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The Definitive Guide to European

river RIVER cruising CRUISING

Book early to secure your chosen cabin cabins are limited

Take advantage of the early booking discount prices will increase

(on average 60 cabins per ship)

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WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE A RIVER CRUISE? NO DAYS AT SEA NO SEASICKNESS

DOCK IN THE HEART OF CITIES

INTIMATE SHIPS

EXPLORE TOWNS & CITIES THAT OCEAN CRUISES CAN'T GET TO

ONLY 140 PASSENGERS

RIVER CR U I SI NG

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW What is River Cruising? A River Cruise is like a city break with the added bonus of your floating hotel travelling with you. Every day you’ll be in a new destination; grand cities, historic towns or quaint villages, there is always something new to see and do. With many cruise lines offering a choice of excursions in most ports, a river cruise is perfect for the those wanting to explore. How will I know if river cruising is for me? No sea sickness, dock in the heart of cities, towns and villages, it’s all included, visit new ports of call every day, intimate cruising, delicious cuisine and a river view from every cabin – this is river cruising in a nut shell. Where do river cruises go? Throughout Europe, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, India and China

Cambodia

What is there to do on a river cruise? Essentially, as much or as little as you wish to do. Escorted touring or exploring on your own, relaxing on the sun deck and enjoying scenic cruising, lectures and port talks from cruise directors & tour managers, socialising with new friends on board, enjoying a spa treatment, using the fitness centres – there is always something interesting going on on a river cruise. And there is always food available

What’s included on a river cruise? Each river cruise line varies but in general, all excursions, return travel, overseas transfers, all meals and drinks are included. What are river cruise ships like? River cruise ships are light, spacious and airy – think boutique hotel. With spacious public areas and innovative cabin designs to really utilise the space, a river ship is far from cramped. Depending on cruise lines, you’ll find swimming pools, cinemas, gyms, saunas, hair dressers, spas and a variety of dining options to choose from and of course the all important lounge bar! What are the cabins like? On a river cruise, every cabin has a river view as there are no insides cabins. In general, the cabins will be graded as an outside ocean view, French balcony, balcony, twin balcony and suite with sizes varying from cruise line to cruise line. One thing all river ships have in common is comfortable sized cabins.

How does river cruising compare to ocean cruising? A more intimate atmosphere, hundreds rather than thousands of fellow guests on board, no sea sickness, dock in the heart of cities, no sea days and in general, it’s all included. You won’t be left with a shock bill at the end of your holiday.

10 REASONS 1

SO MUCH IS INCLUDED!

Many of the leading cruise lines include so much in their prices from drinks with lunch and dinner to free coach travel to shore excursions which is why river cruising is such good value for money. All the river cruise lines include accommodation and food as standard; however the likes of Viking River Cruises and Avalon Cruises also include daily excursions visiting sites including UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The excursions on offer are well worth attending to ensure you get the very best from each destination. These will no doubt make your river cruise an exceptional experience.

S M A L L & F R I E N D LY

Many of the tours led by river cruise companies use microphones and provide passengers with their own headphones to ensure that you can hear what there is to know about where you are in the world, without the distraction from a crowd of people around you. You never need to miss a thing this way; even in churches and cathedrals where your guide will need to be a quiet as possible. What makes this even better is that some cruise lines offer such tours for free, enhancing your whole river cruising experience..

IT’S SUPER EASY

WATC H T H E W O R L D G O B Y

Unlike Ocean cruising you will always have view of the towns and cities during your cruise. A typical river cruise sees half a day ashore exploring and half a day sailing, however don’t expect long sea days! The time is also used for talks from guest speakers, wine or beer tasting sessions or cookery demonstrations. You can be sure to find plenty of activity on board.

A ROOM WITH A VIEW Most river cruise ships offer entirely riverview staterooms throughout, meaning you will always be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery from the comfort of your stateroom or balcony. So, you will not have to worry about missing out on some of the best views of fascinating ports of call along the world’s most scenic rivers.

C R U I S E TO V E RY D I F F E R E N T P L AC E S As well as popular European itineraries, you can enjoy more exotic river cruise holidays to exciting destinations such as the Nile in Egypt, Yangtze in China, Mekong in Cambodia and many more. As smaller, more versatile vessels, river cruise ships can offer more insight into the heart of such places as they are able to access many more ports than ocean cruise ships.

Once settled on board there is nothing else to worry about...apart from what to wear to dinner! River cruising is a completely relaxing experience, visiting cities and towns no ocean ship could reach. You can spend your days how you wish to, if you want a day bursting with sights and information about the port you are visiting, then we suggest you take the shore excursions, if you would like to do things at your own pace and visit certain places you can do exactly that. There is no pressure!

