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TheThe guide guide To To ulTimaTe ulTimaTe river cruising cruising

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING WITH TITAN AND UNIWORLD

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING CONTENTS

A EDITOR Liz Jarvis DEPUTY EDITOR Jessica Tooze DESIGNER Rickardo Watkins PUBLISHER Simon Temlett PUBLISHING ASSISTANT Holly Thacker ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER Lyndal Beeton The Titan Guide to Ultimate River Cruising is produced by CRUISE INTERNATIONAL, 127-131 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9AS UK. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7901 8000 info@cruise-international. com Printed in England by Wyndeham Heron

river cruise is a truly unforgettable holiday experience, giving you the chance to see some of the world’s most spectacular sights from a unique vantage point, with the added advantage of being able to get off and explore at a leisurely pace. Titan and Uniworld, with their deluxe boutique vessels, offer the discerning traveller an impressive programme of destinations and excursions. Over the following pages you’ll discover the places you could visit on your river cruise. From discovering ancient cultures and cities along the Mekong or Yangtze to exploring the historical landmarks of the magnificent Russian waterways or gliding along the beautiful Douro and the romantic Rhine, each itinerary is designed to be truly memorable. We also take you inside the fabulous staterooms and highlight the on-board experience, including the impressive cuisine. Whether this will be your first river cruise or you’re already a fan, you’ll find plenty of ideas to inspire you and help you choose your next river cruise holiday. Liz Jarvis, Editor liz.jarvis@cruise-international.com visit www.titantravel.co.uk

4 The world's best river cruises What sets Titan and Uniworld apart?

8 The best vessels on the rivers From regal Antoinette to the new Isabel

12 The Rhine Explore this most romantic of rivers

13 The Danube See the heartland of Europe in style

14 France From the Seine to the Rhone

15 The Douro and the Po New routes in Spain, Portugal and Italy

16 Russia Visit St Petersburg and Moscow

17 The Nile The historic waterway of Egypt

18 The Mekong Indochinese cultures and ancient cities

19 The Yangtze The longest river in Asia TITAN TRAVEL

The guide To ulTimaTe river cruising

4 TiTan Travel

To book please call Free on 0800 988 5160 and quote ci8 uni

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING

WHAT SETS TITAN AND UNIWORLD

APART?

Sailing the world’s most spectacular rivers, from the Danube to the Yangtze, Titan’s partnership with Uniworld offers, quite simply, the best river cruise holidays available

liding along through tranquil water, the river banks changing with a vast range of dramatic views, and docking in the centre of a bustling city or in sweeping countryside ready to be explored – this is the way to see some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Many agree that once you try river cruising, other holidays pale in comparison in terms of ease, luxury and the ability to see so many places with the minimum of effort. Titan’s river cruise itineraries in partnership with Uniworld, renowned for its fleet of deluxe boutique vessels, present countless opportunities to relax as you sail serenely through iconic cities and pretty villages, scenic panoramas unfolding at every turn. Along the picturesque waterways of Europe, Egypt, Russia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia, there is simply no better way to discover the cultural treasures these countries have to offer. The Douro, Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhône, Nile and a host of other great rivers are sailed by the floating hotels that are Uniworld river cruising vessels, each offering an unparalleled experience. Titan was the first to offer Uniworld river cruises to UK travellers back in 2006, and now enjoy privileged status as their exclusive UK partner. In a market that is becoming increasingly popular, Titan and Uniworld continue to distance themselves from the competition by providing a complete service that’s a cut above the rest. Your holiday begins the moment you leave your front door, as Titan’s home pickup service ensures that transfers to and from the airport are smooth and hassle-free. Once at your river ship and unpacked in one of the stylish staterooms on board, your luggage will be taken care of for the rest of the trip, however many countries your cruise may take you on. Uniworld hires the very best team of professionals in the industry and continuously trains them to ensure they always go above and beyond your expectations,

