The Complete River Cruise Brochure

The

River Cruise

Brochure

Sail straight into the heart of each destination

A very warm welcome to our first

Complete River Cruise Brochure While Ocean cruising may be the better known part of the cruise industry, River Cruises are now proving to be the fastest growing sector of the travel business as river cruise lines compete for their share of this attractive holiday option by adding more and more superb 4 and 5 Star vessels. We have therefore decided to have our own dedicated River Cruise Brochure for 2012 to highlight why we feel a River holiday offers you great value for money and is the perfect way to see parts of the world, in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, that Ocean ships cannot take you to !

Andrew Gardner

Did you know...

River Cruise ships often double or even triple dock, so you have to walk through neighbouring ships to get to land - a great way to start to imagine your next river cruise holiday!

Did you know...

You won’t get sea sick as there is no wave motion on a river.

Undoubtedly discerning clients who like to travel are choosing their river cruises based very much on itinerary and destination rather than the on board amenities or entertainment of an Ocean ship. This makes sense as all the major cities of the world are built on a major river, (or on the coast) for obvious supply reasons. With today’s attraction of short city break holidays, what could be an easier way to see several beautiful cities in one holiday than by just packing and unpacking once on a river cruise which pulls up right in the middle of the city and allows the 100 to 200 guests easy and quick access to all the local sights and famous landmarks? With most companies being nearly all inclusive you do not even need to buy any tours or transfers !!

The most popular choice of Rivers are the Nile, the Rhine and the Danube and as I have taken a cruise on all three I can fully understand why ! The Nile is perhaps more like travelling back in time as you see the ancient wonders of the world while the European cruises are a perfect way to see cities such as Vienna, Budapest and Cologne and the stunning scenery of Castles and vineyards. The majority of cruises include a flight and are 7 nights duration but you can also take 11, 14 or even 28 night cruises. There are however no fly options for some of the European cruises with excellent rail connections from London for those that do not want to fly! Oh and by the way River cruises do not have the worries of Sea Sickness!!

More and more Rivers and River holidays are being added to our website www.cruise.co.uk every day and we feature some excellent cruise options and offers to tempt you for 2012. I hope you will consider taking a river cruise and whatever destination you may be considering please check online or call one of our river cruise experts for more information and advice.

Best Regards,

rdner

Andrew Ga

The Russian Rivers The Mekong River

The Yangtze River Yangtze River

The River Nile

Did you know...

There are no inside cabins on a river ship so you will always have a view of the river and the beautiful scenery passing by.

“ Unsure about

River Cruising?

Allow me to convert you..... ” Having done my fair share of ocean cruises, I had my first experience of River Cruising last October and over the three days I spent on the Avalon Tapestry I was completely sold on the whole experience and would thoroughly recommend river cruising to anyone.

Before I travelled I had the idea that river cruise ships were small and cramped and they would be overflowing with elderly passengers – how wrong I was! Although the ships hold only 100 or so passengers the cabins and public areas feel very much as they do on an ocean going ship, and the food selection was as good if not better than I have had on the big ships (always important to me!).

The ships are small enough to feel friendly and personal but they offer a just as good if not better cruise experience as the big ships.

Where to start with River Cruising Although many of the river cruise boats are very nice indeed, river cruising is very much about the destination rather than the ship. Which river/ area do you wish to see and experience? A good place to start would be the Danube or the Rhine, as the scenery and ports of call are beautiful, and the cruise would be seven days at most, enough for a ‘taster’.

When you have done this and realised how wonderful river cruising is you can then plan more adventurous destinations further afield – Russia, or Cambodia and China for example.

Cabins and Decks

Cabins on river cruise ships are almost identical to those on large cruise ships with all the same facilities although there are no inside cabins. There are generally three decks with cabins on the lower deck having a window or porthole and those on the upper two decks having French Balconies. Some of the ships also have a couple of suites on offer which will be slightly larger. As any experienced cruiser will know, you don’t spend much time in your cabin so the choice comes down to personal preference really.

Dining

Because of limited space all meal sittings are at a set time. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style and the choice is astonishing when you consider the very small kitchen on these ships. Evening meal will be waiter service and there will be choices. The bad news about dining on river cruises is that you are not likely to put on any less weight than you would on a large ship as the food is fabulous!

Each day a couple of the dishes will be ‘traditional’ to your present location. On the ship I was on, tea, coffee, hot chocolate etc were available free of charge 24/7, as they are on several other river cruise lines

Which ship? What budget?

It is a myth that river cruising has to be expensive, infact with all the ‘included extras’ I believe it to be the most economical way of cruising. Some of the more luxurious ships are for those with a higher budget but there are river cruise lines to suit every pocket, from the cheap and cheerful to the ultra-luxury.

When booking you will find that the main diference between ocean cruising and river cruising is the ‘extras’ included – gratuities are not expected but you can pay them if you wish. All shore excursions are included although there are some optional ones that are chargeable should you wish to do them. I personally found the included tours were more than enough to do in a day. Many of the river cruise lines also include drinks with lunch and dinner, and they are generous with them too. All this should be taken into account as you will NOT end up with a large on board bill!

Entertainment

No big Broadway productions I’m afraid but I did not have an issue with this. We had a keyboard player on our cruise and one night a local Austrian came on board and wowed us with his electric violin. Having such busy days I found that it was pleasant to sit and chat with like-minded passengers before having an early night.

Clothes

Casual as you like for river cruising. As long as you are comfortable that is all that matters. Don’t forget your comfy footwear for all those excursions! The only night that people made more of an effort was the last night which was Captains Gala Dinner but at most that was Smart Casual for those that wanted. No need at all to pack those tux’s and formal gowns!

Ha Ou To nn r p ah Ti ’s ps

Shore Excursions

Every day we did a coach tour, at the end of which you had the option to remain on the coach and go straight back to the ship or you could opt to join the walking tour which would also end up back at the ship in time for lunch. The tour guides were very knowledgeable about the local areas and their English was immaculate. I really felt that we got the best out of each port of call. If we were not sailing during the afternoon we were free to do our own thing – either on or off the ship. There were ‘optional tours’ of an afternoon which were chargeable but I never felt the need to participate as we had usually had a full morning so an afternoon nap was the order of the day.

One of the main things that I really liked about river cruising was the fact that you always have scenery wherever you are, not just sea, sea and more sea. You can just sit on deck or in the lounge, or even on your bed with the balcony door open and soak up the wonderful scenery. Even when you are docked up you will be in the middle of a village or a city, not in docklands.

If you have never tried river cruising I would urge you to give it a go – I think you would be pleasantly surprised – I was!

I’ve Been On...

AVALON TAPESTRY

“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!...”

Read more from Cruise.co.uk staff at:

www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-blogs

HANNAH WILSON

hannahw@cruise.co.uk

Freephone: 0800 408 6084

All fares are per person in £Sterling, based on 2 adults sharing the lowest grade of cabin within applicable category. Please note prices are correct at the time of going to print and are subject to change and availability. Every effort has been made to ensure that the fares quoted are correct, however customers are advised to confirm by calling www.cruise.co.uk. Flights are based on London airports, but regional departures may be available and might incur a supplement. Deposits paid are non refundable. Holiday insurance is required. Please see www.cruise.co.uk for full terms and conditions. Cruise Line terms and conditions also apply. www.cruise.co.uk reserve the right to withdraw the offers without prior notice. E&OE.

Discover

The River Danube Flowing through an ever-changing landscape of pristine valleys, its glorious banks form a patchwork of picture book castles, medieval monasteries and luscious vineyards.

The Danube River snakes through 10 countries, including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The Danube also boasts a unique mix of urban and rural sites, from Austria’s picturesque Wachau Valley to the magnificent cities of Budapest and Vienna.

Regensburg One of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the old town hall and Porta Pretoria – gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria’s cultural centres.

» Regensburg

Nuremberg

»

GERMANY

Nuremburg Although Nuremburg suffered extensive damage during World War II, much of it has been restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metalworking.

Passau

» Melk

»

AUSTRIA FRANCE

SWITZERLAND

SLOVENIA

Melk Passau Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. Its cathedral, St Stephen’s, houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.

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.

ITALY

Bratislava Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace, as well as the gothic cathedral of St Martin, should not be missed.

Budapest

Dürstein 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.

CZECH REPUBLIC

UKRAINE

Dürnstein

SLOVAKIA

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.

ROMANIA

»

» »

Bratislava

HUNGARY

»

Vienna

Budapest

Belgrade

CROATIA

BOSNIA

Vienna is known as the ‘City of Music’, which inspired the creative genius of classical composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and aweinspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights.

Take your time to savour each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a local café.

