the Danube below. Note: Visits to the interior of Matthias Church may not be possible on some weekends and Catholic holidays. Hungarian Parliament building, and swoop over the bridge to Margaret Island, the narrow strip of land sometimes called the green heart of the city. There are a few buildings on the island, but it is primarily parkland. Check out the renovated Japanese Garden with its musical fountain (the melody it plays is based on medieval Hungarian folk tunes), the art nouveau Water Tower, the petting zoo and the lovely rose garden. What s a park without a picnic? Sit down beside the ruins of the 13th-century church (the island was named for a king s daughter who became a nun here) for a glass of local wine and some typical Hungarian nibbles such as sausages and cheeses. On the other side of the Danube, you ll stop at the Castle Bazaar, a handsome neo- Renaissance promenade that links the river to Castle Hill, and swing by the legendary art nouveau Gellért Baths before returning to the ship. It s a fun and active way to get out and see the city the way locals see it. AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Budapest walking tour 7 2 Get ready for a fun immersion in the daily life of Budapest your local guide will show you how to use the metro (one of the oldest in Europe) to easily reach all the city has to offer. Start with a visit to one of the city s irresistible market halls. Stalls spill over with produce, sausages and meats, festoons of dried paprika, cheeses and jars of honey, all of it authentically Hungarian. After you leave the market, stop for coffee and a sweet treat at Szamos Gourmet Palace, a combination pastry shop, café and chocolate maker in Vörösmarty Square. Marzipan is a favorite confection in Budapest, and Szamos has specialized in making it since the 1930s, so you might want to try some but the shop s truffle selection is equally irresistible. Refreshed, you ll be ready to hop back on the tram for a visit to the gracious green spaces of Károlyi Garden, sometimes described as Budapest s most charming small park. You ll ramble along the boulevards and pass the Hungarian National Museum, truly getting the feel for this dynamic city, as you head back toward the ship. C. Exclusive guided Go Active Budapest by bike 5 3 Only the Netherlands and Denmark have a higher proportion of people who use bicycles for their daily transportation than Hungary, and you can spot the bright-green bikes that are part of the city s bike-sharing program anywhere. Join an expert local guide to experience another side of green Budapest the side that s full of beautiful gardens and open green spaces. Wheel along both sides of the Danube, passing the DAY 15 Budapest b BB Light Lunch D Other passengers are heading home today, but you are only halfway through your marvelous holiday. Today you have an opportunity to explore Budapest s treasures at your leisure. It s a mecca for lovers of art nouveau architecture the building housing the Franz Liszt Academy of Music is a particularly noteworthy example of the style so perhaps you would like to take yourself on a tour of some of these beauties. Treat yourself to a relaxing day at one of the city s splendid spas, such as the Gellért Baths, or borrow one of the ship s bicycles and explore Margaret Island. Your options are many, and all of them are delightful. DAY 16 Budapest, cruising the Danube River u BB L WD Vibrant Budapest, Hungary s capital, offers an enchanting combination of East and West, old and new. Even its geography is made up of two parts Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands) divided by the Danube. Which part will you choose to explore today? You have three options to choose from. AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST 46 uniworld.com / 47

26 AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST A. Budapest city tour B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Budapest walking tour C. Exclusive guided Go Active Budapest by bike A. Budapest city tour 7 2 b This panoramic tour is a wonderful way to get an overview of the city if you have never been here before. It will carry you from Heroes Square, created in 1896 to honor the thousand-year anniversary of Hungary s founding and its greatest historical figures, past some of the city s most striking architectural sights Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, the state opera house, St. Stephen s Basilica and the truly stunning Parliament Building to Castle Hill, which has been called the heart of the nation. The city of Buda began here, when King Béla built a strong keep in 1243 as a defense against Mongol invaders; a castle replaced the simple fortress, and over the centuries other castles replaced that one. The current castle is primarily 18th century; a museum dedicated to Budapest s archaeological finds is housed there, and the Castle Hill district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll go inside the magnificent 700-year-old Matthias Church, named for one of Hungary s greatest kings, and then wend your way on foot to the picturesque Fisherman s Bastion, whose seven fairytalelike towers represent the seven tribes that originally settled the region. It offers a glorious view of the city and the Danube below. Note: Visits to the interior of Matthias Church may not be possible on some weekends and Catholic holidays. Did You Know? At the foot of Chain Bridge, the first bridge to link Buda and Pest, is a stone marker in the shape of a zero; it is Hungary s zero milestone all distances in Hungary are calculated from this spot. B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Budapest walking tour 7 2 b Get ready for a fun immersion in the daily life of Budapest your local guide will show you how to use the metro (one of the oldest in Europe) to easily reach all the city has to offer. Start with a visit to one of the city s irresistible market halls. Stalls spill over with produce, sausages and meats, festoons of dried paprika, cheeses, and jars of honey, all of it authentically Hungarian. After you leave the market, stop for coffee and a sweet treat at Szamos Gourmet Palace, a combination pastry shop, café and chocolate maker in Vörösmarty Square. Marzipan is a favorite confection in Budapest, and Szamos has specialized in making it since the 1930s, so you might want to try some but the shop s truffle selection is equally irresistible. Refreshed, you ll be ready to hop back on the tram for a visit to the gracious green spaces of Károlyi Garden, sometimes described as Budapest s most charming small park. You ll ramble along the boulevards and pass the Hungarian National Museum, truly getting the feel for this dynamic city, as you head back toward the ship. Note: Budapest s market halls are closed on holidays. If your tour lands on a holiday, we will skip the market. C. Exclusive guided Go Active Budapest by bike 5 3 Only the Netherlands and Denmark have a higher proportion of people who use bicycles for their daily transportation than Hungary, and you can spot the bright-green bikes that are part of the city s bikesharing program anywhere. Join an expert local guide to experience the Budapest bicyclists love: Wheel along the Danube past such sights as the moving tribute to the Jews shot by the Nazis on the banks of the river, the Hungarian Parliament building, St. Stephen s Basilica and Andrassy Avenue, and swoop over the bridge to Margaret Island. It s a fun and active way to get out and see the city the way locals see it. In the evening, a special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you. DAY 17 Cruising the Danube River, Vukovar (Osijek) BB L D Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has made a remarkable recovery from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions, as well as delicious simple, local rustic food. You ll dock in Vukovar, Croatia s biggest port, at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka rivers. A. Full day tour of Vukovar and Osijek with exclusive farm visit and home-hosted lunch B. Full day tour of Osijek with exclusive home-hosted lunch AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST 48 uniworld.com / 49

27 AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST A. Full day tour of Vukovar and Osijek with exclusive farm visit and home-hosted lunch 8 2 b The bullet-riddled water tower stands as a reminder of the bitter Croatian War of Independence, fought between 1991 and 1995, when Croatia sought to break away from Yugoslavia. Thousands died during the siege of Vukovar, which was heavily damaged. As you take a short walk through the town now, you will see lasting signs of the conflict, but you will also see a revitalized community, determined to rebuild. From Vukovar you ll head to Osijek, where you ll visit Tvrda, a military and civil complex begun in 1687 by the Habsburgs after they took the region back from the Ottomans. You ll also learn something of Osijek s long history which dates back to Roman times and stop by the Church of the Holy Cross, built by the Franciscans after the Ottomans left. Spend some time browsing through the shops in the city center before traveling to a nearby farm for lunch, which happens to be the only farm in Croatia that meets European Union standards for organic agriculture. The owners three generations of the same family will show you their fields and orchards and the areas where they preserve the fruits of their labor: They grind their own flour, make their own apple brandy and produce their own vinegar, just for a start. After your tour, sip a glass of that brandy and enjoy a tapas-style buffet of locally produced delicacies. B. Full day tour of Osijek with exclusive home-hosted lunch 8 2 b Venture into a lesser-known part of Croatia today. Set off from the port of Vukovar with your local guide, who will tell you about Vukovar s calamitous experience during the Croatian War of Independence ( ), when much of the city was shelled and many were killed, and head to Osijek, the capital of Slavonia. Osijek is an attractive town on the banks of the Drava River that combines a long history settlement predates the Romans, who built a fortress there that was conquered by Attila the Hun with an easygoing charm and a readiness to embrace the future. You ll stroll through Tvrda, the baroque military and civil complex begun in 1687 by the Habsburgs after they seized the town from the Ottoman Turks, and see some of the historic highlights via a panoramic tour. You ll follow up your tour with a stop in a village just outside the city for a traditional Croatian lunch hosted by local villagers. Translators will be on hand to help you and your hosts converse, so you can actually learn a bit about one another s lives and interests. DAY 18 Belgrade BB L D People originally settled at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava some 7,000 years ago, making Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, one of Europe s oldest cities. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, but so too is its vibrant present. You have two very different ways to see it today the choice is yours. A. Belgrade city tour with visit to the Royal Grounds of Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace B. Exclusive guided Go Active I Bike Belgrade tour A. Belgrade city tour with visit to the Royal Grounds of Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace 7 2 b As a motorcoach carries you through the city, you ll see a mix of architectural styles that reveal the city s past, ranging from Gothic, Ottoman, baroque and art nouveau to utilitarian Communist apartment blocks and modern high-rises. While Belgrade has been no stranger to political upheaval, the 19th-century Residence of Princess Ljubica and serene old residential streets speak of calmer days, as do the bustling present-day café-lined boulevards. You ll pass the tomb and memorial museum of Josip Broz Tito, which is located at the site of Tito s former residence in Belgrade s affluent Dedinje neighborhood, and visit Kalemegdan Fortress, high on a hill above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Ancient Romans built the first fortress here, and successive conquerors and defenders Slavs, Byzantines, Ottomans, Habsburgs continued to build and destroy fortifications on this site for another 1,500 years. Walk along the old stone walls, passing monuments and memorials (some will surprise you poets and composers are honored here as well as military actions), for a sense of Serbia s distant and more recent history. It s not the only intriguing historical sight you ll see today, however. You will also visit the Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace and sip a glass of sparkling Serbian wine as you tour a compound of palaces built in the 1920s and 1930s. Serbia s royal family, which is related to most of Europe s royalty, has a strictly honorary position in modern-day democratic Serbia, but Crown Prince Alexander (who did AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST 50 uniworld.com / 51

