Discover EUROPE

      DISCOVER THE BEST OF EUROPE

 

Day 1. Saturday 24 October, 2020   AUCKLAND DEPART            

Meet your escort at Auckland airport and depart.

Day 2. Sunday 25 October ARRIVE AMSTERDAM (D)

Arrive Amsterdam and transfer to our hotel.

Day 3. Monday 26 October. AMSTERDAM – CRUISE. (BD)

Morning tour of Amsterdam before boarding our luxury Viking cruise ship.

Day 4 Tuesday 27 October KINDERDIJK (BLD)

This morning we sail to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a tour of this ingenious network of windmills and other flood management devices. Learn why the windmills were built and see how they work, and enter a working windmill for a tour of its mechanisms and living quarters. Return on board for an enjoyable afternoon of Dutch diversions: sample handcrafted Dutch cheeses and take in a culturally enriching presentation on the Dutch Golden Age.

Day 5. Wednesday 28 October COLOGNE (BLD)

Tour Cologne today. Stroll through the old town past St Martin’s church and visit the Dom, Germany’s largest Cathedral. Free time to explore at your leisure.

Day 6. Thursday 29 October KOBLENZ AND MIDDLE RHINE (BLD)

Cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine, stopping in Koblenz to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress never destroyed. After your tour, continue cruising this stunning stretch of the Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to keep an eye out for the Lorelei Rock, which marks the river’s narrowest point and is named after the legendary Rhine maiden who lured sailors to their demise.

Day 7. Friday 30 October. MILTENBERG (BLD)

The morning is spent sailing along the beautiful Main River as it winds its way through the Spessart region, home of the actual Snow White. During our sail, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the region’s glassblowing traditions during a live demonstration. After lunch, we stop in Miltenberg, known for its half-timbered houses and Germany’s oldest inn. Join our walking tour that concludes with free time for you to explore. We sail through the night.

Day 8. Saturday 31 October WURZBURG (BLD)

After breakfast, tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or, instead, join an optional full-day journey along Germany’s picturesque “Romantic Road” to Rothenburg, with its turreted city wall and impressive Gothic and baroque architecture. Upon returning to Würzburg, enjoy a tour of the Bishops’ Residenz.

Day 9. Sunday 01 November BAMBURG (BLD)

Continue along the Main–Danube Canal this morning, arriving in Bamberg in early afternoon. Enjoy a tour of Bamberg, with its medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour includes a visit to the magnificent 11th-century cathedral, reworked in late Romanesque style in the 13th century, and the picturesque city hall built on a tiny island in the middle of a river.

Day 10. Monday 02 November.  NUREMBURG (BLD)

After breakfast, disembark in Nuremberg and visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field, the Nazi parade grounds of the 1930s and the Palace of Justice, site of the infamous Nuremberg Trials. Alternately, you may take an optional World War II tour that includes the illuminating Documentation Center Museum. After lunch, spend free time exploring Nuremberg’s Old Town or join an optional tour to discover the secret network of underground bunkers where priceless art was hidden in wartime.

Day 11. Tuesday 03 November. REGENSBURG (BLD)

Arrive in Regensburg midday. After lunch, tour this wonderfully preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including structures dating back to Roman times. Discover many 13th- and 14th-century patrician houses and see the splendid St. Peter’s Cathedral. During free time, visit the Alte Würstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany’s oldest restaurant. Alternately, you may choose to disembark this morning and drive with your guide to Munich for an optional full-day tour of this cultural and historic city, rejoining your ship in time to enjoy dinner on board before our evening departure.

Day 12. Wednesday 04 November.  PASSAU (BLD)

Arrive this morning in Passau, at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Your guided walk along the town’s narrow streets takes you through Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. Admire the New Bishop’s Residence and visit the impressive baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its ornate interior. Inside, you are treated to a special concert played on the 17,000-pipe organ, considered Europe’s largest church organ.Enjoy lunch on board your ship, and return to the city for further exploration on your own before departing. Alternately, set out this morning with your guide to enjoy a full-day optional tour of picturesque Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting of The Sound of Music.

Day 13. Thursday 05 November.  MELK, AUSTRIA (BLD)

After breakfast, visit the abbey at Melk, a 900-year-old Benedictine monastery featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. Rejoin your ship; cruise through the spectacular Wachau Valley this afternoon. Before dinner, you have time to explore the time-honored town of Krems and see the Steiner Tor, the last remaining city gate, or take an optional excursion to a local winery to sample some local vintages from this famous wine-producing region

Day 14. Friday 06 November.  VIENNA (BLD).

Today we tour the Austrian capital of Vienna. Ride along the Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. See some of the city’s baroque architecture, including the world-famous Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. The afternoon is yours is yours to further explore. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Alternately, you may choose to join an optional excursion to see the famed Lipizzaner Stallions; or, express your creativity at an optional art workshop inspired by the work of Gustav Klimt. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert.

