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2013-14
Welcome
We hope to see you soon.
Heidelberg
...to our latest selection of expertly planned River Cruises, which take you on an adventure along some of the worlds greatest rivers from the legendary Rhine in Europe to the scenic waterways of Russia.
We round off 2013 with a wonderful choice of Christmas cruises, whether you want to celebrate early with a Turkey and Tinsel package or enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Christmas Market. Whichever you choose, its festive fun guaranteed aboard our three favourite ships; the mps Lady Anne, mps Amsterdam and the ms Switzerland II. For 2014 we are delighted to feature once again our Premier Cruise Collection aboard the ms Switzerland II plus introduce the stylish ms Serenity to our fleet, see pages 30 45. We also have two new spring itineraries aboard the mps Amsterdam, which cruise around the charming waterways of Belgium and visit the spectacular Floralia spring flower show or the beautiful region of Flanders, see pages 14 & 15. Alternatively, join us aboard the mps Lady Anne to visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens see pages 12 & 13. With a great range of destinations, so much included and a variety of ways to join the ship, youre sure to find the perfect cruise which will soon become a memorable holiday.
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NEW
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Contents
Welcome to The River Cruise Line So Many Good Reasons to Book... Flexible Travel Options Rivers, Waterways & Fascinating Sights
2-3 4 5 6-7
30-45
Premier cruising aboard the ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity
Cruise the Rhine, Moselle, Flemish & Dutch Waterways aboard the mps Lady Anne & mps Amsterdam mps Lady Anne 8-9 mps Amsterdam 10-11 Amsterdam & Bulbfields Spectacular 12-13 NEW Floralia, Bruges & Ghent 14 NEW Bruges, Ghent, Ypres & the Battlefields 15 Dutch Towns & Waterways 16 Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent & Bruges 17 Rhine Discovery 18 Magical Moselle 19 Rhine Explorer Especially For You 20 Rhine & Moselle Highlights 21 Rhine in Flames 22-23 Cruise the Rhine to Switzerland 24-25 Scenic Rhine & Switzerland 26-27 Great Rivers of Germany 28-29 Cruise in style aboard the ms Switzerland II & ms Serenity, including festive cruises Cruise the Danube, Elbe, Scottish or Russian Waterways & the Baltic Sea Festive Cruises aboard the mps Lady Anne & mps Amsterdam
Booking is easy...
1. By phone
From our office in the rural surrounds of South Leicestershire, our team of friendly Holiday Advisors are ready to speak to you in person and help you along the way with booking your holiday, offering information, advice and assistance whenever you need.
The Little Extras... 62 Holiday Insurance 63 Travel Arrangements 64 Departure Points 65 Booking Conditions 66-67 The River Cruise Line Calendar 2013-2014 68
Call our reservations booking line on 0844 544 6580 Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 6pm, Friday & Saturday 8.30am - 5pm
Our insurance
2. Online
Our website is a great source of information and is regularly updated to give you the latest news and features. The user-friendly design allows you to browse our full range of cruises or you can use the search facility if you have something more specific in mind. You can also view our brochures or order your own copy, sign up to our email newsletter, check availability and book your holiday securely.
So if you have a group of 20 or more, call our dedicated Group Travel Services Team on 0844 544 6587
Travel insurance is a vital aspect to booking a holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances. We offer a comprehensive policy at competitive prices see page 63.
Peace of mind
As members of ABTA we are a fully bonded and licensed tour operator, with air holidays protected by ATOL. We also have a 24 hour emergency line for when you are on holiday, which is answered by our On-call Manager at anytime. So you can enjoy complete peace of mind when booking with us.
Superb choice
We have an extensive collection of cruises with 34 itineraries to 12 countries throughout Europe and beyond. From our ever-popular trips along the Rhine and Moselle and elegant locations along the Elbe, to Russias intricate network of rivers, all our cruises reveal ever-changing landscapes as you sail to the heart of your destination, where you can spend your time at leisure or join our range of exciting excursions.
Fully escorted
Along with choice and expertise comes the added value that our Tour Managers bring to every cruise. Chosen for their experience and passion for travel, they bring your holiday to life with their in-depth knowledge and give a wonderful insight into the places visited, as well as the freedom to enjoy your holiday and let the sights speak for themselves. In the background they take care of travel details with a high level of professionalism and yet they are friendly and approachable, providing great company throughout your cruise.
Coach Driver & Tour Manager
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Transport by coach*
On many of our cruises you can take advantage of this included service, travelling aboard our modern executive coach from a town or city near you to the port of departure and onwards to meet the ship. Choose from over 250 FREE regional departure points but rest assured with our Pick-Up Promise that after youve boarded your tour coach there will be no more than five additional pickup stops en route to the UK port of departure (excluding motorway services and overnight hotel stops). For a complete list of departure points please see pages 65.
By car
Travel at your own pace, in the comfort of your own vehicle and meet our coach at the port of departure, where you can leave your car in a secure environment until your return. For departures from Dover you can make the journey even more relaxing with overnight bed and breakfast accommodation close to the port see page 64 for more information.
Expertly planned
For most people their holiday is the highlight of the year a time to rest, relax and get away from it all. Thats why, as the River Cruise Specialists, we put all our knowledge and experience into planning your cruise. Our reputation has been built on providing quality holidays along with an excellent service for over 10 years, which is why many of our customers travel with us again and again.
ms Switzerland II
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By rail
Since its introduction over a decade ago, Eurostar has put Europe on our doorstep and has fast become one of the most popular ways to travel. From Londons stylish St Pancras International Station, you join this highspeed, efficient service and can relax and take advantage of the facilities on board as you cross the channel. On arrival in Paris, Lille or Brussels, you join the local rail network to reach your destination.
Eurostar
By air
Air travel is included on our Up the Rhine & Down the Danube, Moscow to St Petersburg Cruise, and our Baltic Isles, Berlin & Poland, and on some cruises it is offered alongside rail or coach travel options details are given on the relevant cruise itinerary page.
Convenient flight options
ms Serenity
mps Amsterdam
*Please note not all coaches feature the River Cruise Line logo
Explore famous rivers and admire the scenery from your floating hotel
Cruising aboard a well appointed ship is simply the finest way to travel, taking in the scenery at a gentle pace from the comfort of your floating hotel. None of the highlights of your cruising route will be missed either, since each itinerary is meticulously planned to allow plenty of sightseeing opportunities, either within walking distance of the ships berthing point or on separately organised excursions. In between ports simply soak up the scenery gliding by from your seat upon the ships Sun Deck. We offer superb itineraries which one will you choose?
River Danube
The second longest river in Europe, the Danube, flows through eight countries to reach the Black Sea. The section of the Danubes waters that we cruise along takes in three countries; Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, and features valleys and vineyards as well as beautifully preserved medieval cities such as Bratislava and Budapest, known as the Pearl of the Danube. Of course, a cruise along the River Danube cannot ignore majestic Vienna; the river did after all inspire Strauss memorable waltz of the same name.
River Rhine
The Rhine was our first choice of inland waterway when we began our river cruise programme back in 2001. It was an obvious choice since the Rhine offers such diversity. From the northern mountain slopes of Switzerland, through the lush Rhine Plains, down the dramatic, narrow German river gorge, and into the flatter landscape of the Netherlands; visitors are swept along on a tide of beautiful scenery, ancient folklore and mouth watering white wines. So popular is the Rhine, that you will find a number of itineraries in this brochure featuring all, or part of it.
Dutch Waterways
The Dutch Waterways are one of the most intricate networks of inland waterways in Europe, with countless rivers, lakes and canals giving access to many areas of Holland. Our Dutch cruises pass through a variety of gentle landscapes with the opportunity to visit a range of destinations, from quaint fishing ports such as Volendam and Hoorn to the sparkling city of Amsterdam.
Moselle River
The magical Moselle meanders through a beautiful valley whose steep slate hillsides are swathed with grapevines bearing the fruit that is turned into those lively and refreshing Rieslings. Nothings done in too hurried a fashion along the Moselle Valley; we simply spend wonderfully relaxing hours following the twists and turns of the river with always an air of expectation as to what the next corner might reveal.
Flemish Waterways
The enchanting lowland scenery of Belgium is best seen from the canals and rivers which form an elaborate network across the whole country and our exciting new cruises let you capture the medieval beauty of Bruges, enjoy the historic heart of Ghent, and relive Antwerps rich past through its glorious architecture.
River Main
Winding across central Germany, the Main River is one of the major tributaries that feeds the Rhine and is rich in history and culture. At the confluence of the two rivers stands the majestic city of Mainz, which is fascinating to explore, whilst further up-river we find Frankfurt, known as Mainhattan for its spectacular skyline.
Scottish Waterways
Scotlands 137 mile network of inland waterways is the perfect way for visitors to see the magnificent countryside and amazing wildlife, not to mention the fabulous Scottish tradition and hospitality. This 200 year old system has undergone huge development in recent years to become a major attraction for locals and visitors alike.
River Neckar
The beautiful Neckar Valley is one of Germanys best kept secrets, filled with scenery and charm. It is another main tributary of the Rhine with which it shares many features, from pretty towns and fairytale castles to terraced vineyards and woodland. Here we find the the vibrant city of Mannheim along with Heidelberg, Germanys oldest university city.
Russian Waterways
The old imperial capital of St Petersburg and the current Russian capital of Moscow are linked by scenic waterways which pass through rolling rural landscapes dotted with farms, towns and villages. Travelling between these cities was once no easy task, since Moscow lies 400 feet above sea level. But an engineering feat involving dozens of locks and the construction of a series of canals facilitated such a route which has become a river cruisers dream.
Elbe River
The Elbe River rises in the Krkonoe Mountains and flows through Bohemia, the lowlands of the Czech Republic, and into Germany. The Elbe Valley is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in Europe and a cruise along its waters is one of the best ways to see Germany and the Czech Republic before it flows into the Vltava River, home to the historic city of Prague.
