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27 Day Grand European Serenade
Uniworld River Cruise starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Bucharest
Countries Visited: Holland  Germany  Austria  Slovakia  Hungary  Croatia  Serbia  Romania  Bulgaria 
Tour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 27 Days (26 Nights)
From: Amsterdam to Bucharest
Tour Code: UNIGES
Operator: Uniworld
from AU $10,725 pp
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River Cruise Description

Combine 'European Serenade' and 'Eastern Europe Explorer' into one grand journey in which you'll visit nine countries and experience the best of Western and Eastern Europe. Sail the romantic Rhine, the meandering Main, and the enchanting Danube from lively Amsterdam to Romania for more than 2,200 miles. As you sail through the heart of Europe, enjoy the natural beauty of vineyardrich landscapes, picture-perfect towns, and Medieval cities, combined with the surprising flavours of Eastern Europe.

Marvel at the plethora of UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Cologne Cathedral, Bamberg's and Regensburg's Old Towns, Budapest's Castle Hill district, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its many castles, and the wonderfully scenic Wachau Valley. This perfectly paced trip truly is the voyage and value of a lifetime, and provides you with an up-close and personal view of sweeping European history from Amsterdam to Bucharest.

Included Features

  • 24-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stunning River Countess or the luxurious River Duchess
  • 2 nights at the deluxe Radisson Blu Bucharest (or similar) with breakfast
  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • Complimentary fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner; bottled water in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas during your cruise
  • 20 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
  • Use of bicycles during your cruise
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment
  • 2 Signature lectures
  • 2 Captain’s Welcome & 2 Captain’s Farewell Dinners
  • An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
  • All transfers on arrival and departure days