N O N E E D T O F LY Don’t like flying? There’s no need to fret as river cruise lines often offer alternative travel options to get you to your embarkation port in comfort. It is so easy to take the Eurostar, meaning your feet will never leave solid ground and can easily reach the city you require, from Amsterdam or Lyon to Vienna or Budapest.

The size of river cruise vessels are governed by the length and width of the locks the ship has to get through! Most river cruise ships only hold between 100-200 passengers, some accommodate even less but generally no more than 250. This makes your cruise experience more personal, the atmosphere on board is cosy and friendly and with less passengers to attend to any request can be dealt with by staff instantly. The set dining time brings all the guests together to get to know each other and interact, you can also choose where you sit.

L I S T E N V E R Y C A R E F U L LY

IT’S SMOOTH SAILING Many people worry about getting sea sick, however, joining a river cruise will make your cruising experience an enjoyable and relaxing one across gentle waters, with next to no motion felt on-board. The one thing that river cruisers should bear in mind is that high or low tides may affect itineraries, as the vessels will be unable to cruise under bridges. In such cases, coaches will be provided to the key attractions in each port of call.

MODERN LIVING Newer river cruise ships are a million miles away from the older tonnage that dominated the market until recently. Booking on a modern vessel will offer spacious and comfortable accommodation, many with balconies and in-cabin amenities. Most of these newly built ships offer Wi-Fi throughout their public areas to keep in touch with those back home, and flat screen televisions. Décor is more up to date and furnishings reflect this, making your river cruising experience as comfortable as possible.

PORTUGAL’S RIVER OF GOLD With Lisbon Stay

Mar - Dec ’18 • 9 Nights • Viking River Cruises Viking Hemming, Torgil or Osfrid

Included as standard: 99Return Flights from Your Regional Airport & Transfers* 992 nights at Lisbon’s superior first class Hotel Tivoli Lisboa (or similar) 99Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner 998 guided tours with audio headset 99Visit 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites 99All Port Charges & Taxes 99Complimentary Wi-Fi Onboard

Medite

Viking Longship

Day 1

Lisbon, Portugal Welcome to Lisbon; we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the superior first- class Hotel Tivoli Lisboa (or similar) in the heart of Lisbon.* Relax this afternoon and evening or explore the city a bit on your own.

Day 2

Lisbon, Portugal Included: Half Day Tour of Lisbon After breakfast, embark on a half-day tour of Lisbon. Begin at Belém with a tour of the Jerónimos Monastery, one of the most prominent examples of Portuguese late Gothic Manueline style of architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Tower of Belém that you also explore. Then take a walking tour through the narrow streets of the Alfama District where you learn about Lisbon’s long, multicultural history.

Day 3

Day 4

EXCLUSIVE FREE Airport Lounge Pass

RIVER Douro Porto

Douro

Salamanca

Barca D’Alva

Porto, Portugal Included: Lunch in Coimbra Have breakfast, then check out of your hotel and take a scenic ride to Porto. You will stop for lunch in Coimbra, birthplace of six Portuguese kings and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Upon arrival in Porto, proceed to the dock at Vila Nova de Gaia to board your ship. Porto, Portugal Included: Porto City Tour After breakfast, take a city tour of Porto, a charming riverside community whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its graceful bridges, baroque cathedrals and romantic 16th- through 19th-century buildings nestled together on narrow cobbled streets. Visit a typical port wine–making facility, then return to your ship for lunch. This afternoon you have time to explore Porto on your own

Regua Pinhao

Portugal Lisbon

Spain

Day 5

Regua & Pinhao, Portugal Included: Tour of Vila Real & Mateus Palace. Disembark for a tour to Vila Real, site of the extraordinary Meteus Palace (the building depicted on the Mateus Rosé wine labels). This stunning baroque palace was the home of the last count of Vila Real; its pinnacled facade, grand stairway, richly appointed interiors and priceless objects on display will astonish you, as will the palace’s enchanting formal gardens featuring cedar-lined walkways, exquisite sculpted hedges and statuary and serene bodies of water. As you depart, catch glimpses of the town’s ornamental carvings and tiled walls. Visit one of the area’s iconic port wine–making institutions. See its vineyard and tour the facility to learn how these unique Portuguese products are crafted.

Day 6

Barca D’Alva, Portugal Included: Guided walks in Tournon and Vienne. This afternoon, enjoy a tour to Castelo Rodrigo. Located approximately 2,200 feet above sea level and surrounded by almond trees, Castelo Rodrigo is one of Portugal’s 12 historic parishes; its streets are narrow and steep and its houses still present 16thcentury facades and the distinctively Portuguese Manueline-style windows. Here you will see Sinagoga Street, a remembrance of the Jewish community established by refugees from the Spanish Inquisition.