This is the way to see some of the world’s most beautiful destinations

so you enjoy the ultimate luxury travel experience. That means they get to know you – without being intrusive – to anticipate your individual preferences and offer you those extra special touches that will make you feel at home. With an average of 130 guests on board, don’t be surprised if the bartender knows your favourite wine, your waiter knows exactly how you like your eggs prepared for breakfast and the Captain greets you by name when you return from your shore excursions.

boutique river cruise ships SS Antoinette is the most luxurious river cruise vessel in the world and others, including River Beatrice and the new Queen Isabel, are the leading vessels on the rivers they sail. With sumptuous interiors designed by the 5* Red Carnation Hotels Group, award-winning service, spacious and beautifully appointed staterooms, fine cuisine (including complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner) and shore excursions included at every major port of call, Uniworld’s vessels offer some of the best holidays available anywhere. On board, a host of amenities enhance your cruise holiday experience. Passengers can gather with friends

VIP HOME DEPARTURE SERVICE Titan recognise that the journeys to and from your destination are important aspects of your holiday, preserving that delightful sense of anticipation at the start and relaxation at the end. Their holidays begin and end at your front door, taking all of the worry out of your travels. Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service® is the original and best private holiday transport service. Only Titan has its own constantly updated fleet of luxuriously appointed, fully-licensed private hire vehicles designed to transport travellers to and from the airport or port in comfort

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and style. Each vehicle, which seats no more than six passengers, is certified to the highest standards. Courteous and smartly-dressed drivers are carefully selected and monitored while the latest navigation technology will pinpoint your home easily and avoid delays. Titan also offer complimentary regional flights and home transfers for customers outside England and Wales so you are not disadvantaged by distance from international departure airports. They provide return transfers from every address in mainland Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands to your nearest regional airport, and complimentary domestic flights to and from London.

TITAN TRAVEL

The guide To ulTimaTe river cruising

and taste cocktails in the lounge where local artists and entertainers will perform during each cruise. From classical music to folkloric dancing, these performances add enthralling cultural flair. Further entertainment enrichment is provided in a series of on-board signature lectures, as experts in european history share their insight on a variety of topics such as art, music, and architecture. and on-board demonstrations relating to the regions cruised include glass blowing, cookery classes, flower arranging, and more. elsewhere, you can relax with a massage or one of the many other treatments on offer at the serenity river spas, which utilise a selection of the finest natural and organic products sourced from around the world. more energetic guests will enjoy the fitness centres complete with cardiovascular equipment and, on some ships, a swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Yoga classes are regularly held on deck while the libraries present a quiet retreat in which to savour a glass of wine or cup of tea as you catch up with emails or curl up with a book.

stepping ashore captivating shore excursions integrated with carefully crafted on-board programmes are always included in

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the price of a uniworld cruise from Titan. so whether you are standing in remembrance on the beaches of normandy or tracing the steps of the impressionists in Paris, you will always have the freedom to experience the true heart and soul of the places you visit. Knowledgeable and experienced cruise managers, along with the best english-speaking local guides in the industry, lead you on excursions using a state-of-the-art audio headset system designed to enhance the quality of sightseeing experiences. visit unesco World heritage sites, famous museums, iconic wineries, ancient cities and more, discovering wonders and hidden gems alike. uniworld also offer three new programmes to help personalise your river cruise journey, at no extra charge. The ‘choice is Yours’ included excursion options in selected cities are designed to provide you with exciting alternative experiences at no extra cost. Been to amsterdam’s rijksmuseum already? This visit, you can choose to explore the van gogh museum instead. soaked up salzburg on your last cruise? Then why not opt for a shorter day in charming steyr and quaint gmunden, giving you extra time to relax on the ship. along the rivers of europe, life moves at a slower pace and uniworld has taken that lifestyle to heart in

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The guide To ulTimaTe river cruising