28 AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST not feel that taking the title of king was appropriate when his father died in exile in the United States in 1972) and his family still live in these palaces. Guides will show you the public rooms of the Royal Palace, the White Palace, the adjacent chapel and the spacious grounds. B. Exclusive guided Go Active I Bike Belgrade tour 7 3 Mount a bike and spend a leisurely half-day getting an up-close look at Belgrade, complete with lively commentary from your guide, who will tell you not just about the tumultuous recent past but also what it s like to live here. Ride past Branko s Bridge, Staro Sajmište (a former concentration camp), the Palace of Serbia and Hotel Jugoslavija; after a refreshing stop at a traditional fisherman s bar, you ll be ready to pedal to Kalemegdan Fortress and see a bit of Serbia s more distant past. DAY 19 Cruising the Iron Gates BB L D Today s main attraction will be the spectacular scenery of the river itself. Unwind onboard as you cruise the breathtaking Iron Gates, an 83-mile-long (134-kilometerlong) stretch of scenic gorges that were cut through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains over eons by the Danube River. These gorges, which act as a natural border between Serbia and Romania, are among the most dramatic and beautiful sights in all of Europe. This was one of the swiftest and most dangerous stretches of the river before two dams were built: Iron Gate I and Iron Gate II. Construction on the dams began in 1964 and took 20 years to complete; they have dramatically altered the area s landscape, raising the water level by 114 feet (35 meters) and drowning several islands and villages. History lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan s Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to commemorate the road they anchored in the steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Fortress, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars and Turks. The Turks won the castle in 1458, which helped to reinforce their control of the area until 1867, when they abandoned it. DAY 20 Vidin, cruising the Danube River BB L D two unusual excursions: One takes you to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations, the other to a riverside estate devoted to the arts in Romania. A. Bulgarian red rock country B. Romanian Cetate Cultural Port visit A. Bulgarian red rock country 9 3 b Drive through the scenic Bulgarian countryside to Belogradchik, a small town in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, not far from the Serbian border. After some light refreshment at a local hotel, you ll be ready to explore the astonishing rock formations nearby, which are over 200 million years old and have inspired nearly as many legends! Many of the strange wind- and weather-hewn shapes have names, such as Adam and Eve, the Bear and the Castle. The outcroppings formed a natural defense for the town that was enhanced with man-made fortifications over the centuries. Whether you choose to hike with your guide to the top of the path or not, you ll be rewarded with spectacular views. Your return will take you past some sights that highlight Vidin s mixed heritage: the Orthodox cathedral, the Turkish mosque, the Konak (the 18th-century headquarters of the Turkish police) and the cruciform barracks (which date to the 1790s). The final stop will be Baba Vida, whose stern 10th-century stone walls were built on the site of a Roman watchtower. B. Romanian Cetate Cultural Port visit 5 2 b Cross the Danube via the brand-new bridge that links Bulgaria and Romania to meet Mircea Dinescu, poet, journalist, satirist, media mogul and key figure in the revolution that overthrew Nicolae Ceausescu in Among his surprising ventures is Cetate Cultural Harbor, a haven for artists of all sorts poets, potters, painters, filmmakers and musicians. In 1996 Dinescu s foundation purchased a once-grand house called Port Cetate, which had fallen on very hard times, and transformed it into a largely self-supporting farm and cultural harbor. Artists from all over Europe are invited to participate in workshops and residency programs, and the farm is the scene of a film festival, music camp, poetry camp and even a gastronomic arts festival. There s a reason for that particular focus: Dinescu makes fine wine, which you may sample, and the kitchen staff turns out delectable AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST Now a small port town on the Danube, Vidin played an important part in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It s your base for one of 52 uniworld.com / 53

29 Romanian specialties. Stroll through the peaceful grounds and study the artwork on display before sitting down to tapas and music. The setting may be rustic that s part of the charm but the art, music, poetry, food and wine are quite sophisticated. DAY 21 Rousse (Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi or Rousse and Ivanovo) u BB L FD Bulgaria s foremost Danube port, Rousse is sometimes called Little Vienna for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings. You may choose to see some of the town after venturing to a pair of historic monasteries, or spend the day visiting two historic hill towns. A. Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with authentic Bulgarian lunch B. Rousse walking discovery tour and Ivanovo and Basarbovo monasteries other wildlife, to Ivanovo Rock Monastery once an enclave of more than 40 churches and chapels that the devout built inside caves above the Lom River Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its beautiful and well-preserved 14th-century murals. Your other destination, the Basarbovo Rock Monastery, is the only rock monastery where monks still live and worship today. Climb the narrow rock stairway to the 15th-century cloister, which is cut into the limestone cliffs high above the Lom River, and take a look at the arresting frescoes. You ll also spend some time in Rousse, a city with an easygoing, gracious feeling. Freedom Square, a huge open plaza, takes its name from the Freedom Monument, which soars from the center of the square; the stately Belle Epoque buildings surrounding the square attest to the city s prosperity in the 1890s. Stroll along wide, tree-lined Alexandrovska, the main pedestrian street that links the city s many attractive squares, encountering such landmark sights as Rousse s grand theater, the city museum and the first movie theater (it opened in 1896). AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST A. Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with authentic Bulgarian lunch 8 2 b Twice the capital of Bulgaria before and after the Ottomans conquered the nation Veliko Tarnovo climbs steep hills above the Yantra River, topped by the ruins of Tsarevets, the stronghold where Bulgaria s kings ruled between 1185 and The remains of the great stone walls and towers that you see formed the historic heart of the Second Bulgarian Empire. History lives in this town, as a quick look at the wares for sale in Samovod Marketplace will show you: Handicrafts are all made by local artisans using ancient, medieval or Renaissance technologies. You ll have time to peruse the exceptional local pottery and textiles there before heading to Arbanassi, home to six amazing 17th-century stone churches, each one decorated with colorful and intricate frescoes. Learn something of the multicultural history of this fascinating town at the Ethnographic Museum and visit the UNESCO-designated Nativity Church, where murals of the Nativity, the Last Judgment and the zodiac brilliantly blend religious and humanist iconography. At another of the churches, Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, you ll hear the otherworldly singing of an Orthodox choir in a short concert. Your day s adventure includes a traditional three-course Bulgarian lunch, complete with live folk music. B. Rousse walking discovery tour and Ivanovo and Basarbovo monasteries 7 3 b In the evening, a special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you. DAY 22 Giurgiu, transfer to Bucharest e b BB L This morning, you ll disembark the ship in Giurgiu and drive through the countryside to Bucharest, where you ll enjoy a traditional three-course Romanian lunch at a local restaurant and a panoramic city tour. Tonight you ll relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, Romania s capital and its cultural and economic center. A. Bucharest city tour with People s Palace visit B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Bucharest walking tour A. Bucharest city tour with People s Palace visit 9 2 b A panoramic tour will show you that Bucharest is a fascinating combination of Communist grandiosity, elegant French-influenced 19th-century buildings and surprising survivors from the 1500s, which are acquiring new gloss in Lipscani, the restored old quarter. Bucharest AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST Walk through the woods of Rusenski Lom, a protected region that is home to a wide variety of rare birds, among 54 uniworld.com / 55

30 began as a fortress in the 15th century, a warlike origin that set the tone for its turbulent history. It saw glory days as the summer residence of the Wallachian princes and was burned to the ground by the Ottoman Turks; then Austria-Hungary and imperial Russia fought over it for a century. After Wallachia and Moldavia united to form Romania in the mid-19th century, Bucharest enjoyed a prosperity that was reflected in its extravagant architecture, some of which miraculously survived WWII bombing and Communist building programs. You ll see Bucharest s very own Triumphal Arch, which is modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and Victoria Boulevard, lined with chic shops and handsomely restored prewar buildings and sites where protests brought down Ceausescu s regime in These days Bucharest enjoys a lively and eclectic cultural scene, hosting international arts festivals and concerts, and a measure of prosperity apparent in its busy cafés and thriving street life. elegant shops in the neighborhood, as you head to Lipscani, the restored old quarter. Just a few years ago this neighborhood was all but a shambles; now it is a lively social center. Here you ll find everything from a famous beer hall to a spectacularly renovated bookstore, as well as the city s oldest surviving church and the remnants of the Old Princely Court, where the Wallachian rulers including Vlad the Impaler lived in the 15th and 16th centuries. Your walking tour ends at Hanul Lui Manuc, built two centuries ago as an inn and recently restored, where you will take a seat in the tree-shaded courtyard and relax over some favorite local appetizers perhaps some stuffed mushrooms and a variety of sausages. DAY 23 Bucharest BB AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST Perhaps no sight in Bucharest more perfectly encapsulates Romania s 20th-century experience than the mind-boggling structure known as the People s Palace. Nicolae Ceausescu razed one-sixth of the city to erect this enormous palace the second-largest building in the world which all but bankrupted the country and helped trigger his downfall. Some 20,000 laborers worked on the building, which has 1,100 rooms in its 12 stories. Only a small portion of it is open to tours in fact, only a small portion of the rooms are furnished but you ll see the vast marble-sheathed halls, huge chandeliers and basement bomb shelter that comprise an astonishing monument to the dictator s ambition. The cost to the country was enormous, but the craftsmanship is exquisite; the dictator meant it to be a showcase of Bulgarian decorative arts, and in that he fully succeeded. B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Bucharest walking tour 7 2 b Give a penny for the Athenaeum. Back in the 1880s, this was the theme for the fundraising campaign that resulted in one of Bucharest s most beautiful and most beloved buildings: the Romanian Athenaeum. Ordinary citizens, not wealthy patrons of the arts, contributed their pennies and built a jewel-box concert hall with perfect acoustics, which they cherish to this day: It s called the spiritual and artistic heart of the nation. Start to explore the Bucharest locals love right here with a look at the stately neoclassical home of the George Enescu Romanian Philharmonic Orchestra, and continue to Revolution Square, perhaps best known for the moment when Nicolae Ceausescu climbed into a helicopter on the roof of the Central Committee building and fled Bucharest in Stroll past the Featured Excursion: Romanian countryside tour with visits to Mogosoaia Palace and Vlad the Impaler s tomb 7 2 b Legend says that a tiny, verdant island in the midst of lovely Snagov Lake, just north of the city, contains Vlad the Impaler s tomb. Vlad III, who ruled Wallachia (now part of modern Romania) in the 15th century, may have inspired Bram Stoker s Dracula (and countless successor vampire novels), though he got his sobriquet the Impaler for the brutal methods he employed against his enemies, not for sinking his teeth into virgins. However cruel Vlad was, the monks of Snagov Monastery held him in great esteem and are said to have buried him in their monastery after he was slain in a battle nearby. Take a boat over the peaceful waters to the serene garden and monastery to see the simple marble slab that marks the tomb, as well as the beautiful medieval frescoes that adorn the interior of the monastery. Then continue further afield, driving through the village of Corbeanca, where you ll see how rapidly Romania s villagers are transitioning from a traditional lifestyle to a modern one, and on to Mogosoaia Palace. The palace is a fascinating demonstration of the region s history: It was built around 1700 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu of Wallachia, who lost his life and his palace to Ottoman conquerors (they beheaded him and turned the palace into an inn), and after the Ottomans were driven out, the palace was AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST 56 uniworld.com / 57