THE DOURO RIVER Flows through: Portugal & Spain

Salamanca

Day 7

Day 8

Salamanca & Vega de Terrón, Spain Included: Full Day Excursion to Ancient Salamanca. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living museum that takes visitors back to the Middle Ages; yet it is also a cosmopolitan and multicultural city with a large population of international students. Take a ride through the Iberian countryside to Salamanca, then spend some time exploring the shops and cafés of the Plaza Mayor (Main Square) on your own. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Pinhão, Portugal Included: Visit Traditional Bakeries & Sample Fresh Bread. This morning, we sail west along the Douro passing some of the area’s quintas (vineyards), where you may catch glimpses of vintners tending their vines. After breakfast, disembark for a scenic drive up to the little village of Favaios, and make your way to one of the last traditional bakeries in the Douro River Valley. Discover how bread was made in the old days and how it tasted with a sample fresh from the oven. Visit the local museum for a wine-and-bread repast.

11.4

897

Locks in total

Width in metres

Length in km

DID YOU KNOW? • The colour of the valley changes throughout the year depending on the maturity of the vines

Day 9

Regua, Portugal Included: Guided Visit to Lamego. A small town known for its baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, dating back to the 14th century and still used by pilgrims today. Visit the shrine, decorated with exquisite tilework in the Moorish manner, and descend the grand baroque staircase. You also see the town’s Gothic cathedral and the ruins of 12th-century Lamego Castle.

• The valley was the first demarcated wineproducing region in the world established in 1756.

Day 10

Porto, Portugal After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.

• The Douro has been harnessed for hydroelectric power since the 1930s.

Your Viking Longship: 99All staterooms are outside with River view 99Private bathroom with shower; premium bath products 9940” flat-panel TV featuring movies on demand 99Telephone, safe, hair dryer & individual climate control 99Bottled water replenished daily 99The Lounge & bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors 99Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views and an al fresco restaurant 99Sun deck with shaded sitting area and al fresco dining area, swimming pool, solar panels & putting green Lounge

99Library corner & onboard boutique 99Elevator & Laundry service

Dates • Prices from (£pp)

Cabins

23 Mar ‘18

6 Apr ‘18

20 May ‘18

Jul & Aug ‘18

7 Sep ‘18

23 Oct ‘18

4 Dec ‘18

River View

1195

1445

2145

1945

2145

1745

1145

French Balcony

1795

2095

2795

2595

2795

2395

1495

Veranda

1995

2295

2995

2795

2995

2595

1995

European Fleet

Amongst their fleet of modern European ships, choose from the brand new for 2017 MS Emily Brontë, MS Oscar Wilde, MS Thomas Hardy or MS Douro Elegance that are joining the ever popular fivestar; MS Jane Austen, MS Charles Dickens, MS Lord Byron, MS William Shakespeare, MS Swiss Sapphire, MS Swiss Corona, MS Swiss Tiara or the four-star superior MS Douro Spirit.

M S E m i ly B r o n t ë

MS Oscar Wilde Guests

Guests

169

Crew

Launch

2017

Rating: 

MS Thomas Hardy

Rating: 

MS Douro Elegance

MS Jane Austen

Guests

Crew

Launch

Guests

Crew

Launch

Guests

Crew

Launched

169

2017

126

2017

140

2015

Rating: 

BRAND NEW 5 SUITES Relax and rejuvenate after a busy day ashore in one of Riviera Travel’s brand new 5* suites onboard their brand new 5* ships. In 2017 Riviera will be launching their new class of ship including sister ships MS Emily Brontë, MS Oscar Wilde or MS Thomas Hardy.

EMERALD DECK SUITE

RUBY & DIAMOND DECK SUITE

(RIVER VIEW) Size: 17sqm

(FRENCH BALCONY) Size: 17sqm

Size: 25.5sqm

• Marble Bathroom with fully glazed shower featuring a large ‘rainshower’ head

• French Balcony – Panoramic floor to ceiling sliding glass doors

• 50% Larger than Standard Suites

• Complimentary Premium Toiletries from Crabtree & Evelyn

• Marble Bathroom with fully glazed shower featuring a large ‘rainshower’ head

• Private Balcony, complete with luxury dining feature*

• Complimentary Premium Toiletries from Crabtree & Evelyn

• Marble Bathroom with fully glazed shower featuring a large ‘rainshower’ head

• Crisp cotton linens of the finest quality • Generous Seating area with two chairs & a table • Flat-screen TV • Individually controlled air-conditioning • Hairdryer • Safe • MiniBar • Tea & Coffee making facilities

• Crisp cotton linens of the finest quality • Generous Seating area with two chairs & a table • Flat-screen TV • Individually controlled air-conditioning • Hairdryer & Safe • Mini Bar • Tea & Coffee making facilities

