North Sea to the Black Sea - Cruise and Tour

Your European River Cruise & Tour includes:

• 21 nights in an outside stateroom aboard our 5-star ship from the award-winning fleet of AmaWaterways; 82% of our staterooms feature large French balconies. Daily sightseeing program as outlined in the itinerary Infotainment System in all staterooms with complimentary Internet access, hit movies, music library and English language TV stations Plush terry bathrobes and luxurious white-on-white bedding in all staterooms Superb dining with all meals included during your cruise Complimentary, free-flowing red and white wines from Europe's great wine regions plus beer and soft drinks with every dinner onboard the ship Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily Cocktail reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner Special shipboard highlights including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, music performances and afternoon & evening piano music Complimentary use of bicycles to explore on your own Services of our professional Cruise Manager All English language on board in a comfortable non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck) Transfer from the ship in Rousse to your hotel in Plovdiv, Bulgaria 1 night in Plovdiv at the Dedeman Hotel (or similar) with buffet breakfast Motorcoach touring from Plovdiv to Istanbul, Turkey 3 nights in Istanbul at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel (or similar) including daily buffet breakfast. All local taxes GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance

Note: Shore excursions and sightseeing tours on this program are offered by Ama Waterways and are not limited to 16 guests.

Day 1 - Welcome aboard in Amsterdam
Step aboard your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. Meals D

Day 2 - Canal tour and sightseeing
Today you’ll experience Amsterdam’s charms from a variety of perspectives. After breakfast, admire beautiful 18th-century homes, charming churches and 17th-century merchant houses on a canal boat tour. Then enjoy a motor coach tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at the Rembrandt Windmill, followed by free time in Amsterdam. Enjoy an afternoon information briefing as you cruise towards Germany. Meals B,L,D

Day 3 - The Floriade World Horticultural Expo and historic Cologne #WHS#
Arrive in Düsseldorf this morning and take a motorcoach to Venlo, where you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo. Bringing together more than 100 exhibitors from dozens of countries, the Floriade Expo grounds will feature five themed zones connected by wooded areas. Each of the zones contains its own horticultural exhibits, cultural attractions, activities, restaurant, music, dance and theatrical performances. Late this afternoon, travel to Cologne, where your ship is now docked. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the old quarters of the city and visit the magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral. As an alternative to this walking tour, you might opt for a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). Late tonight, the ship departs for Rüdesheim. Meals B,L,D

Day 4 - Through the Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim
This morning your ship navigates through the magnificent Rhine Gorge, considered by many to be one of the most scenic river landscapes in all of Europe. You’ll gaze in awe upon one castle after another and sail past the fabled Lorelei Rock. After lunch, arrive in Rüdesheim and take a mini train to tour the delightful exhibits of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. During your free time, you can stroll along the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with inviting wine taverns and restaurants. Late this afternoon, the ship departs for Miltenberg. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - Discover Miltenberg and Wertheim
Arrive in Miltenberg for a walking tour of this old Franconian town with its narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. During lunch, the ship cruises to Freudenberg. An afternoon motorcoach tour will take you to Wertheim, where you will explore the historic city center with your guide – followed by free time to explore further at your own pace. A guided bicycle tour of Wertheim is also available (capacity controlled). Meals B,L,D

Day 6 - Ashore in Würzburg and Kitzingen
During your guided tour of Würzburg, you’ll visit the magnificent Residenz Palace and see the major sights. This afternoon take an optional tour along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenberg, and visit its world famous Christmas Museum. Or, relax on board this afternoon as you cruise to Kitzingen. After dinner on board enjoy an evening walk and wine tasting in Kitzingen, at Germany’s oldest wine cellar. Meals B,L,D

Day 7 - The medieval splendors of Bamberg #WHS#
Arrive this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg for a guided walking tour of this medieval gem. You’ll see its glorious Cathedral, numerous homes dating back to the 18th century, and the Old Town Hall which straddles the river. We’ve also arranged for you to sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer before returning to ship. This evening, your Rhine voyage continues toward ancient Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. Meals B,L,D

