European Splendour 2012

Vienna to Amsterdam

Day 1 (Tue) Vienna. Fly to Vienna where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship for 12 nights. This afternoon, meet your crew at a welcome reception.

Day 2 (Wed) Vienna. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. Take your time to savour each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a local café. An optional concert is available during your stay.

Day 3 (Thu) Melk – Grein. Situated in the picturesque Wachau Valley, Melk is home to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey that dominates the town and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking. Set at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle, Grein’s turreted houses on the main square are not to be missed.

Day 4 (Fri) Passau. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. Its cathedral, St Stephen’s, houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.

Day 5 (Sat) Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the old town hall and Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria’s cultural centres. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen).

Day 6 (Sun) Nuremberg. Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during World War II, much of it has been restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses - all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metalworking. After dinner sample some of Germany’s famous beers.

Day 7 (Mon) Bamberg. Medieval Bamberg is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz and its serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th century mansions.

Day 8 (Tue) Würzburg. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’, Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Today, a visit to the magnificent Bishop’s Residenz is included.

Day 9 (Wed) Wertheim – Miltenberg. Enjoy time at leisure this morning in charming Wertheim, situated at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers. The town is known for its medieval town centre, its castle and its wine. Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that once thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and Renaissance houses and the gothic splendour of the Merchant Hall. This afternoon, enjoy a baking demonstration and learn how to bake the local soft cookie speciality.

Day 10 (Thu) Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in pretty Rüdesheim and enjoy free time to explore the Drosselgasse. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary Lorelei Rock, where it is thought the sweet songs of sirens lured enchanted sailors to their doom.

Day 11 (Fri) Cologne. Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs. Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original ‘eau de cologne’.

Day 12 (Sat) Amsterdam. Holland’s delightful 700 year old capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by canal boat, cruising along elegant grachten lined by stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s ‘Golden Age’.

Day 13 (Sun) Amsterdam. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.