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EUROPE
Grand Alpine & Splendours of Europe River Cruise
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Inclusions
Departure Dates
More Tours



The cruise and/or tour map shown is provided as a guide only.
The actual route of the cruise or tour may vary.
Tour Summary
Tour name: Grand Alpine & Splendours of Europe River Cruise
Tour code: EARC  
Days: 27  
Overview:

  
Tour Itinerary
Day 1Arrive Vienna
Welcome to Vienna, the capital of Austria. On arrival you will be met and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and dinner.
Overnight Stay: Vienna
Day 2Vienna - Salzburg (FB)
This morning we drive along the Danube Valley to the area known as the Salzkammergut and the town of Mondsee. We stop in the village to see the church where the marriage of Captain Von Trapp and Maria was filmed for The Sound of Music. We continue our journey to Salzburg, famous for its onion shaped domes and charming courtyards all dwarfed by the imposing fortress. The history and sights of this baroque city are revealed during an included guided walking tour including the mighty cathedral, Mozart’s birthplace and many of the locations used during the filming of ‘The Sound of Music’, such as the Mirabell Palace and gardens.
Overnight Stay: Salzburg
Day 3Salzburg - Munich (FB,HD)
This morning it’s only a short drive into Bavarian Germany, where we visit Hitler’s favourite summer resort, perched atop a mountain in the Berchtesgaden National Park. We continue our journey in the Bavarian capital, Munich. This evening we dine in one of Munich’s oldest breweries, for a lively traditional German dinner.
Two Night Stay: Munich
Day 4Munich Sightseeing (FB)
On our included guided walking tour we visit the heart of old Munich, the Marienplatz, a large open square with the Marien column in the centre, where we see the famous Glockenspiel on the Town Hall play. At the nearby victuals market, which has been operating for 100 years, local delicacies and souvenirs are available. This afternoon is at leisure.
Day 5Munich – Neuschwanstein - Zurich (FB)
Today continue to Schwangau to ‘Mad King Ludwigs’ fairytale castle at Neuschwanstein. Be amazed at the intricately carved furnishings, frescoes and mosaics on our included guided tour. To enhance this fairytale experience, we end the touring with a relaxing horse and carriage ride. Following Lake Zurich, we arrive into the financial centre of Switzerland.
Overnight Stay: Zurich
Day 6Zurich - Lucerne (FB,HD)
An Included guided walking tour of Zurich reveals a contrast between the luxury designer shops and modern buildings on the Bahnhofstrasse and the imposing Romanesque Cathedral. We then arrive into the picturesque lakereost town of Lucerne. With our local guide we stroll to the famous Lion Monument, a haunting memorial to the gallant Swiss Guard. Enjoy a walking tour of the old town and cross the medieval Chapel Bridge. Tonight we enjoy a traditional folklore show as we savour a traditional Swiss fondue.
Two Night Stay: Lucerne
Day 7Lucerne at Leisure (FB)
Enjoy a guided cruise on Lucerne’s gorgeous lake en-route to the quaint village of Vitznau. Here we join the oldest cogwheel train in Switzerland for a breathtaking ascent of Mount Rigi, known as ‘the Queen of the Mountains’. Savour the incredible scenery from the summit where you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore this beautiful lake resort.
Day 8Lucerne – Glacier Express – St. Moritz (FB,D)
This morning we drive to Andermatt where we board the Glacier Express for possibly the world’s most breathtaking mountain rail journey. We journey past towering peaks with green valleys arriving into St. Moritz. Initially known for its curative mineral springs, St. Moritz is now a chic and exclusive international resort.
Overnight Stay: St. Moritz
Day 9St. Moritz - Innsbruck (FB,D)
After a leisurely morning we depart for a spectacular drive along the Engadine Valley, considered by some to be the most beautiful area in the world, with its deep blue lakes, larch forests and mountain peaks exceeding 12,000ft. We cross the border back into Austria and the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, encircled by the spectacular Alps.
Two Night Stay: Innsbruck
Day 10Innsbruck Sightseeing (FB)
This delightful town on the Inn River is sandwiched between towering mountain ranges to the north and south and prospered due to its strategic position at the head of the Brenner Pass to Italy. We visit the impressive baroque Wilten Basilica, the recently built ski-jump and of course the old town including the famous Golden Roof, built to cover the Emperor in 1500.
Day 11Innsbruck – St Viet an der Glan (FB,D)
We cross the Italian border, taking in the distinctive formations of the Dolomites, where rugged peaks cover the sky. Travel via the ski resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, host of the 1956 Olympics. Stay tonight in St Viet an der Glan, “City of Flowers”. Explore the old town square with its graceful Town Hall, Plague Column and shops and cafes.
Overnight Stay: St Viet
Day 12St Viet – Budapest (FB)
Today’s journey takes us through Graz where we admire its galleried courtyards and Renaissance squares and into Budapest, the capital of Hungary.
Overnight Stay: Budapest
Day 13Budapest Embarkation (FB,L,HD)
This morning our tour takes us to the picturesque village of Szentendre. Explore the cobblestone streets and experience a Mediterranean atmosphere that lots of artists come to find inspiration and work here. We then visit the royal city of Visegrád, which played an important strategic role in the lives of the Celts, Avars and Romans. We then return to Budapest where a warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Evergreen Tours river cruise ship. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail reception followed by a traditional Hungarian Welcome dinner.
Day 14Budapest (FB,L,D)
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex with Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church, and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. This afternoon you have free time before departing for Bratislava.
