RIVER CRUISE AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST

RIVER CRUISE AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST

Click here for a printable brochure

 

​RIVER CRUISE AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST + CESKY KRUMLOV & PRAGUE WITH EXTENSION TO CROATIA

Fully escorted small group with a maximum of 12 passengers

Come along with us on a grand journey through Europe.  See the highlights of Central Europe on an enchanting river cruise between Amsterdam and Budapest, where you will marvel at ancient castles, hillside vineyards, medieval cities and magnificent abbeys and palaces. Then enjoy time in two of the most picturesque towns in Europe – Cesky Krumlov and Prague

 

$15,980 per person twin - based on Category D (Window Cabin) on the River Cruise

$20,980 per person single - based on Category D (Window Cabin) on the River Cruise

 

$2,200 per person twin - upgrade to Category A (Open Air Balcony) on the River Cruise

$3,400 per person single - upgrade to Category A (Open Air Balcony) on the River Cruise

 

Extension to Croatia

$5,000 per person twin

$7,000 single

Based on Lower Deck.  Earlybird bonus - first 5 single cabins booked reveive a free upgrade to Above Deck

 

Enquire for costs to upgrade to Business Class

 

TOUR HOST:  Tracey Burfield-Mills

Tracey has been creating holidays for clients for over 30 years and is now specialising in tours for solo travellers.  She is the owner/operator of World Travellers Remuera and puts together all the itneraries for our tours based on years of travelling experience.  She is a full member of the New Zealand Intitute of Travel and Tourism (MNZITT).   "Solo travellers have been sadly neglected in the past, says Tracey.    We are the first (and currently only) company in New Zealand that offers tours exclusively for solo travellers.  The difference for a solo traveller travelling on one of our tours is huge.  Being part of a small group of solo travellers provides a wonderful intimate experience where it is like travelling with a group of friends.  Everyone is in the same situation which provides a relaxing and comfortable environment.  I also love the fact we all get together prior to departure.  Getting to know each other prior to the tour eases any anxiety about who will be on the tour etc so that by the time we all meet at the airport we are all familiar with each other and can look forward to doing and seeing some amazing things and having fun.  I absolutely love escorting every tour I take away. We see and do great things, stay in lovely hotels, have great meals (and of course great wine) and have sooo much fun! I cannot wait for the next one".

 

Tour inclusions:

Return economy class air fares from Auckland with Emirates

All taxes and levies

14 night Avalon River Cruise on MS Expression

4 star hotels in Dubai, Amsterdam, Budapest, Cesky Krumlov and Prague

Sightseeing and transportation as specified

Breakfast Daily

Lunch and Dinner while on the River Cruise

Wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner on the river cruise

Soft drinks with lunch on the river cruise

Gratuities

Services of Tour Host

 

Extension to Croatia -  7 August to 12 September – 37 days

Flight Prague/Zagreb and Dubrovnik/Zagreb

4 star hotels in Plitvice National Park, Split and Zagreb

7 night luxury cruise

Sightseeing and transportation as specified

Breakfast Daily

Lunch daily on the cruise

A traditional Croatian Village Dinner while on cruise

Captains dinner evening on-board including traditional entertainment

Services of a tour host

 

Itinerary

Tuesday 7 August  After checking in at Auckland International Airport enjoy some relaxing time at the Emperors Lounge.  Tonight we depart Auckland and fly to Dubai. 

Wednesday 8 August  Early this morning we arrive in Dubai.  On arrival we are transferred to our hotel.  One night Taj Dubai Hotel  (Luxury Rooms), conveniently located in the Burj Khalifa precinct,  five minutes from the famed Downtown area and Dubai Mall.

Thursday 9 August  Early this morning we are transferred  to the airport for our flight to Amsterdam.  On arrival transfer to our hotel.  One night Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (superior room), located on Amsterdam’s main square with views across to the Royal Palace.

