2013 River Cruise Brochure by christopher Evas

The 2013

River Cruise Brochure

See What Our Experts Thought When We sent Them On A River Cruise...

James on board Uniworld: SS Antoinette

Hannah on board Avalon Waterways

Although she’s quite small compared to ocean going vessels you get a real feeling of space on board. Nowhere is cramped in or feels small. All the bars and cabins feel really large. A couple of people on board have said it feels a bit chintzy to them but it puts me in mind of seventeenth century France, very ornate and opulent...

Not sure about River Cruising? Allow me to convert you............

DAY 1 I love my cabin and I think all ocean going cruises should adopt river cruise style balconies. It’s great... In the picture below it looks like a floor to ceiling picture window however at the touch of a button the top half descended to transform it into a balcony...

DAY 2 Breisach & Riquewihr Both villages were small and beautiful full of shops and houses from the fifteenth century forward with wooden facades and views of the mountains off in the distance...

DAY 3 Strasbourg Today was Strasbourg with an 8:30 start so breakfast was an early affair. It’s an American style buffet breakfast every morning served in the main lounge with a choice of different sausages each morning, bacon, (soft and crispy), different kinds of eggs from an egg station, (if you ever get on board make sure you try their Eggs Benedict), fruits, cereals and pastries. After dinner we headed to the main lounge but apart from the group I’m travelling with there was only one other couple in there, everyone else had gone to bed making for a quiet night again...

Read more of James blog at www.cruise.co.uk

I have just been lucky enough to spend 3 fabulous nights and days cruising the Danube from Vienna to Budapest... The big bonus being on a river cruise is that when you wake up or even arrive somewhere during the day, you are right where you need to be - most of the time you could sight see on foot, no long costly transfers. The other obvious bonus is that at virtually every port you get an ‘included’ coach tour with a very knowledgable guide and if you wish you can continue onto the walking tour with headsets and your guide, or if you prefer you can take the coach back to the ship.

This is all free! Another plus with river cruising is that the boats are small, although they feel spacious enough. Our ship only had 100 passengers and the atmosphere was friendly, passengers and staff alike. The food was as good or even better than I have had on large ships, with regional specialities at lunch each day - the Austrian Meatloaf was to die for!

I have to say that our days were so busy that we wouldn’t have made it to a night club even if there had been one on board. I was ready for my PJ’s by 10pm, although I think I made it to 11pm on the last night. Read more of Hannah’s blog at www.cruise.co.uk

Contents: 4-7 8 - 11 12 - 13 14 - 15 16

The River Rhine The Dutch Waterways Cruiseline Comparsion Chart The Mekong River The Nile

17 18 19 20 - 21 22 - 23

The River Seine The River Douro The River Rhône The River Danube The Mississippi River

View OFFERS for all these River Cruise Lines at

Top 10 reasons for taking a River Cruise? 1

So much is included

Small and friendly

Many of the leading cruise lines include so much onboard that you could leave your wallet at home. All of the cruise lines include accommodation and food, many also include daily excursions, wine, beer or soft drinks with dinner, or with lunch and dinner and gratuities. Some even include wi-fi onboard at no extra cost.

The size of river cruise vessels is governed by the length and width of the locks that they have to get through. Most river cruise ships only hold between 100 and 200 passengers. Some hold fewer, a very few hold more, but generally no more than 250. Open dining in the restaurant allowing passengers to sit with different people each night.

It’s so easy

Just get on board, unpack and enjoy the scenery as your floating hotel takes you on a fascinating journey visiting numerous iconic towns, cities and villages. On a typical seven night cruise on the Danube, you could be visiting Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Salzburg, Melk and Durnstein. On a two-week journey through the centre of Europe, add in places such as Amsterdam, Koblenz, Cologne, Nuremberg, Rothenburg and much more. Mostly you will moor in the heart of the cities you are visiting so you can walk ashore and see the sights – often shore excursions are included!

A room with a view

Listen very carefully

No need to fly

All cabins on river cruise ships are outside and most are on decks two and three and have large picture windows or French balconies (with a French door that opens to a rail rather than a veranda, so you can let fresh air in).

The best river cruise companies provide guides with microphones and passengers with Quietvox receivers and earphones so you can hear what they are saying without having to crowd around. It means you never have to miss the guides’ narration even when they have to speak quietly in churches and cathedrals. Several cruise lines also now offer a choice of free excursions at selected stops – at no extra charge. It might be a city tour, a bike ride or a few hours at a spa.

European river cruise holidays also cater for those people that don’t want to fly as it is so easy to take the Eurostar train from London through the Channel Tunnel, connect to a local high-speed rail network and join your cruise. Amsterdam, Paris or Lyon are generally most popular with rail-cruisers, but if you have more time there is no reason why you can’t take the train to Budapest or Vienna.

The World is your Oyster

It’s smooth sailing

River cruising doesn’t have to mean staying close to home. As well as river cruises in Europe, sailing through France, Germany, Austria, the former Eastern Europe and Portugal, there are also more exotic journeys on the Nile in Egypt, the Mekong in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, the Yangtze in China and the Ayeyarwady in Myanmar. Wannabee cruisers worried about seasickness can join a river cruise without fear of ‘mal de mer’. The only thing river cruisers need to be aware of is that itineraries can be affected by low or high water. Not enough water and the boats can’t cruise, too much and they can’t get under the bridges. In these cases, coaches will be used to bus passengers to and from the key attractions.

Modern living

The new river cruise ships are a million miles away from the older tonnage that has dominated the market until very recently. Book one of the new build and you can have a balcony, or a balcony alternative, large suites, and your vessel will likely have a dining alternative to the standard restaurant. Most offer wi-fi throughout the ship (sometimes at no charge), to appeal to customers who want to keep in touch with work or family, and large flat-screen TVs that double as entertainment systems. Modern minimalist décor is the norm, instead of the living-room-look of old, although Uniworld has gone for more lavish furnishings for its newer vessels and is also renovating its older tonnage in the same way.

Watch the World go by

River cruise itineraries often have a half day ashore and a half day sailing, but unlike sea days on an ocean cruise on a river cruise you’ll always have a view of towns, villages, cities and the countryside. The time is also used for talks by guest speakers, wine or beer tasting sessions or cookery demonstrations.

Discover the

River Rhine

The legendary river Rhine is also Europe’s most popular, attracting over 22,000 British cruise passengers a year. The Rhine flows from the snow-capped Swiss Alps, through the heart of Germany, to Holland and the North Sea. The River Rhine meanders through spectacular scenery – the beautiful 40-mile Rhine Gorge with miles of castles, spires, Romanesque Churches and stunning riverside vineyards, before passing the mighty Lorelei Rock.

Rhine Cruises from

£949

see pages 6 & 7 for more fantastic details...

Strasbourg

Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in north-eastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the border of France and Germany. The picturesque town is known for its black and white timber framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watch towers. It is a seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Visit the ‘La Petite France’ district where you will see the Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Other noteworthy sights include the Place Kleber, Place Gutenberg and the Kronenbourg Brewery.

Cologne

This historical and cultural hub is packed with attractions and features stunning example of architecture. Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne’s magnificent gothic cathedral, which took more than 600 years to build, dominate the skyline and is one of the largest in the world. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs. Alternatively, the Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés and shops.