Baltic Sea
The Baltic Sea is one of the worlds most unique marine environments, where the tides are virtually nonexistent and the water is extremely shallow with barely any salt. Surrounded by islands and archipelagos, it is a magical holiday destination and our cruise along the coastline takes in many hidden gems including lagoons, national parks and the beautiful islands of Usedom and Hiddensee.
Welcome
mps Lady Anne
...to our cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, the Dutch and Flemish Waterways, aboard the mps Lady Anne and mps Amsterdam.
The holidays featured on pages 12-29 are aboard our exclusively chartered ships, some of which we have been working alongside for over ten years and have gained a reputation for providing an excellent service throughout. All offer a superb selection of cruise itineraries that include popular destinations along some of Europes most popular waterways, such as the Rhine and Moselle.
mps Lady Anne
Described as a floating home from home, owner and Captain of the mps Lady Anne, Wido Arts, has brought together an experienced and amiable crew whose priority is your comfort and enjoyment. Indeed, it is greatly due to the warm and relaxed atmosphere on board that our passengers return year after year, even several times in the same year!
Captain Wido
Lounge Bar
This is the social hub of the ship, with comfortable seating and panoramic windows to enjoy the views in the day and a dance floor and well stocked bar for the evening the perfect ingredients for the Captains Party Night!
Restaurant
Delicious meals are freshly prepared on board and served in the cosy restaurant. Breakfast is a hot and cold buffet, lunch is also a buffet and dinner is generally a set four course menu. Please note: vegetarian options and dietary requirements can be catered for if advised in advance.
Lounge Bar
Profile
Deck Plan
Promenade Deck Code Deck Berths Cabin facilities P2S Promenade 2 Shower/WC P2X Promenade Superior 2 SH/Bath/WC
Promenade Deck
Main Deck Code Deck M3S Main Standard M2S Main Standard M2L Main Superior Passenger Deck Code Deck X3S Passenger X2S Passenger X1S Passenger
Passenger Deck
All prices quoted are based on 2 people sharing a twin cabin. Cabins for sole occupancy are subject to availability and there is a 50% supplement for single occupancy of X2S, M2S, M2L, P2S and P2X cabins. X3S and M3S for twin occupancy are charged as X2S and M2S. NB: Stairways to the Passenger Deck cabins are very steep and spiral and not suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties.
mps Amsterdam
Lounge
Bar
mps Amsterdam
Captain Bennie, Purser Marloes and the crew take great pride in making our passengers feel at home. From the moment your luggage is lifted on board to the time it is delivered back on shore, your comfort, well being and enjoyment is their priority. Accommodating 98 passengers, a warm atmosphere surrounds the ship with passengers and crew soon becoming friends.
Captain Bennie
There is also a small souvenir shop by the reception which keeps you supplied with postcards, maps and a selection of souvenirs. New for 2014 the mps Amsterdam now has wi-fi (subject to availability, fee applies).
Cabin Accommodation
All cabins offer air conditioning and en suite facilities with a shower, wash basin and toilet. Twin cabins have a practical fold up bed so it can be transformed into a seat during the day. All of the Promenade Deck cabins benefit from panoramic windows; whilst the Main Deck Standard cabins have sliding windows placed at a higher level which permits plenty of natural light, but due to the height it makes them more difficult to see out of. The Main Deck Economy cabins at the front part of the ship on this deck level also have their view obscured in part by the ships bulwarks. Very little time is spent in the cabins anyway; theres too much going on around the Sun and Promenade Decks! The entire ship, including cabins, benefits from air conditioning. A stair lift interconnects the cabins and public rooms on the Promenade Deck with the Sun Deck. Please note: there is no stair lift between the main Deck and the Promenade Deck the 36 cabins on the Main Deck are only accessible via a stairway.
Friendly service
Lounge Bar
If youre not relaxing on the Sun Deck then the spacious lounge bar is the perfect place to be, with comfortable seating and panoramic windows so you can still enjoy the passing scenery. This is also where the nightly entertainment and get-togethers take place.
Restaurant
Benefitting from panoramic windows, you can enjoy your meals and still admire the passing scenery. Breakfast is a hot and cold buffet, lunch is a set three course menu and dinner is generally a set four course menu. Please note: vegetarian options and dietary requirements can be catered for if advised in advance.
Sun Deck
With plenty of seats you can relax and admire the passing scenery in this open area, which also has a partially covered terrace.
Promenade Deck cabin
Restaurant
Captains Quote
As the captain of the mps Amsterdam, I am very much looking forward to the 2014 season. We also have some exciting new additions to our sailing schedule for this season and next, which will take us along the tranquil waters of the Dutch and Flemish Waterways. Our first new cruise is for Christmas and visits some fantastic places at a magical time of year the sparkling city of Amsterdam, the charming medieval town of Antwerp and the picture-perfect city of Bruges; theres so much to enjoy, as well as the festive celebrations on board! This is followed by two new cruises in the springtime which delve into chocolate box Belgium with the option to visit Floralia a brilliant flower show which bursts with colour in the grounds of a beautiful castle, or Ypres and the former battlefields of World War One which will you choose? Captain Bennie
Profile
Kitchen Restaurant PROMENADE DECK MAIN DECK Hall Bar Lounge
Deck Plan
Promenade Deck Code Deck P1S Promenade P2S Promenade Main Deck Code Deck M2E Main Economy M2S Main Standard M3S Main Standard Berths 1 2 Cabin facilities Shower/WC Shower/WC
Promenade Deck
WC Rec
61 59 57 55 53 51
Kitchen
Restaurant 60 58 56 54 52 50 48
Shop
Bar
Berths 2 2 3
Main Deck
Engine Room
39
37 35 33 31 29 27 25 23 21 19 17 15 11 9 7 5 3 1
Lounge Bar
34 32 30 28 26 24 22 20
18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2
All prices quoted are based on 2 people sharing a twin cabin. Cabins for sole occupancy are subject to availability and there is a 50% supplement for single occupancy of M2E, M2S and P2S. M3S for twin occupancy is charged as M2E.
10
11
The IJsselmeer
See a riot of colour on this gem of a cruise Included excursion to Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens
IJsselmeer
Day 1: UK Amsterdam Volendam We travel to Amsterdam where we board our ship and cast off towards the scenic IJsselmeer, stopping along the way at the quaint former fishing port of Volendam for our overnight berth. Day 2: Volendam Kampen From Volendam, we cruise over to the eastern shores of the IJsselmeer to the historical town of Kampen. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring Kampen, with its medieval touches of
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Dates Routes 21 Apr N1 N2 22 Apr D4 D12 24 Apr H1 H2 H3 H4 25 Apr D11 Ferry Crossing Newcastle Dover Hull Dover
369
Ship mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne
Day 1: UK Amsterdam Volendam We travel to Amsterdam where we board our ship and cast off towards the scenic IJsselmeer, stopping along the way at the quaint former fishing port of Volendam for our overnight berth. Day 2: Volendam Kampen From Volendam, we cruise over to the eastern shores of the IJsselmeer to the historical town of Kampen. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring Kampen, with its medieval touches of architecture, or you can take the opportunity to visit Het Loo Palace, a former home of the Dutch Royal Family, on our optional excursion. Day 3: Kampen Amsterdam Casting off from Kampen, we cruise back across the IJsselmeer to the lively little port of Leylstad for our included excursion to view the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens. We rejoin our ship in Amsterdam, where you can discover Amsterdam by canal on our optional cruise taking in views of historic merchant houses and other points of interest.
Amsterdam
NORTH SEA
Volendam Amsterdam
start
IJsselmeer
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Return sailings from Dover or Harwich l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details
Leylstad
Kampen
Keukenhof
NETHERLANDS
GERMANY
Leylstad
Kampen
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover X3S Passenger 3 289 X2S Passenger 2 299 X1S Passenger 1 349 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 339 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 369 M2L Main Deck Superior 2 399 P2S Promenade 2 429 P2X Promenade Superior 2 469
Ship mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne
Coach via Hull/Ncastle 439 449 499 489 519 549 579 619
By Coach
Day 4: Amsterdam Enjoy a full day in Amsterdam starting with our BELGIUM optional coach tour, which takes you around the city centre to see the major highlights and includes a visit to the Amsterdam Diamond Factory. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore at leisure. Day 5: Amsterdam UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
NETHERLANDS
GERMANY
All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover/Harwich X3S Passenger 3 359 X2S Passenger 2 369 X1S Passenger 1 429 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 429 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 469 M2L Main Deck Superior 2 499 P2S Promenade 2 529 P2X Promenade Superior 2 559 See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
By Coach
architecture, or you can take the opportunity to visit Het Loo Palace, a former home of the BELGIUM Dutch Royal Family, on our optional excursion. Day 3: Kampen Amsterdam Casting off from Kampen, we cruise back across the IJsselmeer to the lively little port of Leylstad for our included excursion to view the breathtaking Keukenhof Gardens. We rejoin our ship in Amsterdam, where you can discover Amsterdam by canal on our optional cruise taking in views of historic merchant houses and other points of interest the perfect way to round off this rejuvenating spring break. Day 4: Amsterdam UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Het Loo Palace
Amsterdam
Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens
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13
Antwerp
View the historic and emotive locations of the First World War in this centenary year
4 days from
329
Wadden Sea
NEW
Bruges Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details
NEW
4 days from
NORTH SEA
Bruges
start
Ferry Crossing Ship GERMANY Dover mps Amsterdam Dover mps Amsterdam
329
Ghent
Antwerp Brussels
BELGIUM
Main Deck Economy Main Deck Standard Main Deck Standard Promenade Promenade
2 3 2 2 1
This memorable cruise takes you around delightful Belgium to visit charming Bruges and medieval Ghent, with their enchanting cobbled streets and canals. You can also venture into the region of Flanders on our included excursion, where we visit memorials dedicated to the fallen heroes of World War I and hear thought-provoking stories told by those people that lived during this time. 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the IJssel First World War, so join us as we reflect on their courage and sacrifice.