31 returned to the reigning princes. Only the exterior walls are original; the interiors date to the 1920s, when a Wallachian princess restored the palace and turned it into a salon for international high society. Ramble through the beautiful grounds and explore the rooms where once the elite of Europe drank Champagne and flirted, before WWII and then the Communist regime changed the nation forever. DAY 24 Depart Bucharest b CB/BB Check out of your hotel this morning. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport for your flight home. Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise/tour. Start/End River CRUISE LAND NIGHTS ONSHORE UNESCO AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST Ultimate European Journey BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM / 24 DAYS Discover all of Europe in one grand journey from the Black Sea to the North Sea For centuries, people have dreamed of linking the great rivers of Europe, making it possible to travel by water across the continent between the Black and North seas. Today that dream is a reality. This cruise lets you travel Europe s great rivers from Romania to the Netherlands. Throughout your trip you ll uncover the best medieval towns and the most majestic imperial cities. Experience the grandeur of the past and the magic of the present on one all-encompassing voyage across Europe. 58 uniworld.com / 59

32 DAY 1 Bucharest b where once the elite of Europe drank Champagne and flirted, before WWII and then the Communist regime changed it all. BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM Arrive at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel. DAY 2 Bucharest BB Romania s capital and its cultural and economic center, Bucharest is a fascinating combination of Communist grandiosity, elegant French-influenced 19th-century buildings and surprising survivors from the 1500s, which are acquiring new gloss in Lipscani, the restored old quarter. Featured Excursion: Romanian countryside tour with visits to Mogosoaia Palace and Vlad the Impaler s Tomb 7 2 b Legend says that a tiny, verdant island in the midst of lovely Snagov Lake, just north of the city, contains Vlad the Impaler s tomb. Vlad III, who ruled Wallachia (now part of modern Romania) in the 15th century, may have inspired Bram Stoker s Dracula (and countless successor vampire novels), though he got his sobriquet the Impaler for the brutal methods he employed against his enemies, not for sinking his teeth into virgins. However cruel Vlad was, the monks of Snagov Monastery held him in great esteem and are said to have buried him in their monastery after he was slain in a battle nearby. Take a boat over the peaceful waters to the serene garden and monastery to see the simple marble slab that marks the tomb, as well as the exquisite medieval frescoes that adorn the interior of the monastery. Then continue further afield, driving through the village of Corbeanca, where you ll see how rapidly Romania s villagers are transitioning from a traditional lifestyle to a modern one, and on to Mogosoaia Palace. The palace is a fascinating demonstration of the region s history: It was built around 1700 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu of Wallachia, who lost his life and his palace to Ottoman conquerors (they beheaded him and turned the palace into an inn); after the Ottomans were driven out, the palace was returned to the reigning princes. Only the exterior walls are original; the interiors date to the 1920s, when a Wallachian princess restored the palace and turned it into a salon for international high society. Ramble through the beautiful grounds and explore the rooms DAY 3 Bucharest, transfer to Giurgiu b e BB L WD Begin the day with a panoramic tour of Bucharest, followed by a traditional three-course Romanian lunch at a local restaurant, before transferring via motorcoach to Giurgiu, where your ship awaits. A. Bucharest city tour with People s Palace visit B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Bucharest walking tour A. Bucharest city tour with People s Palace visit 9 2 b A panoramic tour will show you that Bucharest is a fascinating combination of Communist grandiosity, elegant French-influenced 19th-century buildings and surprising survivors from the 1500s, which are acquiring new gloss in Lipscani, the restored old quarter. Bucharest began as a fortress in the 15th century, a warlike origin that set the tone for its turbulent history. It saw glory days as the summer residence of the Wallachian princes and was burned to the ground by the Ottoman Turks; then Austria- Hungary and imperial Russia fought over it for a century. After Wallachia and Moldavia united to form Romania in the mid-19th century, Bucharest enjoyed a prosperity that was reflected in its extravagant architecture, some of which miraculously survived WWII bombing and Communist building programs. A panoramic tour will show you both the scope of the changes the Communist regime effected and the gracious neighborhoods that survived so many difficult years. You ll see Bucharest s very own Triumphal Arch, which is modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and Victoria Boulevard, lined with chic shops and handsomely restored prewar buildings and sites where protests brought down Ceausescu s regime in These days Bucharest enjoys a lively and eclectic cultural scene, hosting international arts festivals and concerts, and a measure of prosperity apparent in its busy cafés and thriving street life. BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 60 uniworld.com / 61

33 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM Perhaps no sight in Bucharest more perfectly encapsulates Romania s 20th-century experience than the mind-boggling structure known as the People s Palace. Nicolae Ceausescu razed one-sixth of the city to erect this enormous palace the second-largest building in the world which all but bankrupted the country and helped trigger his downfall. Some 20,000 laborers worked on the building, which has 1,100 rooms in its 12 stories. Only a small portion of it is open to tours in fact, only a small portion of the rooms are furnished but you ll see the vast marble-sheathed halls, huge chandeliers and basement bomb shelter that comprise an astonishing monument to the dictator s ambition. The cost to the country was enormous, but the craftsmanship is exquisite; the dictator meant it to be a showcase of Bulgarian decorative arts, and in that he fully succeeded. B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Bucharest walking tour 7 2 b "Give a penny for the Athenaeum. Back in the 1880s, this was the theme for the fundraising campaign that resulted in one of Bucharest s most beautiful and most beloved buildings: the Romanian Athenaeum. Ordinary citizens, not wealthy patrons of the arts, contributed their pennies and built a jewel-box concert hall with perfect acoustics, which they cherish to this day: It s called the spiritual and artistic heart of the nation. Start to explore the Bucharest locals love right here with a look at the stately neoclassical home of the George Enescu Romanian Philharmonic Orchestra, and continue to Revolution Square, perhaps best known for the moment when Nicolae Ceausescu climbed into a helicopter on the roof of the Central Committee building and fled Bucharest in Stroll past the elegant shops in the neighborhood and through lovely green Cismigiu Park, as you head to Lipscani, the restored old quarter. Just a few years ago this neighborhood was all but a shambles; now it is a lively social center. Here you ll find everything from a famous beer hall to a spectacularly renovated bookstore, as well as the city s oldest surviving church and the remnants of the Old Princely Court, where the Wallachian rulers including Vlad the Impaler lived in the 15th and 16th centuries. Your walking tour ends at Hanul Lui Manuc, built two centuries ago as an inn and recently restored, where you will take a seat in the tree-shaded courtyard and relax over some favorite local appetizers perhaps some stuffed mushrooms and a variety of sausages. DAY 4 Rousse (Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi or Rousse and Ivanovo) u BB L D Bulgaria s foremost Danube port, Rousse is sometimes called Little Vienna for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings. You may choose to see some of the town after venturing to a pair of historic monasteries, or spend the day visiting two historic hill towns. A. Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with authentic Bulgarian lunch B. Rousse walking discovery tour and Ivanovo and Basarbovo monasteries A. Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with authentic Bulgarian lunch 8 2 b Twice the capital of Bulgaria before and after the Ottomans conquered the nation Veliko Tarnovo climbs steep hills above the Yantra River, topped by the ruins of Tsarevets, the stronghold where Bulgaria s kings ruled between 1185 and The remains of the great stone walls and towers that you see formed the historic heart of the Second Bulgarian Empire. History lives in this town, as a quick look at the wares for sale in Samovod Marketplace will show you: Handicrafts are all made by local artisans using ancient, medieval or Renaissance technologies. You ll have time to peruse the exceptional local pottery and textiles there before heading to Arbanassi, home to six amazing 17th-century stone churches, each one decorated with colorful and intricate frescoes. Learn something of the multicultural history of this fascinating town at the Ethnographic Museum and visit the UNESCO-designated Nativity Church, where murals of the Nativity, the Last Judgment and the zodiac brilliantly blend religious and humanist iconography. At another of the churches, Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, you ll hear the otherworldly singing of an Orthodox choir in a short concert. Your day s adventure includes a traditional three-course Bulgarian lunch, complete with live folk music. B. Rousse walking discovery tour and Ivanovo and Basarbovo monasteries 7 3 b Walk through the woods of Rusenski Lom, a protected region that is home to a wide variety of rare birds, among BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM In the evening, a special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you. 62 uniworld.com / 63