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Day
1
Amsterdam
Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport where you will be transferred to the ship. (D)
Day
2
Amsterdam
Featured Excursions: Amsterdam city tour, including canal cruise, with choice of Rijksmuseum OR Van Gogh Museum visit.
Experience the highlights of Amsterdam on a city tour and canal cruise, and then visit the world-famous Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum, the latter of which houses not only the largest collection of this modern Dutch master’s work, but also works by an impressive selection of artists who influenced or were influenced by him. (BB/L/Captain’s Welcome Gala)
Day
3
Cologne
Featured Excursions: Cologne walking tour and Cologne Cathedral visit.
Stroll through Old Town on your walking tour as you make your way to Cologne Cathedral. From every angle, this UNESCO World Heritage Site—which took over 600 years to complete—is a masterpiece of Gothic art. Note: No inside tours of the cathedral are given on Sundays or Catholic holidays. (BB/L/Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
Day
4
Boppard, cruising the romantic Rhine Rüdesheim  
Featured Excursion: Siegfried’s Music Museum.
Visit Rüdesheim’s unique Siegfried’s Music Museum, which showcases one of the world’s best collections of self-playing musical instruments, before cruising the exquisite Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy leisure time in charming Boppard. (BB/L/D)
Day
5
Frankfurt
Featured Excursion: Frankfurt city tour.
Your panoramic tour takes you through the city’s financial hub and past Old Town, Goethe University, the Botanical Gardens, and the historical area around Römer Square. (BB/L/D)
Day
6
Miltenberg
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour.
Take in the serene beauty of the winding Main River before visiting Miltenberg, with its fairytale half-timbered houses, Crooked House, and Royal Inn. (BB/L/D)
Day
7
Gerlachshausen (Rothenburg), Würzburg
Featured Excursion: Full-day tour of Rothenburg and Würzburg Residenz.
Visit the best-preserved Medieval town in Germany, Rothenburg, with its imposing fortifications on your morning tour. In the afternoon, visit the Würzburg Residenz, an 18th-century Baroque palace. (BB/D)
Day
8
Bamberg
Featured Excursion: Bamberg city tour.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, passing its Renaissance palaces and Baroque houses. See the fishermen’s village known as “Little Venice,” the famous Bamberg Rider, and the unique frescoed town hall. (BB/L/D)
Day
9
Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Choice of classic Nuremberg city tour OR Nuremberg WWII historical tour with Documentation Center visit.
Cruise parts of the Main-Danube Canal, a marvel of modern engineering. Then discover Nuremberg, a Medieval gem with notable WWII history, during a city tour. Or turn back the pages of history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds. You’ll also visit the newly opened Nuremberg Memoriam Trials, including Courtroom 600, venue of the Nuremberg Trials. Note: Courtroom 600 is an active court. Visitors will only be permitted to see the courtroom during trial breaks. (BB/L/D)
Day
10
Regensburg
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour.
On your tour of Regensburg, an unspoiled gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the town’s famous 12th-century Stone Bridge, Roman Porta Praetoria gate, Cathedral of St. Peter, and other treasures. (BB/L/D)
Day
11
Linz
Featured Excursion: Linz walking tour.
The Danube serves as a dividing line between Linz’s modern city and its old soul. After exploring the historic market square on your walking tour, enjoy the views from Pöstlingberg Mountain. (BB/L/D)
Day
12
Vienna, Cruising The Scenic Wachau Valley
Featured Excursions: Choice of Vienna city tour and National Library visit OR “See Vienna as the Viennese Do” on an exclusive waltzing discovery of Viennese daily life.
Travel along Vienna’s Ringstrasse to magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and visit the stunning National Library. Or explore Vienna’s historic town center by foot and subway as the locals do, and stop at a traditional Viennese coffee house. Then cruise the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley and enjoy the enchanting scenery. Note: On Mondays, Mozarthaus will be substituted for the Library. (BB/L/D)
Day
13
Vienna
At leisure. (BB/L/D)
Day
14
Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour and National Library visit.
Capture Vienna’s imperial history during a tour that takes you along the stately Ringstrasse. Stroll through the Hofburg grounds to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and visit the beautiful Austrian National Library. Note: On Mondays, Mozarthaus will be substituted for the Library. (BB/L/D)
Day
15
Bratislava
Featured Excursion: Bratislava city tour.
Admire Bratislava’s eclectic collection of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco architecture on your tour through the city. (BB/L/Captain’s Welcome Gala)
Day
16
Budapest
Featured Excursion: Budapest city tour.
Your panoramic tour of Budapest gives you a sweeping view of all its famous and historic sights. (BB/L/D)
Day
17
Budapest, cruising the Danube
Enjoy the morning at leisure in beautiful Budapest before cruising the lovely Danube. (BB/L/D)
Day
18
Vukovar (Osijek)
Featured Excursions: Tour of Osijek, home-hosted lunch, and school visit.
Tour Osijek and experience Croatian life while meeting students during a school visit, and then enjoy a homehosted lunch. (BB/L/D)
Day
19
Belgrade
Featured Excursion: Belgrade city tour.
Enjoy a panoramic drive through Belgrade, featuring the Belgrade Fortress in Kalemegdan Park, St. Sava Cathedral, and a visit to Tito’s Memorial. (BB/L/D)
Day
20
Kostolac (Viminacium)
Featured Excursion: Viminacium archeological site.
Resident archeologists bring the historic grandeur of the excavations at Viminacium alive. The former Roman city boasted villas, thermal baths, a mausoleum, and even an amphitheatre. (BB/L/D)
Day
21
Cruising the scenic Iron Gates
Relax onboard as you cruise the spectacular Iron Gates, an 80-mile sequence of gorges that the mighty Danube cut through the Carpathian Mountains and one of the most dramatic natural displays of beauty in Europe. (BB/L/D)
Day
22
Vidin (Belogradchik)
Featured Excursions: Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik rock formations.
Visit the legendary Medieval Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik, a fairytale world of weathered red sandstone in fantastic formations and one of the natural wonders of Bulgaria. (BB/L/D)
Day
23
Rousse
Enjoy leisure time exploring Rousse, Bulgaria’s fourth-largest city. Walk along the lively pedestrian zone, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo- Rococo architecture. (BB/L/Captain’s Farewell Dinner)
Day
24
Rousse (Varna)
Featured Excursion: Full day in Varna.
Visit Varna’s Archeological Museum, home to the oldest gold treasure in the world, and savour hearty Bulgarian cuisine. (BB/L/D)
Day
25
Giurgiu, Bucharest
Featured Excursions: Bucharest city tour and People’s Palace visit.
After disembarking from the ship, you will be taken on a Bucharest city tour before visiting the People’s Palace, the second-largest building in the world. (BB, L)
Day
26
Bucharest
Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring the city called the “Paris of the East.” (BB)
Day
27
Depart Bucharest
Transfer to Bucharest Otopeni Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay. (CB or BB)
Uniworld Brochure This itinerary is based on 2012 departures. Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. There may be some amendments to this itinerary on 2013 departures. To view the preview 2013 brochure click here.