Day 1: UK Bruges We travel to Bruges, a beautiful example of medieval Belgium, where you can enjoy some free time before we board our ship for a relaxing evening. Day 2: Bruges Ghent Enjoy a morning exploring Bruges, with its gabled houses, majestic churches, cobbled streets and charming canals. Alternatively you can join our optional excursion for a guided tour which points out the highlights of this beautiful city before visiting the Halve Maan Brewery, one of the oldest active breweries in Western Europe where you can learn about the history of the brewery and try the award winning beer. You can then relax on board our ship as we cruise towards Ghent. This evening we offer a wonderful optional canal cruise which takes you through the historical heart of Ghent. Day 3: Ghent Antwerp As our ship sails from Ghent to Antwerp you can join our full day excursion for an included visit to Ypres, the Flanders Battlefields and the Flanders Museum. We start with a tour
BELGIUM
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details
See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy Floralia All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
NORTH SEA
Bruges
start
Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths M2E M3S M2S P2S P1S Main Deck Economy Main Deck Standard Main Deck Standard Promenade Promenade 2 3 2 2 1
Ghent
Antwerp
Ypres
GERMANY
BELGIUM
See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
FRANCE
Optional Excursions l Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery l Ghent by Night l Antwerp Guided Tour
been hand planted by the castle gardeners. Theres also a newly restored greenhouse with around 150 displays reflecting the current trends and gardening fashions. After our visit we travel the short distance to Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Its international flair is reflected by the magnificent and varied architecture, from the Flemish town houses to the medieval buildings surrounding the Grand Place; considered one of the most attractive market squares in Europe. After some free time we return to our ship in Antwerp for a relaxing evening. Day 4: Antwerp UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark; you are now free to explore Antwerp which has long been at the heart of the international diamond trade, or you can join our optional guided tour which takes you around the narrow streets, pointing out the many remarkable buildings. We then set off on the return journey to the UK.
of Flanders Fields, stopping at Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery the largest British war cemetery in the world, and Sanctuary Wood, where you can visit the museum and see the trench system in the wood. After our tour we visit the Belgian FRANCE city of Ypres, the scene of numerous battles which led to it being almost totally destroyed. Today it is a beautiful and moving place to visit, sympathetically rebuilt to show all its splendour, including a magnificent church and cathedral. The Menin Gate is perhaps the most visited Great War Memorial on the Western Front and is dedicated to the thousands of British and Commonwealth soldiers who fell in the Ypres Salient. We also visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, located in the Cloth Hall, which tells the story of the Great War by the people who experienced it. After our visit we return to our ship in Antwerp for a relaxing evening. Day 4: Antwerp UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark; you are now free to explore Antwerp which has long been at the heart of the international diamond trade, or you can join our optional guided tour which takes you around the narrow streets, pointing out the many remarkable buildings. We then set off on the return journey to the UK.
Optional Excursions l Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery l Ghent by Night l Antwerp Guided Tour
Antwerp
14
15
Volendam
Willemstad
A magical cruise featuring the delights of Amsterdam, Bruges and so much more
549
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Dates Routes 27 Mar D1 D11 D12 2 Apr D7 D8 D9 7 Apr H1 H4 8 Apr D3 D12 Ferry Crossing Dover Dover Hull Dover
589
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Dates Routes 30 Mar D3 D4 D5 D6 11 Apr* D1 D11 D12 17 Apr D7 D8 D9 D10 22 Apr* H1 H2 H3 H4 23 Apr* D2 D3 Ferry Crossing Dover Dover Dover Hull Dover
Ship mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne
NORTH SEA
NETHERLANDS
Kampen
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover X3S Passenger 3 529 X2S Passenger 2 549 X1S Passenger 1 649 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 609 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 629 M2L Main Deck Superior 2 669 P2S Promenade 2 699 P2X Promenade Superior 2 769
Ship mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam
Coach via Hull 679 699 799 759 779 819 849 919
Day 1: UK Amsterdam We travel to Amsterdam and board our ship, where you can relax on board. Day 2: Amsterdam Rotterdam Explore Amsterdam at leisure or join our optional IJssel canal cruise excursion, a wonderful way to experience the city; we continue to one of Amsterdams famous Diamond factories for a short visit. Later today we cruise towards Rotterdam. Day 3: Rotterdam Dordrecht Willemstad This morning you can join our included excursion visiting Delft, one of the prettiest cities in Holland and renowned for the pottery of the same name. We return to our ship and cruise to Dordrecht where a further optional excursion is available to Kinderdijk Windmills, which gives a fascinating insight into Dutch water management through the ages and is inscribed on the World Heritage list. Our final port of call is Willemstad where we berth for the night. This fortified little town is the perfect place for an evening stroll and can be walked around in less than an hour. Day 4: Willemstad Antwerp We set sail early this morning to reach Antwerp around midday. Join our optional excursion for a city tour, before spending the rest of the day at leisure. From historic monuments to leading fashion designers, Antwerp has so many different facets and also boasts the second biggest port in Europe.
Amsterdam
start
NETHERLANDS
Rotterdam
NORTH SEA
Bruges Ghent
Dordrecht Willemstad
Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths Coach Coach via Dover via Hull M2E Main Deck Economy 2 589 739 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 639 789 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 659 809 P2S Promenade 2 759 909 GERMANY P1S Promenade 1 849 999 See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Antwerp
BELGIUM
Day 5: Antwerp Ghent Another early cast off takes us to Ghent for early afternoon. Our optional guided tour is the perfect introduction to this beautiful city, which has found its place in the top 10 must-see places published in Lonely Planets 2011 edition of the Best in Travel guide. After some free time we return by coach to the ship. Day 6: Ghent Bruges Todays destination is Bruges where we arrive around midday. Known as the Venice of the North this picture-perfect city is entwined with cobbled streets and canals and filled with monuments, museums, cathedrals and churches. Our optional excursion takes you on a guided tour before visiting the Halve Maan Brewery to learn about the history of the brewery and try the tasty beer. The rest of the day can be spent at leisure. Day 7: Bruges UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
whilst learning about the towns maritime history. Also worth exploring is the well known Zuiderzeemuseum. We cast off in the early BELGIUM evening and cruise to the lively little port of Hoorn, where we berth for the night. Day 6: Hoorn Volendam Amsterdam We continue our route down the IJsselmeer to the quaint former fishing port of Volendam. Here you can join our optional excursion to the magnificent Keukenhof Gardens the spring garden of Europe. Keukenhof is famous for its spectacular floral displays of springtime colour. We rejoin our ship in Amsterdam where you can take an optional cruise along Amsterdams canal system, the best way to appreciate this beautiful city. Day 7: Amsterdam UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Optional Excursions l Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Diamond Factory 27 l Delft Included l Kinderdijk Windmills 20 l Antwerp City Tour 21 l Ghent Guided Tour 21 l Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery 25
Amsterdam
Bruges
16
17
Rhine
5 days from
Enjoy the beauty of the Rhine with hilltop castles at every turn
Moselle
7 days from
mps Amsterdam
449
Rhine Discovery
The beauty of the Rhine River Valley is enhanced with a kaleidoscope of year round colour, from the lush greens of spring, to vibrant reds and oranges heralding the autumn. Amongst this canvas of colour are rich vineyards and the castles an unmistakable feature of the landscape which reveal a long history, entwined with myths and legends. Nestling at the Rivers edge, picturesque towns and villages extend a warm welcome and tempt us to pause and sample their delicious harvests of local wine. There is so much to discover that this cruise will leave you with a promise to return.
Day 1: UK Andernach We travel to Andernach and settle aboard our ship. The remainder of the evening is free for strolling through the delightful streets and along the riverside promenades of this attractive walled town.
Rhine Cologne Bonn BELGIUM Andernach
start
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Dates Routes 9 June D1 D2 D11 1 Aug H1 H2 H3 H4 27 Aug N1 N2 28 Aug D10 D12 5 Sept D3 D4 D5 D6 16 Oct D7 D8 D9 D12 Ferry Crossing Dover Hull Newcastle Dover Dover Dover
659
The Moselle
Magical Moselle
Fall under the spell of the magical Moselle as we follow its meandering course between the cities of Koblenz and Trier. Valley hillsides, fine vineyards that produce world class wines and fairy tale castles that stand high above the water are the centrepieces of this beautiful region, which is highlighted by seasonal colours that capture the eye and the imagination. Our time spent ashore gives you the chance to obtain vintage Rieslings that are far superior to anything in the supermarkets back home. Even if you dont know your Bernkastel from your Hochheim, this powerful combination of attractions will simply enchant and leave you with a taste for more.
Day 1: UK Andernach We travel to Andernach and board our ship where you can relax or venture into the attractive Rhineland town.
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Dates Routes 3 May D3 D4 D5 D6 D12 12 June N1 N2 13 June D10 D12 26 July D1 D2 D7 D8 D9 30 Aug D10 D11 D12 19 Oct H1 H2 H3 H4 Ferry Crossing Dover Newcastle Dover Dover Dover Hull
Ship mps Amsterdam mps Lady Anne mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Lady Anne mps Amsterdam
BELGIUM
GERMANY
Day 2: Andernach Rdesheim Casting off this morning we cruise up river through the dramatic narrow Rhine Gorge to reach the attractive, typical Rhineland town of Rdesheim. Whilst berthed here, you surely wont want to miss our optional Rdesheim Highlights excursion that features an awesome ride to the heights of the gorge by cable car. Later, why not join our optional evening excursion to seek out the captivating inclined street called the Drosselgasse and enjoy some local wine tasting. Day 3: Rdesheim Boppard Koblenz We retrace our route back down the Rhine Gorge as far as Boppard, the meeting place of six valleys, where you have free time to explore or you can join our optional excursion along one of the most delightful mountain railway routes in Germany the Hunsrck Mountain Railway. Later in the day you can relax on board our ship as we sail to the walled city of Koblenz for our overnight stop. Why not meet up with your new friends in the popular medieval centre of the city for a welcome beer, or stay a while at the Deutsches Eck where the Moselle flows into the Rhine?