DIAMOND DECK DELUXE BALCONY SUITE

• Larger Seating area with two chairs & a table

• Complimentary soft cotton bathrobes and slippers • Complimentary Premium Toiletries from Crabtree & Evelyn • Crisp cotton linens of the finest quality • Flat-screen TV • Individually controlled air-conditioning • Hairdryer, Safe & Mini Bar • Tea & Coffee making facilities

THE BLUE DANUBE RIVER CRUISE Europe’s most cultured river, inspiration for Strauss and Mozart, classic Vienna and Salzburg. Lean on the ships rail with drink in hand and think to yourself, ‘it doesn’t get better than this’. Unwind on this magical river cruise and enjoy an escorted tour to Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube

April-October 2017

Melk Abbey

7 nights

MS Thomas Hardy

BRAND NEW SHIP FOR 2017!

YOUR I T I N E R A RY Day 1

Fly to Budapest On Arrival you will be met and transferred to your 5* Riviera Travel Ship

Day 2 Esztergom Once Hungary’s capital during medieval times, the town is internationally famed for its great Renaissance basilica, Hungary’s largest church, standing sentinel over the Danube and boasting one of the world’s largest altars plus a wealth of gold artefacts. Day 3 Bratislava Included: Guided City Tour of Bratislava. Wander the winding streets to the Main Square where you will find the former old town hall now housing a museum dedicated to the history of the city. Equally impressive is the great 17th century fortress which dominates the city or head for the Primatial Palace with its fabulous Hall of Mirrors and rare collection of 17th century English tapestries. This afternoon our cruise reaches another highlight as we navigate the dramatic Danube Bend, one of the most spectacular stretches of this mighty river.

W HAT ’S IN C LU D E D : 99 Exclusive FREE Airport Lounge Pass for all bookings* 99 Return Flights & Transfers - Fly from up to 10 regional airports 99 Price includes full-board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day, including afternoon tea & snacks throughout the day 99 All Shore Excursions & Tours 99 The Services of an experienced Riviera Cruise Director and Tour Manager 99 In-Cabin Tea & Coffee making facilities

IN C LU D E D TOU R HIGHLIGHTS: • Guided tour of Vienna, city of Strauss and home of the Hapsburgs

Day 4 Durnstein & Melk Included: Visit to Melk Abbey. Picturesque Dürnstein is famous for principally two things. Firstly for the amazing ice- blue baroque tower dominating the river and secondly, having been shipwrecked on his return from the crusades, Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here, before being reluctantly ransomed for a huge sum by his brother, King John. After lunch, you visit the remarkable monastery at Melk, Benedictine Abbey renowned as one of Europe's most spectacular Baroque Monasteries.

• Live classical quartet recital on board

Day 5 Salzburg Included: Guided Tour of Salzburg. Reaching Linz, you take the drive to Salzburg, once an independent state whose Archbishops turned it into one of the most sophisticated cities north of the Alps. This morning, you have a guided tour.

• Explore the amazing basilica at Esztergom, Hungary’s oldest cathedral

• Tour of baroque Bratislava, capital of Slovakia • Visit to Melk Abbey, central Europe’s most spectacular baroque monastery • Tour of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and one of Austria’s most beautiful cities

• Tour of Budapest, Pearl of the Danube

Day 6 Vienna Included: Guided Tour of Vienna. Described as one of Europe’s great capitals, seat of the Hapsburg Emperors and home to some of the world’s finest classical composers at the peak of their influence. During the afternoon you are free to explore as you wish. Take a stroll in the Stadtpark, with its huge Ferris wheel and the backdrop to many a ‘cold war’ spy thriller. This evening, after dinner, enjoy a live musical recital onboard. Day 7 Budapest Included: Guided City Tour of Budapest. Dominated by the castle, Budapest, often called ‘Little Paris of Middle Europe’, is famous for the monuments that reflect both local culture and that of numerous foreign powers, which ruled here for most of its existence. Today, Budapest is a collage of palatial buildings, baroque churches with archaic spires and a wonderful atmosphere enhanced by the unique sound of Hungary’s music and language. We enjoy a guided tour and this evening the ’Captain’s Dinner’ will take place. Day 8 Fly to UK After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to your crew and transfer to the airport at the appropriate time for your flight to the UK.

