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From the Black Sea to Amsterdam

From the Black Sea to Amsterdam

From £5,295 GBP

Description

Join us aboard the Amadeus Elegant on this ultimate European journey, a truly fascinating voyage along the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers all the way from the Black Sea to Amsterdam. Our elegant floating hotel carries you through historical and cultural delights as we traverse nine countries and travel more than 2200 miles over the course of 23 nights.

If you have never experienced a river journey it is difficult to explain the sheer pleasure that comes from travelling across Europe observing everyday life on the banks of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers. You can let the world slip by as you relax on the Sun Deck or in the Lounge and delight in aweinspiring panoramic views of the passing scenery. Guided excursions with excellent local guides and interesting talks by our Guest Speaker will create an enjoyable, informative and lively atmosphere on board as we sail along the European waterways. Each port of call has its own unique character waiting to be discovered whilst on one of our guided excursions.

From historic locations to iconic buildings, our itinerary is brimming with highlights including the scenic beauty of the Kazan Gorge as we cruise through the spectacular Iron Gates, the grand cities of Budapest and Vienna and the picturesque towns along the Rhine including Miltenberg and Rudesheim.

Trip Name
From the Black Sea to Amsterdam
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type:  Length: 110 m Passenger Capacity: 150 Built/Refurbished: 2010 Built in 2010, she offers comfortable and well-appointed cabins and modern and spacious public areas including a bar and lounge where you can delight in panoramic views and simply watch the world sail by or enjoy a beverage and catch up with new-found friends. The restaurant seats all passengers in one sitting and the experienced chefs serve both regional and international cuisines with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. There is also a large Sun Deck which is a perfect place from which to observe the banks of the majestic Danube River.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Bucharest to Fetesti, Romania.
Fly by scheduled flight to Bucharest. On arrival transfer to the port of Fetesti (2.5 hours approx.) and embark aboard the Amadeus Elegant. Sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Danube Delta
From our mooring in St George we will visit the Danube Delta, one of the most important wetlands left in Europe, for a boat trip to explore the delta with its vast and varied birdlife. This evening enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner on board.
Day 3 - Day 3 - Bucharest.
Arrive this morning in the stunning city of Bucharest. We will explore the main sights of the city and see the boulevards with their decidedly French style. After lunch in a local restaurant there will be a choice of afternoon visits. You may choose to visit the Parliament Palace, the second largest administrative building in the world at 3.77 million square feet. This gargantuan construction is Ceausescu’s most infamous creation and makes for a fascinating tour. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the unique Village Museum, an open-air ethnographic museum located in the Herastrau Park, showcasing traditional Romanian village life. The museum contains 272 authentic peasant farms and houses from all over Romania. Afterwards, rejoin the vessel in Oltenita and sail to Rousse for an overnight mooring.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
This morning enjoy a tour to the city of Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the second Bulgarian Kingdom from 1187 to 1393. The city formed a natural fortress, located on three hills surrounding the Yantra River and a palace, fortifications and churches were built into the terrain. Across the river, ancient stone houses seemingly perched on top of each other rise up the steep riverbank. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the museum town of Arbanassi. Rejoin the vessel in Nikopol and sail.
Day 5 - Day 5 - Cruising through the Iron Gates.
Today the scenery becomes truly spectacular as we cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow Danube gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Belgrade, Serbia.
A half day tour highlights the city’s main attractions, including the Kalemegdan fortress as it looms over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Saint Sava Cathedral, being the largest Orthodox Church in the world and Tito’s memorial. Our time here will end with an optional rendition by a splendid local folklore group, with accompanying local drinks and canapes.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Vukovar, Croatia.
The city is known for the 87 day ‘siege of Vukovar’ between August and November 1991. At the time, it was the fiercest and most protracted battle seen in Europe since 1945 and reminders of the atrocities committed can still be viewed throughout the town including the shelled and disfigured water tower that stands despite the artillery barrages that were targeted against it. During our visit we will learn much about Croatia’s largest river port and also spend time at the inspirational Vukovar Municipal Museum which won the Silletto prize as European Museum of the year in 2016.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Pecs, Hungary.
Lying between the Danube and Drava Rivers in southern Hungary, the historic city of Pecs enjoys a fine position on the slopes of the Mecsek Hills. Our afternoon excursion which departs from Mohacs will feature the sites associated with the city’s Roman Ottoman Hapsburg past.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Kalocsa.
Arrive today in charming Kalocsa, renowned for its paprika production. A tour of the Puszta district will include the town, followed by a spectacular display of Hungarian horsemanship at the Bakodpuszta Equestrian Centre. Cruise to Budapest where we will arrive late this evening.