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover lle e s X3S 3 439 o Passenger M X2S Passenger 2 449 X1S Passenger 1 509 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 479 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 499 M2L Main Deck Superior 2 549 P2S Promenade 2 579 P2X Promenade Superior 2 619
Coach via Hull 589 599 659 629 649 699 729 769
BELGIUM
See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover M2E Main Deck Economy 2 479 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 489 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 509 P2S Promenade 2 599 P1S Promenade 1 699
FRANCE
Day 2: Andernach Cochem Cutting through the steep hillsides of vineyards, we join the Moselle and cruise round an idyllic bend in the river to reach the Celtic-Roman town of Cochem. From here you can join our optional Magical Moselle Towns and Castles excursion, visiting the medieval village of Beilstein, known as The Sleeping Beauty of the Moselle, and the magnificent Reichsburg Castle. Later this evening you can relax on board after dinner or explore Cochems maze of little streets and maybe sample their local wines. Day 3: Cochem Bernkastel Relax in beautiful surroundings on our meandering course to Bernkastel, passing the pretty wine town of Zell. Bernkastel is in the heart of the central Moselle and is famed for its half-timbered houses and medieval market place. Our optional walking excursion helps you discover this wine capital of the river. Day 4: Bernkastel Trier Our destination today is Trier, Germanys oldest city, not far from the Luxembourg border. Here you can join our optional excursion for a guided tour of this former residence of Roman Emperors, with its Imperial Baths, famous ruined amphitheatre and the Porta Nigra.
BELGIUM
Rhine Andernach
start
GERMANY
Koblenz
Ship mps Lady Anne mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Amsterdam
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths X3S X2S X1S M3S M2S M2L P2S P2X Passenger Passenger Passenger Main Deck Standard Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Promenade Superior 3 2 1 3 2 2 2 2
See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Rhine
Traben Trarbach
Coach via Dover 639 659 759 729 759 809 859 899
Day 5: Trier Traben Trarbach After breakfast you can join our full day FRANCE excursion to Luxembourg, known as the Gibraltar of the North. This beautiful city is perched high up on a rocky outcrop, overlooking the Petrusse and Alzette Rivers. We have plenty of time to see the highlights of the city centre and the picturesque old town, with stunning views from the fortress walls. We re-join the ship in the twin town of Traben Trarbach, where you can take a stroll along the Promenade and relax in the cafs and wine bars. Day 6: Traben Trarbach Cochem Koblenz Departing Traben Trarbach soon after breakfast, we cruise to Cochem where you can join our optional Magical Moselle Wine and Castles Trail. First we travel to Winningen, which boasts some of the finest vineyards in Germany, and enjoy some wine tasting before we visit the medieval fortress of Lahneck Castle, where you will find beautiful and precious collections and wonderful views. We return to the ship in the walled city of Koblenz, where you can take a walk to view the popular Deutsches Eck. Day 7: Koblenz Andernach UK We cruise back to Andernach this morning, where we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover M2E Main Deck Economy 2 699 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 729 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 759 P2S Promenade 2 859 P1S Promenade 1 959
See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Optional & Included Excursions l Rdesheim Highlights 26 l Rdesheim by Night 27 l Hunsrck Mountain Railway 23 l Ahr Valley with Wine Tasting 23 l Cologne Highlights Included
Boppard
18
19
The Rhine
Get to know likeminded people and see some wonderful ports along the Rhine
Bernkastel
5 days from
419
Explore the heart of the legendary Rhine Valley on this great value cruise, with all cabins aboard the mps Lady Anne being offered for single occupancy at no extra charge. Whatever your reason for travelling alone, you can take advantage of this exclusive offer and enjoy all the benefits of a relaxing cruise without having to pay twice the price; discover the fabulous scenery along the Rhine, absorb the friendly atmosphere on board our ship and savour the service from our attentive crew. With the mps Lady Anne being our longest serving ship, you can be sure you are in safe hands.
Day 1: UK Andernach We travel to Andernach and settle aboard our ship. The remainder of the evening is free for strolling through the delightful streets and along the riverside promenades of this attractive walled town.
Rhine Cologne Bonn BELGIUM Andernach
start
Rhine
No single cabin supplement
GERMANY
Koblenz Boppard Moselle Rdesheim
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Dates Routes 18 Mar D1 D12 22 Mar D10 17 Oct D11 21 Oct D3 D4 D12 Ferry Crossing Dover Dover Dover Dover
8 days from
749
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Dates Routes 18 June N1 N2 19 June D1 D2 D12 19 July D3 D4 D5 D6 22 Sept H1 H2 H3 H4 23 Sept D7 D8 D9 10 Oct D10 D11 D12 Ferry Crossing Newcastle Dover Dover Hull Dover Dover
Ship mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths X3S X2S X1S M3S M2S M2L P2S P2X Passenger Passenger Passenger Main Deck Standard Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Promenade Superior 3 2 1 3 2 2 2 2
Ship mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Lady Anne mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Lady Anne
BELGIUM
Coach via Dover 419 419 419 539 539 589 639 689
Rhine Andernach
start
GERMANY
Koblenz Boppard Rdesheim
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths X3S X2S X1S M3S M2S M2L P2S P2X Passenger Passenger Passenger Main Deck Standard Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Promenade Superior 3 2 1 3 2 2 2 2
Cochem Zell
Bernkastel Moselle
Traben Trarbach
See pages lle 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Day 2: Andernach Rdesheim Casting off this morning we cruise up river through the dramatic narrow Rhine Gorge to reach the attractive, typical Rhineland town of Rdesheim. Whilst berthed here, you surely wont want to miss our optional Rdesheim Highlights excursion that visits Siegfrieds fascinating Music Museum. Later, why not join our optional evening excursion to seek out the captivating inclined street called the Drosselgasse and enjoy some local wine tasting. Day 3: Rdesheim Boppard Koblenz We retrace our route back down the Rhine Gorge as far as Boppard, the meeting place of six valleys, where you have free time to explore. After lunch you can join our optional coach tour into the Moselle Valley or relax on board as our ship sails
se Mo
Coach via Dover 729 749 859 829 849 909 969 999
Rhine
FRANCE
Day 5: Zell Koblenz Casting off this morning, we cruise to the walled city of Koblenz. For breathtaking views across the region you can join our optional excursion on the Koblenz cable car which also includes entrance to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Europes second largest preserved castle. This evening you can venture into Koblenz and enjoy some wine tasting on our optional excursion. Day 6: Koblenz Rdesheim Cruising further along the Rhine and into the dramatic narrow Rhine Gorge, we reach the town of Rdesheim. To really appreciate this beautiful region you can join our optional Rdesheim Highlights excursion, which features a panoramic ride to the heights of the gorge by cable car. Day 7: Rdesheim Boppard Our next port of call is Boppard, known as the Pearl of the Rhine and the meeting place of six valleys. Here you can join our optional excursion which takes you on a tour of Boppard aboard the Rhine Express mini-road train, followed by a chairlift ride to Vierseenblick (Four Lakes View) for a wonderful birds eye view of the Rhine. The remainder of the day is free to relax in this charming waterside town. Day 8: Boppard Koblenz UK Following an early morning sailing to Koblenz we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover M2E Main Deck Economy 2 769 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 839 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 859 P2S Promenade 2 969 P1S Promenade 1 999
to the walled city of Koblenz for our overnight stop. Why not meet up with your new friends in the popular medieval centre of the city for a welcome beer, or stay a while at the Deutsches Eck where the Moselle flows into the Rhine?
See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
FRANCE
Day 4: Koblenz Bonn Cologne The former capital of Western Germany, Bonn, is our destination this morning. You could seek out the birthplace and museum dedicated to the life of Ludwig van Beethoven. After lunch you can join our optional coach excursion visiting the beautiful Ahr Valley, whilst we complete our cruising itinerary to arrive in fragrant Cologne where you have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with its famous monuments and churches. Be warned; Cologne is revered as a mecca for shoppers! Day 5: Cologne UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Cochem
Optional Excursions l Heart of the Moselle Wine Tasting 22 l Bernkastel Highlights 19 l Trier Guided Walking Tour 25 l Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Fortress 21 l Koblenz at Night with Wine Tasting 21 l Rdesheim Highlights 26 l Boppard Highlights 19
20
21
Rdesheim Boppard
8 days from
829
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details
Rhine in Flames
Welcome to our illuminating cruise through the Rhine Valley. Each year the spectacular Middle Rhine that surrounds the mystical Lorelei Rock hosts a stupendous display of fireworks to celebrate the harvest of Riesling grapes that are turned into the delicious wines gracing our tables. Nowhere is there a more extraordinary interplay of fire, water and light, thrilling the senses as a symphony of sound resonates around the walls of the valley and for two festival dates we have the exclusive opportunity to sail with the flotilla and see this spectacular event from the water.
Rhine Cologne
start
BELGIUM
Bonn Andernach
GERMANY
e sell Mo
2014 Coach Ferry Dates Routes Crossing Ship Hull mps Lady Anne 4 Aug H1 H2 H3 H4 Hull mps Amsterdam 4 Aug H1 H2 H3 H4 Dover mps Lady Anne 5 Aug D10 D12 Dover mps Amsterdam 5 Aug D10 D12 mps Lady Anne 9 Sept D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 Dover mps Amsterdam 9 Sept D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 Dover 15 Sept N1 N2 Newcastle mps Lady Anne 15 Sept N1 N2 Newcastle mps Amsterdam 16 Sept D1 D2 D11 Dover mps Lady Anne 16 Sept D1 D2 D11 Dover mps Amsterdam Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover X3S Passenger 3 809 X2S Passenger 2 829 X1S Passenger 1 939 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 919 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 929 M2L Main Deck Superior 2 989 P2S Promenade 2 1049 P2X Promenade Superior 2 1079
Day 1: UK Cologne We travel to Cologne, the Rhinelands largest city, and board our ship. Day 2: Cologne Koblenz After breakfast, settle yourself up on the Sun Deck to view the passing scenery that includes the former capital city of Bonn and the picturesque Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains). Arriving in Koblenz after lunch, you can join our optional wine
Boppard
BELGIUM tasting excursion into the Moselle Valley before enjoying a relaxing evening in this delightful city.
