Day 1 - Budapest Arrive Budapest. Be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure before tonight's Welcome Reception.
Day 2 - Budapest Sightseeing This morning after breakfast, join a guided sightseeing tour that includes such places as 500 year old Matthias Church, St Stephen's Basillica, the Fisherman's Bastion, the marvellous Royal Palace and historic Buda Castle, where you have wide reaching views of Buda and Pest over both banks of the river. Following this insightful tour, the remainder of the day is at your leisure, before a Welcome Dinner tonight amid the arched cellars of the atmospheric Gerbeaud Pub.
Day 3 - Budapest, Great Hungarian Plain Today enjoy an excursion to the Puszta - perhaps the most widely known region of Hungary throughout the world. Upon arrival, be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Perhaps some goulash, the national dish, before returning to Budapest to board your river ship on the Danube River.
Day 4 - Mohacs, Pecs - Vukovar Today your ship will arrive in Mohacs. Disembark and travel by coach to Pecs for a guided tour. Afterwards, return to your ship and after lunch on board, enjoy a wine tasting excursion to Villany.
Day 5 - Vukovar - Novi Sad This morning enjoy a guided tour of the key historic sights and landmarks of the Yugoslavian civial war, or take a wine tour. During lunch, cruise to Novi Sad in Serbia, where you can take a guided walking tour or a bike tour.
Day 6 - Belgrade Wake up this morning in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The White City dates back to more than 2,500 years and is home to medieval tombs, Turkish baths and fortifications from Celtic times. On your sightseeing tour visit the Cathedral of Saint Sava, the largest Orthodox church building in the world. You'll also see the old and new towns, Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, Parliament Building, Belgrade Fort plus the mighty and imposing Kalemegdan Fortress.
Day 7 - Iron Gates Relax today as you cruise through one of Europe's most impressive natural wonders, the Iron Gates.
Day 8 - Vidin Arrive in Vidin today and see the Baba Vida Fortress, standing guard over the Danube at this Bulgarian frontier town. The 14th century castle has thick walls and dark towers, contrasting with the natural surroundings of the park it sits in. Then travel by coach to Belogradchik to see the mighty Kaleto Fortress, on the north slopes of the Balkan Mountains.
Day 9 - Giurgiu, Bucharest Today enjoy an excursion to Bucharest, Romania's capital and its largest city. During a city tour, see the Arch of Triumph, the Athenaeum and Library as well as the Parliament Palace. Following a lunch of local cuisine in a nearby restaurant, choose free time or perhaps visit the open air museum, dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania.
Day 10 - Rousse, Disembark Ship, Bucharest, Istanbul This morning disembark your ship in Rousse and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Istanbul. Tonight, take part in a cooking class. Learn some of the traditional methods used to create exotic Turkish dishes, then sample the results of your efforts at dinner.
Day 11 - Istanbul Sightseeing Today's tour will take you through Istanbul's old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of an historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. You'll also visit Hagia Sophia, a museum that is one of Turkey's best surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. This afternoon, cruise the sparkling Bosphorus Strait, forming the boundary between Europe and Asia.
Day 12 - Istanbul Choose your touring activity in Istanbul today. You may like to embark on a tour of Topkapi Palace, the official and primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853. Alternatively, relax with a traditional Turkish bath experience and massage. Or you may like to visit the impressive Rustem Pasha Mosque then wander around the bustling Spice Bazaar, before indulging in lunch at the well known Orient Express railway restaurant.
Day 13 - Istanbul, Canakkale Leave Istanbul early this morning and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Arrive in Gelibolu and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Marmara Sea. Then continue to the national park area for a tour of the war memorials, including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Later arrive in Canakkale.
Day 14 - Canakkale, Troy, Istanbul Depart Canakkale and head for the World Heritage listed ancient city of Troy, referred to in Homer's lilad. Stop to have a look around the site, then return to Istanbul, where you'll enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant and be entertained by belly dancers.
Day 15 - Depart Istanbul Your wonderful journey ends with a transfer to the airport.
* Itinerary also operates in reverse on 15 June & 07 September 2012
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Budapest
Budapest possesses a rich and fascinating history as well as a vibrant cultural heritage. Recognizing the unique value of its traditions it has managed to maintain its magic and charm, and is rightly known as the Queen of the Danube. It has also been called the City of Spas, as there are a dozen thermal baths complexes served by over a hundred natural thermal springs.
Country - Hungary Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 14kms Currency - Forint (HUF)
Places of Interest Ecseri Flea Market, Royal Palace, National Gallery, Great Synagogue and Jewish Museum, Fisherman's Bastion, Statue Park
Mohacs
Country -
Distance from port to City - Distance to Airport - Currency - Places of Interest
Pecs
Pecs is best known for its city symbol, the Mosque Church, which is the largest building from the Turkish occupation that still stands in Hungry. Pecs is home to several museums including the Victor Vasarely Museum and the Zsolnay Porcelain Exhibit.