Day 10 - Day 10 - Budapest.
We have the day to explore Hungary’s elegant capital city. Spend the morning on an excursion that will include the old quarter, visiting the Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. This afternoon will be at leisure to relax on board or to explore Budapest further at your own pace. Moor overnight.
Day 11 - Day 11 - Budapest.
After breakfast today we depart for our visit to Godollo. It was the favoured home of Sissy, the wife of Emperor Franz Josef and in recent years the palace has been restored. Alternatively, spend a full day in Budapest exploring independently the delights of this historic city. After dinner be out on deck to to enjoy a spectacular sailing of ‘Budapest by Night’, a final chance to see this beautiful city’s night lights as we sail on to our next port of call.
Day 12 - Day 12 - Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
Arrive this afternoon in the Slovak capital of Bratislava. Join a guided walking tour of the city, previously known as Pressburg, a former capital of Hungary. See the Old Quarter, the ornate Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates.
Day 13 - Day 13 - Vienna, Austria.
A morning tour of Austria’s elegant capital will take us around the famous Ringstrasse and the Old Quarter including St Stephan’s Cathedral. Return to the Amadeus Elegant for lunch after which depart for a visit to the wonderful Schonbrunn Palace and Gardens, the favourite summer residence of Maria Theresa.
Day 14 - Day 14 - Wachau Valley & Melk.
Today, we will enter the stunning Wachau Valley. Our vessel will sail through to Durnstein, where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Here we will have a guided tour, followed by time at leisure. Sail on to Melk where we moor under the shadow of the great Baroque Abbey, situated on a cliff high above the Danube and enjoy a guided tour of the Abbey.
Day 15 - Day 15 - Passau, Germany.
Arrive this morning in Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers join the Danube. Our guided walking tour will include the old town of this Bavarian city and the breathtaking Cathedral of St Stephan which contains one of the world’s largest church pipe organs. Enjoy an organ recital before returning to the vessel for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure in Passau before we cruise to Regensburg.
Day 16 - Day 16 - Regensburg.
Today we will bid the Danube River goodbye for the final stretch of our journey. Arriving at the historic town of Regensburg, our guided tour will include highlights such as the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage listed city centre and the Romanesque Porta Praetoria. We will then be entertained by the local Domspatzen Quartet with a concert in one of the local churches.
Day 17 - Day 17 - Nuremberg.
We continue cruising through the highest point of any commercial waterway in Europe, 1332 feet above sea level to the city of Nuremberg. The long and sometimes troubled history here has left its mark on the city and there will be plenty to discover during our tour. Visit the World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds and discover the city’s spectacular Medieval architecture, including the 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the courts of justice and more.
Day 18 - Day 18 - Bamberg.
Located at the Main-Danube Canal, we will arrive into Bamberg, one of Germany’s most beautiful and historic towns. There will be ample time to tour and explore this Bavarian municipality, whose centre has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
Day 19 - Day 19 - Wurzburg.
Arrive today in historic Wurzburg. Our tour of this lovely town includes the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace whose interiors are considered to be exquisite examples of Baroque/Rococo or Neoclassical architecture and art and includes the grand staircase, with its wonderful frescoes.
Day 20 - Day 20 - Wertheim and Miltenberg.
This morning we will take a walking tour of the picturesque town of Wertheim before returning to the vessel for lunch. This afternoon, visit the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg, known for its half-timbered Medieval houses and included in our tour will be a tasting of some local beer.
Day 21 - Day 21 - Rudesheim.
Enjoy a morning cruising and arrive this afternoon in Rudesheim, a charming riverside town. Drive to nearby Vollrads Castle and Wine Estate, set in charming countryside. This grand estate has been the Greiffendau residence since the 14th century and the making of wine on this site can be traced back to 1211. We will enjoy a visit to the Vinothek to sample some of their splendid wines. Alternatively, join a tour of Rudesheim itself, including a visit to Siegfried’s Musical Instrument Museum. This afternoon sail onto Koblenz and moor overnight.
Day 22 - Day 22 - Koblenz and Cologne.
Early this morning join a walking tour of Koblenz’s historic commercial centre. Return to the vessel and spend a relaxing afternoon cruising towards Cologne. Arrive this afternoon and moor overnight.
Day 23 - Day 23 - Cologne.
After breakfast join a guided walk along the promenade and through the old town to the magnificent cathedral, the largest in Germany. Sail in the early afternoon to Amsterdam.
Day 24 - Day 24 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands to London.
Disembark after breakfast and join a guided tour to the Rijksmuseum with its splendid collection of old masters. After lunch at a local restaurant transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-06-201815-07-2018£5,595Strauss Deck Twin For Sole Use
22-06-201815-07-2018£5,295Haydn Deck Twin For Sole Use
22-06-201815-07-2018£6,695Mozart Deck Suite
22-06-201815-07-2018£6,095Mozart Deck Twin
22-06-201815-07-2018£5,595Strauss Deck Twin
22-06-201815-07-2018£5,295Hayden Deck Twin

Inclusions

    • Danube Delta wetlands
    • City of the Tsars – Veliko Tarnovo
    • Cruising through the Iron Gates
    • Folklore dance display in Belgrade
    • Hungarian horsemanship display at Kalocsa
    • “Queen of the Danube” – Budapest

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