Friday 10 August  This morning enjoy an Amsterdam city walking tour and take in the most important locations in the ancient city centre. Visit  Begijnhof, the most beautiful and oldest hidden courtyard in Amsterdam and see impressive buildings like the Royal Palace and the New Church (over the famous Dam Square), but also other spectacular locations like ancient courtyards and secret churches. You will understand why the canal houses are so famous and you will be amused  by the history and beauty of the Canal Ring -a World Heritage site recognised by UNESCO. We then  go to the Jordaan neighbourhood with its  beautiful old houses, cute canals and tiny bridges, there you will visit some hofjes, old hidden courtyards which are a travel in time before finishing our tour at Anne Franks House.   This afternoon   board our luxury ship Avalon MS Expression and meet our crew at an evening welcome reception

Saturday 11 August - Amsterdam
Today, get a unique perspective of Amsterdam on a CANAL CRUISE, floating along the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam's "Golden Age." There is free time in the city this afternoon-or you might like to join an optional excursion before bidding tot ziens (farewell) to Holland and setting sail for Germany

Sunday 12 August  - Cologne
Today, enjoy a peaceful morning of cruising before reaching Cologne after lunch. One of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between a GUIDED CITY WALK or JEWISH HERITAGE WALK. The Old Town abounds with cafes, shops, and taverns. Be sure to try a Kolsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years! 

Monday 13 August – Rhine Gorge - Rudesheim
This morning, cruise through the dramatic RHINE GORGE-without a doubt, the most beautiful stretch of river and where ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 120 metres (400 feet) above the water. Cruise past the rock of the Lorelei, where legend tells of enchanted siren song that lured sailors to their doom.  In the afternoon we visit SIEGFRIED'S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM, where you'll be mesmerised by the self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT and free time to pick up some souvenirs on the narrow, cobblestoned Drosselgasse, where colourful flowers, open-air wine gardens, and live music add to the festive atmosphere

Tuesday 14 August – Main River Village
On the banks of the Main River you find cultural gems of small towns, many of them tucked away behind defensive walls and towered gates. With half timbered houses, narrow streets, and medieval town centres, these picturesque Bavarian villages are a photographer's delight. Join your Local Guide to experience one of these towns on a GUIDED WALK

Wednesday 15 August – Wurzburg
Surrounded by verdant hillside vineyards, Wurzburg, the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," makes an immediate impression with imposing Marienberg Fortress perched above town and the 15th-century Alte Mainbrucke (Old Main Bridge). On your GUIDED  TOUR this morning, visit the magnificent baroque BISHOP'S RESIDENZ, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. Depart Wurzburg at lunchtime and spend a leisurely afternoon cruising the Main River

Thursday 16  August – Bamberg
Today, arrive in medieval Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany's most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your GUIDED WALKING TOUR takes in its historic centre, including the great 13th-century Romanesque cathedral and the fascinating Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall)-built on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River when the bishop refused to give the townspeople land for a town hall! Wander the town's serpentine streets with their charming houses and 18th-century mansions

Friday 17 August – Roth to Nuremberg
This morning, dock in Roth and after breakfast join a GUIDED tour of the city. This delightful Bavarian town, with its half-timbered houses and market square, is also an industrial centre for textile manufacturing. Take pictures of Schloss Ratibor, an ancient hunting lodge built in 1535, with a most picturesque inner courtyard. Or you may prefer to choose a GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR of nearby Nuremberg. Although 90% of Nuremberg's Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Marvel at this thousand-year-old city's medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a more specialized NUREMBERG RALLY GROUNDS tour

Saturday 18 August – Regensburg
Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of historic interest. Architectural highlights of your GUIDED WALK include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built in the 13th century, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Wander through the city's lanes and alleys to discover the many mansions with high towers. Wealthy families built these towers to emphasize their status and wealth during the Middle Ages, and many still remain today. Walk across the 12th-century Steinerne Brucke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany, then grab a beer and enjoy a SNACK at the Historische Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany's oldest restaurants. Here-where the locals congregate-feel the vibrant atmosphere and take in the remarkable views along the river. Before dinner, we'll introduce you to some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS

Sunday 19 August - Passau
Uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge, Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses and dominated by St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture. Take in the highlights on the included GUIDED WALK through this charming town, and find out much more about the "City of Three Rivers." Alternatively, you might like to join a full-day optional excursion to Salzburg to see some of The Sound of Music sight

Monday 20 August  - Melk, Austria - Durnstein
This morning, enjoy a GUIDED VISIT of Melk's magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe's largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. Words cannot describe the splendour of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 60 metre (210-foot)high cupola. Then, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Durnstein, known for the magnificent baroque, blue Stiftskirche. The main street of this small town-with a population of less than 1,000 people-is lined with 16th-century homes and charming cobblestone streets. Your Local Guide will take you on an included WALKING TOUR and tell you the tale of England's King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in the castle whose ruins still stand above the town.