MS Thomas Hardy

FREE AIRPORT LOUNGE PASS* 

 Cabin FARES from (£pp)

River View

French Balcony

Deluxe Balcony Suite

1199

1499

1649 Based on 17 Oct ‘17

RHINE CRUISE & SWISS DELIGHTS with FREE Drinks & Excursions

May ’17 • 8 Nights The River Cruise Line • MS Serenity

Included as standard: 99 Return travel from the UK 99 Return ferry crossing 99 Welcome drink, Captain’s get-together & party night 99 En-suite cabin accommodation aboard the ms Serenity 99 Full board during the cruise 99 Early risers and mid morning tea/coffee 99 Visits to Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach and Basel 99 Excursion to Lucerne 99 Overnight hotel accommodation with dinner and breakfast in France (coach only) 99 Services of our experienced and friendly Cruise Director and Cruise Manager

Koblenz

Day 1

Andernach – Koblenz (Air, Coach & Rail) We travel to the delightful walled town of Andernach and settle aboard our ship. We then set sail to Koblenz whilst enjoying our dinner and berth overnight in this quaint town.

Netherlands

Day 2 Koblenz – Rüdesheim This morning, we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge and stop at Rüdesheim, a pretty wine town on the banks of the river. Here you can join our optional excursion which features a panoramic ride to the heights of the gorge by cable car, whilst another optional excursion later on takes you to a traditional wine cellar to sample some of the region’s best wines, before exploring the captivating street called the Drosselgasse.

Belgium

Day 3 Rüdesheim – Speyer Sailing out of the narrow Rhine gorge into the Rhine’s broader waters, we head up river for an afternoon stop in the Celtic Roman city of Speyer. You are free to explore or why not join our optional coach excursion to visit the majestic city of Heidelberg, home of Germany’s oldest university. This evening our ship will sail overnight towards Strasbourg. Day 4 Strasbourg We arrive at the magnificent city of Strasbourg around midday, which is well known for its rich heritage and UNESCO listed centre. Our optional excursion lets you see the main sights by coach before taking you on a walking tour of the old city. Enjoy another fantastic excursion this evening for a small cost as we cruise along Strasbourg’s waterways, which is a great way to see the city. Our ship berths overnight in Strasbourg.

Mediterranean Sea

RIVER rhine Andernach Koblenz

Germany Rudesheim

Strasbourg Breisach

France

Basel

Adriatic Switzerland Sea Day 1

Italy

Ms Serentiy

THE RIVER RHINE

Rüdesheim

Day 1

Flows through: Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, Germany, France, Netherlands

550

1233

Locks in total

(up to) Width in

Length in km

metres

DID YOU KNOW? • Between Bingen and Koblenz, there are more castles than in any other river valley in the world. • Did You Know? Around 58 million people live within the communities that lie along the river • Did You Know? The name for the River Rhine comes from a Celtic word, which means “raging flow”

Breisach

EXCLUSIVE FREE Airport Lounge Pass

Travel options available: 99Coach via Dover, Hull & Newcastle 99Eurostar from London St Pancras 99Ferry crossing at Dover, Hull & Newcastle 99Overnight hotel in Dover or Ashford 99By Air London Gatwick 99Join at the Ship

Rüdesheim

FREE EXCURSIONS PACKAGE* worth £322 per couple plus FREE DRINKS PACKAGE* worth £198 per couple or NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT* Pries from (£pp) Based on 13 May ‘17

River View

French Balcony

Coach

899

1099

Rail

999

1199

Air

999

1199

Restaurant

*No single supplement not combinable with free drinks & excursions

5  LUXU RY R I V E R C RU I S I N G Who Are Avalon Waterways?

NEVER DONE A RIVER CRUISE?

The only cruise line to have their beds facing the windows. Each vessel in the Avalon fleet is designed by experts in luxury and comfort, they are made to charm all five senses. Dining on board Avalon Waterways reaches the same high standards as the rest of the service.

Panorama Lounge

Avalon are ideal for... Upmarket Cruising with Traditional Elements

Suite

ELEGANT & CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

SPACIOUS ACCOMMODATION

SATISFACTION RATE

All the ships are designed with meticulous care, from hand-crafted wood and leadingedge technological soundproofing, to open floorplans, comfortable seating & panoramic views- Avalon dedicate themselves to the details to give you the best river cruise experience possible.

The beautifully appointed staterooms & suites offer exquisite comfort with plush hotelstyle beds & superb private amenities. Most staterooms feature wall to wall panoramic windows that open for a full balcony experience. The exclusive Panorama Suites even offer a full size eating area & are 30% larger than the industry standard.

Throughout your cruise the friendly crew will pamper you with impeccable service whilst the Guest Services are at your disposal to help make your time with Avalon exceptional. The commitment to your onboard experience as well as the high quality of the ships & the choices offered has earned Avalon 98% satisfaction rating.

Your Ship

AVA LON

A F F IN IT Y

Royal Suite

99 6-person sitting area 99 Double sinks 99 Egyptian super-combed cotton linens 99 Marble countertops in bathroom 99 Coffee table

A modern and well-equipped river cruise ship, Avalon Affinity embodies a feeling of space and light and provides a level of comfort unsurpassed by other river cruise holidays. On board, there are 65 generously sized staterooms and 4 Junior Suites, each equipped to hotel room standards. All suites and most staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass windows with a French Balcony, so you can marvel at the beautiful passing scenery from the comfort of your stateroom. On the Sky Deck, as well as plenty of space to stroll, take photographs or simply sit and watch the world go by, there is also a whirlpool bath so you can take a soothing dip, relax and admire the views as you cruise. Guests have the use of a lift to access the staterooms.