Day 3: Koblenz Rdesheim Cruising further along the Rhine and into the dramatic narrow Rhine Gorge, we reach the town of Rdesheim. To really appreciate this beautiful region you can join our optional Rdesheim Highlights excursion, which features a panoramic ride to the heights of the gorge by cable car, whilst our Rdesheim by Night optional excursion takes you to a traditional wine cellar to sample some of the regions best wines, before exploring the Drosselgasse, a narrow street lined with traditional wine houses and garden taverns. Day 4: Rdesheim Mainz Today we cruise to the city of Mainz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Main River. With a 2000 year history there is much to discover in this beautiful city so we have arranged an optional
Moselle
FRANCE
guided tour which also takes in the atmospheric squares, half-timbered houses and magnificent baroque churches Day 5: Mainz Boppard Our Rhine in Flames Festival Day gets off to a quiet start as we retrace our route through the narrow Rhine Gorge and around the Lorelei Rock to reach Boppard, the meeting place of six valleys. Tonight we witness the thrilling Rhine in Flames firework spectacle. Depending on which Festival is taking place, the itinerary order will be amended see Festival panel opposite.
Day 6: Boppard Andernach This morning you can join our optional Boppard Highlights excursion, which introduces you to the delights of this picturesque town known as the Pearl of the Rhine. After lunch we cruise back past Koblenz to the Rhineland town of Andernach. Whilst here you can learn more about wine making in the beautiful Ahr Valley on our optional excursion before exploring the attractive walled town of Andernach. Day 7: Andernach Bonn Cologne We cruise to Bonn, Beethovens birthplace, where you can join our optional highlights excursion to learn about this fascinating city and marvel at the architecture. This afternoon we cast off for the final time and cruise to Cologne where we berth for the night. Day 8: Cologne UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Coach via Hull/Ncastle 959 979 1089 1069 1079 1139 1199 1229
See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover M2E Main Deck Economy 2 849 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 919 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 939 P2S Promenade 2 1049 P1S Promenade 1 1079
See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy Cologne All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Festival dates for both the mps Amsterdam & mps Lady Anne
9 August Koblenz Rhine aflame on the River Rhine For our August departures we have the exclusive opportunity to sail with the flotilla and see this spectacular event from the water in the Rhine and Moselle river region. 13 September Oberwesel The night of the Thousand Fires We also have the chance to sail with the flotilla for the 9 September departures when a fantastic musical fireworks display is held near the town of Oberwesel on the Rhine. 20 September St Goar The Night of the Lorelei For the 15 and 16 September departures we travel by coach to join the festival in the twin towns of St Goar and St Goarshausen, where the fireworks will be amid the breathtaking surroundings of the legendary Lorelei and the romantic castles of Katz and Rheinfels.
(Meal arrangements may be revised on the festival day to suit festival timings/programme).
Mainz
The order and times of any optional excursions are subject to change due to the timings of the festivals. Any alterations to the published times and days of the Rhine in Flames festivals are beyond our control.
22
23
Lucerne
River Rhine
10 days from
949
This sensational cruise showcases the highlights of the Rhine at every twist and turn, as we cruise in the countries of Germany, France and Switzerland. You can explore the walled city of Koblenz before we sail through the spectacular scenery of the Middle Rhine one of the worlds most magnificent cultural landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where fairytale castles crown the hilltops and steep valley walls rise from the river. The Alsace capital of Strasbourg is another delight, whose stunning centre is also inscribed on the World Heritage list, and we also include an excursion into the scenic heart of Switzerland to visit Lucerne Switzerlands most attractive lakeside city. History, culture and natural beauty the Rhine has it all for the perfect river cruise.
The Rhine
Day 6: Breisach Basel This morning, as the ship sails to Switzerland, you can venture into the cooler mountain slopes of the Black Forest and the Rhine Falls on our full day optional excursion to Titisee. We re-join our ship in Basel, across the border in Northern Switzerland, for a relaxing evening. Day 7: Basel Lucerne After breakfast our coach takes us on a route that tunnels through the Jura Mountains to the Swiss resort of Lucerne. You have plenty of time to enjoy the views of mountains and lakes and explore the picturesque old quarter, before we return to our ship in Schnau and retrace our route back to Iffezheim for our overnight berth. Day 8: Mannheim Mainz We cruise to the river port of Mannheim where you can join our optional excursion to the majestic city of Heidelberg, home of Germanys oldest University. We return to our ship in Mainz for Captains Dinner.
Basel
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull, Newcastle and Harwich; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 100 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Dates Routes 17 May D2 D10 D12 25 May N1 N2 26 May D11 4 June D3 D4 D5 D6 D12 12 June H1 H2 H3 H4 22 June D7 D8 D9 D10 30 June D1 1 July D11 D12 9 July N1 N2 12 Aug D3 D4 D5 D6 D12 20 Aug H1 H2 H3 H4 21 Aug D7 D8 D9 22 Sept N1 N2 23 Sept D1 D11 D12 Ferry Crossing Dover Newcastle Dover Dover Hull Dover Harwich Dover Newcastle Dover Hull Dover Newcastle Dover
Andernach
GERMANY
FRANCE
I ezheim Schnau
Ship mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne
SWITZERLAND
By Coach
Lucerne
AUSTRIA ITALY
NCE
Day 1: UK Andernach/Koblenz We join our ship in either Andernach or Koblenz and enjoy a relaxing evening Day 2: Andernach/Koblenz Rdesheim Cruising up river, through the dramatic narrow Rhine Gorge, we reach the pretty town of Rdesheim. To really appreciate this beautiful region you can join our optional Rdesheim Highlights excursion, which features a panoramic ride to the heights of the gorge by cable car, whilst our Rdesheim by Night optional excursion takes you to a traditional wine cellar to sample some of the regions best wines, before exploring the captivating street called the Drosselgasse.
Strasbourg
Day 9: Mainz Koblenz Be sure to settle up on the Sun Deck for our final day of cruising and take in the magnificent scenery of the Rhine as we cruise to the 2000 year old town of Koblenz. Here you can join our optional excursion on the Koblenz Cable Car which travels across the Rhine for breathtaking views. The cable car leads to the mighty fortress of Ehrenbreitstein Castle where entrance is included. Day 10: Koblenz/Andernach UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Mannheim
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths Coach Coach via Hull/ via Dover Ncastle/Harwich X3S Passenger 3 899 1049 X2S Passenger 2 949 1099 X1S Passenger 1 1099 1249 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 1049 1199 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 1149 1299 M2L Main Deck Superior 2 1249 1399 P2S Promenade 2 1299 1449 P2X Promenade Superior 2 1399 1549 See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Day 3: Rdesheim Speyer Sailing out of the narrow Rhine Gorge into the Rhines broader waters, we head up river for a late afternoon stop in the Celtic Roman city of Speyer. An optional guided walking tour of the city is available to enable you to get the most from our short visit. This evening the ship will sail to berth at Iffezheim. Day 4: Strasbourg We set sail in the morning and continue our cruise route over the border into the Alsace region of France. We berth at Strasbourg where you can join our optional excursion to discover this beautiful city aboard a glass topped canal cruiser before spending the rest of the day at leisure. Day 5: Strasbourg Breisach Cruising through the Rhine Plain, we arrive at the small town of Breisach around lunchtime. Here you can join our Alluring Alsace optional excursion to Riquewihr, one of the most romantic and beautiful villages in France, which includes wine tasting at the renowned Dopff & Irion vineyard.
Optional & Included Excursions l Rdesheim Highlights 26 l Rdesheim by Night 27 l Speyer Highlights 20 l Strasbourg Canal Cruise 27 l Alluring Alsace 19 l Black Forest & Rhine Falls 22 l Heidelberg Highlights 19 l Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Castle 21 l Lucerne Included
Drosselgasse, Rdesheim
24
25
River Rhine
River Rhine
Lucerne
10 days from
999
Andernach
start
Koblenz
Rdesheim
The Rhine
GERMANY
Speyer Lucerne
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 100 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Ferry Dates Routes Crossing 7 May N1 N2 Newcastle 8 May D1 D2 D12 Dover 15 May* D7 D8 D9 Dover 24 May D10 D11 Dover 31 May* D3 D4 D5 D6 Dover 3 July H1 H2 H3 H4 Hull 11 July* D1 D11 D12 Dover 20 July D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 Dover 27 July* D7 D8 D9 D12 Dover 11 Aug H1 H2 H3 H4 Hull 19 Aug* D1 D10 D12 Dover 29 Sept N1 N2 Newcastle 30 Sept D7 D8 D9 Dover 7 Oct* D1 D10 D11 D12 Dover *These dates operate in reverse Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover M2E Main Deck Economy 2 999 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 1079 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 1129 P2S Promenade 2 1249 P1S Promenade 1 1399 Coach via Hull/Ncastle 1149 1229 1279 1399 1549
FRANCE
Strasbourg
Breisach Basel
AUSTRIA ITALY
SWITZERLAND
By Coach
Ship mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam
Koblenz
Rhine Falls
renowned Dopff & Irion vineyard. We berth overnight in the town of Breisach. Day 7: Breisach Basel Todays cruise route takes us across the border into Northern Switzerland, where we stop at the old university city of Basel. From here you can join our half day coach excursion which takes us on a route that tunnels through the Jura Mountains to the Swiss resort of Lucerne, the historic and scenic heart of Switzerland. Day 8: Basel Breisach This morning, as our ship sails back to Breisach, you can venture into the cooler mountain slopes of the Black Forest and the Rhine Falls on our optional full day coach excursion. We re-join our ship in Breisach for a relaxing evening. Day 9: Breisach Overnight Hotel After breakfast we disembark our ship and travel by coach to our overnight hotel, with evening meal and breakfast included.
See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Optional & Included Excursions l Rdesheim Highlights 26 l Rdesheim by Night 27 l Strasbourg Canal Cruise 27 l Alluring Alsace 19 l Black Forest & Rhine Falls 22 l Heidelberg Highlights 19 l Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Castle 21 l Lucerne Included
Strasbourg
Day 10: Return to the UK We set off this morning for the return journey to the UK.