Tuesday 21 August - Vienna
Early this morning, arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music," which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria's magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys' Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral-plus, countless other sites you'll see on your GUIDED TOUR. Stroll through the delightful pedestrian Karntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses-historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! An optional concert is available tonight

Wednesday 22 August – Bratislava
At the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains is Bratislava, the dynamic capital of Slovakia. After breakfast, join your Local Guide for a tour of the city, including a GUIDED WALK of its fascinating Old Town, where winding cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways twist and turn to reveal the Town Hall, one of the oldest stone buildings in the city. Also visit gothic ST. MARTIN'S CATHEDRAL, coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from the 16th to 19th centuries. This afternoon is free to explore on your own

Thursday 23 August – Budapest
Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's liveliest cities. Whether you're seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Cafe, Budapest's unique energy is positively palatable. On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, see Heroes' Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen's Bastion and 11th-century Matthias Church. Be sure to note the city's eight bridges-many famous sights in and of themselves-which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left.  Afternoon at leisure.   

Friday 24 August  This morning our cruise concludes in Budapest after breakfast and we are transferred to  the Intercontinental Hotel  Budapest (Standard rooms). The hotel will store our luggage while we walk across the Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest.  It provides fantastic views of the river and the city. Rest of the day at leisure.

Saturday 25 August  This morning we stroll to the beautiful St Stephens Basilica, the largest church in Hungary and one of the top 10 most photographed buildings in the world.  You may like to go up into the dome for picturesque views of Budapest (by stairs or lift).  After St Stephens we head to the thought provoking memorial of “Shoes on the Danube Bank”, to honour the people killed by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen during World War II. We then make our way to the commanding building of the Hungarian Parliament where we will have a guided tour.  Rest of the day at leisure.

Sunday 26 August  This morning we head to Cesky Krumlov,  in Bohemia’s deep south and  is one of the most picturesque towns in Europe. It’s a little like Prague in miniature – a Unesco World Heritage Site with a stunning castle above the Vltava River, an old town square, Renaissance and baroque architecture.  1 night Hotel Dvorak (Castle view rooms). 

Monday 27 August  This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of Cesky Krumlov  including the Old Town and the Castle interior.  Have lunch in Cesky Krumlov then we travel to Prague - City of a Hundred Spires, a UNESCO monument and one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  3 nights Hotel Paris (Superior rooms), located  in the historical centre of Prague, on the Square of the Republic, just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and all large shopping centres.

Tuesday 28 August  This morning enjoy a guided tour of the Old and New Town. See Wenceslas Square with the equestrian statue of the patron saint St. Wenceslas, the "the Church of our lady of the snows - the tallest church in the city, the Franciscan Garden, the oldest building of the Charles University "Karolinum", founded in 1348, the Old Town Square with the statue of Jan Hus - our religious reformer, view the Estates Theatre where Mozart performed his famous "Don Giovanni", the Astronomical Clock and go up the tower for a magnificant view ( there is an elevator).  See the sites of the Jewish Quarter and finish with the a cruise  under the Charles Bridge and through the “Prague Venice Canal”.   Rest of the day at leisure.

