Europe : Cruise Paris to Istanbul

A grand European cruise visiting 11 countries and including a fascinating 21 night cruise from Trier, Germany to Romania and Bulgaria, and ending with a 3-night sty at the luxurious Ritz Carlton Hotel in magical Istanbul

Begin your vacation on our European cruises with Paris, the “City of Lights.” See charming towns and historical castles as you cruise along the Rhine and Main river. Sail along the Romanian/Bulgarian border before continuing to Serbia and through the Iron Gates, a very narrow passage dividing the Alps from the Carpathian mountains. Continue to Nessebar, one of the oldest towns in Europe, before joining your cruise in Romania. See the very best of what Europe has to offer and enjoy the history and beauty along the Danube River before ending your vacation in what was known for centuries as the greatest city in the world, Istanbul.  

Itinerary

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE.

Time to rest or explore the city upon arrival.

Day 2 - PARIS.

Enjoy Paris' famous sights during this morning's guided tour, then a free afternoon to explore. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 - PARIS.

Enjoy a full free day in the amazing "City of Lights." Stroll along Champs Elysées, or visit the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the World's Fair of 1889. Paris at night offers unlimited possibilities for every taste. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 - PARIS - LUXEMBOURG - TRIER, GERMANY.

This morning, drive through the French countryside of Champagne to Luxembourg, one of the last independent duchies of central Europe. In today’s international politics and banking, the Grand Duchy’s role still plays and important role. There is free time for lunch and a guided city tour before continuing to Trier and embarkation on the ship. Tonight gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - BERNKASTEL - ZELL.

This morning, arrive in the charming village of Bernkastel. Strategically located in the middle of the Mosel wine region, Bernkastel boasts over 500 years of documented wine history. Take a guided walking tour through the old town center with its many Renaissance buildings, before continuing on to Zell, a delightful town famous for its wine "Zeller Schwarze Katz." (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - COCHEM - KOBLENZ - RHINE CASTLES -

This morning, tour Cochem and the hilltop Reichsburg Castle. Or, you may choose to take a cruise to Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. This afternoon cruise along the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine and see castle after castle as well as the legendary Lorelei Rock. In Rüdesheim, visit Siegfried's Musical Instrument Museum and explore the Drosselgasse. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - MAINZ - HEIDELBERG - FRANKFURT.

Today, you can choose to disembark in Mainz and participate in a full day excursion to Heidelberg. Or you can enjoy a leisurely walking tour of charming Mainz, including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum. Then, enjoy a lunchtime cruise on the Main river to Frankfurt where a guided walking tour covers the historic city center. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - MILTENBERG - WERTHEIM

Arrive in Miltenberg and disembark for a guided morning walking tour of this old Franconian town, which reveals narrow cobblestone streets and gabled houses. Shop for souvenirs before continuing to charming Wertheim for a captivating glass-blowing performance. Enjoy free time to browse the market square before returning the ship. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - WÜRZBURG.

Visit the major sights of this center of wine and trade, including the magnificent Residenz Palace. Join this afternoon's optional excursion to medieval Rothenburg,or enjoy free time to explore before returning to Würzburg. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - BAMBERG.

Enjoy a leisurely morning cruise before entering the Main-Danube Canal at enchanting Bamberg. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem. Marvel at the breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall that straddles the river, and the city's serpentine streets. Tonight, arrive in Nuremberg. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - NUREMBERG - MUNICH.

Today, travel by train to Munich, the capital of Bavaria , nicknamed "Germany's secret capital." You will be escorted to lunch in the world famous Hofbrauhaus today, and can help you plan your adventure. Tonight, you will meet with fellow travelers embarking from Prague. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 - NUREMBERG - CONTINENTAL DIVIDE - DIETFURT

Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant impressive walls. At lunchtime, rejoin the ship further along the Main-Danube Canal and continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending through stair-step locks to the Bavarian town of Dietfurt. (B,L,D). Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 - REGENSBURG.

Arrive in magnificent Regensburg, one of Germany's most well-preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will includes the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Enjoy the evening music performance on board. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 - PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA.

After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Take a walking tour of this fairy-tale city, or, take an optional full day excursion to Salzburg. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 - MELK - VIENNA.

Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Rejoin the ship for lunch as we cruise on to Vienna, the "City of Music." Tonight explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 - VIENNA.

A tour of Vienna will show you the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral and will include a visit to the National Library. Then enjoy a free afternoon to shop or to explore on your own. This evening continue cruising overnight to Hungary and Budapest. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 - BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

The morning is free for shopping, or sightseeing. Your afternoon tour includes Buda and Pest and features Buda Castle, the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and more. Tonight enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 - BUDAPEST - PUSZTA EXCURSION.

Upon arrival, you will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Take a ride in an Ox-cart, see a typical Gypsy village and marvel at the equestrian skills of the riders and drivers during the horse show. Try a lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to Budapest. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19 - MOHACS - PECS - VUKOVAR, CROATIA.