»

Vienna

The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. The main sights include the city’s principal landmark, Kalemegdan Fortress, St Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Church, and the tomb and monument of Marshal Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia. The city centre has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés.

Belgrade

SERBIA

Highlights • • • • • •

Melk Vienna Budapest Prague Wachau Valley Iron Gates Gorge

Imagine staying in a luxury hotel, enjoying excellent wines and magnificent food with pleasant company and beautiful surroundings. Then imagine waking up in a different city every morning – that’s the beauty of a river cruise. APT have partnered with AmaWaterways to offer truly luxurious river cruises with just that little bit more to make your river cruise extra special. Cruising on board AmaWaterways’ award winning ships, you will experience the world like never before.

In association with

I’ve Just Been On...

AmaDante

"Wow! I was very surprised at the setup of the cabins on board what I thought would have really small cabins. On par if not better than an ocean liner cabin. Plenty of wardrobe space and under bed storage and fully equipped with a 27Ð LCD TV with access to the latest movies such as the new Harry Potter and also some golden oldies. The bathroom is much better than that of a Ocean liner.

Very spacious with a walk in jet shower that comes at you from all directions with a separate shower head also for those hard to reach spots!

All flights & Transfers

FAZ SIDAT 0800 408 6112

Read more from Cruise.co.uk staff at: www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-blogs

email me: fazs@cruise.co.uk

Hotel stays in Siem Reap & Ho Chi Minh City

Private door to door transfers#

Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights MS AmaLotus

•

13 nights

•

†

From the 22nd Jun ’12 - 12th Apr ‘13

Day 1 - Fly from London to Ho Chi Minh City Day 2 - Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City for a two night stay Day 3 - Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh This morning visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Afterwards drive through the Vietnamese countryside to the town of Tay Ninh.

Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City Morning at leisure. This afternoon, you have a choice of activities – Choose from a walking tour of the city and a cycle ride, a visit to a ‘calligraphy house’ or a motorbike tour.

Afterwards embark your ship at My Tho Port for your 7 night cruise Cruising The Mekong in Vietnam Day 5 - Cai Be, Vinh Long Day 6 - Sa Dec, Tan Chau Cross the border into Cambodia Day 7 - Tan Chau Day 8 - Phnom Penh Day 9 – Chong Koh, Oudong, Kampong Tralach

Day 10 – Kampong Chhnang, Tonle Sap Day 11 - Disembark Cruise in Siem Reap and enjoy a short boat ride past the floating villages to the port.

Today visit Ta Prohm, a well-preserved temple famous for its intertwined trees.

Day 12 - Siem Reap, Angkor After free time this morning travel to Angkor Archaeological park. Visit the last capital of the Khmer empire, Angkor Thom, where you’ll see the 12th century temple, Bayon, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner accompanied by an Apsara dance performance.

Day 13 - Siem Reap This morning you have a choice of activities - choose from a visit to the Wat Preah Phrom Rath Temple and take part in a Buddist blessing, a tuktuk ride to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop or enjoy a tethered balloon ride to view the temples from above.

Afterwards be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Day 14 – Arrive in UK

INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS • In Siem Reap, visit Wat Preah Phrom Rath Temple, take a tuk-tuk ride or enjoy a tethered balloon ride • From Kampong Tralach take an ox-cart ride past rice fields and a small village.

• In Phnom Penh take part in a tour of Cambodia’s capital.

• In Ho Chi Minh City, take a walking tour and cycle ride, visit a calligraphy house to see the city from a motorbike

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

• Explore the temple of Angkor Wat • Dine out in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City • Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels Suite Types

from £pp ‡

Standard Suite

3345

Deluxe Twin Balcony Suite

3594

Sadec Balcony Suite

3969

† Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are not included on this itinerary ˆ Itinerary runs in reverse ‡ Prices are based on the following departures: 22 Jun; 6, 27 Jul, 10 Aug '12 # Only complimentary for APT past guests (members of the APT club)

Vietnam

6

Call our dedicated river team today on

Luxury accommodation aboard AmaLotus

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202

The APT Difference When sailing on board AmaWaterways with APT you will not only receive all the benefits of an AmaWaterways River Cruise, but also the following additional APT benefits.

*

All Inclusive Cruising - Everything from flights and transfers to tips and port charges are all included! Plus enjoy complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

*

Flexible Home Door to Door Transfers# – Start your holiday from the moment you step outside your front door. APT offer transfers from a wide range of UK airports and train stations

* *

Daily Shore Excursions – Explore all the must-see sights without having to worry about the cost as all shore excursions are included Exclusive APT Signature Experiences – Experience unique and exclusive activities designed specifically for APT passengers.

Amacello stateroom

Wonderful light public areas feature panoramic windows

MS AmaCello • 7 nights • 29 Mar, 17^ May, 12^, 19 Jul, 2, 16, 23^ Aug, 6^ Sep, 4^ Oct, 22* Nov ‘12

St. Petersburg (3 nights), Neva River, Lake Ladoga, Svirstroy, Svir River, Lake Onega, Kizhi island, VolgaBaltic Waterway, White Lake, Goritsy, Yaroslavl, Uglich, Moscow Canal, Moscow (2 nights)

Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Cochem, Rudesheim, Speyer, Breisach (Colmar or Black Forest tour), Basel

Window Stateroom

3195

Deluxe Balcony

4069

Bolshoi Suite

Fares from £pp Stateroom

4499

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS

In St. Petersburg, take a tour of Russia’s second largest city and go to a wonderful ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre In Yaroslavl, take a tour of one of Russia’s oldest cities In Uglich, enjoy a sightseeing tour visiting the Chambers of Prince Dmitry

Cruise.co.uk Fare

• • •

Twin Window

2145

Private Balcony Cello Deck Violin Deck

2499

2699

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS

In Amsterdam, take a canal cruise, or visit the Van Gogh museum From Cologne, visit historic Maastricht In Rudesheim, visit a unique museum, enjoy a gondola ride or sample local wines at a Rhine Valley winery

Provence Cruising

Magnificent Europe (Available in reverse)

MS AmaDagio • 7 nights • 5 Apr, 10^ May, 5^, 26 Jul, 9, 16^, 23, 30^ Aug, 27^ Sep, 29* Nov ‘12

MS AmaVerde & MS AmaBella • 14 nights • Various dates from Mar — Dec ‘12 (prices based on 9 & 23 Nov '12)

Fares from £pp Stateroom Cruise.co.uk Fare

•

Amacello restaurant

The Enchanting Rhine

Lyon, Trevoux, Beaujolais, Vienne, Tournon, Boucieu-le-Roi, Viviers, Grignan, Avignon, Les Baux, Arles, Marseilles

• •

Join your cruise by Eurostar if you prefer

MS AmaKatarina • 11 nights • 21 May, 1^ Jun, 4*, 26 Jul, 28^ Aug, 8, 30 Sep ‘12

Cruise.co.uk Fare

• •

• Flights or rail travel from the UK plus overseas transfers • Door to Door Transfers# • Gratuities and Port Charges • Room service and champagne on arrival for selected suite categories • On board Entertainment • Shore Excursions • APT Signature Experiences • An APT Tour Director on board every cruise • All meals with wine, beer and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner on board

Russian Waterways †

Fares from £pp Stateroom

•

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Twin Window

2345

Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Rudesheim, Freudenberg, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Rothenberg, Kitzingen, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Durnstein, Vienna, Budapest

Private Balcony Cello Deck Violin Deck

2699

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS

Fares from £pp Stateroom

2899

In Lyon, join a city tour or a French cooking demonstration Enjoy a choice of gourmet themed tours in Tournon, where you can sample wines or goats cheese In Avignon, visit the Papal Palace and enjoy a city tour, or see the impressive Pont du Gard aqueduct

Cruise.co.uk Fare

• • • •

Twin Window

3795

Twin Balcony Cello Deck Violin Deck

5039

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS

5169

In Amsterdam visit the Van Gogh Museum From Dusseldorf visit historic Maastricht In Rudesheim, visit a unique museum or visit a winery for a tasting of local wines In Wertheim, enjoy a guided bicycle tour or go for a paddle on the Tauber River & more...

ˇ Eurostar option is only available on selected cruises marked by the train symbol. * Denotes which sailing date the prices is based on.

See more of our River Cruises online at Cruise.co.uk

X X 7

Drinks Prices If you’re partial to a few drinks onboard, then you’ll know how much they differ in price from Cruise line to Cruise line. Some charge a surcharge on top too, which can bump the bill up.

Many River Cruise lines offer fine wines which are carefully paired up with your lunch and evening meals. Along with complimentary fine wines with lunch and dinner, cruise lines also often offer beer and soft drinks with meals.