Koblenz

Situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle and surrounded by four low mountain ranges is the 2000-year-old town of Koblenz. Fortress walls and towers, castles and palaces, monuments and parks paint a vivid picture of the town’s eventful past. Koblenz was conquered by foreign armies and has received princes, kings, emperors and presidents within its walls. Tours visit the statue, and also the narrow streets, squares and churches in the old city. A cable car goes across the river to the Ehrenbreitstein fortress, 118 metres above the river and the second largest preserved castle in Europe.

Rudesheim

Rudesheim is located in the heart of the Rhine river area at the southern entrance to the Lorelei valley, it is a winemaking town and thereby part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. All tours go to the quaint Siegfrieds’s Mechanical Musical Cabinet, a bizarre collection of music machines that is worth visiting just once. Otherwise take a cable car over the vineyardsto the Germania statue, marking the foundation of the German Empire, or escape to the world of the Drosselgasse, a narrow street lined with bars and cafes.

Cochem

In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between two hiking paradises - Eifel and Hunsrück - lies the old town of Cochem. Even the Romans sang the praises of this remarkable landscape. A few things have changed since then, but the attraction has remained because the past centuries - above all the Middle Ages - have left their marks here. The town of Cochem itself is a sight worth seeing, not only because of its narrow streets and twisty alleys, the lovingly restored half timbered houses with the typical slate roofs, the historical market-place, but also because of its medieval town gates, churches and walls.

Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s third most populous city with about 166,000 inhabitants. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, Basel also has suburbs in France and Germany. The city comprises a large number of theatres and many museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the world’s oldest art collection accessible to the public. Tours usually take you to the famous Tinguely fountain, past the cathedral and Münsterplatz, to City Hall and through the winding streets and alleyways of the well-preserved mediaeval Old Town. Bringing history to life!

River Rhine is RECOMMENDED for a first time River Cruise 5

River Rhine Offers... Thought to be one of the world’s most romantic rivers, the legendary river Rhine courses from the snow-capped Swiss Alps, through the heart of Germany, to Holland and the North Sea. Offering an idyllic environment for relaxing river cruise holidays, the Rhine River meanders through richly vine-clad countryside and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes dotted with medieval castles, atmospheric half-timbered villages and charismatic cities such as Cologne, Heidelberg and Strasbourg.

Spacious Dining room on Avalon

dON’T WANT TO FLY?

you can join your cruise by Eurostar

Rhine Cruise to Switzerland for 7 nights

Reflection of the Rhine for 7 nights

Riviera Travel ~ MS Lord Byron

CroisiEurope ~ MS Vivalidi & MS Gerad Schmitter

16 Jun, 07 July*, 14 July* ‘13

2, 8, 15*, 20 Apr, 17 May, 17, 24 Jun, 25 Jul, 12 Aug, 09 Sep ‘13

Cologne, Rudesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Basel, Breisach, Mannheim, Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne

Amsterdam, Kinderdijk, Nijimegen, Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Boppard, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam

Fares from £pp Stateroom fares:

Window: 1249

Balcony: 1549

Suite: 1749

Return Eurostar Shore Excursions

Stateroom fares:

No Flying

Rhine to Switzerland for 10 nights

Avalon Waterways ~ Avalon Affinity 06 May, 24 Jun, 02 Sep, 28 Oct* ‘13

Basel, Breisach, Strasbourg, Mainz, Rudesheim, Bernkastel, Remich, Konz, Cochem, Koblenz, Cologne, Kinderdijk, Volendam, Amsterdam Fares from £pp Stateroom fares:

Window: 1099

Balcony: 1212

Return flights Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner

Window: 2099 Balcony: 2639 Suite: 3349

INCLUDES:

Fares from £pp

INCLUDES:

Rhine & Moselle for 12 nights

Return flights Wine, beer & soft drinks with dinner Shore Excursions Gratuities & WiFi

FREE HOME PICK-UP†

Picture-Postcard Towns & Alpine Peaks for 9 nights

Historic Towns of the Rhine & Moselle for 7 nights

Travelsphere ~ Serenade 1

03 Jun ‘13

25 May*, 13 Jun, 19 Sept ‘13

22* Jun, 28 Sep ‘13

Cologne (overnight), Rudesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Basel, Breisach, Mannheim, Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne (overnight)

Cologne, Cochem, Cruise Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Strasbourg, Basel, Mannheim, Koblenz, Cologne (overnight)

Cologne, Cochem, Bernkastel, Zell, Rudesheim, Mainz, Boppard, Koblenz, Cologne (overnight)

Stateroom fares:

Window: 1649

Balcony: 1849

INCLUDES: Return Eurostar

Fares from £pp

Suite: Sold

No Flying

Stateroom fares:

Window: 1469

Balcony: 1669

INCLUDES: Return Eurostar

Suite: 2119

Stateroom fares:

No Flying

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6206

Window: 1219

Balcony: 1419

INCLUDES: Return Eurostar

Suite: 1919

No Flying

Premiere 4* River Rhine Cruises

upgrade to all inclusive Drinks Package

The Moselle Valley

A CHOICE OF OVER 250 FREE COACH PICK-UPS

for £5pppn with The River Cruise Line Book before 31 Jan 2013

on the below cruises

Call for more details

mps Switzerland II

Rhine Highlights for 6 nights

Rhine & Moselle Highlights for 7 nights

The River Cruise Line ~ mps Switzerland II

19 May*, 5, 31 Jul, 01 Oct ‘13

12 May*, 14 Jun, 24 Jul, 07 Oct ‘13

Cologne, Andernach, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Boppard, Konigswinter, Dusseldorf En Suite Cabin from

£949pp

INCLUDES:

Krefeld, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Koblenz, Cochem, Bernkastel, Zell, Konigwinter En Suite Cabin from

INCLUDES: Local coach pick up Return ferry crossing from Dover

Rhine Cruise & Switzerland Delights for 8 nights

Up The Rhine & Down The Danube for 15 nights

The River Cruise Line ~ mps Switzerland II

Cologne, Bonn, Andernach, Rudesheim, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel, Reims, Champagne En Suite Cabin from

£1179pp

INCLUDES: Local coach pick up Return ferry crossing from Dover

Don’t like flying? A £95 RETURN RAIL JOURNEY is available with The River Cruise Line

£1089pp

Local coach pick up Return ferry crossing from Dover

21, 27 Jun, 05, 11 Sept ‘13

Lounge

06 Aug ‘13

Nijmegen, Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Frankfurt, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Wachau Valley, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest En Suite Cabin from

£1995pp

INCLUDES: Outward travel by Eurostar, return by air

Cologne

The UK’s largest cruise information website www.rivercruises.co.uk

Discover the Ghent

From the year 1000 to around 1550, Ghent was one of the most important cities in Europe. It was bigger than London and second only to Paris in size. Ghent is Flanders’ unsung city. Sandwiched between Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. During your visit to Ghent you must see Castle of the Counts, St Bavos Cathedral, Graslei and Korenlei and St Michael’s Bridge.

Antwerp

Lively Antwerp is a hidden gem. Its medieval streets, Renaissance monuments and vibrant nightlife tend to be overshadowed by its reputation as centre of the diamond trade and as the world’s fifth-largest port. See thousands of Old Masters at the Royal Museum and Rubens House. Experience the bustle of life at the Grote Markt. Marvel at the art and architecture of the still unfinished Cathedral of Our Lady, started in 1351.

