Grand Danube Cruise Aboard the new deluxe fleet of Amadeus Waterways 23-DAYS An Eloquent Cruise from Prague to Istanbul

Spend three nights in Prague, then cruise from Nuremberg all the way to the Black Sea and end your journey in what was known for centuries as the world's greatest city, Istanbul. Guided sightseeing along the way include the capital cities of Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Istanbul, as well as walking tours with local experts in many other stops. Cross the Continental Divide and enjoy the scenic beauty all along the river with the dramatic landscapes of the Danube Gorge in Germany and the Iron Gate in Serbia. You will also  visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital of Veliko Târnovo, nearby Arbanassi, and the Black Sea resort of Constanta. You leave your cruise ship in Rousse for and drive to Nessebar and on to Istanbul before returning home.  ITINERARY INCLUDEDIN THE TOUR NOT INCLUDED DEPARTURE DATES & TOUR PRICES HOTEL IN PRAGUE HOTEL IN ISTANBUL

ITINERARY

Day 1 :	FLIGHT USA - PRAGUE
Board your overnight flight to Prague.     (in-flight meals)
Day 2 :	PRAGUE
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this lively city.     (B)
Day 3 :	PRAGUE
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. In the afternoon why not join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII labor camp, now a memorial to those who perished. The evening is free.(      (B)
Day 4 :	PRAGUE
Today is a free day to stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River or take the optional tour to Konopiste.   (B)
Day 5 :	PRAGUE - KARLSBAD - NUREMBERG, GERMANY
This morning depart Prague after breakfast and stop in Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Karlsbad, and most famous for its Bohemian spa. After lunch, drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg.       (B,D)
Day 6 :	NUREMBERG - CONTINENTAL DEVIDE
Enjoy a guided morning tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses.At lunchtime rejoin the ship further along the Main-Danube Canal and continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending through stair-step locks to Riedenburg.       ( B,L,D)
Day 7 :	REGENSBURG - DANUBE GORGE
This morning takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. A guided tour will show you the city's highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. In the evening enjoy folklore music on board.  (B,L,D)
Day 8 :	PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairytale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or, take an optional full day tour to Salzburg. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on toLinz. After dinner, take a walk through Linz, Austria's third largest city.  (B,L,D)
Day 9 :	MELK - VIENNA
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. A tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. At lunchtime, continue through the romantic Wachau Valley. Late this afternoon arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music." Tonight explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.    (B,L,D)
Day 10 :	VIENNA
A tour of Vienna includes Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St.Stephen's Cathedral. Then enjoy a free afternoon to shop, explore or visit one of the cities many museums or palaces. Continue cruising overnight to Hungary and Budapest.     (B,L,D)
Day 11 :	BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
This morning is free. In the afternoon your sightseeing tour includes Buda & Pest. Your tour also features the Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, and much more. Tonight enjoy a Gala  Dinner with Gypsy music.     (B,L,D)
Day 12	BUDAPEST
The Puszta, is the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world, 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 brandy and scones. Take a ride in an Ox-cart, see a typical Gypsy village and marvel at the equestrian skills of the riders during the horse show. There will be a light lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to Budapest (B,L,D)
Day 13	MOHACS - PECS - VUKOVAR, CROATIA
This morning the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for the excursion to Pecs. Founded more than 2000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Upon arrival there is a walking tour during which you will see the Synagogue, visit the former Turkish Mosque and Christian Basilica, all accompanied by the traditions and tails of old Pecs brought alive by the local guides. As the ship exits Hungary the river makes up the boundary between Serbia and Croatia. You are leaving the European Union and passing into two countries. Tonight the ship will arrive in Vukovar, Croatia. (B,L,D)
Day 14	VUKOVAR - NOVI SAD, SERBIA
This morning a guided bus and walking tour of Vukovar will show you the  the Franciscan Monastery of St.John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and Churchs St.Philip and St.Roch. During lunch continue your cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia Where you will tour the Petrovaradin Fortress. Ruled by the Ottoman Turks for 160 years, from the early 16thcentury, the current fortress was improved and modified by the Hapsburg Austrians.  (B,L,D)
Day 15	BELGRADE
This morning you arrive in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, where you will explore both- the old and new town. Your guided tour features Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, the Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Square, Republic Square and Mihajlova street, as well as Belgrade Fort, "Varos" Gate and the mighty Kalemegan Fortress.    (B,L,D)
Day 16	THE IRON GATE, BULGARIA
Pass the Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac and the legendary Trajan’s Table, then head through the Danube’s most dramatic gorge, the Iron Gate. This narrow passage divides Europe’s Alps in the northeast from the Carpathians in the southeast. The impressive Djerdap hydroelectric project is the subject of a specially organized lecture this afternoon.     (B,L,D)
Day 17	VIDIN, BULGARIA
Admire the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnovo on the banks of the Yantra River. Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress and the Patriarchate, is well worth a visit. Browse through the local handicraft market this afternoon and continue to the museum town of Arbanassi for a visit. See the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity. Rejoin your cruise ship at Bulgaria’s largest inland port, Rousse.  (B,L,D)
Day 18	GUIRGUI - BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
The pride and joy of Communist achievement, the 40-mile long Black Sea Canal, is yours to marvel at this morning while sailing to Constanta, the "Queen of the Romanian Black Sea Riviera." A tour of Constanta highlights the Natural History Museum, the Peter and Paul Orthodox Church, and the seaside resort of Mamaia. (B,L,D)
Day 19	ROUSSE - VELIKO TURNAVO - NESSEBAR
Bid farewell to your cruise ship this morning and travel to your hotel. Admire the sights of Romania’s lively capital, Bucharest. The highlight of your tour is a visit to the National Art Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace.     (B)
Day 20	NESSEBAR - ISTANBUL, TURKEY
During this morning’s guided walking tour, see the main highlights of the town including Nessebar’s oldest church, the 5th century Basilica on the Beach. After lunch, continue on to magical Istanbul for a grand three-night conclusion of your Black Sea Voyage.    (B)
Day 21	ISTANBUL
This morning's comprehensive city tour will show you the old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of her historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Suleymaniye Mosque, the church of the Pantocrator and the Galata Tower, and tour the Blue Mosque. Later, you have the choice to explore more of Byzantine Constantinople and Ottoman Istanbul or to shop at the Grand Bazaar.   (B,D)
Day 22	ISTANBUL
Today, your guide 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. The remainder of the day is yours to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants.        (B)
Day 23	ISTANBUL - USA
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Europe. (B)

