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Apr 29, 2008*
May 13, 2008
Jul 14, 2008*
Jul 28, 2008
Sep 28, 2008*
Oct 12, 2008
Oct 26, 2008*
Nov 9, 2008

*On these dates cruise operates from Vienna to Basel.

River Countess

1-888-942-3301

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A journey of discovery
Combine two great itineraries, the Rhine Discovery and the Danube Discovery, into one Grand European Discovery. Travel along three majestic rivers, the Rhine, the Main and the Danube, where you’ll be inspired at every turn. Touch history in Switzerland, France, Germany and Austria. Witness the diverse cultural heritage, medieval villages and imperial cities that have developed with the help of these historically significant rivers.

Admire the cultural and scenic treasures along three majestic rivers
Visit wonderfully-preserved towns offering a glimpse into life as it must have been lived centuries ago. Spend time in magical towns like Miltenberg, with its crooked streets and leaning houses, or Strasbourg’s “Petit France” Quarter lined with canals. Explore legendary landmarks – the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim, the 900-year-old Melk Abbey perched atop a cliff on the Danube, and the UNESCO World Heritage Würzburg Residenz Palace. Experience recent history first-hand visiting the World War II sights in Nuremberg. And get a taste of culinary diversity while indulging in wiener schnitzel and apple strudel in Austria, savoring world-class wines from the Wachau Valley, and drinking hearty beers from Germany. These are just a sampling of the many treasures and pleasures that await you on a journey following the flow of the rivers on the Grand European Discovery.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Naturalists looking to view some of the most stunning river scenery in Europe. History enthusiasts, music lovers, art aficionados, and those looking for Old World charm – it’s here in abundance.

DAY 1: Depart Home Gateway City to Basel

DAY 2: Basel (embark)
Arrive in Basel Airport where you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. (D)

DAY 3: Strasbourg, Speyer
Featured Excursion: Strasbourg canal cruise. Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” It is home to a magnificent gothic cathedral, beautiful half-timbered houses and also the seat of the European Parliament. See Strasbourg in the way it has been seen through the centuries—on a canal cruise. You’ll also see Petite France, the picturesque old quarter that seems as if it has been lifted from the pages of a fairy tale with its timberland houses adorned with flower boxes. (BB, L, D)

DAY 4: Speyer (Heidelberg), Rüdesheim
Featured Excursion: Full-day tour of Heidelberg, Gondola ride to Niederwald Heights
Irresistible Optional Tour: Dinner, wine and entertainment at a local restaurant in Rüdesheim. Heidelberg, home of Germany’s oldest university and forever immortalized by Sigmund Romberg’s operetta The Student Prince, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Your tour of Heidelberg takes you to the romantic ruins of the courtyard of Heidelberg Castle and through Old Town. Rüdesheim is one of the most scenic wine towns of the Rhine Valley. Upon arrival, board a mini-train for the short trip to the Niederwald Gondola. During the ride and once on top, you will be stunned by scenic vistas of Rüdesheim, the vineyards of the Rheingau and the Niederwald monument, a symbol of German unity, perched on top of the heights. (BB, D)

DAY 5: Aschaffenburg
Featured Excursion: Aschaffenburg Old Town stroll. Relax this morning as we cruise the peaceful Main River before docking right in the heart of Aschaffenburg. King Ludwig I called it his “Bavarian Nice” due to its Mediterranean flair. The imposing landmark, the mighty castle “Schloss Johannisburg” and the “Pompeiianum” – a Roman villa rebuilt on plans discovered in Pompeii – are only two of the many examples of the long and rich history of this town which we will discover during our guided Old Town stroll. (BB, L, D)

DAY 6: Miltenberg
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour. Miltenberg, nestled tightly below wooded hills on a bend of the Main River, enjoys a wonderfully photogenic setting. Explore the “Pearl of the Main River” with your local guide. See the half-timbered houses that give the town its fairy tale feel, along with the Crooked House and the famous Royal Inn which has been preparing meals without interruption since the 15th century.

DAY 7: Würzburg
Featured Excursion: Würzburg Residenz and wine tasting. Visit Germany’s immaculate example of baroque architecture, the stunning Würzburg Residenz, dating back to 1744 and another breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent baroque palace with its magnificent gardens is one of the largest and most beautiful in Germany. It was built and decorated in the 18th century by an international team of architects and painters, including Tiepolo, sculptors and stucco-workers. Your tour will be capped off with a tasting of fabulous Franconian wines in the historical Residenz cellar. (BB, L, D)

DAY 8: Bamberg
Featured Excursion: Bamberg walking tour. Irresistible Optional Tour: Bamberg beer experience. Awake in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg in the morning. Endowed with one of Europe’s largest intact Old Town centers, you will see the imperial cathedral, the four-winged New Residence, the Town Hall lapped by the River Regnitz and the fisherman’s village, “Little Venice,” on your walking tour. (BB, L, D)

DAY 9: Nuremberg, Cruising Main-Danube Canal
Enjoy a day at leisure, exploring this fascinating city at your own pace.