River Cruise Prices

Cruise prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

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General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Cruise Operator: Uniworld

Uniworld presents an unrivalled river cruise program with unique itineraries and superb five-star inclusions. Travel onboard intimate, luxurious ships with a maximum of 134 guests - fewer guests than any other river cruise company in Europe. With one highly trained staff member for every three guests and expert onboard hotel management, Uniworld are able to deliver a guest satisfaction rate of 98%.




Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the deck plans, cabin types and more ship information?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Uniworld including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well fleet information, deck plans, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their cruises. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Which direction of the cruise should I book? Is one better than the other?

It does not matter which direction you choose, as each direction contains the same included features. Timings of activities may, of course, vary a little due to cruising times up- or downstream, but you will not see or do more in one direction than in the other.

What is the dress code onboard?

During the day, comfortable, casual attire is appropriate. The weather in Europe can be very changeable, so take a sweater or windproof jacket and an umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for excursions. Evenings are a little dressier. Gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket to the Captain's dinner. You'll find average temperatures listed on each of the cruises on our website.

How large are the ships?

Our ships accommodate between 100 and 138 guests. They are generally 360 feet long (110 meters), and 37.5 feet wide (11.4 meters). The draft is approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters). There are typically 34 crew members aboard. We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information each ship. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Do your ships have any exclusive features?

Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience. The River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess offer guests the convenience of checking and sending e-mails. On the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess, each guest is provided with a terry cloth robe in their cabin. Our ships have one of the largest fitness centres aboard any river cruise ship. There is also a sauna and a steam room on the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess.

Are meals included onboard?

Sumptuous buffets at breakfast and lunch offer an extensive array of hot and cold selections. Breakfast features crispy Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream and warm maple syrup, a dozen or more homemade breads and jams, an omelette station, and hand-cut seasonal fresh fruit.

Lunch offers a delectable feast with salads, soups, carved-to-order roasts, and more. Evenings provide exquisite ambience with relaxed open seating. Each dish is flawlessly prepared using the finest ingredients—local meats and seafood along with tasty side dishes. Always included with dinner onboard are European fine wines and a selection of beer and soft drinks served by an attentive, caring staff. Of course, every meal concludes with a wide range of freshly prepared, decadent desserts that look every bit as delicious as they taste.

Uniworld also provides a variety of dining experiences including: al fresco “under the stars” and light-lunch dining—both on the sun deck; Captain's Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinner; early-riser breakfast; and afternoon tea. Plus, Uniworld gives you the choice of dining on lighter cuisine with our Traveling Lite menu.

What are your handicapped facilities like?

The ships are not handicapped or wheelchair accessible. There are elevators on the River Princess, River Queen, River Countess, River Duchess, and River Empress. On the River Queen, the elevator does not reach all decks. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking. Some excursions are walking cruises only, and several occur on cobblestone streets.

Are tips/gratuities included in our tour price?

Tips & gratuities including the customary end-of-trip gratuity/tip for the cruise/tour manager, crew onboard and local guides for the included shore excursions are included in the price of your trip (excluding Optional Excursions). Europe & Russia cruises only.

How do I pay for purchases and services onboard?

Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Countess, River Duchess, and River Empress. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience.

On other ships all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your shipboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a total, which can be paid with cash or credit card. The ships do not accept payments made by Diners Club cards. The onboard currency is the Euro. View individual ships here.

Do we always dock in the heart of the city?

It depends; in many places you will dock within walking distance to the city center, but there are places where the river only touches the outskirts of a town (i.e. Bamberg or Nuremberg), and thus a motorcoach transfer is necessary.


Arrival & Departure Information

Transfers

Transfers to/from airports will be provided only for flights arriving/departing on the start/finish day of the cruise (and for extensions/extra nights). There may be a waiting period of up to 2 hours or more unless private car transfers have been purchased. The following time limits apply:

  Arrival Departure
Europe 7am - 3pm 7am - 5pm
Extensions 24 hours 24 hours 
Extra Nights 24 hours 24 hours

Passenger flight details must be given to Global Journeys 45 days prior to departure. If your flight arrangements arrive/depart outside of the above you may purchase a private car transfer from Uniworld or make your own transfer arrangements. Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed or cancelled flights, for missed cruise/trip days or for extra costs resulting from the foregoing.

Boarding Time

On turnaround day, the entire ship must be cleaned in preparation for your arrival. The facilities of the ship, including your cabin, will not be available before 4pm. We appreciate your understanding on this matter. Should you arrive early, you may leave your bags in the Reception area and take a walk into the city, or relax in the lounge.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Georgie Walpole

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Georgie Walpole
Tour Consultant
Email: georgie@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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