Day 8 - A choice of sightseeing tours in historic Nuremberg
Tailor your exploration of this fascinating city with the included tour of your choice… Discover the medieval history of Nuremberg and see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle. Or learn about Nuremberg’s “modern history” and its role in the 20th-century; on this tour, you’ll see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. At lunchtime, return to the ship and cruise the Main Danube Canal to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level, where you cross Europe's Continental Divide, then start descending through stair-step locks. Meals B,L,D

Day 9 - Ancient Regensburg
A guided morning tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria – gates to a Roman fort built in 179 AD. In the alternative, you can take a tour of the Audi Car Factory in Ingolstadt, where a member of the Audi team will take you on a guided tour of the Audi Car Museum or Factory Floor (subject to availability). The museum not only takes visitors on a tour of the entire history of the car, but also provides a fascinating look back at the history of the 20th century. In the evening, enjoy a music performance on board. Meals B,L,D

Day 10 - Through the picturesque Wachau Valley #WHS# to Dürnstein
Your ship cruises through the narrow Strudengau this morning to reach the picturesque Wachau Valley. In Melk, step ashore for a guided tour of the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. After lunch, continue your scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley, laced with vineyards and dotted with castles and tiny villages. In Dürnstein, your guided tour features the stunning blue façade of the Baroque Stiftskirche. High above town, you’ll see the ruins of a castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 11th century. We’ve also arranged for a wine tasting here in charming Dürnstein. You’ll be able to sample several different local wines presented along with freshly baked bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. A guided bicycle tour from Melk to Dürnstein is also available (capacity controlled). Meals B,L,D

Day 11 - Through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the lovely Wachau Valley this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of the largest Baroque buildings in all of Europe. After lunch, enjoy a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, for a walking tour. A guided bicycle tour from Melk to Dürnstein is also available (capacity controlled). From here, continue on a short cruise to the town of Weissenkirchen, for some wine-tasting tonight. Meals B,L,D

Day 12 - The glorious highlights of Vienna #WHS#
Savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during your guided sightseeing tour, including the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to sightsee on your own. In the alternative, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own or join an optional concert excursion featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss. The ship moors overnight. Meals B,L,D

Day 13 - A choice of sightseeing tours in Bratislava, Slovakia
After a morning of scenic cruising, your ship arrives this afternoon in Bratislava. Here in the Slovakian capital, you’ll have your choice of included sightseeing: You can join a guided walking tour of the city’s major sights, including Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and historic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In the alternative, our Communist-Era Tour showcases architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and the Soviet War Memorial. Late tonight, the ship departs for Vienna, Austria. Meals B,L,D

Day 14 - Budapest #WHS#… By day and night!
This morning’s sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you’ll have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the Danube River. Your tour also features the Fisherman’s Bastion, Royal Palace and St. Stephen’s Basilica. This afternoon, an optional excursion explores the sites and stories of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Tonight, enjoy a special “Illuminations Cruise” as your ship sails along the beautifully illuminated river front of Budapest. Meals B,L,D

Day 15 - Experience Hungarian traditions and hospitality
Today you will visit the famous Puszta region, the vast plain where Hungarian cowboys still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival, you will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Try a lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to the ship in Budapest. Meals B,L,D

Day 16 - Excursion to ancient Pecs
Your ship arrives this morning in Mohacs, where you depart for your excursion to Pecs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and then a Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. The area around Pecs is made up of rolling hills, vineyard-clad slopes and a modest climate that give the city a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a city tour that features the Mosque Church, the largest structure surviving from the Ottoman period as well as the underground burial chambers which date back to the 4th century. You will also see St. Peter’s Basilica, the main Catholic Cathedral in the city, as well as the restored Synagogue. Return to Mohacs and enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon’s wine-tasting excursion introduces you to the aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Vilány. In the alternative, a guided bicycle tour to Mohacs is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). Meals B,L,D

Day 17 - From Vukovar, Croatia to Novi Sad, Serbia
Arriving in Vukovar this morning, you’ll have your choice of an included excursion: A city tour features the Ovcara Memorial, a monumental cross dedicated to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. The second option is an excursion to Ilok, a charming town renowned for its wines; visit a local winery and sample their vintages before a walking tour of the town. Enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise to Novi Sad. Upon arrival, set out on an afternoon sightseeing tour of this historic town, beginning in Danube Park and continuing through the old town center. You will also visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, constructed in the 18th century during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Meals B,L,D