34 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM other wildlife, to Ivanovo Rock Monastery once an enclave of more than 40 churches and chapels that the devout built inside caves above the Lom River Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its beautiful and well-preserved 14th-century murals. Your other destination, the Basarbovo Rock Monastery, is the only rock monastery where monks still live and worship today. Climb the narrow rock stairway to the 15th-century cloister, which is cut into the limestone cliffs high above the Lom River, and take a look at the arresting frescoes. You ll also spend some time in Rousse, a city with an easygoing, gracious feeling. Freedom Square, a huge open plaza, takes its name from the Freedom Monument, which soars from the center of the square; the stately Belle Epoque buildings surrounding the square attest to the city s prosperity in the 1890s. Stroll along wide, tree-lined Alexandrovska, the main pedestrian street that links the city s many attractive squares, encountering such landmark sights as Rousse s grand theater, the city museum and the first movie theater (it opened in 1896). DAY 5 Cruising the Danube River, Vidin BB L D Now a small port town on the Danube, Vidin played an important part in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It s your base for one of two unusual excursions: One takes you to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations, the other to a riverside estate devoted to the arts in Romania. A. Bulgarian red rock country B. Romanian Cetate Cultural Port visit A. Bulgarian red rock country 9 3 b Drive through the scenic Bulgarian countryside to Belogradchik, a small town in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, not far from the Serbian border. After some light refreshment at a local hotel, you ll be ready to explore the astonishing rock formations nearby, which are over 200 million years old and have inspired nearly as many legends! Many of the strange wind- and weatherhewn shapes have names, such as Adam and Eve, the Bear and the Castle. The outcroppings formed a natural defense for the town that was enhanced with man-made fortifications over the centuries. Whether you choose to hike with your guide to the top of the path or not, you ll be rewarded with spectacular views. Your return will take you past some sights that highlight Vidin s mixed heritage: the Orthodox cathedral, the Turkish mosque, the Konak (the 18th-century headquarters of the Turkish police) and the cruciform barracks (which date to the 1790s). The final stop will be Baba Vida, whose stern 10th-century stone walls were built on the site of a Roman watchtower. B. Romanian Cetate Cultural Port visit 5 2 b Cross the Danube via the brand-new bridge that links Bulgaria and Romania to meet Mircea Dinescu, poet, journalist, satirist, media mogul and key figure in the revolution that overthrew Ceausescu in Among his surprising ventures is Cetate Cultural Harbor, a haven for artists of all sorts poets, potters, painters, filmmakers and musicians. In 1996 Dinescu s foundation purchased a once-grand house called Port Cetate, which had fallen on very hard times, and transformed it into a largely selfsupporting farm and cultural harbor. Artists from all over Europe are invited to participate in workshops and residency programs, and the farm is the scene of a film festival, music camp, poetry camp and even a gastronomic arts festival. There s a reason for that particular focus: Dinescu makes fine wine, which you may sample, and the kitchen staff turns out delectable Romanian specialties. Stroll through the peaceful grounds and study the artwork on display before sitting down to tapas and music. The setting may be rustic that s part of the charm but the art, music, poetry, food and wine are quite sophisticated. DAY 6 Cruising the Iron Gates BB L D Today s main attraction will be the spectacular scenery of the river itself. Unwind onboard as you cruise the breathtaking Iron Gates, an 83-mile-long (134-kilometerlong) stretch of scenic gorges that were cut through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains over eons by the Danube River. These gorges, which act as a natural border between Serbia and Romania, are among the most dramatic and beautiful sights in all of Europe. This was one of the swiftest and most dangerous stretches of the river before two dams were built: Iron Gate I and Iron Gate II. Construction on the dams began in 1964 and took 20 years to complete; they have dramatically altered the area s landscape, raising the water level by 114 feet (35 meters) and drowning several islands and villages. History lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan s Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 64 uniworld.com / 65

35 commemorate the road they anchored in the steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Fortress, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars and Turks. The Turks won the castle in 1458, which helped to reinforce their control of the area until 1867, when they abandoned it. royalty, has a strictly honorary position in modern-day democratic Serbia, but Crown Prince Alexander (who did not feel that taking the title of king was appropriate when his father died in exile in the United States in 1972) and his family still live in these palaces. Guides will show you the public rooms of the Royal Palace, the White Palace, the adjacent chapel and the spacious grounds. DAY 7 Belgrade BB L D B. Exclusive guided Go Active I Bike Belgrade tour 7 3 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM People originally settled at the confluence of the Danube and the Sava some 7,000 years ago, making Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, one of Europe s oldest cities. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, but so too is its vibrant present. You have two very different ways to see it today the choice is yours. A. Belgrade city tour with visit to the Royal Grounds of Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace B. Exclusive guided Go Active I Bike Belgrade tour A. Belgrade city tour with visit to the Royal Grounds of Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace 7 2 b As a motorcoach carries you through the city, you ll see a mix of architectural styles that reveal the city s past, ranging from Gothic, Ottoman, baroque and art nouveau to utilitarian Communist apartment blocks and modern high-rises. While Belgrade has been no stranger to political upheaval, the 19th-century Residence of Princess Ljubica and serene old residential streets speak of calmer days, as do the bustling present-day café-lined boulevards. You ll pass the tomb and memorial museum of Josip Broz Tito, which is located at the site of Tito s former residence in Belgrade s affluent Dedinje neighborhood, and visit Kalemegdan Fortress, high on a hill above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. Ancient Romans built the first fortress here, and successive conquerors and defenders Slavs, Byzantines, Ottomans, Habsburgs continued to build and destroy fortifications on this site for another 1,500 years. Walk along the old stone walls, passing monuments and memorials (some will surprise you poets and composers are honored here as well as military actions), for a sense of Serbia s distant and more recent history. It s not the only intriguing historical sight you ll see today, however. You will also visit the Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace and sip a glass of sparkling Serbian wine as you tour a compound of palaces built in the 1920s and 1930s. Serbia s royal family, which is related to most of Europe s Mount a bike and spend a leisurely half-day getting an up-close look at Belgrade, complete with lively commentary from your guide, who will tell you not just about the tumultuous recent past but also what it s like to live here. Ride past Branko s Bridge, Staro Sajmište (a former concentration camp), the Palace of Serbia and Hotel Jugoslavija; after a refreshing stop at a traditional fisherman s bar, you ll be ready to pedal to Kalemegdan Fortress and see a bit of Serbia s more distant past. DAY 8 Vukovar (Osijek), cruising the Danube River BB L D Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has made a remarkable recovery from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions, as well as delicious simple, local rustic food. You ll dock in Vukovar, Croatia s biggest port, at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka rivers. A. Full day tour of Vukovar and Osijek with exclusive farm visit and home-hosted lunch B. Full day tour of Osijek with exclusive home-hosted lunch A. Full day tour of Vukovar and Osijek with exclusive farm visit and home-hosted lunch 8 2 b The bullet-riddled water tower stands as a reminder of the bitter Croatian War of Independence, fought between 1991 and 1995, when Croatia sought to break away from Yugoslavia. Thousands died during the siege of Vukovar, which was heavily damaged. As you take a short walk through the town now, you will see lasting signs of the conflict, but you will also see a revitalized community, determined to rebuild. From Vukovar you ll head to Osijek, where you ll visit Tvrda, a military and BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 66 uniworld.com / 67

36 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM civil complex begun in 1687 by the Habsburgs after they took the region back from the Ottomans. You ll also learn something of Osijek s long history which dates back to Roman times and stop by the Church of the Holy Cross, built by the Franciscans after the Ottomans left. Spend some time browsing through the shops in the city center before traveling to a nearby farm for lunch, which happens to be the only farm in Croatia that meets European Union standards for organic agriculture. The owners three generations of the same family will show you their fields and orchards and the areas where they preserve the fruits of their labor: They grind their own flour, make their own apple brandy and produce their own vinegar, just for a start. After your tour, sip a glass of that brandy and enjoy a tapas-style buffet of locally produced delicacies. B. Full day tour of Osijek with exclusive home-hosted lunch 8 2 b Venture into a lesser-known part of Croatia today. Set off from the port of Vukovar with your local guide, who will tell you about Vukovar s calamitous experience during the Croatian War of Independence ( ), when much of the city was shelled and many were killed, and head to Osijek, the capital of Slavonia. Osijek is an attractive town on the banks of the Drava River that combines a long history settlement predates the Romans, who built a fortress there that was conquered by Attila the Hun with an easygoing charm and a readiness to embrace the future. You ll stroll through Tvrda, the baroque military and civil complex begun in 1687 by the Habsburgs after they seized the town from the Ottoman Turks, and see some of the historic highlights via a panoramic tour. You ll follow up your tour with a stop in a village just outside the city for a traditional Croatian lunch hosted by local villagers. Translators will be on hand to help you and your hosts converse, so you can actually learn a bit about one another s lives and interests. DAY 9 Cruising the Danube River, Budapest u BB L FD Relax onboard as your ship cruises through the countryside toward vibrant Budapest, the Queen of the Danube. Hungary s capital offers an entrancing combination of East and West, old and new. Even its geography is made up of two parts Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands) divided by the Danube. Which part will you choose to explore today? You have three options to choose from. A. Budapest city tour B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Budapest walking tour C. Exclusive guided Go Active Budapest by bike A. Budapest city tour 7 2 b This panoramic tour is a wonderful way to get an overview of the city if you have never been here before. It will carry you from Heroes Square, created in 1896 to honor the thousand-year anniversary of Hungary s founding and its greatest historical figures, past some of the city s most striking architectural sights Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, the state opera house, St. Stephen s Basilica and the truly stunning Parliament Building to Castle Hill, which has been called the heart of the nation. The city of Buda began here, when King Béla built a strong keep in 1243 as a defense against Mongol invaders; a castle replaced the simple fortress, and over the centuries other castles replaced that one. The current castle is primarily 18th century; a museum dedicated to Budapest s archaeological finds is housed there, and the Castle Hill district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll go inside the magnificent 700-year-old Matthias Church, named for one of Hungary s greatest kings, and then wend your way on foot to the picturesque Fisherman s Bastion, whose seven fairytalelike towers represent the seven tribes that originally settled the region. It offers a glorious view of the city and the Danube below. Note: Visits to the interior of Matthias Church may not be possible on some weekends and Catholic holidays. Did You Know? At the foot of Chain Bridge, the first bridge to link Buda and Pest, is a stone marker in the shape of a zero; it is Hungary s zero milestone all distances in Hungary are calculated from this spot. B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Budapest walking tour 7 2 b Get ready for a fun immersion in the daily life of Budapest your local guide will show you how to use the metro (one of the oldest in Europe) to easily reach all the city has to offer. Start with a visit to one of the city s irresistible market halls. Stalls spill over with produce, sausages and meats, festoons of dried BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 68 uniworld.com / 69