26
27
Neckar
9 days from
Heidelberg
Moselle
Frankfurt
Cruise the Rhine, Moselle, Neckar and Main on this fabulous 9 day cruise
879
mini road train, which is followed by a chairlift ride to Vierseenblick (Four Lakes View) to gain memorable birds eye views of the Rhine. The remainder of the day is free to relax in this charming waterside town, which was once a Free Imperial City. Day 7: Boppard Cochem We join the Moselle and cruise round an idyllic bend in the river to the town of Cochem, which lies in the shadow of the fabulous Reichsburg Castle. From here you can join our optional Magical Moselle Towns and Castles excursion, before exploring Cochems maze of little streets and maybe sampling the local wines and apple strudel. Day 8: Cochem Koblenz Turning our course back to the River Rhine, we cruise back to the 2000 year old town of Koblenz. Our final optional coach excursion takes you into the picturesque Ahr Valley for a spot of wine tasting. Day 9: Koblenz UK We bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 100 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Dates Routes 30 Apr D1 D2 D11 D12 8 May H1 H2 H3 H4 9 May D4 D5 D6 26 June D3 D4 D11 D12 1 Sept D1 D2 D11 D12 1 Oct N1 N2 2 Oct D7 D8 D9 Ferry Crossing Dover Hull Dover Dover Dover Newcastle Dover
Rhine
BELGIUM Cochem
GERMANY
Koblenz start Frankfurt Main Mainz Mannheim
Ship mps Amsterdam mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne
Moselle
Boppard Rdesheim
Neckar
FRANCE
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover X3S Passenger 3 859 X2S Passenger 2 879 X1S Passenger 1 989 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 969 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 979 M2L Main Deck Superior 2 1049 P2S Promenade 2 1129 P2X Promenade Superior 2 1199
Coach via Hull/Ncastle 1009 1029 1139 1119 1129 1199 1279 1349
See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths M2E M3S M2S P2S P1S Main Deck Economy Main Deck Standard Main Deck Standard Promenade Promenade 2 3 2 2 1
Day 3: Rdesheim Frankfurt Today we cruise up the River Main as far as Frankfurt, Germanys foremost financial centre with its unique Mainhattan skyline. Our optional guided tour introduces you to this elegant city, with its cobbled lanes and timbered framed buildings. Day 4: Frankfurt Mainz Retracing our route down the Main, we stop at the town of Mainz on the confluence with the Rhine. After lunch we offer an optional guided tour of vibrant Mainz, which has a rich history spanning over two thousand years. This evening you can relax in the towns friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Day 5: Mainz Mannheim We cruise along a section of the Rhine to join the River Neckar. Our destination is the lively cosmopolitan city of Mannheim, where you can relax or join our optional excursion to romantic Heidelberg, home of Germanys oldest University. Day 6: Mannheim Boppard An early start takes us back along the Rhine to Boppard, where our optional excursion takes you on a tour of Boppard aboard the Rhine Express
See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Rhine Pfalz
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29
Welcome
ms Switzerland II
The ms Switzerland II was specially designed for river cruising and has helped to create cherished holiday memories for countless passengers. Offering 4 star accommodation, you can relax among the attractive interiors and with a maximum capacity of 108 passengers, you can enjoy an intimate environment combined with the excellent service delivered by the friendly and professional crew.
Lounge Bar
Restaurant
Cabin Accommodation
Ruby Deck cabins are located on the upper deck and Emerald Deck cabins are located on the lower deck. Standard Cabins Ruby & Emerald Deck 12.5 square metres All standard cabins have a large picture window to enjoy the passing scenery and are pleasantly furnished. The twin beds are in an L formation with one bed under the window and they can be made into sofas during the day. They are well equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning/heating, flat screen TV, mini bar, hairdryer, safe and a separate wet room shower with WC. Toiletries and towels are provided. For those that would like more space why not upgrade to a Mini Suite or Suite? Mini Suites Ruby & Emerald Deck Enjoy more space in a Mini Suite with two on each deck. They offer all the same facilities as the standard cabins in a slightly different layout with a double bed. Mini Suites on the Emerald Deck measure 14.5 square metres and Mini Suites on the Ruby Deck measure 16.2 square metres.
Lounge Bar
Contents
Standard Cabin Mini Suite
Welcome to the ms Switzerland II ms Switzerland II Deck Plan & Cabins NEW Grand Voyage Along the Rhine to Switzerland Rhine Cruise & Swiss Delights Up the Rhine & Down the Danube Rhine Valley Christmas Markets Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets Christmas Rhine Cruise New Year Rhine Cruise Welcome to the ms Serenity ms Serenity Deck Plan & Cabins NEW Cruise the Danube to Vienna & Budapest
30 31
NEW
Cabins on the Emerald Deck are only accessible via a stairway. Ruby Deck Suite 20.5 square metres Soak up the luxury of a river cruise and treat yourself to the largest and most spacious cabin type on board. These suites also have a double bed, with a DVD and stereo in addition to all the facilities in a standard cabin. The en suite is made up of two areas one with a bath and one with a shower. With only four suites on the Ruby Deck we recommend you book early to get the cabin of your choice. Please note: measurements are approximate and are only given as a guide
Ruby Deck Suite
Captains Quote
With 2013 well underway my crew and I have had a successful start to the season and we are delighted to be a part of the 2014 river cruise collection. Our new cruise which takes us Up the Rhine and Down the Danube this summer has proved to be hugely popular and its no wonder given we cruise through the scenery of five countries to see some of Europes greatest sights. With this in mind, the experts at The River Cruise Line have introduced a new itinerary for 2014 the Grand Voyage Along the Rhine to Switzerland, which will take us through four countries along with visits to the Moselle Valley, the Neckar Valley and the Main River Valley see pages 32 to 33. I am also looking forward to welcoming those of you that can join us in our festive celebrations, starting with the Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets into Christmas and New Year see pages 38 to 41. We now have something for all seasons so we hope to see you soon! Captain Marc Dortwegt*
Restaurant
Emerald Deck The spacious and bright restaurant has picture windows all around for you to admire the views as you enjoy a combination of buffets and themed dinners throughout your cruise. It is accessed via a very wide stairway and is serviced by a stair lift.
Restaurant
32
Berths 2 2 2
Library
Deck Plan
Lounge
219 217 215 213 211 209 207 205 203 201
WC
Ruby Deck Your Cruise Manager is stationed here with an area especially for their use. There is also a souvenir shop and a small library/reading area with comfy chairs.
Bar
Ruby Deck R2M Mini Suite R2E Standard R2S Suite Emerald Deck E1S Single E2S Standard E2M Mini Suite
Sun Deck
Enjoy a game of table tennis, challenge a friend to giant chess or lie back in a sun lounger the Sun Deck is the perfect place to unwind in the fresh air and soak up the scenery. A stair lift leads up to the Sun Deck from the Ruby Deck.
*Please note the Captain may change for the 2014 season
Restaurant
129 127 125 123 121 119 117 115 113 111 109 107 105 103 101
Kitchen
1 2 2
30
31
Heidelberg
Moselle Valley
A fascinating voyage through four countries taking in the highlights along the way
1899 NEW
Grand Voyage Along the Rhine to Switzerland
The Moselle The Neckar Valley The Main River Valley
This spectacular voyage reveals the fascinating story of the Rhine and its tributaries as we follow its course from Holland to Switzerland. Cruising through four countries, the scenery is simply breathtaking with plenty of time to step ashore and explore iconic cities, historic sites, quaint villages and fairytale castles. Highlights include the Dutch town of Arnhem, Germanys mighty city of Cologne with its famous gothic cathedral, the beautiful city of Strasbourg in the Alsace region of France and the Swiss city of Basel. We also have included excursions into the Neckar Valley and the Main Valley to visit the famous university city of Heidelberg and Frankfurt, with its dramatic skyline. Theres so much to see and do, and yet this leisurely cruise aboard the premier ms Switzerland II will ensure you remain relaxed.
Day 1: Arnhem We travel to Arnhem and board our ship for a relaxing evening. Day 2: Arnhem You have free time to explore Arnhem or you can join our optional excursion which takes you on a guided tour of the town before visiting the Oosterbeek War Cemetery and Airborne Museum of WWII. In the afternoon we begin our cruise to Cologne. Day 3: Cologne Bonn After breakfast we have free time in the cathedral city of Cologne. Our optional excursion is a great way to introduce you to the city, taking you on a guided tour to see the highlights along with a visit to the home of the original Eau de Cologne. In the mid-afternoon we cruise to Bonn where we berth overnight. Day 4: Bonn Koblenz The university city of Bonn is the former capital of West Germany and birthplace of the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven. You can join our optional excursion for a guided tour of the city which includes a visit to one of the main attractions the museum of Beethoven. In the afternoon you can relax on board our ship as we cruise to Koblenz. Day 5: Koblenz Cochem Enjoy free time in the medieval walled city of Koblenz, on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. With its cultural monuments, historic buildings, cosy lanes, atmospheric square and beautiful riverside promenades, there is plenty to explore. Alternatively you can join our optional excursion on the Koblenz Cable Car, which travels across the river for breathtaking views and includes entrance to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, Europes second largest preserved castle. In the afternoon we set sail along the Moselle to reach the pretty town of Cochem. to
Krefeld
15 days from
Day 8: Mannheim Neckar Valley & Heidelberg Todays included excursion visits the majestic university city of Heidelberg in the lovely Neckar Valley. Heidelberg is most famous for its beautiful old castle which dominates the skyline; you can walk up to visit it or take the mountain railway for a small price. In the afternoon we set sail for Strasbourg, in the Alsace region of France Day 9: Strasbourg The beautiful city of Strasbourg is filled with architectural and historical heritage, with the entire centre classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site the first city in France to be awarded such an honour. Our optional excursion is a great way to discover this beautiful city as we cruise around the waterways aboard a glass topped canal cruiser. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing on board our ship as we cruise into Northern Switzerland. Day 10: Basel We arrive in Basel in the morning. Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring Switzerlands oldest university city, which has many historic landmarks, world class museums and parks and gardens. Alternatively you can join our half day coach excursion which takes us on a route that tunnels through the Jura Mountains to the Swiss resort of Lucerne, the historic and scenic heart of Switzerland. Later today we cruise towards Breisach. Day 11: Breisach This morning you are free to explore Breisach, which is home to a beautiful late gothic AUSTRIA cathedral, or you can venture into the cooler mountain slopes of the Black Forest on our optional coach excursion. We set sail in the early afternoon and cruise towards Speyer.