Dutch Waterways Middelburg

Modern Middelburg has preserved and regained much of its historic and picturesque character. There are lavish 17th and 18th century merchant houses and storehouses standing along canals, of a similar style as found in cities like Amsterdam. The old city moats are still there, as is one of the city gates, the Koepoort Gate. The medieval abbey is still in use today, as a museum and as the seat of the provincial government.

Bruges

The capital of Belgium Bruges is a relatively cosmopolitan and bourgeois given its compact size, it is one of the best preserved premotorised cities in Europe and offers the kind of charms rarely available. Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact. The historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Many of its medieval buildings are notable, including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire reaches 122.3 m (401.25 ft), making it one of the world’s highest brick towers/buildings. The sculpture Madonna and Child, which can be seen in the transept, is believed to be Michelangelo’s only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime. Bruges’ most famous landmark is its 13th-century belfry, housing a municipal carillon comprising 48 bells.

Amsterdam

The largest city and the capital of Netherlands, Amsterdam was a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age. Amsterdam is best known for its luxurious canal houses and charming gabled facades and not forgetting it’s world famous museums, 50 in total including the Van Gogh Museums and Stedeliijk Museum. From windmills and drawbridges to the Amsterdam School and cutting-edge modern design Amsterdam also boasts architectural treasures to keep design lovers busy for weeks. Besides the museums other places worth visiting are Oude Kerk this old church with little houses clinging to its sides, remains a calm heaven at the heart of the frenetic Red Light District, Dam Square is the very centre and heart of Amsterdam. The number of canals have led Amsterdam to become known as “The Venice of the North”. And thus, a trip to Amsterdam is not complete without a boat cruise. A canal tour can be both fascinating and relaxing by day and enchanting and romantic at night when many of the houses and bridges are illuminated.

Keukenhof & United Kingdom join forces to launch theme year

“United Kingdom – Land of Great Gardens” For several years now, Keukenhof has chosen to feature a different theme country each season. In 2013, the Keukenhof garden are coming to the United Kingdom. From 21 March to 20 May, the park’s focus will be on “United Kingdom– Land of Great Gardens”. Keukenhof will be paying a colourful tribute to the UK, which is an important export market for flowering bulbs. In 2012 around 70.000 British visitors passed through the gates of Keukenhof. The planting of the Big Ben and Tower Bridge on Thursday 18 October again highlighted the autumn planting of bulbs at Keukenhof. Over the next few months, approximately seven million flower bulbs will be planted in the park. Anyone on the look-out for unique bulbs to plant in their own garden could find what they need at Keukenhof National Flower Bulb Market.

In 2013, Keukenhof will be open from 21 March until 20 May.

Keukenhof

Also known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden situated near Lisse. Approximately 7,000,000 flower bulbs are planted annually in the park, which covers an area of 32 hectares. Keukenhof is open annually from mid-March to mid-May. The best time to view the tulips is around mid-April, depending on the weather. The garden was established in 1949 by the then-mayor of Lisse. The idea was to present a flower exhibit where growers from all over the Netherlands and Europe could show off their hybrids - and help the Dutch export industry (the Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of flowers). Keukenhof has been the world’s largest flower garden for over fifty years.

Dutch Waterway Offers...

Erlebenis Restaurant on AmaCerto

Bruges

Highlights of Holland for 7 nights

Amsterdam, Volendam & The Dutch Bulbfields for 4 nights

Highlights of The Dutch Waterways for 7 nights

Travelsphere ~ Serenade 1

Riviera Travel ~ MS Lord Byron

Swan Hellenic ~ Royal Crown

18 May*, 12 Sep ‘13

5*, 13, 17 April ‘13

Cologne, Arnhem, Roermond, Masstricht, Nijmegen, Cologne (overnight) Fares from £pp Stateroom fares:

Day 2

Day 3

Balcony: 1399

Suite: 1849

Suite: 949

Fares from £pp Stateroom fares:

Deluxe: 2249 Premium: 2795 Suite: 3375

Return Eurostar

Return Eurostar Shore Excursions

An inclusive tailor made shore excursions programme worth up to £150 per cruise All gratuities on board & ashore Flights & transfers All port taxes A programme of talks from a Guest Speaker

Fly UK to Amsterdam EMBARKATION

Welcome Cocktail & Dinner

Amsterdam

Canal Cruise and City Tour

Volendam

Walking tour

Edam

Walking tour & cheese tasting OR guided bicycle tour

Arnhem

Het Loo Palace & Gardens

Nijmegen

Free time

Ghent Brugges

Walking tour OR Rubens Tour Optional tour to Brussels City tour Optional tour to Bruges

Utrecht

Day 8 Amsterdam

Balcony: 749

INCLUDES:

Amsterdam

fares from

Window: Sold

INCLUDES:

Kinderdijk Windmills Kinderdijk Day 6 Schoonhoven Visit Gouda & Delft

Day 7

Stateroom fares:

Amsterdam, Arnhem, Deventer, Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Volendam, Zaandam, Amsterdam

INCLUDES:

Day 4 Antwerp Day 5

Amsterdam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Volendam, Keukenhof, Amsterdam Fares from £pp

Window: 1199

TULIP TIME Day 1

29 June ‘13

AmaCerto (NEW Ship) • 7 nights • 1st, 8th April ‘13 Your Garden Expert Host Matthew Biggs will join you on this fabulous river cruise, a well-travelled gardener who regularly hosts readers’ holidays and who has been gardening professionally for more than 20 years; his boundless enthusiasm for plants and gardening is infectious! on board on the 8th April

What’s Included • Deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom • Return flights from the UK to Amsterdam (London, Birmingham, Manchester)

Keukenhof Garden Tour

• Gratuities included & Complimentary WiFi

DISEMBARKATION Fly Amsterdam to UK

• Life enriching tours and excursions daily with personal headset included (optional tours mentioned are not included in price).

£1499pp

• “Culinary Delights – Bites & Sights” excursions

• Gourmet dining with all meals • Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every dinner on board • Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily • Special highlights including lectures, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances & piano music

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6206

Springtime cruises in Holland

Amsterdam

FREE EXCURSION PACKAGE worth up to £125pp available when booked by the 31st January 2013

Delicious Cuisine

Amsterdam & Bulbfields Spectacular for 3&4 nights

Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent & Bruges for 6 nights

The River Cruise Line ~ mps Lady Anne

The River Cruise Line ~ mps Amsterdam

12, 19, 26 April ‘13

Amsterdam, Volendam, Kampen, Hoorn, Amsterdam En Suite Cabin fares from

£289pp

27 Mar*, 02 Apr ‘13

Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Dordrecht, Willemstad, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges En Suite Cabin fares from

£569pp

INCLUDES:

Local coach pick up Return ferry crossing from Dover Shore Excursions worth £60pp

Local coach pick up Return ferry crossing from Dover Shore Excursions worth £89pp

Dutch Towns & Waterways for 6 nights

4* Dutch Delights & Beautiful Bulbfields for 3&4 nights

The River Cruise Line ~ mps Lady Anne

The River Cruise Line ~ mps Switzerland II

27 Mar*, 02 Apr ‘13

Arnhem, Zutphen, Kampen, Lemmer, Franeker, Harlingen, Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Volendam, Amsterdam En Suite Cabin fares from

£489pp

12, 19 Apr ‘13

Amsterdam, Volendam, Keukenhof, Hoorn, Amsterdam En Suite Cabin fares from

£459pp

INCLUDES:

Local coach pick up Return ferry crossing from Dover Shore Excursions worth £120pp

Local coach pick up Return ferry crossing from Dover Shore Excursions worth £125pp

Amsterdam

The UK’s largest cruise information website www.rivercruises.co.uk

View OFFERS for all these River Cruise Lines at

YOUR RIVER Internet Access

Shore excursions

tips / gratuities

Yes . Available in every stateroom.