DAY 10: Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour. Today’s tour takes you through Nuremberg, an archetypal German medieval city encircled by mighty defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. The second largest city in Bavaria is the birthplace of Albrecht Dürer and home to world-famous gingerbread and the pocket watch. It is also where the infamous Nazi rallies were held during World War II, and its courthouse (Room 600) held the memorable trials after the war. Discover the sights of Nuremberg during your panoramic tour before exploring the walled Old Town on foot. (BB, L, D) Note: Access to courtroom 600 cannot be guaranteed

DAY 11: Regensburg
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour. Regensburg, one of the finest medieval towns in Europe, captures 2000 years of living history with outstanding manmade monuments like the 12th-century stone bridge and the towering gothic cathedral. Our walking tour explores the architectural treasures of Old Town as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter, with magnificent stained glass windows dating back to the 14th century. Genuine Bavarian hospitality adds to the vibrant mix of art and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB, L, D)

DAY 12: Passau
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour and St. Stephan’s organ concert. Irresistible Optional Tour: Venture through the Bavarian forest to the Bavarian Village Museum, or spend an afternoon cycling along the Inn River. Passau boasts a delightful layer of Italian style on quintessential German foundations. Explore the well-preserved town and visit St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ, and site of your organ recital. (BB, L, D) Note: Concert not available before May 2 and after November 1 or on Sundays.

DAY 13: Melk
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey. Upon arrival in Melk, be greeted by the 900-year-old Benedictine abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. The beautiful complex is a masterpiece of baroque art and architecture. During your tour through the abbey complex, the guide will bring history to life as you discover one work of art after another. (BB, L, D)

DAY 14: Cruising Wachau Valley, Krems, Vienna
Featured Excursion: Krems wine experience. Start the day with a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape representing one of the most beautiful stretches of river valleys in Europe, en route to Krems. Today, we invite you on a different kind of journey to discover the fascination of wine. We’ll take you to the best traditional and state-of-the-art wine domain where you’ll experience a treat for all the senses, from the vineyards to the cellars. See, feel, smell the wines on a walk through the estate and taste the noble juice of the vine. (BB, L, D)

DAY 15: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour. Irresistible Optional Tour: Visit Schönbrunn Palace, and/or enjoy a classical music performance of Mozart and Strauss. Vienna’s compact historic city center is an exciting array of cafés and grand places, culminating at the magnificent gothic cathedral. Your city tour will take you along the stately Ringstrasse to the most beloved architectural wonder in all of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where Mozart was married in 1782. On the way you’ll pass Figaro House, where Mozart once lived and wrote The Marriage of Figaro. (BB, L, D)

DAY 16: Vienna (disembark)
Disembark the ship and transfer to Vienna Airport for your flight home.

Vienna to Basel - 16 days
See above for Basel to Vienna direction.

DAY 1: Depart Home Gateway City to Vienna

DAY 2: Vienna (embark)
Arrive in Vienna where you’ll be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. (D)

DAY 3: Vienna
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tour. Irresistible Optional Tour: Visit Schönbrunn Palace, and/or enjoy a classical music performance of Mozart and Strauss. Vienna’s compact historic city center is an exciting array of cafés and grand places, culminating at the magnificent gothic cathedral. Your city tour will take you along the stately Ringstrasse to the most beloved architectural wonder in all of Vienna, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where Mozart was married in 1782. On the way you’ll pass Figaro House, where Mozart once lived and wrote The Marriage of Figaro. (BB, L, D)

DAY 4: Krems
Featured Excursion: Krems wine experience. Today, we invite you on a different kind of journey to discover the fascination of wine. We’ll take you to the best traditional and state-of-the-art wine domain where you’ll experience a treat for all the senses, from the vineyards to the cellars. See, feel, smell the wines on a walk through the estate and taste the noble juice of the vine. Later, enjoy leisure time to take a stroll through the quaint town of Krems. (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Dinner)

DAY 5: Krems, Wachau Valley and Melk
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey. Start the day with a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape representing one of the most beautiful stretches of river valleys in Europe, en route to Melk. Upon arrival in Melk, be greeted by the 900-year-old Benedictine abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. The beautiful complex is a masterpiece of baroque art and architecture. During your tour through the abbey complex, the guide will bring history to life as you discover one work of art after another. (BB, L, D)

DAY 6: Passau
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour and St. Stephan’s organ concert. Irresistible Optional Tour: Venture through the Bavarian forest to the Bavarian Village Museum, or spend an afternoon cycling along the Inn River. Passau boasts a delightful layer of Italian style on quintessential German foundations. Explore the well-preserved town and visit St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ, and site of your organ recital. (BB, L, D) Note: Concert not available before May 2 and after November 1 or on Sundays.