37 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM paprika, cheeses, and jars of honey, all of it authentically Hungarian. After you leave the market, stop for coffee and a sweet treat at Szamos Gourmet Palace, a combination pastry shop, café and chocolate maker in Vörösmarty Square. Marzipan is a favorite confection in Budapest, and Szamos has specialized in making it since the 1930s, so you might want to try some but the shop s truffle selection is equally irresistible. Refreshed, you ll be ready to hop back on the tram for a visit to the gracious green spaces of Károlyi Garden, sometimes described as Budapest s most charming small park. You ll ramble along the boulevards and pass the Hungarian National Museum, truly getting the feel for this dynamic city, as you head back toward the ship. Note: Budapest s market halls are closed on holidays. If your tour lands on a holiday, we will skip the market. C. Exclusive guided Go Active Budapest by bike 5 3 Only the Netherlands and Denmark have a higher proportion of people who use bicycles for their daily transportation than Hungary, and you can spot the bright-green bikes that are part of the city s bikesharing program anywhere. Join an expert local guide to experience the Budapest bicyclists love: Wheel along the Danube past such sights as the moving tribute to the Jews shot by the Nazis on the banks of the river, the Hungarian Parliament building, St. Stephen s Basilica and Andrassy Avenue, and swoop over the bridge to Margaret Island. It s a fun and active way to get out and see the city the way locals see it. In the evening, a special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you. DAY 10 Budapest b BB Light Lunch D Other passengers are heading home today, but you are only halfway through your marvelous holiday. Today you have an opportunity to explore Budapest s treasures at your leisure. It s a mecca for lovers of art nouveau architecture the building housing the Franz Liszt Academy of Music is a particularly noteworthy example of the style so perhaps you would like to take yourself on a tour of some of these beauties. Treat yourself to a relaxing day at one of the city s splendid spas, such as the Gellért Baths, or borrow one of the ship s bicycles and explore Margaret Island. Your options are many, and all of them are delightful. DAY 11 Budapest u BB L WD You have a variety of ways to experience the city: Take a panoramic guided tour aboard a motorcoach, discover the Budapest that locals love on a walking tour, or bike along the city streets with an expert local guide. A. Budapest city tour B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Budapest walking tour C. Exclusive guided Go Active Budapest by bike A. Budapest city tour 7 2 b This panoramic tour is a wonderful way to get an overview of the city if you have never been here before. It will carry you a long elegant Andrássy Avenue from Heroes Square, created in 1896 to honor the thousandyear anniversary of Hungary s founding and its greatest historical figures, and past the state opera house, taking in some of the city s other striking architectural sights Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, St. Stephen s Basilica and the truly stunning Parliament Building on the way to Castle Hill, which has been called the heart of the nation. The city of Buda began here, when King Béla built a strong keep in 1243 as a defense against Mongol invaders, and the Castle Hill district has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You ll go inside the magnificent 700-year-old Matthias Church, named for one of Hungary s greatest kings, and then wend your way on foot to the picturesque Fisherman s Bastion, whose seven fairytalelike towers represent the seven tribes that originally settled the region. It offers a glorious view of the city and the Danube below. Note: Visits to the interior of Matthias Church may not be possible on some weekends and Catholic holidays. B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Budapest walking tour 7 2 Get ready for a fun immersion in the daily life of Budapest your local guide will show you how to use the metro (one of the oldest in Europe) to easily reach all the city has to offer. Start with a visit to one of the city s irresistible market halls. Stalls spill over with produce, sausages and meats, festoons of dried paprika, cheeses BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 70 uniworld.com / 71

38 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM and jars of honey, all of it authentically Hungarian. After you leave the market, stop for coffee and a sweet treat at Szamos Gourmet Palace, a combination pastry shop, café and chocolate maker in Vörösmarty Square. Marzipan is a favorite confection in Budapest, and Szamos has specialized in making it since the 1930s, so you might want to try some but the shop s truffle selection is equally irresistible. Refreshed, you ll be ready to hop back on the tram for a visit to the gracious green spaces of Károlyi Garden, sometimes described as Budapest s most charming small park. You ll ramble along the boulevards and pass the Hungarian National Museum, truly getting the feel for this dynamic city, as you head back toward the ship. C. Exclusive guided Go Active Budapest by bike 5 3 Only the Netherlands and Denmark have a higher proportion of people who use bicycles for their daily transportation than Hungary, and you can spot the bright green bikes that are part of the city s bike-sharing program anywhere. Join an expert local guide to experience another side of green Budapest the side that s full of beautiful gardens and open green spaces. Wheel along both sides of the Danube, passing the Hungarian Parliament building, and swoop over the bridge to Margaret Island, the narrow strip of land sometimes called the green heart of the city. There are a few buildings on the island, but it is primarily parkland. Check out the refurbished Japanese Garden with its musical fountain (the melody it plays is based on medieval Hungarian folk tunes), the art nouveau Water Tower, the petting zoo and the lovely rose garden. What s a park without a picnic? Sit down beside the ruins of the 13th-century church (the island was named for a king s daughter who became a nun here) for a glass of local wine and some typical Hungarian nibbles such as sausages and cheeses. On the other side of the Danube, you ll stop at the Castle Bazaar, a handsome neo- Renaissance promenade that links the river to Castle Hill, and swing by the legendary art nouveau Gellért Baths before returning to the ship. It s a fun and active way to get out and see the city the way locals see it. A special Captain s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. necklace as the ship sails out of Budapest toward Vienna. Today is your day to relax onboard, enjoying the luxuries of your river cruise ship while taking in the spectacular scenery all around you. A variety of activities will be available throughout the day, and you ll have plenty of time to converse with new friends or simply unwind in your riverview stateroom or suite. DAY 13 Vienna u BB L D The grand dame of the Danube, Vienna was the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains, to this day, the political and cultural center of Austria. Klimt painted here; Beethoven and Mozart composed here; Freud developed his theories here. It s a treasure trove of splendid architecture, astonishing art collections and inviting cafés and it s yours to enjoy. To begin your exploration of this delightful and historic city you may choose between two different guided tours: a panoramic city tour that includes a stop at Vienna s exquisite Winter Palace of Prince Eugene, or our exclusive Vienna, City of Arts tour, which will take you to the Kunstkammer wing of the famed Art History Museum to see one of the finest art collections in the world. Later in the day, you can discover the endless charms of Vienna at your leisure. A. Vienna city tour with Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit B. Exclusive Vienna, City of Arts tour A. Vienna city tour with Winter Palace of Prince Eugene visit 7 2 b Ring Street, the great horseshoe-shaped boulevard lined with many of the city s major landmarks Parliament, City Hall, the Vienna State Opera, glorious palaces and museums is a mere 150 years old, practically an infant for a city of Vienna s age. It replaced the walls and fortifications that had protected the city for centuries. Its construction was a testament to confidence, forwardthinking and grand urban planning, and it resulted in a 50-year building spree. You ll pass most of these opulent and lavish landmarks on your way to the older section of the city, the area the walls once enclosed. BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM DAY 12 Cruising the Danube River BB L D Come up to the Sun Deck to admire the city s landmarks strung along the riverbank like pearls on a 72 uniworld.com / 73

39 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM There, as you walk through the heart of the historic city, you will discover Vienna s ongoing debt to Prince Eugene of Savoy. Born in France in 1663, the prince served the Habsburg emperors for 60 years, ably commanding their armies and assuring the Habsburgs dominance throughout Central Europe and the Netherlands. Emperor Charles VI rewarded the prince with honors and wealth wealth that he spent in part on building one of the loveliest palace complexes in Vienna, the Belvedere, and collecting fine art. In 2013 his Winter Palace, not far from St. Stephen s Cathedral, was opened to the public for the first time in centuries. His state apartments, with magnificent baroque ornamentation and paintings by Louis Dorigny and Ignace Jacques Parrocel, are part of your guided tour today. After you leave this jewel-box palace, you ll walk along Kärntner Street, the celebrated pedestrian boulevard that links the State Opera with St. Stephen s Cathedral, past the elegant shops on the Graben and the Kohlmarkt. The neighborhood offers a lively combination of historic architecture, street performances, shoppers delights and true Viennese atmosphere. Did You Know? Louis XIV refused to give Prince Eugene of Savoy, a French nobleman, a commission in the French army, a decision he may have regretted, since Prince Eugene subsequently defeated the French king s armies a number of times. B. Exclusive Vienna, City of Arts tour 7 2 b The sheer number of artistic gems on view in Vienna is overwhelming. Let an art historian provide you with knowledgeable guidance as you visit two extraordinary and quite different collections. The objects assembled at the Kunstkammer Wien almost defy description. For centuries the Habsburgs collected curiosities that caught their fancies: an automaton of the goddess Diana riding a centaur, a priceless salt cellar made by Benvenuto Cellini, Renaissance tapestries, exquisite gold Communion cups, sculptures and ivories the range is staggering. The museum was closed for more than a decade and only reopened in 2013; now these precious, idiosyncratic and magical pieces are once again on public view. The collections at the Belvedere, by contrast, concentrate on paintings and sculpture. The Belvedere palace complex, a triumph of baroque architecture, was built for Prince Eugene of Savoy, the Habsburg Empire s leading general in the early 18th century. The Upper Belvedere houses the world s largest group of works by Gustav Klimt, including his exquisite The Kiss, as well as paintings by Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir, among many others. Note: The Kunstkammer Wien is closed on Mondays. If the tour lands on a Monday, Albertina Museum will be visited instead. DAY 14 Cruising the Wachau Valley, Weissenkirchen (Weissenkirchen or Melk) u BB L D Awaken to the spectacular scenery of the Wachau Valley one of the most beautiful stretches of river landscape in all of Europe. The 19-mile-long (30-kilometer-long) valley was formed over many centuries by the Danube River, which slowly wore away a rocky gorge in the foothills of the Bohemian Forest between Krems and Melk. This enchanting region which boasts steep-sided, densely wooded southern slopes and northern slopes composed of a picturesque mixture of crags and vineyards is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape. Dotted along the banks are boutique winemaking communities and historic small towns, like the pleasant village of Weissenkirchen, which you will have the opportunity to explore on a delightfully savory excursion. Or, if you re feeling active, consider a vineyard hike that will lead you high above the village. Some of Austria s finest white wines are produced from grapes ripened on the terraces that cling to these rocky slopes, including Grüner Veltliner, which is grown almost exclusively in Austria. If you have a taste for history rather than wine, consider a visit to Melk Abbey, where you ll explore its massive library and admire its magnificent architecture. A. Weissenkirchen Village Day with exclusive guided Go Active vineyard hike with wine tasting B. Melk Abbey with library visit A. Weissenkirchen Village Day with exclusive guided Go Active vineyard hike with wine tasting 5 3 You ve seen the apricot orchards along the river banks, now taste the fruit. Begin with an easy walk to Weissenkirchen, which may be the prettiest village in the Wachau and that s saying quite a bit. Named for its famous white church, Weissenkirchen is simply picture perfect. Its centuries-old wine estates, houses with colorful flower boxes, lovely gardens and apricot BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 74 uniworld.com / 75