Included

At your discretion.

Avalon

Yes

Included

APT

Yes

Included

CroisiEurope

Some Included

At your discretion

Discover Egypt

Included with "Classic Nile Itinerary" cruises

Not Included

Hebridean Island Cruises

Yes

Included

Riviera Travel

Included

Shearings

Optional

At your discretion.

Swan Hellenic

Included

The River Cruise Line

Optional

At your discretion

Titan River Cruises

Yes

Included

Optional. Recommended amout is €10pp per day

Tauck

Yes

Included

Travelsphere

Optional

Optional. Recommended amount is £7pp per day

Uniworld

Yes

Included

Optional. Recommended amout is €10pp per day

Viking River Cruises

Yes

Included

At your discretion but customary.

Ama Waterways

Viking River Cruises Bar

Avalon Waterways. Junior Suite

AmaWaterways.

CRUISING GUIDE drinks

home pick-up

single cabins

Free flowing wine, beer, soft drinks with dinner.

can be arranged by Cruise.co.uk

Available on AmaLyra, AmaDolce, AmaDante, AmaCello, AmaLegro & AmaDagio ships

Free flowing wine, beer, soft drinks with dinner. Soft drinks with lunch. Tea/Coffee available from self service all day.

Within 75 miles of airport/ rail station

No, but can go in a double occupancy cabin

Free flowing wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch & dinner. All Platinum Series cruises are fully inclusive all day

Available to APT Club members on tours of 10 days or more, within 50 miles of airport

No, but can go in a double occupancy cabin

Free flowing wine, beer, soft drinks with dinner.

Within 75 miles of airport/ rail station

No, but can go in a double occupancy cabin

Not Included

can be arranged by Cruise.co.uk

No, but can go in a double occupancy cabin

Included

can be arranged by Cruise.co.uk

No, but can go in a double occupancy cabin

Not Included

can be arranged by Cruise.co.uk

Yes

Not Included

can be arranged by Cruise.co.uk

No, but can go in a double occupancy cabin

Not Included

can be arranged by Cruise.co.uk

Limited Availability on all ships

Not Included

can be arranged by Cruise.co.uk

Yes

Free flowing wine, beer, soft drinks with dinner. Soft drinks with lunch. Free bottled water in cabin.

Included as well as free airport parking as an alternative

No, but can go in a double occupancy cabin

All day soft drinks and regional wine and beer with lunch & dinner

can be arranged by Cruise.co.uk

Yes

Not Included

can be arranged by Cruise.co.uk

No, but can go in a double occupancy cabin

Free flowing wine, beer, soft drinks with dinner. Soft drinks with lunch. Free bottled water in cabin.

Included as well as free airport parking as an alternative

No, but can go in a double occupancy cabin

Free flowing wine, beer, soft drinks with dinner.

can be arranged by Cruise.co.uk

Available on Viking Legend, Lomonosov, Ingvar, Truvor & Helgi

Uniworld

Bar Area on APT Cruises

AmaWaterways Fine Dining

Discover the River

Mekong Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam’s bustling Ho Chi Minh, former Saigon and once centre of French colonial Indochina is a modern metropolis whose sights reflect its varied past. Lined with delightful colonial buildings and inviting cafes, Dong Khoi is the main shopping street in the city’s historic centre. Explore the historical sites including the Cu Chi Tunnels, City Hall, Notre-Dame Basilica and the Victorian-era central post office. Discover the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum which offer a rare insight into modern-day Vietnam.

Angkor Wat An Iconic symbol of Cambodia, and appearing on its national flag, the great temple complex of Angkor Wat is one of the richest archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. See the ancient ruins of Ta Prohm and the tentacle-like tree roots that have enveloped the structure. You’ll also see the Ta Keo pyramid, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei, and Banteay Samre; masterpieces of Khmer architecture with temples – in varying conditions – dating back to the ninth century. Angkor Wat is thought to be the largest religious monument and complex in the world, with extensive bas-reliefs and numerous davatas (guardian spirits) adorning its walls.

Hanoi Vietnam’s vibrant capital city is known for its graceful colonial architecture, frenetic streets, verdant parks and ancient temples. Discover Hanoi’s most famous historical and cultural sites: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, famed on Pillar Pagoda, the massive Temple of Literature and Hanoi Hilton. Take a stroll around the Old Quarter or even take a rickshaw ride through the streets and then enjoy a water puppet show.

Siem Reap Cruise across the lovely Tonle Sap (Great Lake) to Siem Reap. This massive body of water provides the perfect breeding ground for fish, which play a vital role in providing food for people living on the lake. Explore the majestic Temples of Angkor, constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the architectural grandeur of this Khmer temple complex is arguably unmatched among ancient ruins anywhere in the world. Visit Angkor Thom to see the Bayon Temple, adorned with over 200 carved faces.

fares from

What’s Included

£2069

• Fully inclusive touring and cruising with Travelmarvel by APT – All this is included in your holiday price • Return scheduled flights from London • All sightseeing excursions & entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary • 8 day luxury Mekong River Cruise • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director

Essential Vietnam & Cambodia

• Airport transfers, port charges & tipping • 27 fine meals - 11 full breakfasts, 7 lunches and 9 dinners

Insider Experiences • Relax at the central Grand Hotel Saigon • Cruise the Mekong River aboard the luxurious RV La Marguerite • Unwind at the Sokha Angkor Resort

Travelmarvel by APT River Cruises ~ RV Marguerite ~ 13 nights 21 Jun, 5, 19 July, 2, 30 Aug, 27 Sep 2013, 17 Jan, 14 Feb, 11 Apr 2014

YOUR RIVER CRUISE ITINERARY Day 1 Depart London Make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Vietnam.

travel by coach to Oudong, the ancient imperial capital of Cambodia. There, receive a Buddhist blessing before returning to your ship. • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast • Lunch & Dinner

where you’ll join an orientation tour. Special Stay - be close to the action at the central Grand Hotel Saigon. Stay: Two Nights: Saigon, Grand Hotel Saigon • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 Arrive Siem Reap, Angkor Arrive in Siem Reap and on arrival at the airport here today, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, visit the ancient temples of Angkor Thom. At tonight’s Welcome Dinner, enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance. Special Stay - unwind at the Sokha Angkor Resort. Stay: Two Nights: Siem Reap, Sokha Angkor Resort • Daily Meals Included: Dinner

Day 6 Chong Koh, Phnom Penh See traditional silk-weaving in Chong Koh today, then cruise to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Enjoy a walking tour of the city, then return to the ship for dinner and a Khmer folk performance this evening. • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast • Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 Cu Chi Tunnels, Saigon This morning visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a tunnel network built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Then, return to Saigon. With this afternoon yours to spend at leisure, perhaps take off on one of our Optional Experiences - a motorbike tour or a shopping tour at your own expense, before tonight’s special Farewell Dinner. • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast • Dinner

