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Grand European Discovery (Basel to Vienna)
A 16-Day Uniworld River Cruises tour starting from $3,899
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| Starting Price: | $3,899 |  |
| Tour Length: | 16 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Austria, Central Europe, France, Germany | |
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Cities Visited: Travel along three majestic rivers-the legendary Rhine, the meandering Main, and the enchanting Danube-where you'll be inspired at every turn. You'll touch history in Switzerland, France, Germany, and Austria.Visit wonderfully preserved towns that offer a glimpse into life as it must have been lived centuries ago in Miltenberg, with its crooked streets and leaning houses, and Strasbourg's Petite France, which is lined with canals. Explore legendary landmarks-the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim, the 900-year-old Melk Abbey, and the UNESCO World Heritage Würzburg Residenz Palace. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the enchanting Bavarian Forest. And get a taste of culinary diversity while indulging in wiener schnitzel in Austria, sipping fine Rheingau and Franconian wines, and drinking hearty beers from Germany.Come discover what's grand about Europe on this all-encompassing adventure with lots of scenic sailing and leisurely sightseeing. |
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• 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
• 12 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
• Complimentary use of bicycles
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program
• 2 Signature lectures
• 2 Captain's Welcome and 2 Captain's Farewell Dinners
• An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
• All transfers on arrival and departure days (Please see transfer guidelines in the Terms and Conditions)
• 14-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stunning River Countess
• 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
• 12 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
• State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
• Complimentary use of bicycles
• Captivating onboard local entertainment
• Exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program
• 2 Signature lectures
• 2 Captain's Welcome and 2 Captain's Farewell Dinners
• An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
• All transfers on arrival and departure days (Please see transfer guidelines in the Terms and Conditions)
Day 2: Basel (embark)
Arrive at Basel Airport where you'll be transferred to the ship. (D)
Day 3: Strasbourg, Speyer
Featured Excursion: Strasbourg canal cruise
You'll wake up in the beautiful port of the Alsatian town of Strasbourg. Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” It is home to a magnificent, single-spired Gothic cathedral, Notre Dame, and beautiful half-timbered houses; it is also the seat of the European Parliament. See Strasbourg in the way it has been seen through the centuries-on a canal cruise that passes Petite France, the picturesque old quarter with its timber-frame houses adorned with flower boxes. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner)
Day 4: Speyer (Heidelberg), Rüdesheim
Featured Excursion: Full-day tour of Heidelberg
From the port of Speyer, you'll take a motorcoach to Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved Medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Heidelberg is home to Germany's oldest university and is forever immortalized by Sigmund Romberg's operetta, The Student Prince. Your tour takes you past the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where you'll be guided through the castle's courtyard. You willand also get to see the world's largest wine barrel. Continue your tour in downtown Heidelberg and through Old Town where you'll see the town's late-Gothic church. You'll have some free time to wander along one of Germany's longest pedestrian streets, enjoy bustling squares lined with cafès, or simply take in the serene atmosphere of this truly charming town. (BB, D)
Day 5: Rüdesheim
Featured Excursion: Gondola ride to the scenic Niederwald Heights
Rüdesheim is one of the most scenic wine towns along the Rhine and its history dates back to Roman times, as do most of the cities along the Rhine. The town is famous for, among other things, its long avenue of shops and wine bars-known as the Drosselgasse-as well as the Niederwald Monument commemorating the unification of Germany. As an added treat today, you'll board a mini-train for the short trip to the Niederwald Gondola. The adventure takes off the moment your gondola rises up the hillside. During the ride and once at the top, you will be mesmerized by the fairytale views that appear on all sides, including Rüdesheim, the vineyards of the Rheingau, and the Niederwald Monument. Perched at the top of the Niederwald heights, the monument can be seen by all who pass through this section of the beautiful Rhine Valley. (BB, L, D)
Day 6: Miltenberg
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour
Relax onboard during the morning as your ship travels the tranquil waters of the meandering Main River through a series of locks and past quiet Franconian hamlets. Arrive in charming and romantic Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.” The town is protected by its old walls and two gates-one facing east, and another facing west. While on your walking tour, you'll discover why this Medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a German fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the Crooked House; and the Royal Inn, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century. (BB, L, D)
Day 7: Würzburg
Featured Excursion: Würzburg Residenz visit and winetasting
Visit Würzburg Residenz, an immaculate example of Baroque architecture and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This grand palace was built and decorated in the 18th century by an international team of architects, sculptors, stucco-workers, and painters. Particularly noteworthy is Tiepolo's ceiling fresco-the largest in the world. Enjoy the magnificent garden, one of the most expansive and beautiful in Europe. Your tour will be capped off with a private winetasting of fabulous Franconian wines in the historic Residenz cellar. (BB, L, D)
Day 8: Bamberg
Featured Excursion: Bamberg walking tour
Awaken in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, located on the Regnitz River near its confluence with the Main. Bamberg has one of Europe's largest intact Old Town centers, and like Rome, the city is built on seven hills-only here,and a church tops each hill. Your walking tour takesand you past the imperial cathedral, the four-wingedand New Residence, the Town Hall lapped by theand Regnitz River, and Little Venice, an area of colorful fishermen's houses from the 19th century. Duringand the afternoon, you'll cruise the peaceful, meandering Main River. (BB, L, Captain's Welcome Dinner)
Day 9: Nuremberg
Day 10: Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Half day Nuremberg city tour
After cruising parts of the impressive Main-Danube Canal, visit Nuremberg, an archetypal German Medieval city encircled by mighty defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. Birthplace of Albrecht Dürer and famous for its pocket watches, the city also held the astounding War Crimes Trials after WWII. Discover the sights of Nuremberg during your panoramic tour before exploring its walled Old Town on foot. (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Day 11: Regensburg
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour
Regensburg, one of the finest Medieval towns in Europe, captures 2,000 years of living history with outstanding manmade monuments like the 12th-century Stone Bridge and the towering Gothic cathedral. Your walking tour takes you past the architectural treasures of Old Town as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter with its magnificent 14th-century stained glass windows. Genuine Bavarian hospitality adds to the vibrant mix of art and culture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB, L, D)
Day 12: Deggendorf (Theresienthal), Passau
Featured Excursion: Bavarian forest horse-drawn carriage ride, and visit to a glass museum and workshop in Theresienthal
After taking a scenic drive through the Natureand Reserve of the Bavarian Forest, marvel at theand amazing glass collection exhibited in the Theresienthal Glass Museum. Experience the artand of glass-making firsthand during a visit to a nearby glass workshop, and follow the glass from the oven to the cooling station while learning about the extraordinary history of Theresienthal. Cap the dayand off with a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride through the Bavarian Forest. (BB, L, D)
Day 13: Passau
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour and St. Stephan's organ concert
Passau boasts a delightful layer of Italian-style on quintessential German foundations. Explore the well-preserved town on your guided walking tour. Visit St. Stephan's Cathedral, home to Europe's largest pipe organ, where you'll hear a magnificent organ recital. (BB, L, D) Note: Concert not available before 5/2, after 10/31, or on Sundays.
Day 14: Melk, cruising the scenic Wachau Valley
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey
Cruise the scenic, vineyard-rich Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape representing one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. Then tour Melk's 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube.The views from the terrace are spectacular, but the splendid frescos, marble, and gilded plasterworkand of its interior will be the true highlight of your visit.and (BB, L, Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Day 15: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour
There can be no exploration of the Danube withoutand a visit to Vienna, which is a city both steeped in history and on the cusp of current trends. Your panoramic city tour takes you along the stately Ringstrasse showcasing imperial Habsburg grandeur, past the Rathaus (City Hall), Parliament, the Hofburg (Imperial Palace), and the State Opera, among other sights. Leaving the motorcoach, you'll start a walking tour through the Hofburg grounds, culminating at magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral. Visit the Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library, said to be the most beautiful library room in the world. (BB, L, D) Note: On Mondays, the Mozart House will be visited instead ofand the library.