Wednesday 29 August  This morning we explore the Prague Castle area on a guided tour. Walk through the Hradčany district visiting the Loreta  church with the Casa Santa and the Black Madonna, the Strahov monastery with it's famous baroque library and walk past the Archbishops Palace. This area was first settled in the ninth century and was the home of kings and queens for many years. Now it houses the office of the president of the Czech Republic, several museums, and more. We will go inside the St Vitus Cathedral, view the resting places of our St. Wenceslas and St. John of Nepomuk and admire the beauty of this grandiose cathedral. We then go inside the Royal Palace where the Wladislav Hall is located. It is 62 m long (186 feet), 16 m wide (48 feet) and 13 m high (39 feet) without any center support! Among other festive purposes, it is the inauguration hall of Czech presidents today. We then leave the palace and walk past the remnants of the first church here, built by Bořivoj in 882, and down through the Little Quarter (Lesser Quarter).  Rest of the day at leisure.

Thursday 30 August  This morning at leisure before heading to the airport for the flight to Dubai.  Overnight at an airport hotel.

Friday 31 August  Depart Dubai this morning bound for Auckland.

Saturday 1 September  Arrive Auckland this morning.

 

 

Extension to Croatia

Thursday 30 August  This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Zagreb.  On arrival in Zagreb we are transferred to our hotel in Plitivice National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest national parks in southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia. 1 night Hotel Degenija -  located 4 km from entrance of the national park.

Friday 31 August  Today enjoy a tour of the national park including a walk through the limestone canyon of the “Lower Lakes”, an electric-boat ride across the largest of the Plitvice lakes – Lake “Kozjak”, a panoramic train ride, and a walk along the top of the canyon’s east side.  This afternoon we continue our journey to Split, on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, known for its beaches and the fortresslike complex at its centre, Diocletian's Palace, erected by the Roman emperor in the 4th century.  2 nights Cornaro Hotel (Superior rooms), located in the heart of Split.

Saturday 1 September  Today we have a guided tour of Split and Trogir.  Our tour starts with the 1700 year old Diocletian's Palace, imagining how the life of Diocletian was like. We will  see the Cathedral of St Duje, one of the most beautiful cultural wonders on the Adriatic coast, Peristyle – the impressive square in the centre of the palace, Roman temples (today Christian ones), the famous Golden Gate and the big statue of Grgur Ninski.   We will then head to Trogir and walk along the  beautiful narrow streets and let the guide take you into the past times by retelling the stories and legends of Trogir. Greek, Roman and Venetian history make Trogir one of the most interesting historic oasis on the Adriatic. At the entrance to the St Lawrence Cathedral your attention will attract majestic portal of Radovan, the most significant medieval portal in this part of Europe. We continue our tour visiting the Cipico Palace with its unique and noteworthy features, which was home to one of the Trogir’s most prominent families. Afterwards we will come to Tower of Kamerlengo, which was the Venetian governor’s palace. 

Sunday 2 September  This morning we are transferred to the port for our 7 night small boat (average of 38 guests) cruise. Relax and enjoy sailing the crystal waters of the Adriatic and explore the stunning islands between Split and Dubrovnik. Enjoy a 3 course lunch onboard as we depart Split Harbour at 1pm and commence sailing towards our first destination - the island of Brac. The largest of the Dalmatian islands, we will either moor up in the port of Bol on the southern side of the island, or in the waterside town of Milna. The island of Brac is famous for it's native Mediterranean pine trees, relaxing atmosphere, and beautiful secluded bays.  Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing in either of these stunning areas, with the evening reserved to experience a local restaurant or waterside cafe.

Monday 3 September  Enjoy breakfast overlooking the stunning Adriatic as we cruise towards Hvar island. Relax in the Croatian sunshine or take a dip in the refreshing Adriatic at our mid-morning swim stop before lunch is served onboard. After lunch we continue onto Hvar, the ‘French Riviera’ of the Adriatic. Feel the part sipping champagne and docking alongside other super yachts and possibly sighting a celebrity. Hvar still remains authentic to its roots though with cobbled streets and historic architecture, with the 7th century fort ruins overlooking the town, a must-see for breathtaking views. Enjoy a Hvar orientation walk to see the Renaissance cathedral with its original tower, as well as the oldest community theatre in Europe, which dates back to 1612.

Tuesday 4 September  Early in the morning and subject to weather conditions (which are normally excellent), we will make our way across to the island of Vis, one of the most outer-lying islands on the Dalmatian coast. Vis has been used over the centuries as a strategic military port and saw action by the Allied military through WWII against Italy and the Germans. It has only recently been open to commercial tourism and still retains a lot of charm as it not frequently visited due to its location.