Day 3 Angkor, Siem Reap Enjoy a stunning start to your day as you watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, located in Angkor Archaeological Park. Angkor Wat is the best-preserved temple of Angkor and said to be the world’s largest single religious monument. Afterwards, return to the hotel for breakfast then enjoy free time. This afternoon takes you to Ta Prohm, a temple famous for its intertwined trees. Like a Local - before returning to Siem Reap, visit a ‘grass roots’ orphanage. • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast Day 4 Siem Reap, Embark Ship After breakfast, head to the port for the start of your Mekong River cruise. Special Stay - board the luxurious RV La Marguerite for your seven-night cruise. Enjoy lunch as your ship glides over the lake of Tonle Sap. Later, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Stay: Seven Nights: RV La Marguerite • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast • Lunch & Dinner Day 5 Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Oudong Explore the floating villages and absorb the serenity of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Return to your ship as it glides to Kampong Tralach, where you’ll enjoy an ox-cart ride. Visit the town’s pagodas then

Day 7 Phnom Penh Discover the city’s key landmarks, including the lavish Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Later, confront the country’s past at the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast • Lunch & Dinner Day 8 Border Crossing, Tan Chau Take in the lovely rural scenes as your ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. Perhaps attend an onboard fruitcarving demonstration before arriving in Tan Chau. • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast • Lunch & Dinner Day 9 Tan Chau, Sa Dec Explore the narrow canals of Tan Chau by small boat, visiting an evergreen island as well as a floating fish farm. Afterwards, enjoy a ride through the town on a rickshaw. • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 10 Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt, Cai Be Tour Sa Dec, then discover Xeo Quyt, a former military base. Later, experience Cai Be then return to your ship for a Farewell Dinner. • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast • Lunch & Dinner Day 11 Disembark Ship, Saigon Disembark at My Tho Port and travel by coach to Saigon,

Day 13 Depart Saigon Your holiday draws to its conclusion today as you transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. • Daily Meals Included: Breakfast Day 14 Arrive UK Your flight arrives early this morning at London Heathrow.

Companion

FlIES Free

Save £1250† per booking when you book by 31st 2013 BookJanuary by 31 Jan ‘13

Fares from £pp Stateroom Fares:

Window

Balcony

Suite

21 June, 5, 19 Jul, 2, 30 Aug ‘13

2069

2265

2565

27 Sep ‘13

2369

2565

2865

17 Jan, 14 Feb ‘14

2569

2765

3065

11 Apr ‘14

2169

2365

2665

† Companion fly free saving is already displayed in the prices above

Discover the

River Nile

Step back in time and discover many of Egypt’s ancient wonders along the banks of the legendary Nile on a seven-night full-board cruise. Accompanied by an Egyptologist, you will enjoy 10 escorted excursions on board the delightful fivestar Viking Princess cruise. Discover Egypt prides itself on offering quality holidays at affordable prices and provides a range of holidays to Egypt & Jordan. As part of the All Leisure Holidays Group, a well-established travel provider, they have over twenty years of experience in organising holidays and cruises, so you know you are in safe hands.

All Nile Cruises Include Visits To: • • • • • • • • • •

Valley of the Kings Temple of Hatshepsut Valley of the Queens Colossi of Memnon Temples of Karnak & Luxor Viking Princess Temple of Horus (Edfu) Enjoy the comfort and simplicity of the Viking Temple of Sobek (Kom Ombo) Princess as you discover the ancient wonders of Egypt. This popular cruise boat offers 49 Aswan attractively furnished cabins, spacious interiors Temple of Philae and warm, friendly service from a dedicated crew and qualified Egyptologists ensuring you of a Felucca trip

YOUR RIVER CRUISE ITINERARY Day 1 Luxor: Depart the UK on your direct flight to Luxor. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your chosen cruise boat (transfer time approx 30 minutes). Moored in Luxor, the friendly crew will welcome you aboard, ensuring you settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the boat before dinner and overnight in Luxor.

Day 5 Aswan: Today is spent exploring the delights of Aswan. Sightseeing includes a visit to the High Dam, the Old Granite Quarries, the Unfinished Obelisk and then by boat to the Temple of Philae on Agilika Island. After lunch board a Felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailing boat for your included cruise down the Nile and around the picturesque Kitchener Island before returning for dinner.

Day 2 Valley of the Kings: Today cross over to the West Bank of the Nile for the first excursion, The Valley of the Kings. From here visit the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Queens. Afterwards there is a visit to the enormous statues of the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch is served back on board the boat. The afternoon is free to wander ashore and explore the bustling streets of Luxor, offering a good selection of traditional shops and classic cafes. In the evening there is an optional excursion to the exhilarating Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple (approx £27).

Day 6 Abu Simbel: The morning can spent at leisure to roam Aswan some more or alternatively join the optional excursion to Abu Simbel to see the four colossal statues of Ramses II which for many will be the highlight of the cruise. This popular excursion is available by coach (approx £85) or by air (approx £195). In the afternoon an optional bird watching excursion and a visit to a Nubian house can be arranged. That evening the boat will sail to Kom Ombo and overnight.

Day 3 Luxor Temples: The tour begins this morning with a visit to the Temple of Karnak - an enormous complex of three temples dedicated to the Theban Gods. Afterwards explore the magnificent Temple of Luxor which was once connected to the Karnak Temple by an avenue of sphinxes. The afternoon is free to relax or to explore some more before rejoining the cruise and setting sail from Luxor to Edfu. Day 4 Esna and Kom Ombo: Early morning visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu. The cruise continues upstream to Kom Ombo where there is a late afternoon visit to the Ptolemic Temple dedicated to the gods Haroeris and Sobek. Afterwards still sailing upstream the boat will arrive in Aswan where you will remain for two nights.

Day 7 Nile River: Today we enjoy a quieter day sailing downstream along the Nile before arriving late evening in Luxor. During this pleasant journey you can choose to take a dip in the pool, catch up on some reading or simply enjoy the view. Overnight on board in Luxor. Day 8 Luxor: The morning can be spent at leisure, or take an optional Hot Air Balloon trip giving you a bird’s eye view of the magnificent wonders of the Nile and the surrounding countryside (approx £80). In the afternoon, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight or continue to your next resort. Please note: Order of sailing and touring is subject to change locally. Your tour guide will advise you accordingly.

delightful cruising experience. The Viking Princess has its own private mooring dock in Luxor affording you the convenience of direct access from the boat to the shore and a range of facilities for you to enjoy.

What’s Included • Return direct flights to Luxor from Gatwick. Other departure airports on request • Seven nights five-star cruise on full board basis • Exterior cabins with en-suite facilities • Evening entertainment • Over 10 excursions included • Local transfers and UK airport taxes

Cruise from

£699

2nd passenger pays from

£499

Combine a Nile Cruise with a hotel stay in Luxor

from £849pp

2nd Passenger pays even less!