French Balcony

Bathrobes & slippers, Complimentary bottled water, Direct-dial telephone, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channel, Hairdryer, In-room safe, L’Occitane bath products, Spacious 3-door closets

99 Make-up mirror 99 Memory foam mattress toppers 99 Sofa 99 Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony®

River View

Complimentary Wi-Fi, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Elegant, contemporary design, Extra blankets Full shower with glass door, Memory foam mattress toppers, Soft & firm pillows, Two windows, Well-stocked minibar

5* FRENCH RIVIERA & Cote D’Azur Avalon Affinity • Avalon Waterways • Apr to Oct 2017 • 10 Nights EXCLUSIVE FREE Airport Lounge Pass

French Balcony

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Côte d’Azur Travel to Nice where you will be met and transferred to the Côte d’Azur for one night at the Fairmont Monte Carlo (or similar). Côte d’Azur - Arles This morning, enjoy free time or join an optional excursion before driving to Arles in the Provence region to board your ship. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception Later, cruise toward the mouth of the Rhône (B, D) Arles Included today: Arles guided sightseeing’. Your guided tour takes in the church of St Trophime and visits the Roman Amphitheatre. Still used today, the amphitheatre dates to the 1st century, and was constructed to hold over 20,000 spectators. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the beauty of Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. (B, L, D) Camargue Region - Avignon Included today: Avignon guided sightseeing. The fortified city of Avignon is the capital of the Vaucluse region and one of the most picturesque regions of Provence. Dominated by the grandiose Palace of the Popes, the city is often referred to as the ‘City of Popes’ and was the centre of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. During the guided tour, you can choose to join an included visit to Palace of the Popes or you may opt for further city sightseeing. (B, L, D) Cruising - Viviers Included today: Viviers guided walk, visit the Old Town and the cathedral. After lunch, join your Local Guide for a walk in the charming town of Viviers, which was developed around its Romanesque cathedral. The old town has an appealing mix of Christian, Roman and medieval influences. (B, L, D) Tournon & Tain l’Hermitage - Vienne. Included today: Guided walks in Tournon and Vienne. The twin cities of Tournon and Tain l’Hermitage lie nestled among vineyards between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage. Tournon, with its imposing 16th century castle and Roman ruins, is one of France’s oldest medieval cities. Enjoy a walking tour before cruising to Vienne. Explore the town centre on a guided walk to see the Roman Theatre and the Augustus and Livia Temple. (B, L, D)

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Lyon Included today: Guided sightseeing. Lyon is France’s third-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Today Lyon offers up a wealth of Roman ruins, excellent museums and Renaissance architecture. With a Local Guide, survey the city from Fourvière Hill & explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a popular area with a famous fountain. (B, L, D)

W HAT ’S IN C LU D E D : 99 Return Flights & Transfers 99 1 Night Pre-Cruise Stay at Fairmont, Monte Carlo 99 2 Night Post-Cruise Stay at Pullman Montparnasse, Paris

Cruising - Chalon-sur-Saône Included today: Cheese tasting. A leisurely day today or if you prefer, there’s a choice of optional excursions available including a visit to a wine cellar. Whilst sailing to Chalon-sur-Saône, enjoy an on board cheese tasting. (B, L, D)

99 All Tips & Taxes 99 Chauffeur Driven Transfers from Your Home to the Airport* 99 All Meals & Drinks with Lunch and Dinner

Chalon-sur-Saône - Beaune - Dijon - Paris. Included today: Visit the Hôtel Dieu, Beaune. After breakfast, disembark your cruise ship and drive to Beaune, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Or area and Burgundy’s wine capital. Enjoy an included excursion to Hôtel Dieu charity hospital, the area’s most famous historical site which now houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgement. After lunch, continue to Dijon and board the TGV to Paris and the Pullman Paris Montparnasse (or similar) for two nights. (B)

99 10 Guided Tours & Experiences

TOU R HIGHLIG H TS : 99 Avignon Guided Sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes

Paris Included today: Guided sightseeing or ‘Heart of Paris’ walk. During your included city sightseeing tour of Paris, see the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, a structural masterpiece of its age. Alternatively you may wish to join a guided walk through historic Ile St Louis and Ile de la Cité. The city is well known for its colourful nightlife.(B)

99 Cheese Tasting

Paris Transfer to the airport or station for your journey to the UK. (B)