Above: Bayon Temple in Cambodia

creating their gentle walking tours in selected cities. any passengers can, if they wish, join a slower-paced group that gives you more time to linger. and if all this good food, first-class pampering, luxurious surroundings and ‘on the doorstep’ cultural exploration leaves you feeling out of shape, you can stretch your legs in some of the world’s most beautiful settings as part of uniworld’s ‘go active’ programme. cycle along river paths, head out on one of many hiking trails, or simply explore the countryside at your own pace. use of bicycles and nordic walking sticks is free, and cruise managers can supply maps and inspiration.

culinary excellence on uniworld’s ships, the cuisine plays an important part in any trip and each meal is a real treat. From brunch or afternoon tea as soon as you board, to the glamorous captain’s gala complete with parade of the ship’s staff, uniworld is committed to going the extra mile to provide guests with a truly remarkable dining experience. not only did they win the Cruise International award for best cuisine in 2012, they have been acknowledged in the ZagaT survey for “Top in dining” – the only river cruise company recognised. visit www.titantravel.co.uk

every day, uniworld’s culinary team prepares a selection of sumptuous offerings using only the finest and freshest ingredients, which are often brought on board from local farmers’ markets along route. all menus are carefully chosen and change daily. new and original recipes are regularly introduced, as are traditional homemade dishes, including many from mrs Beatrice Tollman, President and Founder of red carnation hotels, and author of the memoir A Life in Food. uniworld cruises are distinguished by their ‘added extras’, ensuring each guest enjoys a value-packed experience free of the hassles of other modes of travel. regular Titan and uniworld customers appreciate the attention to detail and individual care taken of every passenger, ensuring each holiday is an unforgettable experience. it is easy to see why these have been called the best river cruises in the world.

it is easy to see why these have been called the best river cruises in the world

TiTan Travel

ThE gUIdE To UlTImaTE RIvER CRUIsINg ss aNToINETTE

queen of

the river

SS Antoinette has been called the most luxurious river cruise ship in the world, and with its innovative design and attention to detail, it's easy to see why

Clockwise, from above: SS Antoinette; Bar Du Leopard; the swimming pool on board; a luxurious stateroom

8 TITaN TRavEl

To book please call FREE on 0800 988 5160 and quote CI8 UNI

he 164-passenger SS Antoinette is Uniworld’s first ever new build, launched in March 2011, and is one of the most luxurious and unique ships sailing on Europe’s rivers today. With a name like Antoinette, the flagship of Uniworld’s fleet could only look like something out of the Court of Versailles... and it does. But it’s not just about the glamorous decor – the ship offers passengers the ultimate in decadent river cruising, with amazing facilities and innovative design touches. There is even a cinema and a heated swimming pool on board. Each stateroom offers all the comforts you would expect plus full open-air balconies in La Princesse Deck staterooms that raise the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory during cooler weather with the touch of a switch. La Duchesse Deck staterooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. SS Antoinette’s Restaurant de Versailles is the perfect place to enjoy dinner and meet new friends, but Uniworld also provides a variety of dining experiences so guests can have a change of atmosphere, including: al fresco dining on the lovely sun deck and afternoon tea in the Salon du Grand Trianon. SS Antoinette brings river cruising to a new level, with opulent luxury everywhere you look. From the imposing two-storey lobby with its blue Strauss 10-foot Baccarat chandelier to the excellently over-the-top animal-print Bar du Leopard on the top deck, which can be cleverly collapsed to avoid low bridges, it’s a floating boutique hotel of the highest standards. Guests are provided with everything you could want, from ‘vox boxes’ that enable you to hear the guides while exploring towns along the route to bicycles that are stored on board ready for you to cycle off down the river whenever the ship docks.