Discover the

River Seine

The Romantic Seine

Included Experiences

APT River Cruises ~ MS AmaLegro ~ 7 nights ~ 7th June, 2nd August 2013 Freedom of Choice

Sightseeing in two different locations

Included

room service dining and champagne on arrival*

Day 1 Paris Today fly from your chosen UK airport to the French capital. Welcome Reception tonight. Day 2 Vernon, Giverny On arrival in Vernon, enjoy a trip to Maison et Jardin Claude-Monet (Monet’s House and Garden) in Giverny. Alternatively, you may have the chance to tour the Palace and Gardens of the Château de Bizy (subject to availability). Day 3 Vernon, Rouen In Vernon your tour will take you to such places as the Cathédral Notre-Dame, Gros Horloge, a 16th-century as well as the 14th-century courthouse where Joan of Arc was sentenced to death and the Market Square where she was burnt at the stake. After the tour, enjoy time at leisure. Moored overnight in Rouen. Day 4 Rouen, Pays d’Auge Today you’ll experience the beauty of the lush Normandy countryside during a trip to the Pays d’Auge. You’ll visit traditional towns and villages such as Beuvron-en-Auge, Crèvecoeur-en-Auge and Cambremer, and also enjoy a tour of a Calvados distillery. Day 5 Rouen, Freedom of Choice Today perhaps travel to Honfleur, set at the Seine estuary. Alternatively, travel a stretch of the Routes des Abbayes (The Norman Abbey Circuit). Your guide will detail the spiritual, intellectual, artistic and political roles these abbeys have played since the 5th century. Day 6 Les Andelys Les Andelys, is set right on the Seine River and is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful places in France. Today’s tour offers lovely views of the Seine Valley, half-timbered houses and the ruins of Château Gaillard perched on a cliff above the town. The more active may like to tour the ruins of this historic castle.

* in selected suite categories

Complimentary beverages served at your discretion throughout your river cruise* * excludes champagne, premiun spirits &selected wines

Day 7 Conflans, Freedom of Choice Today, perhaps visit Auvers-sur-Oise, the former home of several Impressionist painters including Cézanne, Pissarro and Van Gogh. Or perhaps travel to RueilMalmaison for a tour of Château de Malmaison, a manor house that was once home to General Napoléon Bonaparte. Day 8 Paris After breakfast, disembark your ship & be transferred to the airport in Paris for your flight back to the UK.

• Fully inclusive cruising with APT - all this is included in your holiday price • Return flights from a choice of up to 15 UK airports or travel on the Eurostar from London at no additional cost perfect if you do not want to fly • 7 nights aboard the luxurious Aria River Ship, the MS AmaLegro • All sightseeing, excursions and entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary • 20 meals - 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners • Airport transfers, port charges and tipping • Excursions and entertainment • Freedom of Choice - Enjoy a choice of sightseeing activities in Rouen & Conflans

YOUR HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS • Giverny - Tour Claude Monet’s home and stroll through the gardens he immortalised on canvas • Rouen - On a tour, visit the medieval cathedral and the square where Joan of Arc was martyred • Les Andelys - Absorb the beauty of this riverside town and perhaps explore the ruins of Château Gaillard Fares from £pp Stateroom WAS Stateroom fares:

2395

2755

3579

Window: 1795 Balcony: 2065 Suite: 2685

Book by 31 Jan 2013 & receive a 25% discount

Discover the

River Douro

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS

Portugal’s River of Gold for 9 nights

Regua Excursions from here either visit Vila Real, to see the baroque Mateus Palace or to Lamego, famous for its smoked ham and the baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies pilgrimage church.

Viking River Cruises ~ Douro 4, 11, 18, 25 Oct; 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Nov; 6, 13 Dec ‘13

Lisbon (2 night hotel stay at Tivoli Lisboa Hotel), Porto, Bitetos, Regua, Pinhao, Barca d’Alva, Salamanca, Vega de Terron, Pinhao, Regua, Porto

Porto Walking tours will take you through its narrow cobbled streets, to the 13th century cathedral, the Sao Bento railway station and maybe on a boat ride along the Douro and under the bridges that link Porto with Gaia on the other bank.

Fares from £pp Stateroom fare WAS

Window 1995

Balcony 2995

Stateroom fare NOW:

Window 1495

Balcony 2495

INCLUDES: Return Flights 2 nights hotel stay in Lisbon Shore Excursions Selected drinks with dinner & Wifi

Save £500pp

Viking River Cruises

21 May, 18 June ‘13

Day 1

Day 5

PORTO - EMBARKATION

VEGA DE TERRÓN – PINHÃO

Embark your cruise in Porto. Welcome Dinner Onboard. (D)

Tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, where you will see 16thcentury walls, narrow and steep medieval streets and appreciate the Chafariz dos Pretos, a strikingly unique fountain. This evening arrive in Pinhão, enjoy wine-tasting and dinner at a local “quinta.” The ship moors overnight in Pinhão. (B,L,D)

Day 2

PORTO - RÉGUA Relax on board as you sail to Régua, then, drive to Lamego for a city tour. Ancient & picturesque Lamego houses are one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Portugal. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D) Day 3

RÉGUA - BARCA D’ALVA Enjoy lunch on board as you sail to the picturesque village of Barca d’Alva. Arrive this evening and enjoy free time to explore this quaint town on your own. Tonight, enjoy a Flamenco show on the ship. (B,L,D) Day 4

SALAMANCA, SPAIN – VEGA DE TERRÓN, PORTUGAL Drive to Salamanca for a full day tour. During your guided city tour, see the University buildings, the 12th-century Romanesque church of San Martin and the House of Shells. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Later you are free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

A two- hour drive from Vega de Terron, Salamanca is home of one of the four leading universities in the world as well as one of the biggest squares in Spain, Plaza Mayor.

price based on December departures

Enticing Douro for 7 nights AmaWaterways ~ AmaVida

Salamanca

Day 6

RÉGUA – BITETOS This morning, sail to Régua for a morning excursion to the Palacio de Mateus. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Bitetos. Tonight, appreciate a traditional “home cooked” meal at the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery. (B,L,D)

AmaWaterways Lounge

INCLUDES: Return Flights Wine, beer, & soft drinks at dinner

Day 7

PORTO Your tour shows you 16th-century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches and the magnificent iron bridge. Then drive through the elegant Atlantic coast and explore the Old City. For some modern culture, visit the Boavista area where you will find the Casa da Musica and the museum of Modern Art. (B,L,D) Day 8

PORTO - DISEMBARKATION Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Life enriching tours & excursions Special highlights including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, onboard music performanes & afternoon/ evening piano music WiFi Fares from £pp Stateroom Cruise.co.uk fare

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6206

Oceanview

Balcony

Superior Balcony

1989

2445

2729

Discover the River

Rhône

Etching a route from the glacial Swiss Alps to Lake Geneva and through spectacular French countryside to Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea, the Rhône River is a major European waterway, ideal for scenic river cruises.

DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS Arles Another Roman city, another Roman amphitheatre, except the one here is more spectacular as it is substantially intact and also has been partially restored. It dates from 90AD and holds more than 20,000 spectators, and is used today for concerts and plays. Keen Roman historians will also find the remains of a theatre, baths and the forum (look out for the Place du Forum). Guides will also point out medieval highlights of the city on a walking tour, but for many visitors the attraction is that Van Gogh loved to paint here, look out for familiar scenes from his paintings as you wander around.

Lyon France’s second largest city, Lyon boasts a cobbled old town and attractive Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and is acknowledged as the gastronomic capital of France. Certainly the food is wonderful and varied; best of all to eat well you don’t have to spend a fortune but rather just look for one of the bouchon restaurants that serve traditional Lyonnaise food in simple surroundings. Give it a try if your cruise stays overnight in the city (which many do) and be up early next morning to visit the local produce market. Tours often start at the white Basilica of Notre Dame, built on the state to the old Roman Forum, from where there are views across the city, and then move down to the old town below, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the medieval alleyways.

Shore excursions included

Avignon The city is home to the only bridge in France with a nursery rhyme named after it. We know it as Pont d’Avignon, but it is actually Pont Saint-Benezet, built in the 12th century the tour takes you to the original 22 arches that still remain. It no longer goes all the way over the river, but it is still the top attraction in the city, along with the nearby Palais des Papes, a grand building where popes lived between 1309 and 1377.