Day 15. Saturday 07 November.  VIENNA (BLD)

Enjoy a day at leisure in Vienna. Perhaps see an unrivaled collection of Old Masters at the Museum of Fine Arts, or visit the Albertina. Maybe ride the Riesenrad, the world’s oldest Ferris wheel. Alternately, you may join an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the “Versailles of Vienna,” or enjoy a Viennese waltz lesson as well as visiting the palace during a full-day optional excursion. A cup of coffee or tea and a slice of exquisite Sachertorte are a must for evryone.

Day 16 Sunday 08 November.  BUDAPEST (BLD)

The Danube River divides Hungary’s capital city into the once separate towns of Buda and Pest. Explore both sides, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, walk along Castle Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch on board your ship, with the rest of the day is free to explore on your own. Alternately, choose one of our optional excursions designed to allow you to delve deeper into the history, culture and cuisine of this fascinating city. Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian dinner.

Day 17. Monday 09 November. BUDAPEST – DEPART (B)

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.to Auckland arriving Wednesday 11 November - day 19.

 

PRAGUE AND POLAND OPTION

Passengers continuing to Prague and Poland transfer by coach to Prague.

Day 18. Tuesday 10 November.  PRAGUE (BD)

Enjoy a morning tour of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe including walking tour of the old town to see the 15th century astronomical clock and Market Square.

Day 19 Wednesday 11 November.  PRAGUE (BD)

Free day to explore. Optional excursion to Berlin.

Day 20. Thursday 12 November.  PRAGUE - KRAKOW (BD)

Transfer to the station and travel by train to Krakow.

Day 21. Friday 13 November.  KRAKOW   (BD)

Our local guide will join us this morning for a sobering visit to Auschwitz and Berkenau. This afternoon we visit the Wieliczka salt mine which produced salt continuously from the 13th century to 2007

Day 22. Saturday 14 November. KRAKOW - WARSAW (BD)

This morning enjoy our guided tour of ancient Krakow including Market Square, Jewish Quarter, Wawel hill, the museum in Schindlers factory, and St Mary’s church. Travel to Warsaw by train late afternoon..

Day 23. Sunday 15 November.  WARSAW (BD)

Our tour of Warsaw includes the Royal Castle, Old Market Square and Barbican, Presidential Palace, University of Warsaw, Holy Cross Church, Copernicus Statue, Monument of Warsaw uprising, Mausoleum of Struggle and Martyrdom which includes the Nazi Interrogation Centre, Jewish Ghetto, Palace of Culture and Science, Lazienski Royal Park with Palace on the Water and Chopin monument.

Day 24. Monday 16 November. WARSAW DEPART (D)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home arriving 18 November – Day 26

 

Tour cost per person with Fly/Free. Book by 31 December.

19 Days Air and cruise Just $7,890

22 Days With Prague Just $8,920

26 days Grand Tour Just $10,800

 

Tour cost includes (Grand tour)

** Return economy air fares from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch

** Arrival and departure transfers in Warsaw and Amsterdam

** 2 nights in Warsaw and 2 in Krakow with sightseeing

** Train from Prague to Krakow. First class seats.

** 3 nights in Prague with breakfast and 1 day sightseeing

** Transfer from Budapest to Prague

** 14 night cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest including all meals and shore excursions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FLY FREE TO EUROPE WITH TOUR PAID BY 30 NOVEMBER, 2019. 

Save $2,500 per person.                                          

Cruise Budapest to Amsterdam from Just $7,600 ex Auckland.

 

DISCOVER THE BEST OF EUROPE

 

Day 1. Monday 05 October, 2020 AUCKLAND DEPART

Depart Auckland this evening.

 

Day 2. Tuesday 06 October.  WARSAW ARRIVE (D)

Arrive Warsaw and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.

 

Day 3. Wednesday 07 October.  WARSAW (BD)

Our tour of Warsaw includes the Royal Castle, Old Market Square and Barbican, Presidential Palace, University of Warsaw, Holy Cross Church, Copernicus Statue, Monument of Warsaw uprising, Mausoleum of Struggle and Martyrdom which includes the Nazi Interrogation Centre, Jewish Ghetto, Palace of Culture and Science, Lazienski Royal Park with Palace on the Water and Chopin monument. Free time to explore at your leisure.

 

Day 4. Thursday 08 October. WARSAW - KRAKOW (BD)

Travel to Krakow by train this morning This afternoon enjoy our guided tour of ancient Krakow including Market Square, Jewish Quarter, Wawel hill, the museum in Schindlers factory, and St Mary’s church.

 

Day 5. Friday. 09 October KRAKOW (BD)

Our local guide will join us this morning for a sobering visit to Auschwitz and Berkenau. This afternoon we visit the Wieliczka salt mine which produced salt continuously from the 13th century to 2007.

 

Day 6. Saturday 10 October.  KRAKOW – PRAGUE (BD)

Free time to explore at your leisure. Depart at 10.41 by train and enjoy the scenes of rural Europe en route to Prague where arrival is scheduled for 5.36pm. Transfer to our hotel.

 

Day 7. Sunday 11 October.  PRAGUE (BD)

Enjoy a morning panoramic tour of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe including walking tour of the old town to see the 15th century astronomical clock and Market Square.

 

Day 8 Monday 12 October. PRAGUE (BD)

Free day to explore. Optional excursion to Berlin. 