One of the most luxurious ships sailing on Europe’s rivers today

ROMANCE OF THE RHINE Jessica Tooze, Cruise International's Deputy Editor, sailed with SS Antoinette on her first ever cruise and fell in love with life on the Rhine

The fascinating history and unique landscape of each location SS Antoinette visits reveals not just the romance of the Rhine but also the turbulent past of the areas it runs through. On the Castles along the Rhine itinerary we set foot in four different countries – each with their own geography, history and people – and the river took us all the way into the heartland of Europe and its ancient past. The best thing about this holiday, though, is that the scenery is different every day. Watching from the balcony in our stateroom, or snuggled under a cosy fleece

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blanket on the sun deck, the views changed dramatically as SS Antoinette glided further upriver towards Amsterdam. From grand and timeless open spaces heavy with trees covered in autumnal reds and golds to quaint villages backed by the towering spires of distant cathedrals, the banks slide by in continuously shifting glory. While some excursions required short bus journeys, in many places the boat docked within easy walking distance, allowing us to return to the ship when we pleased and even head out to local bars in the evening. The freedom of river cruising is very appealing and as you gaze on fabled landscapes from the deck it’s easy to forget that you have all the amenities of a modern hotel just below you.

TITAN TRAVEL

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING RIVER BEATRICE/QUEEN ISABEL Clockwise from below: A classically elegant stateroom on board River Beatrice; the relaxing lounge

INTRODUCING... QUEEN ISABEL

Brand new for 2013, Uniworld's Queen Isabel will embark on its inaugural sailing down the beautiful Douro River in Portugal. Uniworld have named the newest addition to the fleet after one of Portugal’s most beloved queens. Queen Isabel will be the most luxurious river cruise ship to sail on the Douro river with a classic and sophisticated style. As one of the first river cruise companies to pioneer Portugal and Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Douro River Valley, Uniworld continues to blaze a trail in this region by working closely with its partner, Douro Azul, to offer international guests a world-class river cruising experience. Uniworld’s 10-night Lisbon & the Beautiful Douro River itinerary has become one of their bestselling programs.

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Queen Isabel will replace Uniworld’s current vessel, Douro Spirit, and will carry 118 passengers, a slightly smaller capacity. This will allow Uniworld to offer more suites, including 18 junior suites and two larger suites at 323 sq. ft. with the top deck featuring full balconies. The new ship will better reflect the luxurious standards of the rest of Uniworld’s fleet on other European rivers, which are all uniquely designed and decorated in partnership with their sister company Red Carnation Hotels. The ship will feature a restaurant with panoramic windows to admire the scenery whilst enjoying the sumptuous dinners, an Al Fresco dining area and a small pool on the sundeck.

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THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING RIVER BEATRICE/QUEEN ISABEL Clockwise from below: A classically elegant stateroom on board River Beatrice; the relaxing lounge

INTRODUCING... QUEEN ISABEL

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TITAN TRAVEL 11

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING

THE

RHINE Plunging through steep mountain gorges and over waterfalls from the Alps, the Rhine stabilises into the peaceful and beautiful river of literature and legend

s it winds its way from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea the Rhine flows through some of the most beautiful and historically fascinating areas of Europe. Most river cruises start from Basel if sailing downriver, heading towards the wonderful medieval French towns of Colmar and Riquewhir, in the unique Alsace-Lorraine region of the country. On the west bank of the upper Rhine the region was historically part of the Holy Roman Empire and has changed nationality four times as France and Germany each struggled for control. Uniworld guides will be on hand to explain the intriguing

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history of these old towns. Colmar, for example, was the last town in France to be freed from the Nazis in the Second World War. Strolling the picturesque streets and past the pretty pink-stoned St. Martin’s Church today it is hard to imagine the town’s turbulent past. Riquewihr, a 15km bus journey away deep into Alsace wine-growing territory, is said to be one of the most beautiful villages in France and is known for its Riesling. Its perfectly preserved half-timbered buildings, huddled higgledy-piggledy on a vinecovered hillside, are quite remarkable. The highlight of a Rhine cruise for many is the section of the river that runs through the breathtaking

CASTLES ALONG THE RHINE

Vessel SS Antoinette Number of days 8 Prices start from £2,099 per person; in addition, if you book before 30 September 2012 you can save up to £300 per person

To book please call FREE on 0800 988 5160 and quote CI8 UNI

UNESCO World Heritagedesignated Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The steep cliffs along this stretch of the river between Bingen in the south and Koblenz in the north are dotted with more than 40 castles perched atop the vine-clad hillsides. The cities along the route are also well worth visiting. The old German city of Speyer, which is dominated by the cathedral, a number of churches and the Altpörtel (old gate), is wonderful to explore, and your ship can also dock within easy walking distance of the famous cities of Cologne, with its Gothic cathedral and popular chocolate museum, and Strasbourg, a World Heritage Site known for its impressive architecture.