Morning arrival in Mohacs, where you depart for an excursion to Old Pecs for a walking tour. Upon leaving Hungary, the Danube is flanked by Serbia on one bank and Croatia on the other. Tonight, arrive in Vukovar, Croatia. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20 - VUKOVAR - NOVI SAD, SERBIA.

This morning, a guided bus and walking tour of Vukovar will show you the main sights of the city. During lunch, continue your cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, where you will tour the Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21 - BELGRADE.

This morning, arrive in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, where can explore both the old and the new town. Your guided tour features Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, the Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Square, Republic Square and Mihajlova street, "Varos" Gate and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22 - CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES.

Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most aweinspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. (B,L,D Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23 - VIDIN, BULGARIA.

The 14th-century Bada Vida Fortress guards over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. From here, take an excursion to the beautifully restored 6thcentury Belogradschik Castle. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 24 - GIURGIU - BUCHAREST, ROMANIA.

Today, enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, Romania, famed for its Belle Epoque architecture. During the morning city tour, see the Arch of Triumph, Soseaua Kiseleff, the Athenaeum, the Library and then visit the Parliament Palace - the world's largest palace. Enjoy lunch in a typical Romanian restaurant, then shop, explore on your own or visit the open air museum, dedicated to the traditional architecture of rural Romania. (B,L,D) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 25 - ROUSSE - VELIKO TURNOVO - NESSEBAR,

This morning, disembark in Rousse where your motorcoach tour takes you to the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo. Here you will visit Tsarevets Hill, the citadel of the city, the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces, the Patriarchal church and Baldwin's Tower. Shoppers can explore the traditional street market, Samovodska Charshia. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing onto the Black Sea resort town of Nessebar. (B,L,D) **The 2009 cruise omits Nessebar for Plovdiv. This evening, see the main highlights of Plovdiv Old Town, before dinner at a local restaurant** Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 26 - NESSEBAR - ISTANBUL, TURKEY.

This morning's guided walking tour, includes Nessebar's oldest church, and the 5th-century Basilica on the Beach. After lunch, continue on to magical Istanbul for a grand three-night conclusion of your voyage. (B)  **The 2009 cruise changes to - After breakfast, continue on to magical Istanbul for the grand three night conclusion of your european holiday** Meals included: Breakfast

Day 27 - ISTANBUL.

This morning's comprehensive city tour will show you the old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of her historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Suleymaniye Mosque, the church of the Pantocrator and the Galata Tower, and tour the Blue Mosque. Later, you can explore the town on your own or choose from from various optionals that will be offered. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 28 - ISTANBUL.

Today, your guided tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th century through end of the 19th century and the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise, shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. This evening, join your fellow passengers for the optional belly dancing show “Istanbul By Night” with dinner. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

Day 29 - Istanbul to Uk

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B) Meals included: Breakfast

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Prices

Paris to Istanbul - Prices From:
Dates	Prices from
	Adult
02/10/2008	£3,896
22/10/2008	£3,230
23/04/2009 - 21/05/2009	£4,283
13/05/2009 - 10/06/2009	£4,335
04/06/2009 - 02/07/2009	£4,335
24/06/2009 - 22/07/2009	£4,335
16/07/2009 - 13/08/2009	£4,335
05/08/2009 - 02/09/2009	£4,441
27/08/2009 - 24/09/2009	£4,651
16/09/2009 - 14/10/2009	£4,651
08/10/2009 - 05/11/2009	£4,388
28/10/2009 - 25/11/2009	£3,862
Notes
Prices are per person, based on two adults sharing.
Supplements
01/05/2008 - 31/10/2008: D Grade cabin Piano Deck: £153
01/05/2008 - 31/10/2008: C Grade cabin Cello Deck : £614
01/05/2008 - 31/10/2008: B Grade cabin Cello Deck : £768
01/05/2008 - 31/10/2008: A Grade cabin Violin Deck: £922
01/05/2008 - 31/10/2008: S Grade cabin Violin Deck: £1,999
01/05/2008 - 31/10/2008: Approx port charges: £138
23/04/2009 - 24/11/2009: D Grade cabin Piano Deck: £235
23/04/2009 - 24/11/2009: C Grade cabin Cello Deck : £709
23/04/2009 - 24/11/2009: B Grade cabin Cello Deck : £946
23/04/2009 - 24/11/2009: A Grade cabin Violin Deck: £1,104
23/04/2009 - 24/11/2009: S Grade cabin Violin Deck: £2,367
23/04/2009 - 24/11/2009: Approx port charges: £155

What's Included?

• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris with daily Buffet Breakfast
• Transfer from the Hotel in Paris via Luxembourg to the Ship in Trier
• 21-night Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Internet, Movie and Music Library & English Language TV Stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Fully escorted Motorcoach Tour from the Ship in Rousse, Bulgaria to Istanbul
• 1 Night Hotel Accommodation in Nessebar at the Black including daily Buffet Breakfast
• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Istanbul including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, on board Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Director
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local Taxes

What's NOT Included?

• Air Fares and Transfers, but these can be arranged for you
• Gratuities
• Port Charges, Approx £138.00 per person
• Optional excursions

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This tour also departs in reverse order, depending on departure dates

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