DAY 7: Regensburg
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour. Regensburg, one of the finest medieval towns in Europe, captures 2000 years of living history with outstanding manmade monuments like the 12th-century stone bridge and the towering gothic cathedral. Our walking tour explores the architectural treasures of Old Town as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter, with magnificent stained glass windows dating back to the 14th century. Genuine Bavarian hospitality adds to the vibrant mix of art and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB, L, D)

DAY 8: Main-Danube Canal and Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tour. Today’s tour takes you through Nuremberg, an archetypal German medieval city encircled by mighty defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. The second largest city in Bavaria is the birthplace of Albrecht Dürer and home to world-famous gingerbread and the pocket watch. It is also where the infamous Nazi rallies were held during World War II, and its courthouse (Room 600) held the memorable trials after the war. Discover the sights of Nuremberg during your panoramic tour before exploring the walled Old Town on foot. (BB, L, D) Note: Access to courtroom 600 cannot be guaranteed

DAY 9: Nuremberg
Enjoy the day at leisure, exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. (BB, L, D)

DAY 10: Bamberg
Featured Excursion: Bamberg walking tour. Awake in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg in the morning. Endowed with one of Europe’s largest intact Old Town centers, you will see the imperial cathedral, the four-winged New Residence, the Town Hall lapped by the River Regnitz and the fisherman’s village, “Little Venice,” on your walking tour. During the afternoon, enjoy the lush scenery of the meandering Main River as you sail to Würzburg. (BB, L, D)

DAY 11: Würzburg
Featured Excursion: Würzburg Residenz and wine tasting. Visit Germany’s immaculate example of baroque architecture, the stunning Würzburg Residenz, dating back to 1744 and another breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent baroque palace with its magnificent gardens is one of the largest and most beautiful in Germany. It was built and decorated in the 18th century by an international team of architects and painters, including Tiepolo, sculptors and stucco-workers. Your tour will be capped off with a tasting of fabulous Franconian wines in the historical Residenz cellar. (BB, L, D)

DAY 12: Miltenberg, Aschaffenburg
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour and Aschaffenburg Old Town stroll
Miltenberg, nestled tightly below wooded hills on a bend of the Main River, enjoys a wonderfully photogenic setting. Explore the “Pearl of the Main River” with your local guide. See the half-timbered houses that give the town its fairy tale feel, along with the Crooked House and the famous Royal Inn which has been preparing meals without interruption since the 15th century. Relax this afternoon as we cruise the peaceful Main River before docking right in the heart of Aschaffenburg. King Ludwig I called it his “Bavarian Nice” due to its Mediterranean flair. The imposing landmark, the mighty castle “Schloss Johannisburg” and the “Pompeiianum” – a Roman villa rebuilt on plans discovered in Pompeii – are only two of the many examples of the long and rich history of this town which we will discover during our guided Old Town stroll. (BB, L, D)

DAY 13: Rüdesheim
Featured Excursion: Gondola ride to Niederwald Heights. Irresistible Optional Tour: Dinner, wine and entertainment at a local restaurant in Rüdesheim. Rüdesheim is one of the most scenic wine towns of the Rhine Valley. Board a mini-train for the short trip to the Niederwald Gondola. During the ride and once on top, you will be stunned by scenic vistas of Rüdesheim, the vineyards of the Rheingau and the Niederwald monument, a symbol of German unity, perched on top of the heights. (BB, L, D)

DAY 14: Speyer (Heidelberg)
Featured Excursion: Full-day tour of Heidelberg. Heidelberg, home of Germany’s oldest university and forever immortalized by Sigmund Romberg’s operetta The Student Prince, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Your tour of Heidelberg takes you to the romantic ruins of the courtyard of Heidelberg Castle and through Old Town. (BB, D)

DAY 15: Strasbourg
Featured Excursion: Strasbourg canal cruise. Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” It is home to a magnificent gothic cathedral, beautiful half-timbered houses and also the seat of the European Parliament. See Strasbourg in the way it has been seen through the centuries—on a canal cruise. You’ll also see Petite France, the picturesque old quarter that seems as if it has been lifted from the pages of a fairy tale with its timberland houses adorned with flower boxes. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

DAY 16: Basel (disembark), transfer to airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to Basel airport for your flight home.