Country - Hungary Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 168kms Currency - Forint (HUF)
Places of Interest Mosque Church, Pannonia Champagne Factory
Vukovar
Vukovar is a city in eastern Croatia, and the biggest river port in Croatia located at the confluence of the Vuka river into the Danube. Vukovar is the center of the Vukovar-Srijem county. The city's registered population was 30,126 in the 2001 census, up to 31,670 in the municipality.
Country - Croatia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 230kms Currency - Kuna (HRK)
Places of Interest
Castle of the Eltz family, Vucedol, Orlov Otok
Novi Sad
Country - Serbia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 60kms Currency - Serbian Dinar (CSD)
Places of Interest EXIT Festival, Dvorac Dundjerski Castle, Vojvodina Museum
Belgrade
Belgrade is a very old city, dating back to several thousand years before Christ. The city can be divided into three parts: Zemun, Novi Beograd and Stari Grad, or the Old City.
Country - Serbia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 18kms Currency - Serbian Dinar (CSD)
Places of Interest Sava and Danube Rivers, Fortress of Kalemegdan
Vidin
The town of Vidin is situated on the bank of the Danube, in the most northwest corner of Bulgaria, 199km northwest of Sofia. One of the most marvellous cities in the country, Vidin was inhabited by Celts, Romans, and Byzantines, but it was under the Bulgarian Tsars and their Ottoman conquerors that the most frenzied fortress building took place.
Country - Bulgaria Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 150kms Currency - Lev (BGN)
Places of Interest Baba Vida, Church of St Petka, Ethnographic Museum
Bucharest
Bucharest is Romania's capital and largest city, as well as the most important industrial and commercial center of the country. With its 2 million inhabitants in the city proper and more than 2.4 million in the urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Eastern Europe. Country - Romania Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 7.5kms Currency - Ieu (RON)
Places of Interest Piata Unirii (Union Plaza), Little Paris, Palace of Parliament
Istanbul
With its skyline aglow with the glimmer of domes and minarets, arriving in Istanbul is an unforgettable experience. The labyrinth of streets. Bustling bazaars. The serenity of the surrounding waters. This city offers one intriguing adventure after another. Explore Istanbul’s most famous monuments, from the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the old city walls. Its sheer size, wealth and beauty await you.
Country - Turkey Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 20kms Currency - Turkish Lira (YTL)
Places of Interest Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque
Canakkale
Country - Distance from port to City - Distance to Airport - Currency -
Places of Interest
Map
ms Amalyra Cabin Info
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Cruise line info
APT (Australian Pacific Touring)
A family - owned company since its auspicious conception in the 1920s, we began when Bill McGeary built a bus body on a tray truck after a tram strike crippled the city of Melbourne. Through Bill's son Geoff, we pioneered Australia's dynamic travel industry in the 1960's and 70's via a diverse range of modes. Such innovation continues to thrive within us today, now a multi-brand business with an extensive global portfolio of touring and cruising products still owned and controlled by the McGeary family. Now, with a third generation of the family contributing to our success, the benefits of the Company's family - style culture are increasingly apparent.
While vigorously pursuing a global vision, the unwavering focus is on delivering a life - enriching and memorable holiday experience for each and every individual that entrusts us with their valuable time and travel. Such longevity in a competitive environment coupled with a proven ability to meet the shifting expectations of the modern holidaymaker is testament to the pioneering spirit upon which the company was founded, and upon which it continues to operate and flourish today.
Ship info
ms Amalyra
The MS Amalyra debuted in 2009. This vessel's set new standards in European river cruising and offer a number of features, which no other European river cruise ship can match. The vessel carries 148 passengers in unequaled luxury, comfort and style and is staffed by a highly-trained professional crew, with an ongoing emphasis on personal service.
Dining
Onboard culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of wonderful soups, fresh produce, high quality choice cut meats, and fresh fish and seafood. Your Maitre d' always welcomes you to the restaurant with a bright smile.
Start your day with a lavish gourmet champagne breakfast buffet. Choose from a rich assortment of breads, croissants and pastries, a variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and smoked salmon. Sample the delicious cheeses, cold cuts and local sausages, as well as our daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.
Return from your shore excursion to a delicious lunch. Start with mouth-watering hot or cold appetizers, homemade soups, then choose from a selection of great entrees, finish off with a delectable dessert and complimentary cappuccino.
In the evening, be our honored guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious cuisine and complimentary free-flowing wines from the local vintners. Our kitchen crew knows how to orchestrate a truly memorable dining experience.
Amenities
BICYCLES: Each ship has plenty of bicycles onboard which can be used by passengers, free of charge, to explore the small towns. Most regions offer well-maintained bicycle paths along the river.
WELLNESS AREA: Located in the aft area of the Violin Deck, this generously designed space includes a glassed-in fitness room, massage and beauty salon; the aft lounge with modern wicker furniture and French doors to enjoy the fresh river air.
ELEVATOR: Each ship has an elevator, which very few river cruise ships feature. The elevator reaches four different levels: the Restaurant level (1), the Staterooms on the Cello Deck (2), the Lobby and Panorama Lounge (3) and the Staterooms on the Violin Deck (4).
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS: Every stateroom is equipped with monitor, keyboard with Internet access, English language TV stations, a large movie selection and numerous music programs. Our satellite telephone system allows you to call home for a nominal fee.