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR

• Scheduled transatlantic flights (billed seperately depending on departure city) when UET issues the airline tickets 
• Three nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague with daily Buffet Breakfast nbsp;
• Transfer from the hotel in Prague to the ship in Nuremberg 
• 14 night deluxe cruise accommodation in outside cabin with hotel-style beds 
• Information System in all staterooms with internet, movies, music library & English language TV stations
• terry Bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms
• Superb dining with all meals included on cruise. One seating with open seating arrangements
• Unlimited quality red & white wines from Europe's great wine regions with every dinner on board the ship 
• Cocktail Reception and Welcome Dinner 
• Captain’s Gala Dinner 
• Sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary 
• Fully escorted motor-coach tour from the ship in Rousse, Bulgaria to Istanbul
• One night hotel accommodation in Nessebar at the Black Sea, including buffet breakfast
• Three nights hotel accommodation in Istanbul including daily buffet breakfast
• Special highlights including folklore performances, wine tasting, lectures, theme dinners, local festivities and on board music performance
• Services of a professional Cruise Manager throughout your cruise 
• Nightly piano music on board 
• On board amenities including fitness center,on board bicycles, beauty salon,souvenir shop and Club Lounge 
• All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking only on the Sun Deck) 
• All airport/hotel/airport transfers with purchase of Amadeus' air packages
• All local taxes 

• Gratuities for guides & cruise personnel
• Optrional Transatlantic air-fare (can be arranged by UET from any US city)
• Items of personal nature & items not listed in the itinerary
• Optional travel insurance
• Port charges USD 266 in 2011 

Click to view details:   MS AMADOLCE, MS AMACELLO, MS AMADANTE DECKPLAN

The  DELUXE CRUISE SHIPS OF AMA-WATERWAYS operate for the English speaking market only and offer a long list of amenities, which no other river cruise ship in Europe can match.  ON-BOARD FACILITIES  Grand View Lounge Bar Elegant Gourmet Restaurant  Fitness Center & on board bicycles Beauty Salon including manicure & pedicure  Fun pool Interesting lecture programs  On-board veriety entertainmant Walking track