River Rhône

Choice of activities on board

Or simply relax & enjoy the scenery

Cruising on the Rhône for 7 nights

Provence for 7 nights

Swan Hellenic ~ A Rosa Stella

28 June, 26 July ‘13

Viking River Cruises ~ Neptune & Europe

22 June, 7, 14 Sept ‘13

Lyon, Trevoux, Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon, Les Baux, Arles

2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 Jun, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31 Jul; 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 Aug, 20, 23, 27, 30 Oct ; 3, 6, 10 Nov ‘13

Lyon, Chalon- Sur Saône, Tournus, Macon, Viviers, Arles, Avignon, Vienne, Lyon Fares from £pp Stateroom fares:

Window: 1695

Balcony: 1925

INCLUDES: An inclusive tailor made shore excursions programme worth up to £150 per cruise All gratuities on board & ashore Flights & transfers All port taxes A programme of talks from a Guest Speaker Escorted return travel by train

AmaWaterways ~ AmaDagio

Fares from £pp Stateroom fares:

Window: 2169 Balcony: 2465

Suite: 2619

INCLUDES: Return Flights Wine, beer, & soft drinks at dinner Life enriching tours & excursions lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, onboard music performanes and WiFi

Portraits of Southern France for 7 nights

Cahlon - Sur-Saone, Beaune, Burgundy, Lyon, Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Arles, Avignon Fares from £pp Stateroom fares:

Window: 1195

Balcony: 1695

Suite: 1895

INCLUDES: Return Flights Shore Excursions Selected drinks with dinner & Wifi

The UK’s largest cruise information website www.rivercruises.co.uk

Discover the River

Danube

Save

£1200

up to

Budapest Spanning the banks of the Danube is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and glorious Matthias Church is among the many sights you can gaze in awe at. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika.

per couple. Book by 31 Jan 2013

Balkan Discovery for 9 nights Avalon Waterways ~ Avalon Imagery & Tranquility 18 Apr**, 27 Jun**, 13 Jul, 17 Aug, 26 Oct* ‘13

Bucharest (1 night hotel stay at Athenée Palace Hilton), Oltenita, Svistov, Vidin, Belgrade, Pecs, Kalocsa, Budapest (2 night hotel stay at InterContinental Hotel)

** Itinerary Operates in reverse

Fares from £pp

2289 2569 2949 Window: 1989 Balcony: 2269 Suite: 2649

Stateroom WAS Stateroom fares:

INCLUDES: Return flights Wine, beer & soft drinks with dinner Shore Excursions Gratuities & WiFi

FREE HOME PICK-UP†

Avalon Waterways Cruising the Danube

Austrian Highlights & Bavaria for 8 nights

Legendary Danube for 10 nights

Avalon Waterways ~ Avalon Affinity

19, 23 Jun, 24 Jul, 28 Aug, 19 Sep, 20 Oct* ‘13

10 June, 19 Aug, 14 Oct* ‘13

Prague (3 night hotel stay at Hilton or Intercontinental), Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna, Budapest

SAVE UP TO £600 PER COUPLE

Classical Cities of the Danube for 7 nights CroisiEurope ~ MS Beethoven 15, 22 29 June, 6*, 13, 20, 27 July, 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 Aug, 7, 14, 21, 28 Sep ‘13

Vienna, Melk, Durnstein, Bratislava, Kalocsa, Budapest, Esztergom, Vienna Fares from £pp Stateroom fares:

Window: 1245

Balcony: 1365

INCLUDES: Return Flights Wine, beer & soft drinks with dinner

Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Grein, Linz, Passau, Munich (3 night hotel stay at Sofitel Munich Bayerpost) ** Itinerary Operates in reverse

Fares from £pp Stateroom WAS Stateroom fares:

2179

Window: 1649

2189

Balcony: 1889

2549

Suite: 2249

Avalon Waterways ~ Visionary & Tranquility

SAVE UP TO £1000 PER COUPLE

Fares from £pp Stateroom WAS Stateroom fares:

2329

INCLUDES:

Return flights Wine, beer & soft drinks with dinner Shore Excursions Gratuities & WiFi

FREE HOME PICK-UP†

2789

3309

Window: 1829 Balcony: 2289 Suite: 2809

FREE HOME PICK-UP†

Dürnstein

FREE Private Home Pick up with Avalon Waterways

Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above the town are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192.

Melk Melk is home to the magnificent Benedictine Abbey that dominates the town and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking. Set at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle, Grein’s turreted houses on the main square are not to be missed.

Main lounge

SAVE

French Balcony

A Taste of the Danube £600 for 7 nights

Capitals of Central Europe SAVE £680 for 9 nights

UP TO

PER COUPLE

Avalon Waterways ~ Visionary & Tranquility

27 Apr, 13 Aug, 8 Oct* ‘13

11 Apr**, 23 May**, 30 Jul**, 18 Oct ‘13

Budapest (2 night hotel stay at Intercontinental), Bratislava, Durnstein, Melk, Linz, Grein, Vienna (2 night hotel stay at Intercontinental)

Prague (2 night hotel stay at Intercontinental), Passau, Linz, Grein, Melk, Krems, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest

Stateroom WAS Stateroom fares:

** reverse itinerary

1765

Window: 1465

1965

Balcony: 1615

2195

Suite: 1805

2179

2639

3159

Window: 1879 Balcony: 2339 Suite: 2859

INCLUDES:

INCLUDES: Return flights Wine, beer & soft drinks with dinner Shore Excursions Gratuities & WiFi

Stateroom fares:

FREE HOME PICK-UP†

Budapest (overnight), Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Mittenberg, Rudesheim, Cologne, Amsterdam SAVE UP TO £1200 PER COUPLE

Fares from £pp

Fares from £pp Stateroom WAS

Avalon Waterways ~ Expression, Tranquility & Vista 08 Jun, 27 Jul, 28 Sep, 12**, 23 Oct ‘13

Avalon Waterways ~ Panorama & Affinity

Fares from £pp

Magnificent Europe for 14 nights

Return flights Wine, beer & soft drinks with dinner Shore Excursions Gratuities & WiFi

Stateroom WAS Stateroom fares:

3035

3955

4985

Window: 2435 Balcony: 3355 Suite: 4385

** reverse itinerary

INCLUDES:

FREE HOME PICK-UP†

Return flights Wine, beer & soft drinks with dinner Shore Excursions Gratuities & WiFi

FREE HOME PICK-UP†

Discover the

Mississippi

Cruising by paddlewheel is becoming one of the most popular ways to experience America’s heartland. From comfortable cruise accommodations to included sightseeing, this Mississippi River cruise ensures you see the most of this incredible region, while being treated to the very best in service and amenities with Avalon Waterways.