Strasbourg
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 100 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2014 Coach Dates Routes 11 May D7 D8 D9 D10 25 June* H1 H2 H3 H4 26 June* D1 D12 16 July* N1 N2 17 July* D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 13 September* D11 D12 *These dates operate in reverse Cabin Prices per person ms Switzerland II Code Deck Berths Coach Coach via via Dover Hull/Ncastle E2S E2M E1S R2E R2M R2S Emerald Deck Standard Emerald Deck Mini Suite Emerald Deck Single Ruby Deck Standard Ruby Deck Mini Suite Ruby Deck Suite 2 2 1 2 2 2 1899 2149 2149 2149 2299 2499 2049 2299 2299 2299 2449 2649 Ferry Crossing Dover Hull Dover Newcastle Dover Dover
NETHERLANDS
Arnhem
start
Rhine
Cologne Bonn
GERMANY
FRANCE
Andernach Koblenz Frankfurt Cochem Alken Mainz Boppard Rdesheim Mannheim Heidelberg Moselle Speyer Strasbourg Breisach Basel
Reims Day 6: Cochem Alken Boppard Cochem is tucked away between the beautiful landscape of Eifel and Hunsrck. Enjoy free time in the medieval town centre with its maze of By Coach little streets or join our optional excursion for a
Day 12: Speyer Mainz The Celtic Roman city of Speyer is well known for its cathedral one of the most exquisite monuments of the Roman Empire. Our optional walking tour is a great way to see the city, with all the major sights within walking distance. We set sail in the afternoon and berth overnight in Mainz, where the Rhine meets the Main River. Day 13: Mainz Main Valley & Frankfurt After breakfast you can join our included excursion to visit Frankfurt on the River Main. This cosmopolitan city has one of the most imposing skylines of Germany, known as Mainhattan, which you can admire from various pedestrian bridges that cross the river. Rmerberg, the central square, attracts many visitors with its stunning buildings and famous fountain. The main cathedral and church are also must-sees, as is the chance to enjoy a famous glass of apple wine (not included). In the mid afternoon we set sail for the Rhineland town of Andernach where we stop overnight. Day 14: Andernach Spend the morning exploring the streets and riverside promenades of Andernach, or join our optional excursion which takes you into the picturesque Ahr Valley for some wine tasting. In the afternoon we set sail for the final time and cruise to Cologne for our overnight stop. Day 15: Cologne UK We bid farewell to our Captain and his crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
See page 31 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
SWITZERLAND
The Rhine
guided tour of Cochem and visit the magnificent Reichsburg Castle. At lunchtime we cruise to the little Moselle town of Alken and step ashore for some free time, before we continue towards Boppard back on the Rhine. Day 7: Boppard Rdesheim This morning is free for you explore this charming waterside town before we cruise through the dramatic narrow Rhine Gorge, passing the legendary Lorelei Rock, to reach the attractive town of Rdesheim. To really appreciate this beautiful region you can join our optional Rdesheim Highlights excursion, which features a panoramic ride to the heights of the gorge by cable car. After dinner we set sail and cruise towards Mannheim, at the confluence of the Rhine and the Neckar.
ITALY
Cochem
Optional & Included Excursions l Arnhem, Oosterbeek & the Airborne Museum 23 l Eau de Cologne & Cologne City Tour 24 l Bonn & Beethoven 18 l Koblenz Cable Car & Ehrenbreitstein Fortress 21 l Cochem Tour & Castle 19 l Rdesheim Highlights 26 l Heidelberg Included l Strasbourg Canal Cruise 27 l Lucerne 19 l Black Forest 18 l Speyer Highlights 20 l Frankfurt Included l Ahr Valley with Wine Tasting 22
32
33
Cologne
ms Switzerland II crew
1149
1199
Andernach Rdesheim
Cologne Sail the waters of the mighty Rhine, from the city of Krefeld in Germany to the Swiss city of Basel where three countries meet. Our relaxing cruise reveals the outstanding contrasts of this waterway as we cruise between the sheer valley walls of the Middle Rhine, passing terraced vineyards which plunge down to the water, before it widens and flows through a gentler landscape towards Switzerland. Explore The City of Squares in Mannheim and discover petite to in Basel, France in the beautiful city of Strasbourg along with many more places. On arrival Reims where Germany France and Switzerland meet, you have the opportunity to visit the beautiful capital of Switzerland and venture into a picture-postcard resort. Spectacular scenery, exciting excursions, superb accommodation and great company this is what cruises are made of!
Day 1: UK Krefeld We travel by rail or coach to the beautiful city of Krefeld and board our ship for a relaxing evening. Day 2: Krefeld Bonn Andernach After breakfast we cruise to the city of Bonn, former capital of Germany and birthplace of Beethoven. Here you can join us for a guided tour of the citys highlights, including a visit to one of the main attractions the museum of Beethoven. This evening we cruise to the attractive walled town of Andernach, where you can stroll through the delightful streets and riverside promenades. Day 3: Andernach Rdesheim We set sail early this morning and cruise to Rdesheim, where you can join our optional excursion to the Asbach Visitor Centre for a tasting session and the chance to see the distillery. The remainder of the day can be spent in the pretty town of Rdesheim, which has many Riquewihr highlights including the famous Drosselgasse, a narrow cobblestone street with beautifully decorated wine taverns and courtyards. Day 4: Rdesheim Mannheim Our cruise today is to the cosmopolitan city of Mannheim, at the confluence of the Rhine and FRANCE the Neckar, which is also known as the City of Squares due to the layout of the streets. Join our optional excursion to visit one of the most popular castles in Germany Heidelberg. A funicular ride takes you up to the castle in this beautiful city of the same name, where you can admire the courtyard, the giant wine barrel and the apothecary museum. Later this evening our ship sets sail and we cruise through the night towards the Alsace region of France.
The Rhine
GERMANY
Mannheim
Basel
Lake Thun
FRANCE
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, price reduction available, 100 please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details
AUSTRIA ITALY
SWITZERLAND
2014 Coach Dates Routes 17 June* H1 H2 H3 H4 17 June* N1 N2 30 Aug D1 D2 D10 D11 D12 5 Sept* D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9
*For these dates the itinerary will operate in reverse and also in a slightly different order to that shown, finishing in Cologne.
Coach only
city of Basel on the border of Switzerland, France and Germany. From here you can join our optional rail excursion which takes you to the beautiful capital of Switzerland Bern, where you can enjoy a guided tour to see the highlights. We enjoy a later dinner on board our ship followed by a relaxing evening.
Bonn
Rdesheim
Cabin Prices per person ms Switzerland II Code Deck Berth Coach Coach via via Dover Hull/ Ncastle E2S Emerald Deck Standard 2 1149 1299 E2M Emerald Deck Mini Suite 2 1349 1499 E1S Emerald Deck Single 1 1299 1449 R2E Ruby Deck Standard 2 1249 1399 R2M Ruby Deck Mini Suite 2 1399 1549 R2S Ruby Deck Suite 2 1549 1699 See page 31 for deck plan and cabin occupancy
Rail
All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Day 5: Strasbourg Breisach We arrive at the magnificent city of Strasbourg this morning, which is well known for its rich heritage and UNESCO listed centre. Our optional excursion lets you see the main sights by coach before taking you on a walking tour of the old city. In the afternoon you can discover the Little Alsace Wine Route on our optional excursion which travels through quaint wine making villages such as Rosheim and Boersch, along with a visit to a wine cellar for some tasting. Later today we set sail for Breisach where we berth around midnight.
Strasbourg
Day 7: Basel You are free to spend the day at leisure in Basel or join our optional excursion by rail or coach to Interlaken, a spectacular resort which lies in the heart of the Swiss Alps, between the sparkling lakes of Thun and Brienz and at the foot the famous trio of peaks, the Eiger, the Mnch and the Jungfrau. Day 8: Basel UK (Rail) Day 8: Basel Overnight Hotel (Coach) Those travelling by rail depart this morning for the return journey to the UK. Those travelling by coach disembark our ship and travel to our overnight hotel, with evening meal and breakfast included. Day 9: Return to the UK (Coach only) We set off this morning for our return coach journey to the UK.
ms Switzerland II
Optional Excursions l Bonn & Beethoven l Rdesheim Asbach Brandy l Heidelberg & Castle l Strasbourg Guided Tour l Little Alsace Wine Route l Bern by Rail l Interlaken by Rail or Interlaken by Coach
Day 6: Breisach Basel Our cruise route today takes us across the border into Switzerland where we stop at the cultural
34
35
The Rhine
16 days rail out air rtn from 16 days by air from
Day 1: UK Amsterdam Cologne We travel by coach, air or rail to Amsterdam, the sparkling diamond centre of the world, and board our ship for a relaxing evening as we cruise towards Cologne. Day 2: Cologne The city of Cologne is a major cultural centre of the Rhineland. Enjoy a full day exploring the sights and sounds of this spectacular city which sits right on the River Rhine and has a long list of attractions, led by its famous Gothic cathedral the most visited building in Germany where you can climb precisely 533 steps to enjoy panoramic views. The historic Old Town is a delight to explore, with numerous sights from when the Romans first settled here over 2000 years ago. There are also Romanesque churches along with many museums which are among the best and most renowned in Europe. Day 3: Cologne Koblenz We set sail early this morning to reach Koblenz, situated in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle and surrounded by four low mountains ranges. Enjoy free time in the walled city which is filled with cultural monuments, historic buildings, cosy lanes, atmospheric squares and beautiful riverside promenades. Day 4: Koblenz Rdesheim Our route this morning takes us through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, a section of the river recognised as a World Heritage Site for its
Amsterdam
start
Budapest
Castle, the Old Town Hall, the Old Court and a former Benedictine Monastery among many more. After our visit we cruise along the MainDanube Canal towards Nrnberg (Nuremberg).