Day 16: Vienna (disembark), transfer to the airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to Vienna International Airport for your flight home.
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
5/13/2010 - 5/29/2010 |
$4,849 |
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7/28/2010 - 8/13/2010 |
$4,599 |
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11/5/2010 - 11/21/2010 |
$3,899 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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River Countess
2010 Condé Nast Travel Readers' Poll Best Small Ship.
Entered service in 2003; Refurbished in 2007; 361’ x 37.5’; 67 cabins; 134-passenger capacity; European officers and crew; 7- to 21-night cruises in Netherlands, Hungary, Germany, Austria, Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers.
Facilities onboard River Countess:
- Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens. The staterooms and suites on the Rhine Deck have French balconies*. Other amentities include: a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes
- The suites have extra amenities and services including: slippers; coffe machine; bottle of wine upon arrival; fruit and cookie plate; morning coffee, and shoe shine
Additional for 2010: Free laundry services and daily newspaper
- Beautiful panoramic main lounge with full-service bar, cozy Captain's lounge and library, elegant restaurant, sun deck with chess and shuffleboard, sky lounge, fitness room, sauna, massage treatments, gift boutique, guest laundry, and ironing facilities, and elevator
- Complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, and use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
- 24-hour reception service
- Wireless Internet access in public areas
Staterooms (Click thumbnails to see full size image
Catrgory 1- 5 Stateroom
Catrgory 1- 5 Staterooms: Approximately 151 sq ft
Lavishly Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites: have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens. The staterooms and suites on the RHine Deck have rench balconies. Other amenites include: a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes
Suite
Suite: approximately 214 sq ft
- Lavishly Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites: have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens. The staterooms and suites on the RHine Deck have rench balconies. Other amenites include: a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L'Occitane body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes
- The suites have extra amenities and service including: slippers; coffee machine; bottle of wine upon arrival; fruit and cookie plate; TV with DVD player; a refrigerator; and morning coffee, shoe shine, and free laundry services
- Beautiful panoramic main lounge with full-service dar, cozy Captain's lounge and library, elegant restaurant, sun deck with chess and shuffleboard, sky lounge, fittness room, sauna, massage treatments, gift boutique, guest laundry and ironing facilities, and elevator
- Complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, and use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
- 24-hour reception service
- Wireless Internet access in public areas
Ship Facts:
- Inagurated: 2003
- Refurbished: 2007
- Length: 361 ft (110 m)
- Width: 37.5 ft (11.40 m)
- Decks: 4
- Staterooms: 67
- Passenger Capacity: 134
- Voltage: 220v
- Onboard Currency: Euro
Ship Amenities:
- Cabin Size: Approximately 151 sq. ft.
Suites: 4; Suite Size: Approximately 214 sq. ft.
- Window Size: Moselle Deck = 6 ft. (1.86 m.) x 1.4 ft. (0.43 m.)
Main Deck = 6 ft. (1.86 m.) x 2.6 ft. (0.78 m.)
Danube Deck = 6.4 ft. (1.94 m.) x 3 ft. (0.93 m.)
Rhine Deck = Twice 3 ft. (0.90 m.) x 5.8 ft. (1.78 m.)
- Elevator: Yes
- Restaurant: Open seating
- Library: Yes
- Laundry Service: Available; Launderette: Yes; Ironing Facilities: Yes
- Gymnasium: Yes
- Sauna: Dry sauna, steam bath
The price of your cruise includes:
- Intimate, boutique hotel-style cruise ships with an average capacity of 134 guests
- Luxurious
riverview staterooms appointed with hotel-style beds draped in 100%
Egyptian cotton linens, cashmere/wool blankets, and European-style
comforters. Plus, bathrooms stocked with plush robes, thick towels from
Christie’s of Manchester, and L’Occitane body products.