Day 15Bratislava - Vienna (FB,L,D)
This morning we arrive at the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. We then depart and cruise along the Danube towards Vienna the “City of Waltzes”. This evening after dinner you’ll have the opportunity to attend a Viennese concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss (additional expense, must be pre-booked).
Day 16Vienna (FB,L,D)
Today we explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see Vienna’s world-famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace followed by a visit to the Belvedere Palace and gardens. This afternoon is at leisure to stroll the main shopping street or as an option a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace (additional expense, must be pre-booked).
Day 17Dürnstein - Melk (FB,L,D)
In the morning we arrive in Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Thereafter you drive through the picturesque landscape of this district to the 900-year old Benedictine abbey of Melk, which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture.
Day 18Linz - Passau (FB,L,D)
This morning explore the riverside city of Linz. There is an opportunity to take an optional tour to either Salzburg, birth place of Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music”, or the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov (additional expense, must be pre-booked). In the afternoon we reach Passau. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in this beautiful city. On this afternoon’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.
Day 19Regensburg - Weltenburg (FB,L,D)
This morning after breakfast we arrive in magnificent Regensburg. On our guided walking tour you’ll have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall. After lunch embark on an exciting boat trip through the lovely Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey the oldest monastery in Bavaria. After a short tour of the abbey church you can taste the famous dark beer of Weltenburg.
Day 20Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Nuremberg. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. The city tour leads you to the major sites and sights of the city, from the medieval beginnings to the present. We then head to the Nazi party rally grounds, where the Nazi party rallies were held from 1933 until 1938 and take a self-guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre.
Day 21Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Relax onboard this morning as we cruise through the Main- Danube Canal, arriving after lunch at our destination, Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Boasting one of Europe’s largest intact medieval town centres, Bamberg is bursting with original character and charm. At the centre of the town is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. Around 2,400 listed buildings and the centuries-old garden quarter form a special cultural heritage.
Day 22Würzburg (FB,L,D)
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road”, Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. After breakfast, we join our guide for a walking tour of Würzburg followed by a visit to the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, enjoy free time or take an optional tour on the Romantic Road to Rothenburg (additional expense, must be pre-booked).
Day 23Wertheim - Miltenberg (FB,L,D)
This morning cruise into Wertheim, a beautiful town known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people. The highlight of your morning will be a walk through the medieval city and discovering the traditional methods of Wertheim’s glassblowing tradition in a private demonstration. We continue the journey into the picturesque village of Miltenberg. The village creates an imitable feeling of Bavarian life in medieval times and the Old Town is lined with well-preserved half-timbered buildings.
Day 24Rüdesheim - Koblenz (FB,L,D)
After breakfast we arrive at Rüdesheim, one of Germany’s most popular towns. Join the “Winzerexpress” mini-train ride to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Instrument Museum, where your guided tour features displays of self-playing instruments. Today’s cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. We’ll pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured to their doom onto treacherous rocks by enchanted temptresses. In the late afternoon we arrive into the beautiful 2,000 year old townsite of Koblenz.
Day 25Koblenz - Cologne (FB,L,HD)
The ship sails from Koblenz in the early morning, cruising along the Rhine we arrive in Cologne. Founded by the Romans, Cologne is Germany’s oldest city and is famous for its magnificent World heritage listed Gothic Cathedral. Join your guide this morning and explore the city including the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. This evening the captain will be delighted to welcome you to the Captain’s Gala Dinner.
Day 26Cruising - Amsterdam (FB,L,HD)
The ship sails along the Amsterdam Rijnkanaal and into Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. This afternoon we join a glass top canal boat cruise and explore Amsterdam’s maze of canals. Cruise past 16th century merchant houses and charming churches, dating back to Holland’s Golden Age. We continue our sightseeing with a visit to the world-famous Van Gogh Museum, for a first hand appreciation of the Dutchman’s artistic genius. This evening join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.
Day 27Disembarkation - Depart Amsterdam (FB)

After breakfast, it’s time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer* to the airport.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
Tour itinerary is valid from 01/01/2011 to 31/12/2011 and is subject to change. Enquire for itinerary details that fall outside of these dates. If you have booked on a tour please refer to the itinerary provided in your tour documentation or on Tour Personaliser for any changes that have been made.


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