40 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM orchards make for a wonderfully idyllic setting between the river and the mountains. Stroll through the town with your guide, stopping at a farm store where local growers display their products, such as wild boar salami, cheeses, jams and traditional poppy-seed sweets. Apricots contribute their essence to many products: jams and brandy, of course, but also chocolates, honey, mustard and chutney, so your stop should be full of fun flavors. Stay in the village and explore a bit on your own or, if you re up for a hike, join a group on a hike up through the vineyards. A stairway at the church will take you past the ancient cemetery and up to the hiking trail that leads through vineyards planted with Riesling and Grüner Veltliner grapes. You ll enjoy expansive views over the river valley as you approach your resting point, where you can sample some Wachau wines as your guide explains the qualities that make these vintages unique. Your next treat is an easy walk back to the ship; instead of a reverse hike, you can comfortably stroll back into the village via a different route, passing many small vintners along the way. B. Melk Abbey with library visit 5 2 b The Babenbergs, a great medieval ducal family that controlled a wide swath of Austria before yielding to the Habsburgs, were the first to erect a castle on the hill above Melk, which they subsequently gave to Benedictine monks. These monks, some 900 years ago, turned it into a fortified abbey and the greatest center of learning in Central Europe. Their library was celebrated far and wide (and still is Umberto Eco paid tribute to it in his best-selling novel The Name of the Rose). Monks there created more than 1,200 manuscripts, sometimes spending an entire lifetime hand-lettering a single volume. Today the library contains some 100,000 volumes, among them more than 80,000 works printed before This beautiful complex, completely redone in the early 18th century, is a wonderful example of baroque art and architecture, and the views from its terrace are spectacular. As you walk through the abbey s Marble Hall with your guide, look up at the ceiling fresco painted by Paul Troger: Those classical gods and goddesses epresent Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, allegorically bringing his people from darkness to light and demonstrating the link he claimed to the original Roman Empire. DAY 15 Engelhartszell, cruising the Danube River, Passau BB L D Today you ll open your eyes to one of the most breathtaking stretches along the Danube. Just before reaching Passau, the ship will pass through the famous Schlögener Schlinge, a gooseneck or hairpin turn, in the Danube s course. It s simply beautiful and will warrant lots of photos. Located at the confluence of three rivers the Danube, Inn and Ilz Passau is well known for its ornate baroque cathedral. Long ago, the town was a Roman colony in the province of Noricum, called Batavis after an ancient Germanic tribe. Today, the city is unusually well preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during WWII, as you ll see on your walking tour. If you d like some active touring, join us for a guided bike ride along the Danube. A. Passau walking discovery tour B. Passau city tour with old town walk C. Exclusive guided Go Active Bavarian river bike ride A. Passau walking discovery tour 5 2 The skyline of Passau is dominated by two buildings that owe their existence to the prince-bishops who ruled the city until 1803: the great fortress looming on a hill above the three rivers, home to the bishops until the 17th century, and the green onion domes of St. Stephan s Cathedral. As you walk through the cobblestone streets toward those green onion domes, you ll realize that Passau retains the layout of the medieval town. However, many of the wooden medieval buildings burned to the ground in the 17th century, and the prince-bishops imported Italian artists to build a new cathedral and a magnificent new residence for the bishops themselves. As a result, these splendid structures flaunt Italian baroque and rococo style and ornamentation, complete with opulent gilding and wonderful frescoes. Your guide will introduce you to some of the architectural highlights the rococo stairways of the New Residence; the cathedral; and the Town Hall, which boasts a magnificent atrium adorned by large paintings by Ferdinand Wagner and make sure you get a close-up BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 76 uniworld.com / 77

41 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM view of the point where the three rivers meet: The waters of each river are a different color. Because it s built on a peninsula between the Danube and the Inn, the city has flooded often over the centuries; you can see high-water marks on many buildings (2013 saw the worst flooding in 500 years). B. Passau city tour with old town walk 5 2 b Board a motorcoach for a drive along the Danube, crossing over the river and climbing the hill to the Oberhaus fortress. It may look like typical red-roofed Bavarian palace now, but for hundreds of years, the prince-bishops used it to enforce their rule over the region; the citizens of Passau assaulted it twice without success in an effort to gain their freedom from the bishops. The bishops threw religious dissidents into the Oberhaus prisons, as well as political enemies, so it was known as the Bastille of Bavaria for a time. From the walls here you can see how the fortress dominated the city below, and you also get a fabulous view of the three rivers merging. Your panoramic tour continues with a drive through Passau, over the Inn River, and into the heart of the old city. A stroll through historic Passau shows you the highlights: the town hall, the lovely baroque churches, the twisting medieval layout. It s no mistake that St. Stephan s Cathedral stands on the highest ground in the old town; Passau has flooded often over the centuries. You can see the high-water marks on the buildings as you pass them, and your knowledgeable local guide can tell you about the city s plans to control flooding in the riverfront areas as you head back to the ship. C. Exclusive guided Go Active Bavarian river bike ride 5 3 Bicyclists have a treat in store today. Borrow a bike and, with an expert local guide, take the passenger ferry across the Danube to the path that borders the river. You ll pedal through the lovely countryside between Engelhartszell and Passau orchards and meadows glide past, along with the occasional castle, charming village or picturesque ruin. Your group will take a break for a well-deserved beer en route. Finally you ll roll into Passau and wend your way among the lanes of the historic city center to the ship. DAY 16 Regensburg u BB L D the 6th to the 13th centuries. The remnants of Regensburg s golden age are still on display, but don t let Regensburg s illustrious history fool you into thinking the town s best days are all in the past. Modern Regensburg is a popular center of higher learning, with more than 30,000 students attending its various colleges and universities, and enjoys a lively cultural life. You have a variety of options for exploring this area today, from the ancient to the modern. Choose one excursion for the morning and another for the afternoon. A. 2,000 Years in One Hour Regensburg walking discovery tour B. From Hops Field to Beer Stein farm visit C. BMW factory visit D. Exclusive guided Go Active bird s-eye view of Regensburg A. 2,000 Years in One Hour Regensburg walking discovery tour 7 3 b People have been describing Regensburg as old and new for a thousand years. A single structure perfectly illustrates this: Porta Praetoria, the gate built by the Romans during Marcus Aurelius s reign. The gate and adjacent watchtower have been incorporated into a much newer building, but the plaster has been removed to reveal the ancient stones laid so long ago. As you walk through the cobbled lanes of the UNESCOdesignated Old Town, the city s 2,000-year history is similarly revealed: the Stone Bridge built by ambitious residents in the 12th century that made Regensburg a trading powerhouse, the Gothic town hall where the Imperial Diet met for three centuries, the 13th-century fortified patrician houses, and the spectacular Cathedral of St. Peter, whose magnificent 14th-century stainedglass windows alone are worth your walk. You ll have free time to explore on your own; it s very hard to get lost in Regensburg because the spires of the cathedral are visible all over town, so don t hesitate to roam. The historic quarter not only boasts almost a thousand beautiful old buildings but also many cozy pubs and some great shopping and the ship is docked conveniently close, so it s easy to drop your treasures off and go back for more. BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM Regensburg is a friendly town with quaint cobblestone streets, historic Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage designated medieval city center. This unspoiled gem was the capital of Bavaria for about 700 years, from 78 uniworld.com / 79