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING

THE

DANUBE

ENCHANTING DANUBE

Vessel River Beatrice Number of days 8 Price from £1,999 per person; in addition if you book before 30 September 2012 you can save up to £300

The Danube is the longest European river outside Russia, flowing through no fewer than 10 countries, including Austria, Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia

ne of the most impressive stretches of water you can take a Uniworld river cruise on is the Danube. It winds its way through a wealth of beauty that comes to life when viewed from the waterway, from capital cities to lush Alpine forests, and from the Austrian Alps to magnificent castles. Cities along the river include Vienna, Passau and Budapest, each offering unforgettable sights and experiences. Budapest, for example, is a mix of the modern and medieval and includes the 19th-century Fisherman’s Bastion and the Castle Hill district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Danube flows through some incredible landscapes, too, rising in Germany’s beautiful Black Forest and cutting through the wooded hills of Bavaria before crossing the vineyardclad ranges of Lower Austria to the capital, Vienna. The river then flows across the Hungarian Steppes and into the Balkans, through the southern tip of the Carpathian Mountains to its vast delta, rich with wildlife, on the Black Sea. So while a Danube cruise includes one big cultural highlight after another, one of the greatest pleasures is simply sitting on deck, watching the changing scenery. This magnificent river has inspired operas, serenades and waltzes,

including the most famous of all, Johann Strauss’s Blue Danube. Experience the music of the river for yourself on one of many Uniwrold river cruises which start at various points; some in Passau, some in Vienna and others in Budapest, sailing upstream to Vienna. Longer voyages take in the Rhine as well, sailing the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal that links all Europe’s main waterways, while the ultimate Danube voyage takes in the whole of the navigable river. The most cruised area, and the section of the river with the most cultural highlights, is the stretch from Passau, north-west of Vienna, to Budapest, which can be sailed in a memorable week.

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Top: The bridges of Prague. Bottom: The Belvedere, Vienna

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THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING

FRANCE

Visit the boulevards, galleries and restaurants of Paris or discover the light and landscapes that inspired the likes of Van Gogh and Renoir in Provence

T BURGANDY & PROVENCE

Vessel River Royale Number of days 8 Price from £2,299 per person; in addition, if you book before 30 September 2012 you can save up to £500

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To book please call FREE on 0800 988 5160 and quote CI8 UNI

he history, beauty and style of Paris makes it the essential destination when in France – and Titan, in partnership with Uniworld, offers some stunning holidays to the city. The River Seine flows through the heart of Paris, dividing it into its famous Left and Right banks, curving round ancient monuments and flowing under its famous bridges. With the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral all looming over the riverside, one of the most recognisable and breathtaking cityscapes in the world can be seen from aboard a river cruise ship. If you would like to explore further afield, Uniworld’s Grand France cruise enables passengers to experience Normandy, Burgundy and Provence as well. From Paris to the beaches of Normandy and the sunny landscapes of the Mediterranean, you can traverse France in unsurpassed style and comfort. Along the country’s main rivers, the Grand France cruise visits the charming towns of Honfleur and Giverny that inspired the Claude Monet and the Impressionists. See the beaches of Normandy where Allied forces landed on D-Day and visit Rouen where Joan of Arc was martyred. As you sail south through Burgundy and Provence from Chalon-sur-Saône to Arles, enjoy lively towns and gorgeous landscapes along the riverbanks. Visit Lyon, the culinary capital of France where there are more restaurants per square metre of the old town than anywhere else on earth. Walk through the streets of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the town immortalised by Van Gogh in more than 300 paintings and drawings. And explore the well-preserved medieval city of Avignon, with its spectacular Palace of the Popes. It is a trip that offers the very best of France.

