2017 - APT Europe River Cruising Preview

41 MAGNIFICENT EUROPE CRUISING SLOVAKIA NETHERLANDS HUNGARY GERMANY FRANCE CZECH REP. BELGIUM AUSTRIA Regensburg Nuremberg Miltenberg Melk Dürnstein Rüdesheim Linz Cologne Bonn Andernach Budapest Bamberg Amsterdam Salzburg Passau Rothenburg Bratislava Rhine River Danube River Main-Danube Canal Danube River Main River 14 Aria or Concerto River Ship Prague Paris Velké Bílovice 3 Vienna 3 Ghent Coach Cruise The Majestic Imperator No. of Nights Stay Würzburg Day 7. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice. Approach the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River today, where crumbling ruins cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides are marked with perfectly planted vineyards. Dock in Rüdesheim and take a trip aboard the Winzerexpress mini-train to the town centre. Perhaps tour Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to the world's most beautiful collection of automated musical instruments. Alternatively, take in views over the Rhine Valley as you travel in a gondola to the Niederwald Monument. BLD THE MEANDERING MAIN RIVER Day 8. Miltenberg. Witness the skilful art of glass-blowing on board as you cruise toward the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg this morning. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town is much like a time capsule revealing old-world village life, remarkably preserved buildings and lively town squares. A local guide will take you on a special discovery of the town today. Stroll along the winding cobblestone lanes, explore quaint half-timbered shops, mingle with friendly residents and sample some delicious local fare along the way. BLD Day 9. Würzburg, Freedom of Choice. The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on show today as you stroll through the city to the Würzburg Residence, an 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. Inside, marvel at intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo. If you prefer, take a journey along the Romantic Road, one of Germany's original holiday routes. Today, this beautiful thoroughfare takes you to the medieval town of Rothenburg where you'll stop for a tour. BLD THE MAIN-DANUBE CANAL Day 10. Bamberg. This morning your ship will arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another of the few German cities that wasn't destroyed during World War II. Here you will explore the Old Town with a guide to discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the River Regnitz. Following your tour, rejoin your ship to cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas and is recognised as a feat of modern engineering. BLD Day 11. Nuremberg. Learn all about the Bavarian city of Nuremberg today. A historic city tour takes you to a selection of World War II sites, such as the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler's now infamous rallies held annually from 1927 to 1938. Discover spectacular medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and more. Back on board later this afternoon, sample some freshly baked gingerbread before continuing to cruise along the Main-Danube Canal. BLD THE BLUE DANUBE Day 12. Regensburg. Dock alongside one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, standing at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers. On a guided tour taking in the city's highlights, see such sites as the iconic Old Town Hall, the World Heritage- listed city centre, and the remains of the Romanesque fortress walls, including one of the country's most ancient stone buildings, the Porta Pretoria. You'll also see the impressive 12th-century Stone Bridge, which arches gracefully across the water. BLD SEASONAL CRUISING Springtime Cruising March – May Summer Delights June – August Autumn Colours September – mid-November Christmas Markets November and December Cherish time at leisure to pursue your interests Step ashore in the World Heritage-listed city of Bamberg

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