2013 - TM Europe River Cruising

NETHERLANDS Amsterdam MS Johann Strauss 14 BELGIUM Paris 3 FRANCE Cologne Koblenz Rüdesheim Würzburg Wertheim Bamberg Nuremberg KitzingenRegensburg Passau Linz CZECH REP. Prague 3 Dürnstein Melk AUSTRIA Velké Bílovice Vienna GERMANY Coach Cruise No. of nights stay SLOVAKIA Budapest HUNGARY 3 NIGHTS PARIS – 14 NIGHT AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST RIVER CRUISE – 3 NIGHTS PRAGUE X NIGHTS XXXX – XX NIGHT XXXXX TO XXXXX RIVER CRUISE – X NIGHTS XXXXXX GERMANY – Cologne's magnificent Gothic cathedral Czech Republic Quarter, absorb the artistic vibe along the River Seine or wander Rue Mouffetard, one of Paris' most lively market streets. Tonight, a visit to the Moulin Rouge, birthplace of the can-can, is on offer (see page 49 for details). B TRAVEL TO AMSTERDAM – EMBARK MS JOHANN STRAUSS Day 4. Paris, Amsterdam. You'll traverse the beautiful landscapes of northern France, Belgium and The Netherlands on today's journey to the colourful Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Special Stay – here Travelmarvel's premium river ship, the MS Johann Strauss, awaits. On board tonight, you'll meet your Travelmarvel Cruise Director and fellow passengers before dinner. Stay (14 Nights): MS Johann Strauss. Day 5. Amsterdam. Clustered by historic houses and studded with low bridges, Amsterdam's network of 17th-century canals lends the city its nickname – 'The Venice of the North'. Today, you'll board a glass-top boat and glide past the city's impressive waterside facades. Back on land, travel by coach via Rembrandt's Windmill, immortalised in the famous artist's paintings, to Utrecht. From here, your ship will set off cruising along the Rhine as the Captain's Gala Wel come Dinner provides an evening of conversation and sumptuous cuisine. THE RHINE RIVER Day 6. Cologne, Koblenz. Having entered Germany, your cruise continues on to Cologne, a city geographically and spiritually centred around the twin spires of Kölner Dom – a cathedral that was once the world's tallest building. Enjoy a locally guided tour, including a Taste of Cologne – where you'll visit a local brewery to sample some beer. Then, reboard your ship to cruise to the 2,000-year-old city of Koblenz in the Rhine Valley. You might choose to take a post-dinner stroll to explore the narrow alleys and cosy lanes near the riverside. BD BLD Day 7. Rüdesheim. Today you'll awake to a true highlight of the holiday – cruising through the Rhine Gorge (a popular name for the World Heritage-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley). This 65 kilometre stretch is considered by locals to be the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Watch in awe as steep slopes covered in vineyards and dotted with ancient castles drift past, before your ship docks in Rüdesheim, the perfect example of a Rhine Gorge wine town. Here, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through town to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, which houses the most beautiful collection of automated musical instruments in Germany. – 29 – BLD THE MAIN RIVER Day 8. Wertheim. Enjoy an onboard demonstration of the intricate art of glass-blowing as you travel the Main River towards the quaint town of Wertheim. Here, set off on an insightful walking tour taking you to its historic landmarks and well-preserved half- timbered buildings, many of which were built in the 16th century. Like a Local – you'll then visit one of the town's traditional bakeries and learn the art of pretzel making. Return to your ship, and enjoy the lights glide past as you cruise through the night to Würzburg. BLD BLD Day 9. Würzburg, Kitzingen. Verdant hills and rich vineyards sit on the fringe of Würzburg, while the Main River is a prominent feature of this stunning city. The architectural beauty that further defines Würzburg is on show today as you visit the Residential Palace and a number of local churches whose styles range from Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance to Modern. Later, you may wish to take an optional excursion along the Romantic Road to the well-preserved walled medieval town of Rothenburg. Here, a local guide will provide a resident's perspective (see page 49 for details). Alternatively, continue by river ship as it glides through the valleys of the Main River to the Bavarian town of Kitzingen. BLD

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