Bottle of beer

Bottle of water

Soft drinks

Latte

Glass of Wine

Spirit & Mixer

APT/ AmaWaterways

3.30€

3.80€

1.90€

Free

5.10€

5.70€

All House Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks are complimentary with lunch and dinner*

Avalon Waterways

3.30€

4.00€

3.30€

Free

3.80€

6.60€

All House Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks are complimentary with dinner. With Lunch soft drinks are also included. Non Alcoholic and Alcoholic drink packages are available from £10.80pn per person.

Hebridean Island Cruises

All drinks are complimentary

Drinks Packages/Drinks Included

N/A

Shearings

3.50€

3.00€

2.00€

2.20€

3.00€

From 4.50€

Pre-Bookable drink packages are available onboard from £59pp

Swan Hellenic

from £2.50

£1.50

from £1.00

£2.50

from £3.50

From £4.50

N/A

Uniworld

3.50€

£1.50

2.50€

Free

5.00€

6.50€

All House Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks are complimentary with lunch and dinner

MINBAR

Vol. %

Price €

Products drinks Non-alcoholic 1 Coke 1 Diet Coke s Tonic Water 1 Schweppe ice Ju e 1 Orang e ic Ju le pp A 1 ks Alcoholic drin er Be 1 ht dry 1 Bacardi lig es in nt lla Ba 1 1 Gin 1 Underberg e 1 White Win e in 1 Red W Snacks riginal 1 Pringles O ilk Chocolate M t or Sp r tle Ri 1

2.60 2.60 2.40 2.60 2.60

33 cl 33cl 20cl 20cl 20cl 33 cl 5 cl 5 cl 5 cl 5 cl 25 cl 25 cl

Uniworld Drinks 40% 43% 37.5% 44%

50 gr.

100 gr.

2.90 4.20 4.20 4.40 2.90 3.20 3.20 2.60 2.70

Avalon Drinks

The above information is to be used as a guide only. Please check with individual cruiselines or your cruise consultant before booking a cruise. Each cruiseline reserves the right to change their policy at any time without notice for which cruise.co.uk cannot be held responsible. * All Complimentary house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch are available on selected cruises only.

8

Call our dedicated river team today on

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202

& Menus

Choice & Quality was on the menu Food is delicious with generally 3 choices of Appetiser, 2 soup choices, 3 Entrée selections and 3 choices of Dessert, as well as a good cheese board. Some of the menu choices were local dishes. The wine was included and free-flowing with a choice of red or white local wines of good quality. Beer and soft drinks were also available at no extra charge during dinner.

Excerpt from a review submitted at www.cruise.co.uk by Hampshire Thorn, Fareham on 23rd December 2011

Avalon Dinner Menus

APT/AmaWaterways Dinner Menu

Uniworld Dinner Menus

Most Cruise lines serve a mixture of international dishes and local cuisine from the region you are cruising through, which are prepared using fresh local produce that’s sourced daily. Many Cruise lines offer a buffet breakfast with a large selection of continental and cooked items. Lunch ranges across the lines, some offer a full service (3 or 4 course) lunch whilst others offers a buffet lunch with a variety of gourmet delights. Evening dinner is usually full service, however some cruise lines offer both full service and buffet. Many Cruise lines will also hold special Captain’s receptions, gala dinners and welcome/farewell dinners. These evenings tend to be slightly more formal, where you can meet your fellow passengers for the first time or wish new friends a safe journey home.

Have you, been on a River Cruise? Write your review online

9

Avalon Waterways is recognised as one of the leading names in luxury river cruising. Boasting the youngest fleet of ships on Europe’s rivers, as well as the largest staterooms, there is no more of a relaxing way to see so many different palaces, and immerse yourself in the culture of the world’s most inspiring ports of call.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• • • •

Private door to door transfer service Flights and Transfers Gratuities, Port Charges and Taxes Full board with complimentary wine, beers or soft drinks with dinner † • Complimentary soft drinks with lunch †

• Speciality coffees & teas throughout the day • Onboard lectures, activitives & evening entertainment • Shore Excursions • Complimentary WiFi

Magical China and the Yangtze River † Victoria Anna

•

11 nights

•

18 Apr, 2, 16, 30 May, 13 Jun, 29 Aug, 5, 12, 19, 26 Sep, 3, 10 Oct ‘12

Day 6 - Xian – Enjoy a visit to the tomb of China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huangdi and the legendary Terractotta Warriors. Learn how Chinese noodles are made, visit a lacquer workshop followed by the Big Wild Goose (Dayan) Pagoda. (BLD) Day 7 - Xian & Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise This morning, visit the Xian City Wall South Gate.

Next, fly to Chongqing and visit a local zoo to see pandas before boarding the Victoria Anna for your Yangtze Cruise. (BLD) Day 8 - Cruising the Yangtze - Wanxian, Shibaozhai or Fengdu. (BLD) Day 1 - Fly from London to Beijing Day 9 – Cruising the Yangtze - Shennong Stream Day 2 - Arrive in Beijing for a 3 night stay or Daning River. (BLD) Day 3 - Beijing – A full day Sightseeing including Day 10 – Cruising the Yangtze - Three Gorges the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace and Summer Dam Site, Yichang & Shanghai. (BL) Palace plus lunch and a Peking Duck dinner in Day 11 – Shanghai Your sightseeing starts at local restaurants. (BLD) the Yu Yuan Gardens. Then, stroll along the Day 4 - Beijing – See the Great Wall of China Bund, the city’s riverfront lined with historical and the Ming Tombs today plus visit a Cloisonné buildings. Visit a silk factory and after lunch in Workshop. Tonight, experience local culture at the a local restaurant, visit the shanghai museum Peking Opera. (BLD) and the Children’s Palace. This evening enjoy a Day 5 - Beijing & Xian – This morning, enjoy a special farewell dinner followed by a spectacular rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s Hutongs. acrobatics show. (BLD) Later, fly to Xian for a 2 night stay. This evening, Day 12 – Fly from Shanghai to London (B) enjoy the ‘Tang Dynasty’ dinner show. (BD)

in Hotel stays n& Beijing, Xia Shanghai

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS • Beijing - Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Peking Opera performance and Hutongs tour by Rickshaw Great wall of China and Ming Tombs • Xian - Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose (Dayan) Pagoda and Tang Dynasty dinner show • Chongqing - Visit a local zoo to see pandas • Yangtze River Cruise - Visit Shibaozhai pagoda, a Wanxian acrobatics show or visit Fengdu Ghost City, Three Gorges Dam, Either Shennong Stream or Daning river, Yangtze’s lesser gorges • Shanghai - The Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens, The Children’s Palace, Shanghai Museum and an acrobatics show.

Fares from £pp

Suite Types

Avalon Fare

Cruise.co.uk Fare

Executive Suite

2999

2849

Deluxe Suite

3679

3519

Shangri-La Suite

4119

3959

Add 3 nights g in Hong konpp from £500 †Includes complimentary wine with dinner only on this itinerary. ˆItinerary runs in reverse. * Denotes which sailing date the price is based on. B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Breakfast

10

Call our dedicated river team today on

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202

SAVE PC £300 sailings on selected

E EXCLUSIV k to Cruise.co.u

Europe’s Youngest Fleet

Hannah has been on Avalon Tapestry

Avalon Waterways pride themselves on having the youngest fleet on Europe’s rivers, averaging just 2 years in age, compared to the industry average of seven. This means they are able to offer their guests the very latest ship design and have been to create a completely new class of ship; the “Suite Ships”

See page 3 for her thoughts and top tips

Central European Experience

Avalon Luminary • 11 nights • 3^, 24 May, 12^ Jul, 2 Aug, 20^ Sep, 11* Oct ‘12

Prague (2 nights), Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Miltenberg, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, Trier, Remich, Paris (2 nights)

Introducing the Avalon Panorama, Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary

Fares from £pp

The first of its kind in the industry, “suite ship” Panorama launched in May 2011 and will be joined in 2012 by sister ships Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary.

These ships offer two full decks of Panorama Suites featuring wall-to-wall panoramic windows that open to create unique openair balconies.