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING

Douro valley

The Douro flows from Porto in Portugal, a World Heritage Site, inland through steep hills and vineyards to the Spanish border

Venice & The po river

s A WEEK ON THE RIVER DOURO

Vessel Queen Isabel Number of days 8 Price from £2,099 per person; in addition, if you book before 30 September 2012 you can save up to £300

he River Douro, rising in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, has created a valley of spectacular beauty with hills falling steeply down to the water’s edge and stone terraces built to give the vines a sheltered hold on the steep rocks. This is Port country, the third oldest protected wine region in the world. Enjoy the privilege of seeing this pristine and remote river valley the best possible way, on a Douro Valley River Cruise. Portugal changed the course of world history, their naval pioneers leading the discovery of many new lands. The Portuguese invented the navigation of the seas, so it is only fitting for you to discover the warmth and friendliness of these very proud

people as you travel along the Douro. Before embarking on a cruise along this unique river, visit Lisbon – a colourful entrée to what lies ahead. Once on ship, stop in Coimbra, “Birthplace of Kings,” and Porto, the “City of Bridges”. Taste new wines from the old village vineyards of Régua and Pinhão. Stroll the UNESCO World Heritage City of Salamanca in Spain, with its historic university founded in 1218 by Alfonso IX of León and discover one of Spain’s largest and grandest squares – Plaza Mayor – with its warm, gold-coloured sandstone. Finish with a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval town of Guimaraes near Porto and uncover a land of unspoiled beauty and charm along the way.

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maller boats cruise the Po in Italy, spending a few days in Venice, pottering around the vast Lagoon, before heading inland for forays to historic cities like Bologna, Ravenna, Padua and Verona. Uniworld’s sensational cruise aboard the River Countess presents the incredible city of Venice – the “Queen of the Adriatic”, offering opportunities to explore the city and its charming islands in greater depth and, on a journey along the nearby River Po, visiting the other great highlights of the region – the romantic cities of Verona and Bologna amongst them. *NEW FOR 2013* VENICE & THE PO RIVER

Vessel River Countess Number of days 8 Price from £2,199 per person; if you book before 30 September 2012 you can save up to £300 TITAN TRAVEL 15

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING

Russia

A vast network of rivers, lakes, canals and reservoirs link St Petersburg and Moscow, with an array of unforgettable sights along the way

IMPERIAL WATERWAYS OF RUSSIA

Vessel River Victoria Number of days 13 Price from £3,999 per person; in addition, if you book before 30 September 2012 you can save up to £400

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ith spectacular cities at either end, a cruise through the waterways of Russia’s heartland is the ideal way to discover this vast and endlessly intriguing country. Between St Petersburg, Tsar Peter the Great’s grand 18th-century capital, and vibrant 21st-century Moscow lie ancient fortified towns and glittering onion-domed churches, brightly-painted wooden houses, farmland, forests and a landscape rich with history. The baroque palaces, wide boulevards, curving canals and pastel-painted neo-Classical facades of St Petersburg make a good place to start a Russian river cruise. The

treasure-filled Hermitage, one of the world’s greatest art museums, and the magnificent Catherine Palace merit whole days to explore. Or depart from bustling Moscow, where gardens bloom, stylish modern architecture reaches skywards and familiar designer names fill elegant shops. The Kremlin and Red Square with the fanciful swirls of St Basil’s Cathedral are uniquely Russian. The grandiose statue-topped locks of the 80-mile long Moscow Canal reveal an amazing feat of engineering as it takes you towards the delightful Golden Ring city of Uglich. Cruise onwards on lakes Rybinsk and Onega to see Yaroslavl, one of Russia’s oldest cities, and admire beautiful forested banks and wooded