42 B. From Hops Field to Beer Stein farm visit 7 2 b Hops vines growing up their strings in a field tower almost twice a man s height. They re grown for their flowers, which add a distinctive flavor to beer but the fields they grow in add a distinctive flavor to the hops. You could call it terroir for beer, and you can delve into hops cultivation and hops brewing today. Travel through Bavaria s Holledau region, the largest hops-growing district in the world, and meet an enthusiastic ambassador of hops growing and beer making. She will give you a quick and lively history of hops in Germany including Bavaria s law governing the making of beer, which has specified since 1560 that the only ingredients permitted in beer are water, barley and hops and lead you on a tour through the growing fields her family owns, followed by a craft beer tasting in the cozy barn turned beer hall. It s a delicious way to get to know a fascinating aspect of the international farm-to-table movement. C. BMW factory visit 7 2 b Follow up a brief tour of historic Regensburg with an opportunity to see German engineering, famous the world over, in operation as you tour the state-of-the-art BMW factory on the outskirts of Regensburg. About a thousand cars a day roll off the assembly line here, many of them in the BMW 3 series. You ll see various stages of the process, from rolls of sheet metal being stamped out into body parts to watching elements of the car being robotically assembled. Follow an already assembled car into the finishing department to see it painted, polished and have the final touch applied the BMW roundel. plantation begun by Ludwig I in the early 19th century. Your route continues along the heights, offering views of the entire region: fields, woods, even the Bavarian forest in the far distance. After a brief rest, you ll head back down to the town and the ship. DAY 17 Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Nuremberg BB L D Prepare to take an exciting journey through a marvel of modern engineering the Main-Danube Canal. The canal is the fulfillment of a millennia-long dream, permitting ships of all shapes and sizes to travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea. A formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts your ship to the crest of the European continental divide. Unlike the US and Canada, where the Continental Divide is in high mountains, in Europe the watershed changes at 4,382 feet (1,332 meters), and the countryside is a gentle slope. Regardless of altitude, it s amazing to watch each lock open and fill with water and to feel the ship rise and move forward. Later, arrive in the archetypal medieval German city of Nuremberg. Nuremberg is justifiably famous for its gingerbread and pocket watches, and it was also the site of some key moments in 20th-century history. You ll choose between two memorable ways of exploring this exceptional city. You can hop aboard a motorcoach for a guided city tour, or you can accompany a local expert to the city s most important WWII sites, including the enormous Nazi Party Rally Grounds the actual site of the Nazi party rallies. The choice is yours. BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM Note: For safety reasons, BMW does not allow those with pacemakers or insulin pumps to participate in factory tours. The plant is closed on Sundays and holidays, so no visit is possible if the tour lands on those days. D. Exclusive guided Go Active bird s-eye view of Regensburg 5 3 Did you know that Regensburg residents raised silkworms at one time? It s just one of the unusual aspects of the city that you ll discover on a hike that begins at the ship s dock. Meet up with your guide and head out along the eastern gate road (that eastern gate was part of the old Roman walls), crossing the river to the narrow streets of Stadtamhof, an island in the Danube that is part of Regensburg s UNESCO-honored medieval complex. Pause atop another bridge to take a look at boats cruising through the lock and then begin your ascent of Holy Trinity Hill; you ll have a great view of old Regensburg from Windsor Heights, and you ll pass some of the beautiful mansions that overlook the city including the buildings that housed the silk A. Nuremberg city tour B. WWII historical tour with Documentation Center A. Nuremberg city tour 7 2 b It was never officially the capital of the Holy Roman Empire, but German rulers made Nuremberg their base for 500 years. They surrounded the medieval city with stout walls and built a great castle on a hilltop, which they expanded again and again over the centuries. Prosperous, secure and vibrant, Nuremberg lured artists and thinkers, merchants and scientists, for centuries. This is the archetypal medieval German city that you ll BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 80 uniworld.com / 81

43 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM discover today as you trace the great ramparts and gate towers around the Old Town. Stroll through the castle gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, then walk through a maze of cobblestone lanes down to the central Market Square, gathering around the well-named Beautiful Fountain, first erected in The red sandstone Church of Our Lady stands on the east side of the square the 14th-century façade survived WWII bombing and, like much of Old Town, was meticulously reconstructed after the war, with the original stones plucked from the rubble. Browse on your own following your tour; there is much to see and enjoy. The National Germanic Museum is one of the largest museums in the world; in it you ll find the first pocket watch ever made (by a local craftsman), the first globe produced in Europe, a thousand period musical instruments, and innumerable paintings and drawings by German artists. The half-timbered shops in Crafts Court, next to the King s Gate in the old wall, give you a sense of what it was like to buy goods in Renaissance Nuremberg wooden toys, pewter cups and leather goods are for sale here, and so are commemorative coins hand-stamped on a 15th-century press. Visit Dürer House, where Nuremberg s most famous native son, Albrecht Dürer, lived, or simply relax in a beer garden and enjoy the city s specialty sausages and dark beer. Did You Know? Wagner s opera Die Meistersinger was inspired by the Renaissance-era master singers who instructed pupils at St. Martha s Church, just a few blocks from Market Square. Though they were called master singers, they were actually masters of ot her crafts; the best known was Hans Sachs, a master cobbler, singer and poet. B. WWII historical tour with Documentation Center 7 2 b Hitler considered Nuremberg the perfect expression of German culture (partly because of its significance in the Holy Roman Empire, which he called the First Reich), and so beginning in 1927, he chose to hold his massive rallies in the city. By 1933, his favorite architect, Albert Speer, had designed the vast Nazi Party Rally Grounds, where thousands upon thousands of Nazi troops saluted Hitler. (Leni Riefenstahl captured these events in her famous propaganda film Triumph of the Will.) Not all of Speer s plans were executed, and some of his grandiose structures were bombed out of existence, but the remainder stand as vivid testimony to Hitler s megalomania. A four-square-mile (10-square-kilometer) complex known as Zeppelin Fields contains parade grounds and a huge grandstand, the excavation site where a stadium for 400,000 people was begun the hole is now filled with water and the half-finished Congress Hall. Step into Congress Hall, intended to outdo and outlast the Colosseum in Rome, to walk through the Documentation Center and its exhibition Fascination and Terror, which covers the causes, the context and the consequences of the National Socialist reign of terror. The second part of this excursion takes you from the Rally Grounds to the Nuremberg Memoriam, dedicated to the Nuremberg trials, where you ll visit Courtroom 600, the scene of the Nuremberg trials, and an exhibit that discusses the historic trials. After your tour, you will have some free time to enjoy the historical city center or take in some shops before returning to the ship. Note: Courtroom 600 is an active court. Visitors will only be permitted to see the courtroom during trial breaks. DAY 18 Bamberg, cruising the Main River u BB L D Today, your ship will dock in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, which has one of the largest intact medieval town centers in Europe. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills but in Bamberg, a church tops each one. During the Middle Ages, Bamberg was split in two, divided by the Regnitz River, one side controlled by the prince-bishop and the other by the burghers (a formally defined class in medieval Germany). As a result of this division, the Old Town Hall was built on a tiny island in the middle of the Regnitz to serve both sides of town. Marvel at this medieval city s striking architecture and stirring history on a walking tour through Bamberg s Old Town. Or leave the city behind for an experience of Franconian rural life with a visit to a charming village in the verdant hills just outside of town. A. Bamberg walking discovery tour B. Exclusive Franconian Village Day A. Bamberg walking discovery tour 7 2 b Now a pleasant city with a lively student population and a world-famous symphony orchestra, Bamberg was the center of economic and political life for a huge swath of BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 82 uniworld.com / 83

44 Central Europe in the Middle Ages. Spared WWII bombing, the entire heart of historic Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval layout of the city remains intact, along with 2,000 historic buildings; it is yours to explore today. In the splendid late- Romanesque Imperial Cathedral you will find the only papal tomb in Germany, that of Pope Clement II (who was the bishop of Bamberg before he became pope), as well as the tomb of Emperor Henry II (who established the bishopric). Near it are two magnificent palaces: The Old Palace, the late-gothic imperial residence (if you saw the D version of The Three Musketeers, you ll recognize it immediately) sits across from the New Residence, where the 17th-century prince-bishops lived, separated by a lovely rose garden. B. Exclusive Franconian Village Day 7 2 b If you re interested in exploring a small village and getting to know more about the landscape and local farming techniques in the beautiful Steigerwald region, this visit to a Franconian village is perfect for you. Meet a local farmer who is determined to make sure that his way of life continues for future generations; he s dedicated to restoring the natural environment around him and making sure that school kids know more about where their food comes from. Join him as he introduces his village to you: the typical farmhouses and the crops, the hardships of the life as well as the pleasures of living among the vineyards and forests. Take a tractor ride over the rolling hills to a small-scale vintner s where you can sample the wine they make strictly for home consumption. There you ll share a hearty snack and learn what it takes to run a traditional farm in the 21st century. This is a unique look at daily life in a very special and historic region. A. Würzburg Residence visit B. Rothenburg and Weikersheim village & castle tour A. Würzburg Residence visit 7 2 b This incredibly lavish 18th-century palace was created under the auspices of two Schönborn prince-bishops, Lothar Franz and Friedrich Carl, who brought enormous knowledge and passion, as well as a budget for the best, to the project. Over the course of 60 years, they fostered the creation of a 300-room palace that contains jawdropping baroque art. The magnificent grand staircase boasts the world s largest ceiling fresco, painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. Portions of the building were damaged by Allied bombing in 1945, but, fortunately, most of the historic furnishings had been stored off-site and key rooms were unharmed, so you can see the original and matchless artwork, gilding and statuary. Check out both the spectacular Hall of Mirrors and the imposing Imperial Hall, which boasts a large oval dome and 20 half-columns. Even the gardens have been restored, right down to the topiary fruit trees in the kitchen garden, which are re-creations of the trees grown there in the 18th century. Return to the ship for a delicious lunch and then spend the afternoon exploring Würzburg on your own. Head off to the central market square and pop into the local shops. Admire Würzburg Cathedral, a Romanesque structure built in 1040 and dedicated to Saint Kilian, the apostle of Franconia. Or check out Old City Hall and the 15th-century Old Main Bridge, which is adorned with statues of saints. Note: Visitors may not take photos or videos or carry backpacks inside the Würzburg Residence. BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM You ll spend the rest of the day on the peaceful Main River, cruising past quiet Franconian hamlets and picturesque countryside. It s the perfect time to indulge in the many comforts of your luxurious ship while watching some of Europe s loveliest scenery glide by. DAY 19 Würzburg (Rothenburg) u BB L D Your ship will dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg, where you will visit the extraordinary Würzburg Residence one of the most opulent baroque palaces in Europe. B. Rothenburg and Weikersheim village & castle tour 8 2 b Step into a fairytale version of the Middle Ages in Rothenburg. The great stone walls surrounding the medieval core stand tall, linking towers, bastions and parapets. Timber-framed houses line narrow cobblestone lanes and tiny village squares, each with its own fountain. Your first stop is Market Square and the magnificent Town Hall, which combines Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture. Close by is the Gothic Franciscan Church, revered for its famous Tilman Riemenschneider altarpiece BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 84 uniworld.com / 85