•

Cruise.co.uk Fare

• • •

•

Outside Sold Out

Suite

2149

2649

1989

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS

Cruise.co.uk Fare

French Balcony

Suite

1899

2959

1739

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS

2799

• • • •

In Bucharest enjoy an overnight stay in a hotel & a guided sightseeing tour In Belgrade enjoy a guided sightseeing tour & visit Kalemegdan Fortress Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge In Budapest enjoy a 2 night stay in a hotel & a guided sightseeing tour

•

f

3179

2999

h

Paris, Moselle & the Rhine

Fares from £pp Stateroom

Outside

French Balcony

Suite

2149

2459

2869

Avalon Fare

•

1999

2299

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS

2699

• • •

In Paris, enjoy a guided sightseeing city tour and travel from Paris to Metz by highspeed TGV train In Bernkastel, take a guided walking tour, visiting a local marketplace In Cochem, visit Reichsburg Castle and in Rudesheim visit a unique museum In Cologne take a guided city tour and in Amsterdam embark on a canal cruise

•

d

Join your cruise by Eurostar if you prefer

SAVE PC £300 on selected

2599

•

Cruise.co.uk Fare

Bucharest (overnight), Oltenita, Silistra, Svistov, Cruising - Iron Gates, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Pecs, Kalocsa, Budapest (2 nights) Outside Sold Out

2299

Suite

•

2499

Avalon Imagery & Avalon Tranquility • 10 nights • 14* Apr, 4^, 25^ May, 2, 23 Jun, 13 Jul, 01, 21^, 28^ Sep, 06 Oct ‘12

Avalon Fare

2769

Paris (overnight), Remich, Trier, Bernkastel, Zell, Cochem, Rudesheim, Cologne, Amsterdam, (overnight)

Black Sea Discovery

Fares from £pp Stateroom

2459

Avalon Luminary • 9 nights • 28^ Apr, 31 May, 7^ Jul, 9 Aug, 15^ Sep, 18 Oct ‘12

In Prague, a guided city tour will take you to its best-known treasures including the St Vitus Cathedral.

From Melk, take a guided visit to the Benedictine Abbey In Budapest, a guided city tour will take you around one of Europe’s most liveliest city’s d

Avalon Fare

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS

Prague (3 nights), Nuremberg (overnight), Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Vienna (overnight), Budapest (overnight)

Avalon Fare

French Balcony

In Prague, a guided city tour will take you to its best-known treasures including the St Vitus Cathedral.

Visit Germany’s oldest Episcopal city, Trier, for a guided sightseeing tour and visit Porta Nigra In Paris, enjoy a guided sightseeing city tour

•

Various Avalon Ships • 10 nights • Runs weekly between 22 Apr — 1 Nov ‘12 (Prices based on 6 May’12 on Avalon Tapestry)

French Balcony

Outside

Cruise.co.uk Fare

The Legendary Danube

Fares from £pp Stateroom

Stateroom

Making space and comfort a priority Staterooms start from 172 sq ft – 15% larger than the industry standard Comfort Collection featuring premium mattress covers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens and European style duvets Choice of soft or firm pillow Nightly turn-down service Large floor-to-ceiling windows in most staterooms French balconies in most staterooms

sailings

E EXCLUSIV k to Cruise.co.u

Flat screen satellite TV with film channels Fully equipped private bathroom with full shower L’Occitane bath products Hairdryer Bathrobes and slippers Large three-door wardrobe with shelved storage space

Panorama Suite ˇ Eurostar option is only available on selected cruises marked by the train symbol. Eurostar option may incur supplements

Junior Suite - Avalon Creativity

Continental breakfast & drinks service available

Join over 38,000 forum members at Cruises.co.uk

11

»

Discover

The Rivers of France The most famous river in France, the Seine has a natural beauty that has inspired poets, musicians and artists for centuries. Meandering northwest from beautiful vine-clad Burgundy, through the spectacular city of Paris to the gentle, green countryside of Normandy and the English Channel at Le Havre. This idyllic river is a firm favourite river cruise for passengers who prefer not to fly, as you can travel between London and Paris on the Eurostar train in just over 2 hours.

The Rivers Rhône & Saône Rising from the glacial Swiss Alps, the Rhône flows through the spectacular French Countryside and empties into the Mediterranean sea. The Rhône is met by the Saône at Lyon, beginning in the Vosges mountains of eastern France, the Saône runs for 300 miles before joining the Rhône. The Rhône then winds through the heart of the Rhône Valley, which is perfect for wine lovers as the valley is surrounded by the lusciously rich vineyards of Burgundy and Beaujolais. If history is more your cup of tea then enjoy sailing into Tournon, Viviers and Arles to visit the Roman ruins.

Normandy’s Landing Beaches (Rouen) Normandy’s proximity to the sea has made it the site of many battles, including the famous D-Day Invasion by Allied forces during WWII. Visit the D-Day museum and understand the logistics of the Allied forces.

Drive to Bayeux where you can appreciate the medieval depiction of the Battle of Hastings on a tapestry from the 11th Century.

Visit Allied landing sites at Omaha Beach and the haunting reminder of the Allied forces’ hard fight for freedom – the American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer.

Arles Just below the Camargue Delta in the Bouches-du-Rhône region is Arles, the capital of Provence and once known as the ‘Little Rome of Gaul’. Renowned for Roman Ruins, see Roman relics such as the Baths of Constatine, the Romanesque Cathedral, church of Saint-Trophine and the Roman Amphitheatre. Vincent Van Gogh was inspired by the special light of Provence and spent a very productive year in Arles. The Foundation Vincent Van Gogh is a tribute to the artist. Stroll through the squares and cafes that inspired the painter.

River Seine

»

The River Seine

Rouen

Normandy’s Landing Beaches

BELGIUM

Giverny

» »

»

Paris

Giverny – Visit Monet’s house & gardens

Auvers-sur-Oise

Highlights • • • • • • • • •

Pairs Giverny Rouen Normandy Auvers-sur-Oise Lyon Avignon Arles Chalon-sur-Saône Paris The French capital is full of truly magnificent sights; it’s a wonder how they can fit so much into such a small city. Visit such famous sites as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to the Renaissance style architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colourful nightlife, including some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows – giving it the name ‘The City of Light’.

Chalon-sur-Saône

»

Lyon

FRANCE Lyon

» River Saône

is France’s second-largest city and its gastronomic capital. Founded by the Romans more than 2000 years ago, the city lies on a little peninsula and is where the Saône merges into the Rhône.

The city’s reputation for wonderful food is completely deserved and there are countless local specialities to try like would famous coq au vin. A visit to Lyon wouldn’t be complete without a trip up Fourviere Hill, from here gaze out over the city’s rooftops, past the two rivers to the vineyards beyond.

Avignon

River Rhône

»

Avignon

»

Arles

The beautiful university city of Avignon is totally encircled by medieval walls and known as the ‘City of Popes’. The landscape of the city is dominated by the magnificent Palais de Papes. Visit the remains of the famous Pont St Benezet, which extends across the river, and is the subject of a famous French nursery rhyme, Sur le Pont d’Avignon.

Experience the cities vibrant night life on warm summer nights with outdoor cafes and bars lining the streets with free entertainment provided by buskers and street artists, especially during the Theatre Festival in July.

PULL-O EXTRAS INCLUDED DRINKS INCLUDED

TIPS

WI-FI

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Ama Waterways

Yes with Lunch and Dinner on most sailings

Yes

Yes

Yes

Avalon

Yes with Lunch and Dinner on most sailings

Yes

Yes

Yes

Hebridean

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Shearings

Yes drinks are included on some sailings

Suggested daily amount is €7pp

No

No

Drinks are not included

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes with Lunch and Dinner on most sailings

Suggested daily amount is €13pp

Yes

Yes

Swan Hellenic

Uniworld

14

Call our dedicated river team today on

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202

OUT RIVER CRUISE GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT

TRANSPORT

SINGLE CABINS

HOME PICK UP

SMOKING

Local Entertainment is brought onboard along with onboard lectures, demonstrations and handson activities

You can join your ship by Air or Rail

Yes

Return home pick-ups up to 50 miles from point of departure are available to past APT guests

Smoking is permitted on Sun Deck and Front Deck only

Local Entertainment is brought onboard along with onboard lectures, demonstrations and handson activities

You can join your ship by Air or Rail

No

Return home pick-ups up to 75 miles from the airport are included

Smoking is permitted on open decks only

Light entertainment is available onboard with guest speakers and local entertainment

You can join your ship by Air or Rail

No

Not available

Smoking is permitted on open decks only

Local Entertainment is brought onboard along with onboard lectures, demonstrations and handson activities

You can join your ship by Air, Rail or Coach

Yes

Return home pick-ups are available at an additional cost – starting from £25pp return

Smoking is permitted on open decks only

Entertainment onboard is relaxed with no specific entertainment.