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islands. Along the Svir River villages of sturdy log-built houses huddle under steep-sided roofs and the reconstructed village of Mandrogi hosts local lace makers and weavers, potters, painters and wood carvers, preserving traditional techniques. Uniworld’s Imperial Waterways of Russia holiday enables you to see all of these sights and more, and takes the hassle out of organising a complex itinerary yourself. In 13 days you will have ample opportunity to explore St Petersburg and Moscow, and cruising aboard the relaxed River Victoria offers elegant and comfortable surroundings. It’s a river cruise that shows you towns, villages and a landscape that would be difficult to see any other way.

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING

THE

nile

With amazing and awe-inspiring sights around every bend, a cruise down the great river Nile offers the best way to see Ancient Egypt

cruise along the great river Nile is a chance to experience the golden age of travel as you discover a history that is thousands of years old. Based on the river, you will never be far from the temples, tombs, great pyramids and monuments that were built as close as possible to the lifegiving waters. On a Nile cruise, you can see all the highlights in comfort and luxury without having to stray far from your ship. From around 3,150BC Egyptian pharaohs ruled for three millennia before foreign invaders from Greece, Rome and Arabia took command. But the legacy of Ancient Egypt permeates throughout this country, especially along the banks of the Nile. The classic four-night Nile cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, through southern Egypt’s Nile Valley. Between these cities, a handful of smaller settlements appear along

the river banks, minarets piercing the skyline. Otherwise the scenery remains unchanged, with palm trees and fields of crops lining the river’s route as they have done for millennia, backed by shimmering desert and distant mountains. Cruise ships have become part of the landscape these days and they cover all the main sights. Explore Luxor, formerly Ancient Thebes, where the Valley of the Kings and its tombs of the pharaohs makes it seem a million miles away from cosmopolitan Cairo, 900km further north. Stop to take in the atmospheric tomb of Tutankhamun and the giant twin statues called the Colossi of Memnon. Downriver, get your cameras ready for the temple of crocodile god Sobek and Horus, which sits right beside the Nile. In Aswan a tour will include the awesome High Dam, Granite Quarries with their fascinating

Unfinished Obelisk and, by motorboat, the temple of the goddess Isis on the flower-filled island of Philae. Later sail in a traditional Nile felucca around Aswan’s Botanical Gardens. The sightseeing opportunities are extensive and awe-inspiring. Uniworld cruises on the Nile are aboard the glamorous River Tosca, adorned with 41 lavishly designed suites with French balconies for the ultimate luxurious cruise that really redefines the standard of cruising along this magnificent waterway. The Classic Egypt & the Nile itinerary allows you to experience the most famous of Egypt’s sights on a tour which combines a visit to Cairo and to the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the mighty Sphinx with the relaxation of a Nile river cruise and an opportunity to discover the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak along the way. It offers a truly memorable journey.

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CLASSIC EGYPT & THE NILE

Vessel River Tosca Number of days 8 Price from £2,599 per person; in addition, if you book before 30 September 2012 you can save up to £200

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THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING

THE

mekong

The striking cultural contrast between bustling Vietnam and tranquil Cambodia can be best experienced from the fascinating Mekong river

nce a destination reserved only for intrepid explorers, today the adventure of a Mekong cruise can be enjoyed in remarkable luxury. The Mekong runs from the Tibetan Plateau in China, through Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Thailand and Cambodia before joining the South China Sea near Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). The river winds its way through some of the world's most remote and fascinating landscapes and settlements, where unique cultures have existed for centuries, far from popular tourist routes. On your cruise you will see traditional life virtually unchallenged by modernity.

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Uniworld’s Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong starts from Ho Chi Minh City where you can spend two nights in the Park Hyatt Saigon hotel, giving you the chance to explore the city’s incredible French colonial architecture, Reunification Palace, and War Remnants Museum. After crossing the border into Cambodia the first stop is the capital, Phnom Penh. It is one of South East Asia’s most beautiful and enigmatic cities with its wide boulevards and expansive French colonial architecture. Among the highlights is a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver pagoda and the National Museum where exceptional Khmer crafts are exhibited.