Today it is an idyllic island which is most famous for the outer-lying Blue Cave, an island cave system accessible only by boat. The blue turquoise water and refracted light into the cave make for exciting and amazing photo opportunities.  If by chance the weather and wind isn't suitable to visit Vis, then an alternative stop will be made on the itinerary. The captain reserves the right to amend this as his number one priority is always safety.

Wednesday 5 September  We set sail from Vis and head to the western side of Korcula Island, the port of Vela Luka. The name Vela Luka translates as ‘big harbour’ and the town lies in a deep sheltered bay, lined with small coves. The town dates back to prehistoric times and archaeological finds are on display at the cultural centre. Vela Luka has a strong agricultural background and in particular in olive growing, from which its olive oil is locally recommended. There are a handful of restaurants and shops dotted along the harbour and the town is becoming increasingly popular in the summer months.

Thursday 6 September  Relax as we set sail around Korcula Island towards the town of Korčula. The town of Korčula, said to be the home of Marco Polo, was mostly built in the 15th century, and the island's local population were famous for their decorative stone carving work, which to this day still adorn the city's facades. Korčula is also known as a gastronomic destination with many good restaurants that wrap around the edges of the seaside. You may be lucky enough to see a performance of “Moreska” - a dramatic sword dance, which was widespread in the Mediterranean countries in the 11th century, but today only exists here on the island. We will overnight in Korčula Town and enjoy a traditional Croatian dinner in the village of Zrnovo, one of the oldest settlements on the island.

Friday 7 September  Today we sail south-east to one of the most beautiful islands in Croatia, Mljet Island which is actually a National Park and Croatia’s greenest island covered by dense Mediterranean pine forest. The National Park is famous for its two salt lakes in the north end of the island - Veliko and Malo Jezero - and the 12th century Benedictine monastery in the middle of Veliko. Additionally, explore one of the most pristine parts of the island by cycling or walking around to where the sea meets the lake. After exploring, spend your afternoon on the top deck of the ship watching a magical Mljet sunset with a drink in hand.  Optional activity – Mljet National Park Entrance

Saturday 8 September  There is nothing like waking up in peaceful Mljet and enjoying breakfast as we cruise towards the UNESCO protected and spectacularly beautiful city of Dubrovnik. Enjoy the beautiful views along the way towards "heaven on earth" - according to the famous writer George Bernard Shaw. We will arrive into Dubrovnik in the afternoon. Dubrovnik’s old town is wonderfully captivating with its 1,940m long 15th century stone walls built to protect the city from invasion.  Enjoy a  walk around the walls to grasp the diverse nature of this city. Walk along the Stradun, the promenade inside the old city walls and meander the alleyways to discover numerous local restaurants, shops and bars.

Sunday 9 September  Enjoy an early breakfast after which it is time to say goodbye to the crew and our fellow guests!  We are then transferred to Dubrovnik Airport for our flight to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia and   heart of contemporary Croatia’s culture, art, sports, and academics.  1 night Premier Hotel Astoria, located in the centre of Zagreb.

Monday 10 September  Enjoy the morning at leisure before being transferred to Zagreb Airport for our flight to Dubai, arriving Dubai late evening.  1 night at an Airport Hotel

Tuesday 11 September  Depart Dubai this morning bound for Auckland.

Wednesday 12 September  Arrive Auckland this morning

 

All prices are per person in New Zealand dollars.  Prices are based on payment by cash, eftpos, chque or direct deposit only.  A surcharge of 2% applies for payment by Visa or Mastercard.  If you would prefer to share a room we will endeavour to match you up with someone of the same gender.  If we cannot, you would be required to pay the single price.  A non-refundable deposit of $3,500 per person is due at time of booking.  Balance due 7 May 2018.  Costs are based on a group of 12 passengers.  If the group falls below this number World Travellers Remuera reserves the right to cancel the tour in which case a full refund would be given.  This would be known 3 months prior to departure.  Once paid the full amount is non-refundable.

Please note:  a good level of fitness is required for this tour