You can join your ship by Air or Rail

Yes

Not available

Smoking is permitted on open decks only

Local Entertainment is brought onboard along with onboard lectures, demonstrations and handson activities

Not included However, transfers between airport and ship are included on arival and departure days

No

Return home pick-ups up to 150 miles from the airport are included

Smoking is permitted on designated parts of Sun Deck only

Over 30,000 questions with real answers online

15

Luxury Without Compromise

Hebridean Island Cruises has been synonymous with luxury cruising since 1989, ever since the five star luxury cruise ship, Hebridean Princess set sail for the first time. Twenty-three years after Hebridean Princess reintroduced the “Golden Age of Cruising”, Hebridean is delighted to announce an exciting River Cruise programme on board MS Royal Crown, offering guests the same level of comfort and style as that of Hebridean Princess.

The MS Royal Crown has been selected for this brand new River Cruise Programme on account of her intimate size, her elegance and the on board ambience, indicative of a small private yacht.

Hebridean’s Royal Crown is “The First Lady” of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Carrying just 79 guests with a dedicated crew of 42, you will experience an unparalleled level of service and cuisine. A Hebridean River Cruise on board Royal Crown will offer you value and luxury, without compromise. Included in your fare, you can enjoy Return travel by air or rail and overseas transfers All drinks, including alcoholic beverages and speciality teas and coffees A programme of tours ashore including entrance fees All gratuities on board and ashore Guest Speaker Programme Luxury accommodation with en-suite facilities Luxury shower and bath products, hair dryer and slippers and bathrobes

Join your cruise by uro r f you prefer

HURRY Selling fast!

Cities of the Rhine

Royal Crown • 7 nights • 16 Jun ‘12

Royal Crown • 7 nights • 9 Jun ‘12

Cologne, Mainz, Mannheim, Rastatt, Strasbourg (overnight), Speyer, Cologne (overnight)

Cologne (overnight), Konigswinter, Rudesheim, Cochem, Koblenz, Bonn (overnight), Dusseldorf (overnight), Cologne

Fares from £pp Suite

Fares from £pp Suite

Cruise.co.uk Fare

Deluxe

2695

Premium

Royal Suite Deluxe Single

3375

4049

4725

Cruise.co.uk Fare

Premium

3375

Royal Suite Deluxe Single

4049

4725

Professor Ian Beckett

Professor of history at the University of Exeter, Jeremy has lectured extensively throughout the world. A past Council member of the Royal Historical Society, he was appointed to the Order of Membership of the British Empire for services to stamp design.

Professor Ian Beckett is Visiting Professor of Military History at the university of Kent. A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, he is also Chairman of the Army Records Society and Secretary of the Buckinghamshire Military Trust.

HURRY Selling fast!

Historic Danube

Danube Spectacular

Royal Crown • 7 nights • 22 Sep ‘12

HURRY Selling fast!

Royal Crown • 7 nights • 29 Sep ‘12

Passau, Melk, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Krems, Passau

Passau, Melk, Budapest, Kalosca, Mohacs, Vienna (overnight)

Fares from £pp Suite

Fares from £pp Suite

Deluxe Premium Cruise.co.uk Fare Sold Out 3479

Royal Suite Deluxe Single Sold Out Sold Out

TRAVEL WITH EXPERTS

Cruise.co.uk Fare

Eveline Eaton

Author, Broadcaster, International Speaker and Exhibition Curator, Dr Anderson was a senior lecturer in the History of Art at Southampton Solent University for 14 years, specialising in the Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism. Anne’s career as an international NADFAS speaker has taken her all over the world.

Call our dedicated river team today on

Deluxe

2849

Premium Sold Out

Royal Suite Deluxe Single Sold Out Sold Out

TRAVEL WITH EXPERTS

Eveline studied art-history in London, first at the Study Centre for Fine and Decorative Arts and then at the Courtauld Institute where she received a BA Honours Degree. She now lectures in Fine Arts and is an established tour guide in Continental Europe, USA, South Africa and Australia

ˇ Eurostar option is only available on selected cruises marked by the train symbol.

16

Deluxe

2695

TRAVEL WITH EXPERTS

TRAVEL WITH EXPERTS

Professor Jeremy Black

Dr Anne Anderson

HURRY Selling fast!

Castles of the Rhine

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202

Discover

VIETNAM

The Mekong River

Ha Long Bay

• • • • •

» »

The Mekong River, flows from its source high up in the Tibetan Plateau, courses for over 3,000 miles through China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. In Vietnam, cruise the massive Mekong Delta, a picturesque area sprinkled with rice paddies, fish farms and fruit orchards. In Cambodia explore French-Influenced Phnon Penh, the Silver Pagoda and the Khmer Rouge killing fields. From ancient temples to modern palaces and from traditional villages to bustling cities, the Mekong boasts an experience like no other; learn about new cultures and experience a different way of life.

Highlights

Hanoi

Phnon Penh Siem Reap Ho Chi Minh City Angkor Wat Hanoi

Hanoi

LAOS

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.

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.

Siem Reap

»

»

THAILAND

Mekong River

Angkor Wat

CAMBODIA Tonle Sap Tonle Sap River

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.

Phnom Penh 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.

»

»

Ho Chi Minh City

VIETNAM Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is steeped in French colonial charm. A tour around this charming city gives a sobering glimpse at the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime. Visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields, where over 200,000 people died under orders of the Khmer Rouge. Take in city highlights such as the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum.

I’ve Just Been On...

Whilst you may not know Shearings for River Cruising you should recognise the brand as a leading specialist tour operator, offering great value holidays throughout the UK, Europe and beyond by coach, air and rail. A new venture for Shearings has been to introduce River Cruising to their range of holidays and their carefully selected ships and itineraries paired up with their reliable land arrangements and enviable reputation, it is already a roaring success. For a seamless holiday at an excellent price where choice and flexibility are the key ingredients, a Shearings River Cruise is a great place to start.

DA VINCI

“It really was a lovely ship, with very homely, comfortable and modern public areas but I personally found the cabins a little strange as on first appearance it appeared there were no beds! But on closer inspection they offer twin beds which pull down out of the wardrobe and it transpires that most people leave the beds up for the duration of the cruise, making the cabins very functional. This ship is a great value, four star experience for people who want to see the beautiful scenery of Europe whilst being price conscious.”

DAVID BROAD 0800 408 6164

Read more from Cruise.co.uk staff at: www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-blogs

email me: davidb@cruise.co.uk



ir, Choice of A ail to Coach or R uise join your cr

Single s supplement from just £69

Danube Symphony Cruise MPS Da Vinci

•

7 - 9 nights

•

29*, 30^ May, 5, 6^, 12, 13^, 19, 20^, 26, 27^ Jun ‘12

Day 1 - Embark in Linz and sail to Vienna – Arrive at your ship in time for dinner and relax on board as you set sail late this evening from Vienna.

Day 2 - Vienna and Budapest – Arrive in Vienna this morning with a full day to explore the impressive baroque buildings and art nouveau.

The ‘City of Waltzes’ famous sites include St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the magnificent Opera House and Hofburg.

Day 3 - Budapest – You arrive this afternoon in Budapest, the ‘Queen of the Danube’. Budapest, the only capital with two World Heritage Sites, has nearly one hundred thermal springs, spas and Roman ruins. Take a visit to Buda Castle, the parliament building or St. Stephens Basilica.

Day 4 - Budapest, Esztergom and Bratislava – Explore more of Budapest this morning then after lunch, cruise to Esztergom, a town steeped in history. Enjoy a visit to Esztergom Cathedral, the largest church in Hungary or simply enjoy the atmosphere. You sail late this evening in the direct of Bratislava.

18

Day 5 - Bratislava and Durnstein – You arrive in the capital of Slovakia this morning, the charming city of Bratislava. It is the only national capital boarding two countries, Austria and Hungary.

The town’s many attractions include Trinity Church and the medieval town hall.

Day 6 - Durnstein and Melk – After a night of cruising, we arrive early in Durnstein in the Wachau Valley. Enjoy a morning stroll around this town before your afternoon cruise along this scenic stretch of the Danube. In Melk join our optional excursion to Melk Abbey and Schallaburg Castle.

Day 7 - Melk, Grein and Linz – Today you cruise to Grein, where you can explore the 18th Century Greinburg castle and relax as the locals do in the time-honoured cafes. After lunch you return to your starting point Linz, where you can enjoy the Captain’s Gala Dinner and your final evening onboard.

Day 8 - Disembark in Linz – Time to leave your ship and continue with your onwards journey home.

Call our dedicated river team today on

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202

JOIN BY: Coach - Start your holiday a day earlier and travel from your chosen pick up point across to Calais and stay overnight in a Shearings handpicked hotel in Liege. After breakfast travel through Europe and join the ship in Linz in time for dinner. After disembarking, at the end of your cruise, in Linz, you travel to Belgium to one of Shearings chosen hotels for an overnight stay, to arrive in time for dinner. The next morning you then set off for Calais, then Dover, and then home.