TIMELESS WONDERS OF VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THE MEKONG

Vessel River Saigon Number of days 17 Price from £4,799 per person; in addition, if you book before 30 September 2012 you can save up to £500

To book please call FREE on 0800 988 5160 and quote CI8 UNI

You can also visit the orchards and fields surrounding Choeung Ek to learn about the violent reign of the Khmer Rouge, when the area was known as the ‘Killing Fields’. One of the highlights of any visit to Cambodia is amazing Angkor Wat, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. With Uniworld’s cruise you will have a whole day to explore this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the pyramid-temple of Bayon and Banteay Srei, considered by many experts to be the pinnacle of artistic achievement at Angkor. Finally finish this trip of a lifetime with a flight from Siem Reap to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi.

THE GUIDE TO ULTIMATE RIVER CRUISING

THE

Yangtze

Cruise along the mighty Yangtze into the heart of China, and discover ancient monuments, twisted rocks and majestic peaks steeped in history and myth IMPRESSIONS OF CHINA & THE YANGTZE

Vessel Century Legend Number of days 11 Price from £3,699 per person; in addition, if you book before 30 September 2012 you can save up to £500

he Yangtze is the longest river in Asia and provides an easy way to explore some of the most famous sights. Destinations along a Yangtze river cruise boast a wealth of history and culture, from the exciting city of Shanghai to the ancient Forbidden City of Beijing. And away from the cities, swirling mists clear to reveal splendid landscapes, ancient shrines and the legendary Great Wall, one of the wonders of the ancient world. Uniworld’s Impressions of China & the Yangtze tour allows you time to explore Shanghai with two nights in a hotel in this spectacular city, brimming with skyscrapers and bustling with people. You can then fly to Yichang to start your river cruise aboard the new Century Legend. The state-of-the-art ship has been designed specifically for the Yangtze and includes many defining features such as two restaurants, two bars, an indoor pool and more. The Three Gorges Dam is one of the first amazing sights you will see on the cruise. The world’s largest hydroelectric project, it is changing the landscape and the economy of a nation. This astonishing feat of modern engineering heralds the beginning of the most scenic section of the Yangtze, the Three Gorges, where the industrial world fades away and the land of Chinese fairytales comes to life. At the end of your river cruise, return to the modern world with a flight to Beijing and relax in the deluxe Ritz-Carlton Hotel. A visit to the Great Wall of China from here is not to be missed and Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public venue which can accommodate more than a million people, is now the heartbeat of modern Beijing and a gateway to the wonders of imperial China. TITAN TRAVEL 19

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

THE WORLD’S BEST

RIVER CRUISES

Here at Titan, we really believe that our deluxe boutique river cruise holidays, in exclusive partnership with multi award-winning cruise operator Uniworld and featuring door-to-door transfers from any UK address, deserve to be called ‘The World’s Best River Cruises’. Our new 2013 brochure showcases a host of perennially popular programmes, along with seven brand new itineraries and three brand new super-luxurious cruise ships. Book by 30 September and take advantage of outstanding early booking discounts up to £500 per person*, with exclusive extra loyalty savings if you have travelled with Titan or Uniworld before.

INCLUDED AS STANDARD Door-to-door transfers wherever you live in the UK Direct, scheduled flights 5★ boutique river cruise vessels Best river-view staterooms (Zagat Survey®) Best river cruise dining (Zagat Survey®) The best in-room amenities

Private butler service in suites† Complimentary fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner* The finest onboard amenities, including a Serenity River Spa Signature lectures by experts A choice of included shore excursions

NEW 2013 BROCHURE OUT NOW - REQUEST YOUR COPY Call 0800 988 5175 quoting CI8 UWS or visit www.titantravel.co.uk Calls free from BT landlines, mobiles may vary. * Selected itineraries † Selected vessels