- A
world-class, award-winning all English-speaking attentive staff with a
ratio of one staff member to every three guests Guest service
satisfaction rates of over 98%
- Unlike most of our
competition all meals are prepared fresh daily using only the finest
ingredients from the local ports of call
- Complimentary
fine wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner, bottled water in
staterooms, and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas on board Uniworld’s
company-owned ships in Europe
- Evening al fresco dining on the sun deck
- Captivating
shore excursions fully hosted by English-speaking local guides who use
state-of-the-art Quietvox portable headset systems to enhance guests’
sightseeing experience
- Complimentary use of bicycles on company-owned ships
- Exciting onboard local entertainment and insightful lectures
- Epicurean
Adventurer Program on nine itineraries in which guests enjoy a host of
culinary delights including private wine tastings, special wine and
food pairing dinner, cooking demonstrations, and unique onshore
excursions
- All transfers on arrival and departure days*
- All riverview staterooms and suites are serviced twice-a-day
- Inviting ambiance of an elegant restaurant with a beautiful scenic backdrop
- A professionally-trained culinary staff who stands ready to fulfill your requests including providing recommendations from our wine list planned by our award winning European sommelier
- Gourmet cuisine prepared fresh daily with the finest ingredients, often brought onboard from local markets
- International chefs from London’s five-star Meridian Piccadilly and Relais & Châteaux Hotels
- Al fresco evening dining on the beautiful open-air sun deck
- Open seating for all dining occasions
- Breakfast
Full buffet breakfast, including made-to-order omelets, pancakes, Belgian waffles, French toast, bacon and sausages to lighter fare – cereals, an assortment of homemade breads, pastries, fresh fruits and juices, fine teas and French Press coffee from organic pure Arabica coffee beans.
- Lunch
Fresh salads, seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses, homemade soups and bread, hearty sandwiches and delectable sweets
- Dinner
Gourmet entrees from homemade ravioli to filet mignon accompanied by complimentary fine wine, beer, soft drinks, and divine desserts*
*Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are offered on Europe cruises only. Dining choices may vary on cruises in Egypt and China.
Gracious and accommodating, your all English-speaking staff has been well-trained in the art of hospitality. This means getting to know you, understanding your individual preferences, sharing their insights into the destinations you visit and offering you those extra special luxuries that make your experience more personalized.When you join Uniworld on a river cruise, expect to be well cared for, from port to port. With around the clock 24-hour reception service, whatever you need, day or night, we are here to assist. Here, "well trained" is not just a phrase, but our philosophy. It’s the spirit in which we go above and beyond to ensure your journey provides memories that will last a lifetime.
Save up to $900 per Couple on Select Holiday River Cruises
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SAVE $900 per couple on select 2010 Holiday river cruises
Pay in full at time of booking by April 30, 2010 to SAVE up to $900 per couple ($450 per person) off cruise or cruise & air rates on suites or category 1 and 2 staterooms.
This offer is available on the following itineraries:
Rhine Holiday Markets (2010)
Danube Holiday Markets (2010)
Rhine & Main Holiday Markets (2010)
European Holiday Markets (2010)
SAVE $600 per couple on select 2010 Holiday river cruises
Pay in full at time of booking by April 30, 2010 to SAVE up to $600 per couple ($300 per person) off cruise or cruise & air rates on suites or category 3, 4, and 5 staterooms.
This offer is available on the following itineraries:
Rhine Holiday Markets (2010)
Danube Holiday Markets (2010)
Rhine & Main Holiday Markets (2010)
European Holiday Markets (2010)
Young Travelers Save 50% off
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Young travelers (between ages of 4 – 18) SAVE 50% off cruise only when accompanied by an adult on select itineraries and departure dates.
Offer is available on the Paris & Normandy cruise as well as Castles Along the Rhine itinerary.
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.