What’s Included • Exclusive door to door home pick up service by private car within 75 miles of departing airport • Flights from London Heathrow Manchester flight available at a supplement • All meals on board including full breakfast, buffet lunch and 5 course dinner with wine or beer; afternoon tea; ice cream and cookies; coffee and soft drinks throughout the cruise. Buffet breakfast in all hotels; dinner in Memphis and New Orleans • Excursions and sightseeing trips with Local Guides and a choice of optional tours • Services of an experienced Tour Director • Daily on board lectures by river historian, nightly showboat-style entertainment & music • Transfers between overseas airports, hotels & cruise ship

Music City to the Big Easy for 12 nights 21 Mar, 4, 25 Apr, 16 May, 13 Jun, 6 Nov, 4 Dec 2013 Day 1

Day 5

Fly UK to Nashville

Helena Helena became a major port shortly after steamboats began travelling the river. Full of Civil War history and beautiful antebellum and Victorian homes. (B, L, D)

Day 10

Day 6

Day 11

Vicksburg Time today to visit Vicksburg National Military Park, which preserves the site of the important Civil War battle. (B, L, D)

New Orleans (disembarkation) Explore the French Quarter including Jackson Square and Pirate’s Alley, then view a typical New Orleans above-ground cemetery. This afternoon is dedicated to visiting the National World War II Museum. Tonight enjoy a festive farewell dinner at one of New Orleans’ oldest and most prestigious restaurants. (B, D)

Day 2

Nashville See the sights and sounds of Nashville. Tonight, enjoy reserved seats at the world-famous Grand Ole Opry show. (B) Day 3

Memphis Today, journey to Memphis, ‘Home of the Blues’. Visit Sun Studio, probably the world’s most famous recording studio. This evening, enjoy dinner and live music at blues legend B.B. King’s restaurant. (B, D) Day 4

Graceland or National Civil Rights Museum (Embarkation) Perhaps join an included excursion to Graceland, where you can tour Elvis Presley’s fascinating mansion, his private jets, the racquetball building that houses a collection of his ornate jumpsuits and capes, plus the Meditation Garden. Alternatively, you can visit the National Civil Rights Museum, where Dr Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated. Later this afternoon, board your cruise ship, American Queen and set sail. (B, D)

Day 7

Natchez Exclusive to Avalon cruise guests, this morning, enjoy a private visit to famed chef Regina Charboneau’s home. (B, L, D) Day 8

St Francisville Experience true Southern hospitality as you explore this quaint river town filled with historic sites, charming restaurants and fantastic shopping. (B, L, D) Day 9

Baton Rouge During your time here, why not visit the Louisiana State Museum, the Louisiana State Capitol Building or the Old Governor’s Mansion. (B, L, D)

Houmas House Enjoy a tour of the grand antebellum estate with free time to wander the 38 acres of gardens, ponds and majestic ancient oak alley. (B, L, D)

Day 12

New Orleans - UK After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B) Fares from £pp Stateroom Fares:

Window

21 Mar ‘13

3729

4, 25 Apr ‘13

3789

16 May, 13 Jun, 6 Nov ‘13

3739

4 Dec 13

3699

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6206

THE AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT DISTINCTIONS • The only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat in America. • The acclaimed cuisine of famed American chef Regina Charboneau. • The only steamboat with multiple, specialty dining options, all at no additional charge. • Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks throughout your voyage. • Complimentary wines and beers at dinner. • Gracious, friendly service from a professionally trained all-American staff.

American Queen

• The warm and inviting ambiance of an antebellum mansion. • Public rooms and accommodations are decorated with Victorian charm and carefully selected antiques. • Elegant-casual attire throughout your voyage — no formal wear required. • Daily lectures by the Riverlorian, our onboard river historian. • Professional showboat-style entertainment nightly • Nightly dancing to swing and big band music. • Enthralling calliope concerts and a chance for guests to play! American Queen luxurious staterooms

Mississippi in the Fall for 11 nights

• The greatest value in All-American vacations!

25 Sep, 9 Oct 2013 Day 1

UK - Chicago Fly to Chicago where you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Palmer House Hilton Hotel for 2 nights.

• Exciting shore excursions provide an in-depth immersion into the history, culture and cuisine of America’s heartland

American Queen steamboat and begin your voyage on the mighty Mississippi. (B, L, D) Day 5

An exclusive: this morning, enjoy a private visit to nearby Galena. This picturesque and historic town will charm you with its Main Street, eclectic boutiques and antique shops, scenic vistas and rich history. (B, L, D)

Chicago This morning, see the sights and sounds of Chicago including Navy Pier, the shops of Michigan Avenue, Millennium Park, the Chicago River and more. Dinner will be at a local restaurant. (B, D)

At Sea On board you are free to do as much or as little as you want. Enjoy a show in the Grand Saloon, take a tour of the pikot house, savour Afternoon Tea, attend a lecture by the Riverlorian, listen to the music of a Dixieland band or just sit back and relax on a front porch rocking chair and watch the scenery go by. (B, L, D)

Day 3

Day 6

Day 10

Hannibal Founded in 1819, this river town soon flourished as a principal docking port for steamboats travelling the upper Mississippi. Enjoy the city’s rich past, thriving art community and historic houses. (B, L, D)

Red Wing Take a trolley ride down historic Main Street, sample local wines, or visit the world-famous Red Wing Pottery or Red Wing Shoes factory. (B, L, D)

Day 2

Pontiac - Springfield - St Louis Journey into the heart of Illinois, where you will travel on a portion of Route 66 - America’s “Mother Road”. We will also stop in Springfield, the birthplace of the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. Arrive in St Louis and stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for one night. (B, D) Day 4

St Louis (embarkation) - Cruise on the Mississippi River This morning’s orientation tour of St Louis includes Laclede’s Landing, the Soulard Historic District, Union Station and Forest Park, site of the 1904 World’s Fair. Later, this afternoon, board the

Day 9

La Crosse Visit the historic downtown, browse the shops, admire the diverse architecture, from Victorian to Art Deco or sample local cuisine at one of the award-winning restaurants. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Day 7

At Sea Another day to kick back and relax onboard. You may want to take a dip in the pool, play cards with new friends, sip a refreshing cocktail, relax with an optional spa treatment or take a spin around the dance floor in the evening. (B, L, D) Day 8

Dubuque

St Paul (disembarkation) - UK After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B) Fares from £pp Stateroom Fares:

Window

25 Sep ‘13

3429

9 Oct ‘13

3429

The UK’s largest cruise information website www.rivercruises.co.uk

Destination Guide - Who Goes Where? Rhine

Dutch Waterways

Moselle

Danube

Rhone/ Saone

Seine

Amadeus by Luftner Cruises

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Ama Waterways

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APT

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Avalon Waterways

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CroisiEurope

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Hebridean River Cruises

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Visit

Douro

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Elbe

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Russian Waterways

Dneiper

Nile

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Mekong

Yangtze

Mississippi

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rivercruises.CO.UK FOR CRUISES TO ALL THESE DESTINATIONS

Riviera Travel

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Shearings

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Swan Hellenic

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Tauck

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Titan Travel

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The River Cruise Line

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Travelsphere

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Uniworld River Cruises

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Viking River Cruises

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Terms & conditions: All fares are per person in £sterling based on two adults sharing the lowest grade of cabin advertised. Please note prices are correct at the time of going to print and are subject to change and availability without prior notice. Every effort has been made to ensure that the fares advertised are correct, however customers are advised to call rivercruises.co.uk before booking. Please note cruise lines terms and conditions also apply which can be found on their websites. Deposits paid are non-refundable. Holiday insurance is required. For full terms and conditions please visit www.cruise.co.uk. We hold the right to withdraw any offers without prior notice. The asterix * denotes the sailing date that the price is based on. The River Cruise Line: Free shore excursion package is only available if booked by 30th January 2013. The All Inclusive Drinks Package on Switzerland II for £5pppn is only available if booked before the 31st January 2013 (normal price is £12pppn). E&OE

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Job No: 1207