99 Guided Sightseeing in Paris or ‘Heart of Paris’ Walk

99 Guided Walks in Tournon and Vienne 99 Viviers Guided Walk, Visit the Old Town and the Cathedral 99 Visit Hotel Dieu or Sample Burgundy Wines

Dates • Prices from (£pp)

Cabins

7 Apr ‘17

1 May ‘17

28 Jul ‘17

7 Aug ‘17

4 Sep ‘17

16 Oct ‘17

River View

1349

1499

1849

1899

1999

1799

French Balcony

1649

1699

2299

2199

2299

2099

Suite

4249

4349

4299

4499

4199

PARIS, NORMANDY

6 or 20 Apr ‘17 • 7 Nights Amadeus • Amadeus Diamond

and the River Seine

Included as standard: 99 Return Flights & Transfers from London Regional Flights Available at a Supplement 99 Complimentary Wi-Fi Onboard 99 Bottled Water in Your Stateroom, Replenished Daily 99 24-hour coffee station with coffee, tea and hot chocolate 99 Free Drinks with Lunch & Dinner 99 All port taxes and charges 99 www.CRUISE.co.uk EXCLUSIVE FREE Walking Tour of Rouen 99 Daily Excursions Available - Call for Details* Paris

Day 1

Paris, France This afternoon, embark the vessel and get settled into your cabin. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner.

Day 2

Conflans Sainte Honorine, France Visit the little town of Auvers-sur-Oise, an inspiration to many of the famous Impressionist masters, including Cezanne, Pissarro and Daubigny. The most famous of these artists is Vincent van Gogh, whose final resting place is located here. Visit Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh lived in a very simple and small room only lit by light from the sky.

Day 3

Day 4

EXCLUSIVE FREE Airport Lounge Pass

Belgium

Le Havre Caudebec

Les Andelys

Rouen, France This morning we reach Rouen, often called the “Ville musée” (Museum Town). If you enjoy museums, visit one of the many art, history, and antiquities museums scattered through the city. Visit the cathedral that inspired Claude Monet and the modern Church of Joan of Arc with its magnificent 16th-century stainedglass windows. See the “Gros Horloge” - the astronomical clock - and the Parliament of Normandy. Also in Rouen is the “Place du Vieux Marché”, the site where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake.

Vernon Conflans

Paris

France

Le Havre, France Explore the Normandy coastline with a walk along Ètretat’s cliff-top paths for a view of steep chalk rocks with impressive needle-like formations, which have inspired many well-known artists. Nearby, is the city of Honfleur, where the Seine meets the Atlantic. This harbour town is regarded as a jewel on the Côte Fleurie and is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.

RIVER seineAdriatic

Mediterranean Sea

Amadeus Diamond

Switzerlan Sea

Day 1

Paris, France This afternoon, embark the vessel and get settled into your cabin. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail, followed by a specially-prepared Welcome Dinner.

Day 2

Day 3

Rouen, France If you enjoy museums, visit one of the many art, history, and antiquities museums scattered through the city. Visit the cathedral that inspired Claude Monet and the modern Church of Joan of Arc with its magnificent 16th-century stained-glass windows. See the “Gros Horloge” - the astronomical clock - and the Parliament of Normandy.

S TAT E R O O M AMENITIES

THE RIVER SEINE

All Amadeus cabins are equipped with ensuite bathroom, infotainment system with flat screen TV, telephone, safe, spacious wardrobe and hairdryer. Our Amadeus suites are additionally equipped with a minibar and a comfortable seating area and some of them also have bathtubs.

Flows through: France

777

Locks in total

Width in metres

Length in km

(varies from) River View

DID YOU KNOW? • At its mouth, it is more than 16 kilometres (10 miles) wide. • There are 37 bridges within Paris and dozens more spanning the river outside the city Suite

• After the burning at the stake of Joan of Arc in 1431, her ashes were thrown into the Seine from the medieval stone Mathilde Bridge at Rouen

Amadeus Diamond Ship Features 99Panorama Lounge / Bar

99Gift Shop

99Library

99Small Pool

99Hairdressing

99Restaurant

99Fitness Room and Walking Track

99Sun Deck

WWW.CRUISE .CO.UK

EXCLUSIVE!

Pries from (£pp) Based on 20 Apr ‘17 Notre Dame,

Day 4

River View

1199

French Balcony

1599

Suite

1899

The River Cruising Experts H AV E

Jill

B E E N

Lesley

O N B O A R D

Hannah

Brad

DON'T BOOK ANOTHER OCEAN CRUISE...