Air - Fly from your chosen UK airport to either Munich or Vienna, on the morning of your cruise, where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your ship. After disembarking in Linz you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS • • • •

Cruise along the beautiful Danube Enjoy Vienna, the ‘City of Waltzes’ Visit the unique city of Budapest Explore Esztergom, in Hungary Cabin Types

£pp

Main Deck

1349

Promenade Deck

1499

Single Supplement

+199

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3



With Shearings you can choose to join your River Cruise by luxury coach direct from the UK, by air from your local airport or on the Eurostar and European rail network. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel in a way that suits you.

If you prefer, you can start most of the river cruises with the speed and convenience of flying to your destination. Flights are available from the majority of UK airports. Upgrades are available on most flights, please call for more details. Here are just a few examples of the regional airports you can choose to fly from: Manchester Belfast Liverpool Aberdeen Leeds Bradford Glasglow Newcastle Cardiff Birmingham Southampton East Midlands Bristol

There are 3 coach options FREE Coach Connect – You will be picked up from a convenient joining point near you and transferred to your tour coach, on the return you will be dropped off at the same point. There are hundreds of joining points to choose from nationwide.

FREE Direct Connect – Join your holiday at one of Shearings Coach Interchanges. Great value pre-bookable car parking is available at all these locations. There is a charge for the car parking however the coach journey is included.

Home Connect – The ultimate in convenience and comfort!

For just a little extra you can be picked up from your front door and brought back at the end of your holiday.

HOLIDAY

Rhine Valley Explorer MPS Rotterdam • 7- 9 nights • 22*, 23^ May, 28, 29^ Aug ‘12

JOIN BY: Fares from £pp Cabin Cruise.co.uk fare



Cologne, Konigswinters, Linz, Boppard, Rudesheim, Mainz, Koblenz, Bonn, Cologne

HIGHLIGHTS

• • •

Main Deck

1049

Promenade Deck

1189

Your journey starts at the home of the Eurostar – St. Pancras Station, London. To make your journey as easy and smooth as possible, there will be a Shearings representative on-hand to meet you at the station. On arrival, in Europe, you’ll be escorted to your onward rail journey, travelling via local train services, TGV or Thalys.

On arrival at your destination a Shearings representative will greet you and escort you to the ship.

Myths and legends of the Loreley Rock Boppard, the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’ Bonn, birthplace of Beethoven

Single Supp

+199

Lounge onboard Da Vinci

HOLIDAY

Dutch Bulb Fields & Belgian Delights MPS Rotterdam • 7 & 8 nights • 31* Mar, 01^, 14*, 15^ Apr ’12

JOIN BY: Fares from £pp Cabin Cruise.co.uk fare



Amsterdam, Volendam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels

HIGHLIGHTS

• • •

Main Deck

769

Promenade Deck

909

Single Supp

+99

HOLIDAY

Moselle Valley Explorer MPS Rotterdam • 7 - 9 nights • 5*, 6^ Jun, 31* Jul, 1^ Aug ‘12

Trier, Bernkastel, Traben, Trarbach, Cochem, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Andernach, Cologne

HIGHLIGHTS

•

JOIN BY:

Cruise.co.uk fare



•

Fares from £pp Cabin

•

Main Deck

1099

Promenade Deck

1239

Single Supp

+199

•

MPS Da Vinci • 7 - 9 nights • 22*, 23^ May ‘12

Cruise.co.uk fare

 Main Deck

1269

• • •

Promenade Deck

1419

MPS Da Vinci

HIGHLIGHTS

Wurzburg, Schweinfurt, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Riedenburg, Regensburg. Passau

Fares from £pp Cabin

Discover history abound in Trier Bernkastel’s medieval market square Cochem and its imposing castle Popular resort of Rudesheim

HOLIDAY

Main Valley to the Blue Danube

JOIN BY:

Visit the Dutch capital Amsterdam Enjoy the vibrant port of Rotterdam Discover Enkuizen’s maritime history

Explore the medieval city of Bamberg Transit along the Main-Danube Canal Marvel at the charming city of Passau

Single Supp

+199

* Denotes which departure date the price is based on. All prices are based on departures by coach.

Restaurant onboard Da Vinci

^Denotes departure date for Air & Rail

View over 14,000 real cruise photos online

19

Discover

Recommended for first time river cruisers

HOLLAND

The Rhine River

The Floriade World Horticultural Expo has been held in the Netherlands every 10 years since 1960.

The sixth Floriade will take place in 2012 and will be held outside the Randstad conurbation for the first time. More than 100 exhibitions will together pay tribute to horticulture at this floral extravaganza.

The park comprises of five unique worlds: themed zones connected by wooded areas. Worlds in which you will see, feel and experience nature in a constantly changing way.

Venlo, Floriade

BELGIUM »

Venlo, Floriade

»

Known as one of the world’s most romantic rivers, 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.

Cologne

FRANCE Strasbourg

Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern 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.

Highlights • • • • • •

»

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.

Floriade Cologne Strasbourg Frankfurt Mainz Dusseldorf

GERMANY

Koblenz Frankfurt

»

»

» »

Mainz Frankfurt

Frankfurt is said to be the smallest metropolis in the world, the energy of its cosmopolitan citizens and soaring skyscrapers makes for a sophisticated city, which has become one of the most important hubs in Europe. The skyline of Frankfurt is defined by 50 high-rise buildings, two of which are the tallest skyscrapers in the European Union.

Visit the historical area around Romer Square, old Town, the Golden Mile and Frankfurt’s Times Square.

»

Rudesheim

Strasbourg Mainz

Mainz is strategically located on the west bank of the Rhine opposite the mouth of the River Main, the city is over 2,000 years old, having been founded as the Roman camp Moguntiacum. Much of the city was devastated by bombing in World War II and has been rebuilt. In the old town visit the sixtowered Cathedral, a highlight of ecclesiastical architecture in the Upper Rhine region.

The Best of Both Worlds

Swan Hellenic Cruise Director and Excursions Manager on board each and every river cruise

Swan Hellenic is delighted to bring you an exciting choice of river cruises for 2012. Swan’s long-established and unique brand of discovery cruising, coupled with A-ROSA’s superior fleet of river cruisers means you can enjoy discovering the heart of Europe with many of the ingredients that mark out Swan Hellenic’s traditional ocean-going cruises:

Swan Hellenic Guest Speaker Programme, whose talks will unlock the secrets of each fascinating river Carefully designed shore excursion programme included in your fare All gratuities on board and ashore are included Air travel (or train travel on the Rhône) is included

Cruising on the Rhône A-ROSA Stella • 7 nights • 19 May, 1, 8 Sep ‘12

Lyon, Chalon-sur-Saone, Tournus, Macon (overnight), Viviers, Arles, Avignon (overnight), Vienne, Lyon (overnight) Fares from £pp Suite Cruise Only

Outside Cat S

1719

Airy lounges and restaurants and a range of amenities on board that you’d only expect to find on much larger ships

Juliette Balcony Cat C Cat D

2099

Menus featuring international and regional specialities with a wine list to match

2199

TRAVEL WITH EXPERTS

A-ROSA Brava offers an even wider range of options: a buffet with display cooking, restaurant, inside/outside bar, a wine bar and an outside restaurant

Guest Speakers onboard • •

Mr James Thompson’s knowledge extends to the art and architecture of many parts of the world including the Rhône .

Dr Cathy Oakes specialises in the art and visual culture of the Middle Ages and Early Renaissance.

Cabins feature crisp, contemporary design and colours that add to the feeling of space All cabins feature television, telephone, hairdryer and individual, adjustable climate control

Included

FREE

All Gratuities included

Guest Speaker Programme

Shore Excursions

Cruising on the Moselle & Rhine A-ROSA Brava • 7 nights • 15 Sep ‘12

Frankfurt, Cochem, Bernkastel - Keus, Trier, Koblenz, Cologne, Rudesheim, Frankfurt Fares from £pp Suite

MV A-ROSA Riva in Durnstein

Cruise Only

Join your cruise by uro r f you prefer

•

1519

Panoramic Window Cat B

1999

TRAVEL WITH EXPERTS

Juliette Balcony Cat C

2099

Guest Speakers onboard •

Graham Archer’s lectures include a talk on the Hapsburgs, and the consequences of the fall of the Hapsburgs empire and on the Danube corridor today

ˇ Eurostar option is only available on Rhône cruises marked by the train symbol. Eurostar option may incur supplements

22

Call our dedicated river team today on

2249

Mr Jemery Patterson’s lectures include History of wine on the Moselle & Rhine, as well as on the Roman’s on the German Frontier, Art, Music and Literature on the Rhine

Passau, Melk, Esztergom, Budapest (overnight), Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Passau Outside Cat S

2129

TRAVEL WITH EXPERTS

A-ROSA Riva • 7 nights • 29 Apr ‘12

Cruise Only

1749

Juliette Balcony Cat C Cat D

Guest Speakers onboard

Cruising on the Danube

Fares from £pp Suite

Outside Cat S

Restaurant on MV A-ROSA Brava

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202

What are the perks of being a

Past Passenger?