Day 18 - Ashore in Belgrade
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and explore its many streets, plazas and squares. Belgrade has over 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares! On your panoramic tour, you will see the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. As an alternative, the Tito’s Memorial Tour includes a visit to the House of Flowers, where the tomb of Tito is located. You will also see some of the many gifts Tito received during his presidency. After sightseeing, you will have free time in the city center to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the main pedestrian and shopping center of the city. A guided bicycle tour is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). Meals B,L,D

Day 19 - Through the Iron Gates to Bulgaria
Delight in a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds its way through a series of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Trans-European cruise adventure. Late this evening, the ship sails to Vidin. Meals B,L,D

Day 20 - The Castles of Vidin
The “Baba Vida” Fortress sits guard over the Danube here at the Bulgarian frontier town if Vidin. Its 14th century castle has massive walls and dark towers that stand in stark contrast to the natural park that surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th-century castle, set amidst an amazing landscape of fantastic rock formations. Meals B,L,D

Day 21 - Discover the Paris of the East
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, known as “The Paris of the East.” Visit the Open Air Museum to see and learn about the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. After lunch on your own, you will have two options. Enjoy a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest building in the world (after the Pentagon), or tour Bucharest’s historic highlights. Meals B,D

Day 22 - Off ship and onward to historic Plovdiv
Disembark the ship in Rousse and continue your tour by motorcoach. Your first stop is in the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch in the charming hilltop town of Arbanassi before continuing on to Plovdiv. This evening, see the main highlights of Plovdiv Old Town on a walking tour before dinner at a restaurant in town. Meals B,L,D [Note: For guests on our 22-day Cruise Only program, our services end this morning upon disembarkation.]

Day 23 - Journey to Istanbul
After breakfast, continue on to magical Istanbul for the grand three-night conclusion of your epic voyage from the North Sea to the Black Sea. You will stop for lunch in Erdine and then continue on to Istanbul where you will check in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore on your own. Meals B,L

Day 24 - Istanbul’s historic highlights #WHS#
This morning's comprehensive sightseeing tour will show you the old city and its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments – testament to the long and fascinating history of Istanbul. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. Later, you can continue exploring the city on your own or choose an optional tour. Meals B

Day 25 - The magnificent Topkapi Palace
Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every single Sultan from the 15th-century until the end of the 19th-century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional cruise excursion on the Bosporus or use the remainder of the day to shop and explore at your own pace. Meals B

Day 26 - Depart Istanbul
Your journey comes to a close this morning after breakfast at your hotel. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/30/2012 - 6/25/2012	$CALL
7/8/2012 - 8/3/2012	$CALL
8/22/2012 - 9/17/2012	$CALL
9/30/2012 - 10/26/2012	$CALL
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Your European River Cruise & Tour includes:

• 21 nights in an outside stateroom aboard our 5-star ship from the award-winning fleet of AmaWaterways; 82% of our staterooms feature large French balconies. Daily sightseeing program as outlined in the itinerary Infotainment System in all staterooms with complimentary Internet access, hit movies, music library and English language TV stations Plush terry bathrobes and luxurious white-on-white bedding in all staterooms Superb dining with all meals included during your cruise Complimentary, free-flowing red and white wines from Europe's great wine regions plus beer and soft drinks with every dinner onboard the ship Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily Cocktail reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner Special shipboard highlights including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, music performances and afternoon & evening piano music Complimentary use of bicycles to explore on your own Services of our professional Cruise Manager All English language on board in a comfortable non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck) Transfer from the ship in Rousse to your hotel in Plovdiv, Bulgaria 1 night in Plovdiv at the Dedeman Hotel (or similar) with buffet breakfast Motorcoach touring from Plovdiv to Istanbul, Turkey 3 nights in Istanbul at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel (or similar) including daily buffet breakfast. All local taxes GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance

Note: Shore excursions and sightseeing tours on this program are offered by Ama Waterways and are not limited to 16 guests.

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