Globus > JEWELS OF CENTRAL EUROPE

JEWELS OF CENTRAL EUROPE
18 Days starting from $4,049

Countries Visited:
Austria, France, Germany, Hungary

Check Rates & Availability

Length: 18 Days
Type: Other Tours
Category: Other Tours
Operator: Globus
Tour Code: WTB-2009
   
 
 
About This Tour


Sail along the Moselle, Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers and through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and Main-Danube Canal on this remarkable vacation. Guided sightseeing in each city shows you the highlights, with inside visits to a wine cellar in Bernkastel, Reichsburg Castle in Cochem, Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim, the Residenz in Würzburg, the Old Chapel in Regensburg, the Benedictine Abbey in Melk, and Fishermen’s Bastion in Budapest. Also stop along the Romantic Road in medieval Rothenburg, travel by high-speed TGV train between Paris and Metz, and attend a baking demonstration in Miltenberg.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • SPECIALS

City Highlights
Cruise:
Deluxe 14-night cruise from Trier to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Paris:
Guided sightseeing

Paris-Metz:
By high-speed TGV train

Trier:
Guided sightseeing; welcome reception

Bernkastel:
Guided sightseeing, visit a wine cellar

Cochem:
Visit Reichsburg Castle

Rüdesheim:
“Winzerexpress” mini train; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Miltenberg:
Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration

Würzburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Residenz

Bamberg:
Guided sightseeing

Nuremberg:
Excursion to Rothenburg; guided sightseeing

Main Danube Canal:
Cruise in the canal

Regensburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Old Chapel; beer tasting

Passau:
Guided sightseeing

Melk:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey

Vienna:
Guided sightseeing

Budapest:
Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion

Notes:
  • In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • In the rare event that the high-speed TGV train is unavailable, alternative arrangements will be made and the sightseeing tour of Trier may not be possible.


Meals
Buffet breakfast daily (B) in Paris; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, welcome dinner, and Captain’s dinner; quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements

Hotels:
Paris Le Meridien Montparnasse (SF)
Day 1:
(Thu.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Paris, France. (Fri.) Welcome to Paris, France’s capital on the River Seine and the “City of Light,” where romance fills the air!

Day 3:
Paris. (Sat.) Paris’ famous sights are living history: your included city sightseeing shows you magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, Madeleine, Champs Elysées, and the Eiffel Tower, a structural miracle of its age. The city is well known for its colorful nightlife, including some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. (B)

Day 4:
Paris–Trier, Germany (Embarkation). (Sun.) This morning, board a HIGH-SPEED TGV TRAIN for a swift and comfortable journey to Metz. From here, drive to Trier in Germany. This venerable Episcopal city is the oldest in Germany and, some claim, even older than Rome! The famous PORTA NIGRA is the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement and still gives access to the town center. See the highlights on your included tour. It is here that the crew of your river cruise vessel waits to welcome you on board! The Moselle River is some 312-miles long, rising in the Vosges Mountains of northeastern France and entering Germany at Trier. The entire Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery. (B,D)

Day 5:
Bernkastel. (Mon.) In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its well-preserved half-timbered houses surrounding the beautiful MARKET PLACE. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. Before dinner, visit a local WINE CELLAR and taste several of this region’s varietals. (B,L,D)

Day 6:
Cochem–Koblenz. (Tue.) Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, which sits atop a conical hill covered in vines. From here the views of the little town of Cochem nestled down below, and of the river valley are splendid. Cruising the wide, peaceful curves of the river it quickly becomes obvious that the Moselle is an important wine growing region. Most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000-year-old Koblenz is the cultural and business center of the Middle Rhine region. The DEUTSCHES ECK, located on a tongue of land where the two rivers converge, holds an impressive equestrian statue of Wilhelm I. (B,L,D)

Day 7:
Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim. (Wed.) The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town and SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! A SPECIAL TREAT is planned, then you have time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. (B,L,D)

Day 8:
Miltenberg. (Thu.) Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local soft cookie specialty. (B,L,D)

Day 9:
Würzburg. (Fri.) Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)

Day 10:
Bamberg. (Sat.) Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in the breathtaking cathedral, the OLD TOWN HALL straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)

Day 11:
Nuremberg. Excursion to Rothenburg. (Sun.) Medieval Rothenburg is a classical walled city. Its half-timbered houses, the church’s wooden altar carved by Tilman Riemenschneider, and the town square with its Glockenspiel, a tribute to the city’s one-time heroic mayor, all contribute to making this a favorite of the towns along the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)

Day 12:
Nuremberg. (Mon.) Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)

Day 13:
Regensburg. (Tue.) Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights included in your tour are the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and the Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers. (B,L,D)

Day 14:
Passau–Linz, Austria. (Wed.) Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. (B,L,D)

Day 15:
Melk–Vienna. (Thu.) Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 16:
Vienna. (Fri.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you’ll enjoy during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. (B,L,D)

Day 17:
Budapest, Hungary. (Sat.) Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (B,L,D)

Day 18:
Budapest (Disembarkation). (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)


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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.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/4/2008 - 9/21/2008
$4,749
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10/16/2008 - 11/2/2008
$4,049
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5/14/2009 - 5/31/2009
$4,959
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6/25/2009 - 7/12/2009
$4,959
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9/3/2009 - 9/20/2009
$5,259
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10/15/2009 - 11/1/2009
$4,459
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Cruise:
Deluxe 14-night cruise from Trier to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds

Paris:
Guided sightseeing

Paris-Metz:
By high-speed TGV train

Trier:
Guided sightseeing; welcome reception

Bernkastel:
Guided sightseeing, visit a wine cellar

Cochem:
Visit Reichsburg Castle

Rüdesheim:
“Winzerexpress” mini train; visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Miltenberg:
Guided sightseeing; baking demonstration

Würzburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Residenz

Bamberg:
Guided sightseeing

Nuremberg:
Excursion to Rothenburg; guided sightseeing

Main Danube Canal:
Cruise in the canal

Regensburg:
Guided sightseeing, visit the Old Chapel; beer tasting

Passau:
Guided sightseeing

Melk:
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey

Vienna:
Guided sightseeing

Budapest:
Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion

Notes:
  • In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
  • Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
  • In the rare event that the high-speed TGV train is unavailable, alternative arrangements will be made and the sightseeing tour of Trier may not be possible.

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Book now and take $200 off per couple on any air-inclusive European Low Season Vacations.*

* Book a 2008/2009 Globus Europe Winter air-inclusive vacation on select carriers to receive the $100 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between June 4 and August 31, 2008 for travel commencing between October 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one another or any offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Save up to $600 per stateroom on 2009 Globus River and Small Ship Cruises

Discover an entirely new way to uncover the wonders of the world with river and small ship cruises. From a wine tasting adventure through the vineyards of France to island hopping in the Galapagos Islands, you’re sure to find a Globus river or small ship cruise that speaks to your heart. There’s simply no more peaceful way to sample the charming cities and awe-inspiring sights of Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos Islands.

*Book a 2009 Globus River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer. Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $125 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between May 14 and August 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus

Discount for young travelers

Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.

Pay less for your second vacation

We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.

Triple room reduction

On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.

Avoid the single room supplement

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!


Do you have a large party of friends or family that wants to travel?

Right now when you book between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75.* For example, book 5 passengers and receive a $375 discount, 6 passengers equals a $450 discount and 7 passengers will receive a $525 discount. With an offer like this, the world’s greatest destinations are now closer than ever!

*Book a 2009 Globus vacation for five, six or seven travelers to receive the $75 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between Jun 4 and Dec 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


   
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