Once you’ve taken your first river cruise, you’ll be hooked! Many of the river cruise lines will try to entice you to sail with them again by offering their past passengers extra benefits. These special clubs include perks such as extra onboard spend, member magazines and extra discounts. So when booking your river cruise, don’t forget to mention to your Cruise Specialist you are a ‘past passenger’ to make sure you get all the benefits you’re entitled to.

APT/ AmaWatetways

When you travel with AmaWaterways you will become a member of the Privilege Club, receive special benefits and extra savings. Plus the more you sail the more benefits you earn. If you sail with APT you will become a member of the APT Club, opening the door to a range of benefits and deals including onboard spend, complimentary home transfers and exclusive member-only offers.

Avalon

When you travel with Avalon you become a member of the Journey Club and you will enjoy a number of onboard benefits such as fruit and flowers in your stateroom, and £100 onboard spending money. You can also take advantage of enticing offers with carefully selected partners, such as discounted magazine subscriptions and wine club offers.

Hebridean Swan Hellenic Uniworld

When you travel with Hebridean past passengers receive upto 5% loyalty discount on fares.

When you travel with Swan Hellenic past passengers receive 5% loyalty discount on fares.

When you travel with Uniworld you become a member of the River Heritage Club, giving passengers £100 savings, exclusive cocktail party hosted by the Captain, one category upgrade if space is available at the time of booking, complimentary fruit platter in stateroom upon arrival on Uniworld company-owned ships and complimentary onboard laundry service.

See more of our River Cruises online at Cruise.co.uk

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Themed Cruises

If you have a special interest/hobby or are part of a club, society or group of friends, a themed cruise may be the perfect way of combining your love of cruising with your hobbies/interests. Enhance your personal knowledge with expert onboard presentations, demonstrations and talks.

Wine and Food Cruises Delve deep into the wonderful world of wine and expand your knowledge of the relationship between food and drink. Savour the different wines poured throughout the course of your meal at a special food and wine pairing dinner.

Partake in onboard culinary demonstrations and tastings, expand your wine appreciation skills with advice from a distinguished expert before visiting a wine village ashore for wine tasting to test your new-found knowledge.

The following cruise lines offer wine and food cruises: APT/AmaWaterways – Wine Cruises Avalon – Wine cruises Uniworld – Food and Wine Cruises

Floriade Horticultural Expo 2012 This special event takes place every 10 years in the Netherlands. The setting for the 2012 Floriade is in Venlo, Limburg. Find yourself immersed in a melting pot of cultures where you will be introduced to different customs and rituals, as more than 100 exhibitions from all over the world will come together and create 5 unique worlds connected by wooded areas. The Floriade Expo take place from 5th April — 7th October 2012.

This unique opportunity to visit the Floriade Expo is available as an excursion with the following cruise lines: APT/AmaWaterways Avalon Shearings Uniworld

Christmas Markets

Jazz and Music Cruises

Enjoy the opportunity to revel in the Christmas spirit, and purchase some special and truly unique gifts for family and friends back home. In each destination you visit you will see spectacular displays of colourful Christmas lights strewn throughout the streets and squares. Christmas Markets cruises are often short in duration and very good value for money - a perfect taster cruise.

Jazz enthusiasts will love the exciting atmosphere of Vienna’s Jazz Festival, an annual event on the world jazz scene. Classical music lovers can explore Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg, enjoy a delightful Strauss concert in beautiful Vienna and an organ recital in Melk.

Avalon are the only cruise line to offer Musical Cruises.

The following cruise lines offer Christmas Market cruises: APT/AmaWaterways Avalon Shearings Uniworld.

For more information on themed cruises and for other themes that are available call your cruise specialist 24

Call our dedicated river team today on

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202

Discover

The Russian Waterways Enjoy a unique insight into ancient Russia, cruise the series of canals, lakes and the Volga river which links the great cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Journey between the two cities, sailing the Moscow Canal, along the river Volga, passing through 18 locks and over Lake Ladoga, so large it’s like being at sea. Discover Russia’s hidden past and explore the Kremlin, Red Square and Peter the Great’s Palace.

Highlights • • • • • • •

St. Petersburg Moscow Uglich Yaroslavl Goritsy Kizhi Island Svirstroy

Kizhi Island

Situated in Lake Onega, Kizhi is home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia.

Explore Kizhi’s Open Air Museum containing the awe-inspiring Church of the Transfiguration and the Church of the Intercession, built in 1764, entirely from wood and without a single nail.

Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is considered one of Russia’s most beautiful cities. This fascinating Golden Ring city was founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise. This is one of Russian’s oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. Visit the town’s exquisite church of Elijah the Prophet, and delight in tasting local produce at the famers market.

Kizhi Isand

» Lake Ladaga

St.Petersburg

»

RUSSIA

St. Petersburg

Yaroslavl Uglich

»

»

Unlike Moscow’s red bricks and onion domes, St Petersburg’s network of canals and baroque and neoclassical architecture give the city a European flavour, no doubt because it was built

by Italian architects. Be amazed at the world-famous Hermitage Museum, which is housed in one of the world’s largest palaces. The museum contains over a thousand rooms and features nearly three million works of art by masters including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Travel to nearby Pushkin to visit lavish Catherine Palace and Park, a masterpiece of Russian Rococo architecture and unrivalled in luxury and scale. It’s not only Rastrelli’s architecture and Tchaikovsky’s operas that entice visitors, but also beatnik bands, edgy art galleries, underground clubs and delectable dining.

Russia’s capital city is bursting with creative energy, evident in all aspects of contemporary culture. Former factories and deserted warehouses have been converted into modern art galleries and intriguing underground clubs. World-class venues such as the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum are experimenting and expanding. Tchaikovsky and Chekhov are well represented at Moscow theatres but you can also see up-and-coming composers, choreographers and playwrights.

The ancient city has always been a haven for history enthusiasts. Visit world-famous sights such as Red Square ; the Kremlin; and iconic, onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral.

»

Moscow

Moscow

Uglich

Another delightful Golden Ring City, visit the church of St. Dimitry, built to honour the slain son of Ivan the Terrible and the Chambers of Prince Dmitry. While here why not spend some time browsing the local market area, replete with small shops and artisan-vendor’s stalls.

Five-star boutique hotels that travel with you.

Uniworld believes that the quality of the holiday experience should carry through every part of your journey and that their ships should mirror the beauty and splendour of the enchanting destinations you visit. For this reason, over the years, Uniworld has worked tirelessly together with their sister company, Red Carnation Hotels (an award-winning collection of five-star luxury hotels) to offer unparalleled quality and service. This close partnership results in uniquely designed and elegantly decorated ships and an uncompromising guest experience.

Opulent interiors aboard River Baroness

With a motto of ‘no request too large, no detail too small’, it’s no wonder that Uniworld have won awards for hospitality and dining. Staff are continuously trained to ensure that they always go above and beyond your expectations and have a knack of anticipating you needs and preferences. Dining is no exception to Uniworld’s quest for perfection and that is why they are the only river cruise line to be honoured by the Zagat Survey as “Top in Dining”. Meals are prepared daily using the finest and freshest ingredients, often brought onboard the ship from local farmers’ in that day’s port of call.