I’VE EXPERIENCED 5* RIVER CRUISING FIRST HAND

By Freddie Moser

By Collette Apak

Do Not Book Another Ocean Cruise Before Reading This…

“The cabin I stayed in was on deck 2 (there are 3 cabin decks in total) and had a French balcony. It was beautifully decorated with dark wood, shiny fixtures & fittings and a plush carpet. There was plenty of space and everything you needed was supplied. As Riviera cater mainly for the British market there were tea & coffee making facilities, a good hairdryer (which all ladies will know can be a nightmare if you get one of those that does nothing more than give a weak breeze). There was plenty of wardrobe space with plenty of wooden coat-hangers…”

“This cruise was not what I am used to, for it was a River Cruise, down the Danube! Up until now, Ocean Cruising has been my life and passion, but I have to say, River Cruising has quickly caught up, after just one spin of the wheel! So why was it so good? And why did I like it so much? To be honest Emerald Sun sets the bar exceptionally high with their staff, some of the most exemplary crew I have ever had...”

ZARA’S FIRST TIME RIVER CRUISE EXPERIENCE...

WOW! I’M NOW A LOVER OF RIVER CRUISING

By Zara Kelly

By Florence Sanger

“What impressed me most though was the pace on board, with ocean cruising I sometimes find port days a rush and this is not the case with river cruising. It is about relaxing, taking in the scenery, and exploring the destination with your preferred option. On board has a home away from home feel, with the added bonus of mouth-watering food and fine wines.

“We all know, whatever we do in life, whether this be a job interview, your first meeting with a boss, your first stay in a hotel…. first impressions are so important. So … My main aim for this weekend was to find out what really differentiates one river cruise ship to another. So I thought I would share with you my findings! Riviera Travel are a firm favourite for the British market, with tea & coffee in their cabins, which is a great USP. Amadeus are family owned and there is a very contemporary feel to their fleet. …”

I also want to mention that I feel this product would suit couples, singles and groups of friends alike, but don’t expect rock climbing walls and ice rings here!...”

Want to Know More? Speak to Our River Cruise Experts on 0330 303 8324

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen THE RIVER SHIPS

Amadeus Gym

Cruise.co.uk at th e River Convention

Amadeus Stateroom

Our Wayne at the buffet

ny Riviera French Balco

Viking Longship

Our Consultants in Amsterdam

g Fun & games on Vikin Sun Deck

Avalon Restaurant

Want to Know More? Speak to Our River Cruise Experts on 0330 303 8324

river douro

Porto

river danube

Budapest

Flows Through: Portugal & Spain Source: Picos de Urbión, Spain Mouth: Atlantic Ocean

Length: 897 km Width: 11.4m (37ft) Locks: 5

Flows Through: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova Source: Donaueschingen, in the Black Forest

the river’s flow

Locks: 16

DID YOU KNOW? • The River Danube is Europe’s second-longest river, after the Volga. • The Danube is a hotspot for flora and fauna, boasting almost 200 species of fish in its waters.

river rhine

Cologne

Width: 1500m (1.5km)

Mouth: Danube Delta of Romania, at the Black Sea

DID YOU KNOW? • The Douro has been harnessed for hydroelectric power since the 1930s. • Eight dams constructed over the last 25 years have significantly slowly

Length: 2,860 km

river rhone

Lyon

Flows Through: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands before flowing into the North Sea Source: Vorderrhein, Hinterrhein Mouth: North Sea

Flows Through: Switzerland and France

Length: 1,230 km

Source: Rhone Glacier

Length: 812 km

Width: 300 km

Mouth: Mediterranean Sea

Width: 400m

Locks: 14

DID YOU KNOW?

Locks: 12

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Rhine is spelt differently in different languages. German: Rhein;

• The Rhone river has the largest water flow of ALL the French Rivers,

• Julius Caesar built the first bridge to cross the Rhine River, during the

• It is the only River that has a direct flow through to the Mediterranean

French: Rhin; Dutch: Rijn Gallic War in 55 B.C

Call a River Cruise Specialist on 0330 303 8324

and is the fastest, most powerful river in France. Sea

7 8 0 2 4

Job No: 1635

*Free airport lounge pass is subject to availability and change and may be withdrawn at any time. All flights are based on London airports, however regional flights may be available at a per person supplement – please enquire at time of booking. All prices are correct at time of publication, based on the cheapest available date on the lowest grade of cabin within the applicable category, are capacity controlled and subject to availability & change. *Included drinks on all deals are only with lunch & dinner. ^No single supplement with The River Cruise Line is not combinable with the free drinks & excursion package. Please note cruise lines terms and conditions also apply which can be found on their websites. We reserve the right to withdraw any offers at any time without prior notice. www.cruise.co.uk is fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL number 3385 to protect your holiday payments. Deposit paid is non-refundable. Holiday insurance is required. All offers are valid until 28 Feb ’17 or until sold out. Calls and phone numbers are recorded for marketing, training and quality purposes. E&OE.