45 depicting St. Francis receiving the stigmata. Your tour ends with a traditional Franconian deli lunch, and then you ll have some time to browse before boarding the motorcoach to Weikersheim Castle. Once a medieval moated fortress, Weikersheim was transformed by the Hohenlohe counts into a miniature Versailles over the course of two centuries. The doubleheight banquet hall is one of the most beautiful Renaissance rooms remaining in Germany, adorned with spectacular coffered ceilings and hunting scenes. Original furnishings belonging to the Hohenlohe family are on display throughout the rooms, and you ll learn surprising details about the family and the techniques used to maintain and restore their heritage. The gardens are exquisite and amusing too, as you will see when you stroll through them with your guide. DAY 21 Frankfurt BB L D Delve into exciting Frankfurt today. A major European financial and trade center, vibrant Frankfurt boasts world-class museums, soaring skyscrapers, cozy wine taverns and lovely parks. Choose a brief tour that gives you an overview or a more in-depth walking tour and then explore on your own. There s a lot to discover, including a great bike path along the Main, if you d like to get out and about for some exercise. A. Frankfurt city tour B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Frankfurt walking tour A. Frankfurt city tour 5 2 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM DAY 20 Wertheim BB L D Luxuriate onboard your impeccably appointed ship as it meanders down the wonderfully scenic Main River toward your next destination, Miltenberg, your port of call as you explore delightful Wertheim. Featured Excursion: Wertheim walking tour with pretzel-making and wine tasting at a private wine estate 9 2 b This region of Bavaria is known for its amber-colored beer, spicy bratwurst, traditional soft pretzels and unique wine bottles with short necks and round bodies and you ll encounter several of these local specialties today. First, though, you get to see a little of Wertheim itself. Despite centuries of flooding, a great deal of the Old Town remains. The Pointed Tower, used as a jail for drunkards and shrews in the 13th century, leans toward its neighbors, not from age but because flood waters have undermined it. It s not the only architectural wonder you ll see on your tour. You may choose to spend some leisure time in the village or head straight to nearby Kreuzwertheim, a wine-growing area, for a hike through the vineyards your efforts will be rewarded with a glass of sparkling wine and a wonderful view of the Main River valley. Whichever option you select, your next stop is a historic winery that produces fine Franconian wines. Its charming sandstone architecture, vaulted cellars and covered courtyard make for a delightful afternoon. You ve probably tasted some yummy soft pretzels on your trip already, but these are special: Watch a fifth-generation baker make some for you and discover for yourself why he supplies some of Berlin s top hotels! Then meet the winery s winemaker, who will present a special wine tasting. Just as a shot of espresso gives you the essence of coffee intense and aromatic in a tiny cup, this quick tour aims to give you the essence of Frankfurt in a tiny amount of time. Ride up to the Main Tower s 650-foothigh (198-meter-high) viewing platform, where your guide will describe the panorama spread out before you and introduce you to Frankfurt s most engaging destinations. You ll learn which sites no visitor should miss so you can tailor the rest of your exploration to your own tastes and interests. From here, take off on your own: Investigate Frankfurt s historic center, Römer Square, or visit one of its exceptional museums. The "Museum Mile" stretches along the south bank of the Main, right where the ship is docked, making it very easy to visit the Städel (which has works by painters ranging from Rubens to Baselitz) or any of the other dozen museums nearby. The Zeil, Frankfurt s best-known shopping district, offers dazzling window shopping. B. Exclusive Do as the Locals Do Frankfurt walking tour 7 2 Although Frankfurt is unabashedly modern, with a dynamic international population and a skyline dominated by skyscrapers, it has a much-loved historic core, and your ship docks within easy walking distance of it. Stroll with your guide through Römer Square, bordered by the 15th-century mansions that constitute the old city hall, to the Klein Market Hall, where locals choose produce and sausage, cider and eggs, flowers BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 86 uniworld.com / 87

46 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM and spices from the covered market s 154 stalls. Sample Frankfurt s beloved apple cider and sausages as you take in the colorful scene. Frankfurt s residents come from more than 200 nations, so you ll find plenty of international specialties, too, along with regional items. You may stay here on your own or continue with your guide to Goethe House, the house museum devoted to Germany s national poet, who was born in this city. Though Goethe s work belongs to the world, Frankfurters take particular pride in their native son; the rooms here display furnishings from the writer s day, as well as family portraits and the desk where Goethe completed Faust not to mention a puppet theater with which the four-year-old future poet played. You ll encounter the city s bustling present-day economic power as you walk past the Frankfurt stock exchange and continue to Main Tower. Nothing exemplifies Frankfurt more than this lofty skyscraper: The façade of a historic building is incorporated in its base and 56 stories of glass-encased offices soar above it. Ride up to the viewing platform for an amazing view of the city and its surroundings. DAY 22 Rüdesheim, cruising the romantic Rhine River u BB L D Like many cities along the Rhine, Rüdesheim has a lengthy history that stretches back to Roman times. These days, the town is best known for its narrow lane of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse and its impressive Niederwald Monument. Later in the day, you ll experience the most spectacular scenery on the Rhine. A. Gondola ride to the Niederwald Monument B. Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum A. Gondola ride to the Niederwald Monument 5 3 The huge statue of Germania atop the hill above Rüdesheim is visible for miles. Erected by Wilhelm I to commemorate the unification of Germany following the Franco-Prussian War in 1877, the monument may perfectly embody 19th-century imperial grandiosity but the ride to and from it is the real point of your expedition. Hop aboard a cable car and begin your ascent to Niederwald Heights. You ll get a great view of the town and the entire Rheingau wine-growing region as you climb high into the air, with the precipitous vineyards falling away below you and spectacular views of the Rhine valley spreading into the distance. Don t worry if you find there are far too many glorious things to see as you ascend; anything you miss while going up, you ll have a chance to catch coming back down. Explore the historic Niederwald Monument, then head back down into Rüdesheim, where you can enjoy some free time. Note: The gondola to Niederwald Monument is covered but not heated. Cars are open on the sides, and it is recommended that you dress warmly. B. Siegfried s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum 5 2 Board a delightfully quaint mini train to Siegfried s Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments. This small, personal museum houses one of the world s best collections of mechanical musical instruments in a 16th-century mansion, the Brömserhof. Here a guided tour will introduce you to rare mechanical instruments; some of them are 300 years old, and all of them are wonderfully inventive and fun. Listen as tiny birds pop out of music boxes and begin to sing; marvel as colorfully costumed mechanical figures play miniature violins. It s an enchanting and surprising experience. Following the museum tour, you ll have time for some leisurely exploration of Rüdesheim s cobblestone streets. Try a Rüdesheim coffee a local specialty requiring elaborate preparation that is as fun to watch as the coffee is to drink or stop by a wine tavern for a glass of the local Riesling. The Rheingau is one of the smallest wine-growing districts in the world, but it is also one of the best. Did You Know? A hillside abbey set amid the vineyards above Rüdesheim was founded by 12th-century mystic and composer Hildegard of Bingen, known as the Sybil of the Rhine. Nuns belonging to her order still live and work here, tending vineyards and singing Hildegard s ethereal music in their chapel. The abbey is not open to the public, but you may visit the chapel and its gift shop, which carries recordings of the ravishing music their founder wrote. Settle down on the Sun Deck and prepare to be dazzled after you leave Rüdesheim and enter the sublime landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Byron described it as a work divine, a blending of all beauties. Turner painted it. Wagner used it as inspiration for his opera Götterdämmerung. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this scenic 40-mile (65-kilometer) stretch of the Rhine features a stunning, castle-dotted landscape that 19th-century composers, BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM 88 uniworld.com / 89

47 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM painters and poets considered the embodiment of an ideal romantic spirit, which was later dubbed Rhine Romanticism. Legend plays its part here too, with shipwrecks and lost lovers attributed to the Lorelei who, so the tale goes, lured all to their doom in the Rhine. Each bend and twist of the river affords new delights: Steep riverbanks are graced with sloping vineyards and picturesque towns, and hill tops are crowned by fairytale castles. Each one of those castles tells a tale: of great families raising fortresses, of warfare and ruin, and of rebuilding through the centuries. Some castles have been entirely reconstructed; others tower above the water in majestic ruin, still an inspiration for romantics. DAY 23 Cologne u BB L FD Cologne is the largest and oldest city of the Rhineland and a cultural mecca, with more than 30 museums and hundreds of art galleries. A congenial atmosphere and a mix of ancient, modern and reconstructed buildings characterize the heart of the city. Featured Excursion: Cologne walking discovery tour with Cologne cathedral visit 5 2 As you walk through the narrow lanes of the Old Town, you ll find it hard to believe that more than 70 percent of the city was destroyed by bombs during WWII. Three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its Renaissance façade. The famous 12 Romanesque churches were reconstructed from the rubble, and the cathedral, Cologne s iconic landmark, rises magnificently in the city center. Though it was badly damaged in WWII, the great UNESCO-designated cathedral retains many of its original treasures the relics of the Magi and other sacred figures, which inspired its building in the 12th century, the 14th-century stained-glass windows that were stored safely throughout the war and the beautifully painted choir stalls though other treasures are displayed separately. Enter the awe-inspiring nave and learn about the history of the cathedral and its art collections, especially the pieces surrounding the Shrine of the Magi. Note: The number of visitors allowed in Cologne Cathedral is regulated by a very strict schedule of time slots. Sightseeing will be arranged around the time slots obtained. On Sundays and Catholic holidays, guided tours inside the cathedral will not be possible. Following your walking tour, you have your choice of ways to explore further: You may opt to taste the famous local beer, drop by Museum Ludwig or investigate the Jewish quarter. A. Kölsch beer tasting B. Museum Ludwig A. Kölsch beer tasting 5 2 Mingle with the locals at a tavern for an exclusive tasting of Kölsch, the celebrated pale ale that is unique to the city. It s one of the few German beers to have a regional appellation similar to that given to wines; its characteristic flavor comes from the unique yeast used in its brewing. It is always served in a straight-sided narrow glass called a stange, meaning a rod or stick. B. Museum Ludwig 5 2 Cologne s first museum to exhibit modern art, the Ludwig was named for Peter and Irene Ludwig, who donated th-century works representing such pop artists as Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, as well as more than 200 Picassos in These pieces were joined by a group of expressionist paintings that collector Josef Haubrich had managed to save from the Nazis, who confiscated some 16,000 samples of degenerative art from private hands, selling some and burning others. Haubrich donated paintings by Marc Chagall, Otto Dix and Ernst Kirchner, among other notable artists, that had been thought lost. A special Captain s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. DAY 24 Depart Amsterdam e b CB/BB Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, you might choose to stay and explore exciting Amsterdam with us on an optional post-cruise extension. Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. 90 uniworld.com / 91 BUCHAREST TO AMSTERDAM

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