Imperial Waterways of Russia River Victoria – 12 nights – 18*, 30^, May, 11, 23^ Jun, 5, 17^, 29 Jul, 10, 22 Aug, 3^, 15, 27*^ Sep ‘12 Day 1 - Moscow – Fly from the UK to Moscow Day 2 - Moscow – Enjoy a panoramic city tour including the most remarkable city sights, such as Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Novodevichce Covent and the impressive Tverskaya Street Day 3 - Moscow – Visit the Kremlin. You’ll also explore the Kremlin’s Armoury Museum Day 4 - Moscow – Enjoy a day at leisure Day 5 - Uglich – Cruise the Moscow Canal before arriving in Uglich. Visit the church of St. Dimitry and spend some free time browsing the local market Day 6 - Yaroslavl Cruising and Lake Rybinsk Day 7 - Goritsy Day 8 - Kizhi Island Day 9 – Mandrogi

Day 10 – St. Petersburg – Enjoy a panoramic city tour of enchanting St. Petersburg, taking in all the majestic sights, such as Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and Winter Palace, the Church of the Resurrection and St. Issac’s. During the evening, be treated to a spectacular Russian ballet at the Alexandrinsky Theatre Day 11 – St. Petersburg – Today tour the worldfamous Hermitage Museum, which is housed in one of the world’s largest palaces – The Winter Palace Day 12 – St. Petersburg – Travel to nearby Pushkin to visit the lavish Catherine Palace and park, a masterpiece of Russian Rococo architecture and unrivalled in luxury and scale Day 13 – Disembark in St. Petersburg Fly home to UK

Private door to door transfer

s

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS • • • • • • •

•

Enjoy a Moscow City Tour and visit the Kremlin and Armoury Museum Tour the Church of St. Dimitry in Uglich Visit the Church of Elijah the Prophet in the Golden Ring city, Yaroslavl Experience Russian Daily Life Visit the Kizhi Open Air Museum and the 18th century Transfiguration Church Mandrogi village walking tour with a Shashlik picnic lunch ashore St. Petersburg panoramic city tour and an evening at the ballet at the Alexandrinsky Theatre Tour the Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace and Park

Suite Types

ˆItinerary runs in reverse

ˇ Return home pick-ups up to 150 miles from the airport are included. *Denotes which sailing date the price is based on.

26

Call our dedicated river team today on

FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202

from £pp

Outside

2749

Balcony

3679

Deluxe

4289

Your luxury value-packed Uniworld cruise includes:

Bottled water in your suite and 24 hour speciality tea and coffee bar

Indoor swimming pool aboard SS Antoinette

The finest riverview suites afloat, many with French Balconies

A variety of dining experiences from al fresco dining to Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinners, and more

Hand-made beds from Savoir of England and wide variety of pillow options

Full shore excursion programme

Luxurious marble-clad bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane products, plush towels & soft comfy robes

Use of bicycles and Nordic stick so you can disembark and do your own thing

All onboard meals using the freshest ingredients, often bought from local farmer’s markets

Signature lectures and intriguing entertainment

Personalised butler service for suite guests non the S.S Antoinette and the River Beatrice

Onboard internet and WiFi access

Complimentary fine wines, beers and soft drinks during lunch and dinner on board

Castles along the Rhine

Basel, Breisach, Kehl (Strasbourg), Germersheim, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cologne, Amsterdam

SS Antoinette • 7 nights 25^ Mar, 1, 8^, 15, 22^, 29 Apr, 6^, 13, 20^, 27 May, 3^, 10, 17^, 24 Jun, 1^, 8, 15^, 22, 29^ Jul, 5, 12^, 19, 26^ Aug, 2, 9^, 16, 23^, 30 Sep, 7^, 14, 21^, 28 Oct, 4^, 11* Nov ‘12 Fares from £pp Suite Cruise Only

Outside

1399

French Balcony

2019

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley

Suite

2689

15, 22, 29 Mar, 5, 12, 19, 26 Apr, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 May, 7, 14, 21, 28 Jun, 5, 12, 19 Jul, 9, 16, 23, 30 Aug, 6, 13, 20, 27 Sep, 4, 11, 18, 25 Oct, 1, 8* Nov ‘12

Cruise Only

French Balcony Main Deck Upper Deck

1819

2385

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS • • • •

Full day tour along the Alsatian Wine Road Boppard Village Stroll Aerial Tram to Fortress Ehrenbreitstein Cologne Cathedral Visit

Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Guimarães, Bitetos, Régua, Pinhão, Vega De Terrón, Salamanca, Barca D’Alva, Régua, Porto

Douro Spirit • 10 nights

Fares from £pp Suite

Free private airport transfers on arrival and departure days

Junior Suite

2619

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS • • • •

Lisbon city tour Coimbra tour with family style lunch Mateus Palace and gardens and dinner at Quinta Da Avessada Salamanca tour with traditional Spanish lunch and flamenco show

I’ve Just Been On...

Spacious accommodation aboard River Queen

SS ANTOINETTE

“The cabins were lovely in design, very comfortable and I was quite surprised as to how much room they had inside. One thing you will notice between ocean liners and river cruises is the size. Remember, these cruise boats need to get through narrow bridges up and down the rivers, however they have utilised the space on board really well. We had dinner on board and the food was fantastic, a great choice for starters, main course and desert with a selection of wines & beers (normally included on most river cruises) Being a 5 star ship it has everything, including indoor pool! During the summer months they open the large doors.”

Read more from Cruise.co.uk staff at: www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-blogs

email me: markg@cruise.co.uk

Enchanting Danube

25 Mar, 1^, 8, 15^, 22, 29^ Apr, 6, 13^, 20, 27^ May, 3, 10^, 17, 24^ Jun, 1, 8^, 15, 22^, 29 Jul, 5^, 12, 19^, 26 Aug, 2^, 9, 16^, 23, 30^ Sep, 7, 14^, 21, 28^ Oct, 4, 11*^ Nov ‘12

Cruise Only

Outside

1649

French Balcony

2199

European Serenade

Suite

2785

Cruise Only

2519

3249

• Guided tour of Melk Abbey • Budapest walking discovery tour visiting Parliament • Take part in ‘see Vienna as the Viennese Do’ discovering the Viennese daily life • Domäne Wachau private wine tasting

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS

1^ May, 4, 16^, 19 Jun, 1*^, 20 Jul, 1^, 10, 22^ Aug, 3, 6, 15^, 18^ Sep, 22 Oct ‘12 Outside Lower Deck Main Deck

HIGHLIGHTED SHORE EXCURSIONS

Vienna, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Miltenberg, Frankfurt, Rudesheim, Boppard, Cologne, Amsterdam

River Countess or River Duchess • 12 nights

Fares from £pp Suite

0800 408 6125

Budapest (overnight), Vienna (overnight), Durnstein, Linz, Passau (overnight)

River Beatrice • 7 nights

Fares from £pp Suite

MARK GRIMES

Suite

4039

• • • •

Passau walking tour and St. Stephan’s organ concert Nuremberg WWII historical tour with Documentation Centre Visit Siegfried’s Music Museum Van Gogh Museum

Have you, been on a River Cruise? Write your review online

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Discover

Beijing A vast and symmetrical metropolis, Beijing is the orderly seat of the communist political power in China, so its architecture traces each and every mood swing from 1949 to the present. Visit the Forbidden City and the Imperial Palace, once the home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is the 100-acre Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and then continue to the former Summer Palace, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake.

The Yangtze River The Yangtze is the longest river in Asia, coursing over 3,900 miles. The most impressive stretch of the river features the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, collectively known as the Three Gorges. Most river cruise lines concentrate on this stretch of water between Shanghai and Chongqing, featuring the Three Gorges. You’ll also find that most river cruise lines include other China highlights within your itinerary, so not only do you get a luxury cruise on the mighty Yangtze but you also get to see the wonders of Beijing and beyond, all in one go. The Yangtze River is a spectacular backdrop for anyone yearning for an exotic discovery of the past, present and future of the heart of China.

Beijing

»

Highlights Xian

»

• • • • •

Beijing Xian Three Gorge Dam Site Shanghai Chongquing

Shanghai

»

Three Gorges Dam Site

»

One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xian today is an archaeological treasure trove. Essential sightseeing includes the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974, and the Terracotta Warriors that have been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years.

Shanghai

»

Xian

Shibaozhai Temple

Chongqing

»

CHINA

The most dynamic city in the world’s fastestchanging nation, Shanghai is an exhilarating, evermorphing metropolis that isn’t just living China’s dream, but is setting the pace for the rest of the world. Highlights include the Yu Yuan Gardens, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, strolling along the Bund, the city’s riverfront lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses, visit a silk factory to learn about the silk-making process the Shanghai Museum and the Children’s Palace.

Shibaozhai Temple When it was originally built in 1650, the magnificent Shibaozhai Temple hugged the cliffs high above the river. Since the completion of the Three Gorges Dam and the rise in water level, this Qing Dynasty architectural masterpiece stands along the water’s edge of the northern banks of the Yangtze. Literally translated as ‘Precious Stone Fortress’, the temple has been constructed without nails. 12 storeys high, it offers spectacular views from the top.

LAOS

Chongqing China’s capital during World War II, Chongqing is the perfect destination before or after your Yangtze river cruise to visit a local zoo to see the famous pandas of this region.

Three Gorges Dam Site View tiny villages clinging to hillsides as you proceed toward Yang Jia Wang. Visit the Three Gorges Dam Site, where the Chinese progress towards building the largest dam of its kind in the world.

THAILAND Call our River Cruise Team on FREEPHONE 0800 408 6202