 

Day 9. Tuesday 13 October.  PRAGUE - BUDAPEST (BD)  

Travel to Budapest and join our luxury river cruise ship. Free time to explore before dinner on board.

 

Day 10. Wednesday 14 October.    BUDAPEST (BD)

Enjoy a guided tour of “Buda’ and “Pest” including the national Opera House and historic Heroes square. Stroll Fishermans Hill to Fishermans Bastion and Matthias Church. Lunch on board. The rest of the day is free.

 

Day 11. Thursday. 15 October.   VIENNA ARRIVE (BLD

Enjoy the views as we cruise the Danube arriving Vienna early evening.

 

Day 12 Friday 16 October. VIENNA (BLD)

Sightseeing includes a ride along the Ringstrasse to see the world famed Opera House, St Stephan’s Cathedral, and Hofburg Palace. The afternoon is free and this evening an optional classical concert is available.

 

Day 13. Saturday 17 October.  MELK (BLD)

Visit the Abbey at Melk, a 900 year old Benedictine Monastery featuring Austria’s finest Baroque architecture. See its wonderful frescoes and collection of medieval manuscripts.

 

Day 14. Sunday 18 October.  PASSAU (BLD)

On this morning’s walking tour see Passau’s narrow streets and Italiante architecture, and pass the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th century fortress that served for centuries as a bishop’s stronghold. Enjoy an included concert on Europe’s largest pipe organ in St Stephan’s Cathedral.

 

Day 15. Monday 19 October.  REGENSBURG (BLD)

Tour this wonderfully preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site including structures dating back to Roman times. See many 13th and 14th century patrician houses and the splendid St Peter’s Cathedral. Maybe during free time visit the Alte Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen) Germany’s oldest restaurant.

 

Day 16  Tuesday 20 October.  NUREMBURG (BLD)

Optional morning presentation on the European union as you cruise. Later see the ruins of Zeppelin Field, used in the 1930’s as a Nazi parade ground and the Palace of Justice, the old town, and market square. Optional WW2 history tour.

 

Day 17. Wednesday 21 October.  BAMBERG (BLD)

Tour the medieval city centre of Bamberg including the magnificent 11th century cathedral and picturesque city hall built on a tiny island in the middle of a river.

Day 18. Thursday 22 October.  WARZBURG (BLD)

Tour Wurzburg’s Bishops Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate Baroque Palaces. This afternoon relax on board or enjoy an optional excursion along Germany’s Romantic Road to Rothenburg. Rejoin your ship for dinner and an evening glass blowing demonstration.

Day 19. Friday 23 October.  WERTHEIM (BLD)

Wertheim is located on the confluence of the Main and Tauber Rivers. During your morning walking tour experience life in a typical small German Town. Visit a bakery and Butchers shop and learn about Wertheims glass blowing tradition.

Day 20. Saturday 24 October.  MIDDLE RHINE AND KOBLENZ (BLD)

Cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine. This stunning stretch of river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the Lorelie Rock which marks the river’s narrowest point. This afternoon stop to visit Marksburg, the only Rhine Castle never destroyed. Rejoin your ship in Koblenz.

Day 21. Sunday 25 October.  COLOGNE (BLD)

Tour Cologne today. Stroll through the old town past St Martin’s church and visit the Dom, Germany’s largest Cathedral. Free time to explore at your leisure.

Day 22. Monday 26 October.  KINDERDIJK (BLD)

Enjoy the scenic views as we cruise along the Rhine this morning. This afternoon tour Kinderdijk to see the fascinating network of windmills and other ingenious flood management techniques. Special farewell dinner this evening.

Day 23. Tuesday 27 October.  AMSTERDAM (BLD)

Say farewell to your crew after breakfast and transfer to our hotel with a tour of introduction to the city including Anne Franks House included. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure.

Day 24 Wednesday 28 October AMSTERDAM DEPART (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home

Day 25. Thursday 29 October. EN ROUTE

Day 26. Friday 30 October. ARRIVE AUCKLAND 

 

EXTEND TO THE MEDITERRANEAN - cruise 15 days/14 nights Rome to Athens with Viking 

Cruise commences Rome 28 October, and 09 December, 2020  also in reverse direction commencing Athens 7 and 11 November 

Rome to Athens Itinerary

Day 1.    Arrive Rome and board your ship 

Day 2.    Guided tour of Rome included

Day 3.     Tour of Naples included 

Day 4.      Cruise the Ionian Sea and enjoy all the facillities of your ship 

Day 5.      Full day in heraklion, Crete 

Day 6.      Cruising 

Day 7.      Arrive Ashdod. Tour to Jerusalem included 

Day 8.      Ship is in Haifa. Free day or explore more of Israel 

Day 9.      Tour Haifa.    Sail in the evening 

Day 10.     Limassol, Cyprus. Tour included 

Day 11.     Cruising 

Day 12.     Day in Rhodes. Tour included 

Day 13.     Enjoy exploring Mykonos 

Day 14.     Sightseeing in Athens included 

Day 15.     Disembark in Athens. 

Fares from AUD 7,495 share twin