Rhine
GERMANY
Frankfurt POLAND
Main
Bamberg Rdesheim Wertheim CZECH REPUBLIC Nrnberg Wrzberg Regensberg Main-Danube Canal Passau SLOVAKIA FRANCE Melk Danube Bratislava Vienna SWITZERLAND ITALY
Day 9: Nrnberg (Nuremberg) Nrnberg is Bavarias second largest city after Munich. The majority of the city walls still stand and inside you can enjoy a wonderful atmosphere which combines medieval and modern life in an area filled with Gothic churches, aristocratic houses, fountains, memorials and romantic corners, all dominated by the Kaiser Castle. For a cultural experience you can head along to the Crafts Yard (Handwerkerhof) in the heart of the city and enjoy Franconian crafts and hospitality as well as the famous roast sausages and other specialities. In the afternoon we set sail for Regensburg. Day 10: Regensburg We arrive in Regensburg around breakfast time, which lies at the northernmost point of the Danube. It is one of Germanys oldest towns which features many landmarks and an excellently preserved medieval centre, with the Cathedral of St Peter, Stone Bridge and the Bridge Tower being the highlights. Enjoy a full day exploring before our ship sets sail toward Passau later this evening. Day 11: Passau Passau is known as The Three Rivers City due to its unique location where the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers meet. The Old Town is a stunning display of Italian baroque style architecture. This is where most of the sights are found, including the Cathedral of St Steven, home to the worlds largest cathedral organ. High above the town is the Veste Oberhaus Castle in the north and the Pilgrimage Church in the south. We have plenty of time here to admire the sights and explore picturesque squares, winding lanes and enchanting riverside promenades. In the evening we set sail towards Melk. Day 12: Melk & Wachau Valley Vienna Our cruise takes us over the border into Austria to reach the city of Melk. This quaint town is overlooked by one of the best known and most splendid monastic houses in Austria the Benedictine Abbey. The town square has many attractive buildings, surrounded by cobblestone streets, and nearby there is the notable Schallaburg Castle. Around midday we set sail along a section of the river known as the Wachau Valley which stretches 24 miles through stunning scenery, with many charming towns,
Danube
terraced vineyards, castles and monasteries. We reach Vienna in the evening where we berth overnight.
Day 13: Vienna Spend a full day experiencing the delights of Vienna, capital of Austria and birthplace of classical music. More than 150 grand palaces, over 27 baroque castles, impressive squares and striking monuments are just some of the key features of this magnificent city, whose historic centre is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For the best views you can climb to the top of the cathedral, take a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel or you may choose to see the sights from a horse drawn carriage (not included). There are also hundreds of museums and attractions to visit as well as lots of green space. Later today we set sail and cruise over the border into Slovakia, stopping at Bratislava around midnight.
Cabin Prices per person ms Switzerland II Code Berth Air Rail Air & Rail E2S E2M E1S R2E R2M R2S 2 2 1 2 2 2 2199 2599 2699 2449 2749 3149 2349 2749 2849 2599 2899 3299 2099 2499 2599 2349 2649 3049
See page 31 for deck plan and cabin occupancy E2S = Emerald Deck Standard E2M = Emerald Deck Mini Suite E1S = Emerald Deck Single R2E = Ruby Deck Standard R2M = Ruby Deck Mini Suite R2S = Ruby Deck Suite All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
AUSTRIA
Budapest
HUNGARY
fascinating geology, history and culture. In the morning we pass the legendary Lorelei Rock which soars 120 metres above the river and is named after a mythical siren who was once thought to bewitch sailors. We stop at the quaint wine town of Rdesheim where you can enjoy many highlights including the famous Drosselgasse, a narrow cobblestone street with beautifully decorated wine taverns and courtyards. Day 5: Rdesheim Frankfurt After breakfast we arrive in Frankfurt on the River Main where you can enjoy plenty of free time. This cosmopolitan city has one of the most imposing skylines of Germany which you can admire from various pedestrian bridges that cross the river. Rmerberg, the central square, attracts many visitors with its stunning buildings and famous fountain. The main cathedral and church are also must-sees, as is the chance to enjoy a famous glass of apple wine in the Sachsenhausen area of the city. Later today you can relax on board as we set sail along the Main towards Wertheim. Day 6: Wertheim The town of Wertheim is well known for its wine, castle and medieval centre. We arrive here shortly after midday where you can step ashore to explore
SLOVENIA the narrow streets lined with half timbered houses. CROATIA Highlights include the historic market square, Angels Well, Spitzer Tower, Kilian Chapel one of the most striking Gothic double chapels in Germany and the baroque garden cottage of Kittsteintor where you can enjoy fabulous views of the city and its stone castle. In the early evening we set sail and cruise overnight towards Wrzburg.
Day 14: Bratislava After breakfast you have the morning free to take in the sights and experience the rich culture of this Slovakian capital. The old town is centred on two squares, with winding streets, a hilltop castle and many remarkable buildings spanning various periods. There is also the unique suspension bridge which crosses the Danube and has a restaurant at the top of its single pylon. Around midday we set sail towards Budapest. Day 15: Budapest Relax on board our ship and admire the passing scenery as we enjoy a full day cruising. Our route takes us across Slovakia and into Hungary to reach our final destination, Budapest, in the late evening. Day 16: Budapest UK (Air & Rail) Day 16: Budapest Overnight Hotel (Coach) This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK. For passengers travelling by air you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight. For passengers travelling by rail there will be free time in Budapest before you are transferred to the station for the overnight train to Munich, then onward connections to London on day 17. For those travelling by coach we disembark our ship and travel to our overnight hotel, with evening meal and breakfast included. Day 17: Return to the UK (Coach only) We set off this morning for our return coach journey to the UK.
Day 7: Wrzburg This morning you can explore the city of Wrzburg which was the centre of the Kingdom of Franconia and served as the home of powerful prince-bishops for centuries. Today it is a wonderful place to visit, renowned for the Residence Palace one of the finest pieces of Baroque art in the world, its 8th century church and the Fortress Marienberg which overlooks the whole town and surrounding hills. In the early afternoon we set sail towards Bamberg. Day 8: Bamberg We arrive in Bamberg around midday, located at the start of the Main-Danube Canal. Built on seven hills, it boasts the most intact centre in Germany with the Old Town listed as a World Heritage Site because of its authentic medieval appearance. Due to its location there are many viewpoints to enjoy and main sites include the cathedral, Altenburg
pp Enjoy a two night stay in the city known as the Pearl of the Danube and soak up the breathtaking beauty, fascinating culture and magical charm of Budapest. On day 16 we check into our centrally located hotel, after which you have plenty of free time to explore both sides of Hungarys capital traditional Buda and the more cosmopolitan Pest. You can join our Budapest City Tour to ensure you have seen all the must-see sights of this vast city before you leave.
180
from
Bratislava
36
37
The enchanting atmosphere of the German Christmas Markets will charm you
Christmas Market
Christmas Market
Enjoy a glass of warming Glhwein and sample such delights as tasty sausages and spicy gingerbread!
22 October D3, D7
Dover
4 days from
429
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2013 Dates 5 December 6 December Coach Ferry Train Routes Crossing Station H1 H2 H3 H4 Hull D1 D2 D3 D12 Dover St Pancras Rail 524 614 599 569 644 704
5 days from
579
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2013 Coach Ferry Train Dates Routes Crossing Station 2 Dec D3 D10 D11 Dover St Pancras 8 Dec** N1 N2 Newcastle 9 Dec** D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 Dover St Pancras **This cruise will operate in a different order, embarking in Cologne and disembarking in Dsseldorf with no visit to Krefeld. Cabin Prices per person ms Switzerland II Code Deck Berth Coach Coach via via Dover Ncastle E2S E2M E1S R2E R2M R2S Emerald Deck Standard Emerald Deck Mini Suite Emerald Deck Single Ruby Deck Standard Ruby Deck Mini Suite Ruby Deck Suite 2 2 1 2 2 2 579 729 699 849 679 829 639 789 739 889 819 969 Rail 674 794 774 734 834 914
Visit the home of the original and authentic Christmas Market, a tradition which goes back to the Late Middle Ages. In the run up to Christmas the towns and villages along the Rhine in Germany are transformed into a festive paradise of light, colour and sound, with a special character which sets each of them apart. During our cruise we have plenty of time to browse the largest and most popular Christmas Markets, including the huge event held in the city of Cologne, as well as the chance to visit the more unique and lesser known markets on our optional excursions.
Day 1: UK Bonn We travel to Bonn, birthplace of the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven, and board our ship for a relaxing evening. Day 2: Bonn Koblenz We set sail early this morning and cruise to the walled city of Koblenz, where you are free to enjoy the festive atmosphere with over 100 Christmas Market stalls offering a huge selection of festive ware. Alternatively you can join our optional Ahr Valley Christmas Market excursion which takes you into Germanys red wine paradise to visit the picturesque town of Ahrweiler. Day 3: Koblenz Linz Cologne After breakfast you can join our optional excursion featuring a journey on the historic
Cologne Christmas Market
The Christmas Markets of Germany are famous all over the world. Our five day cruise takes you to the original and best, where you can enjoy all the flavours of this magical season. The beautiful towns and cities we visit are treasure troves of history and attractions, which become all the more captivating as they come to life with festivities and welcome visitors from near and far. Decorated stalls filled with local crafts will inspire you, local delicacies will infuse the senses and tempt you, light entertainment will delight you and the enchanting atmosphere will charm you.
Day 1: UK Krefeld Dsseldorf We travel to Krefeld and board our ship for a relaxing evening as we sail to Dsseldorf for our overnight stay. Day 2: Dsseldorf Cologne This morning we set sail for the beautiful city of Cologne. Our optional excursion is the perfect introduction, taking you on a guided tour of the city and the cathedral before you are free to explore. Cologne boasts eight Christmas Markets, four of which are near the cathedral. The most impressive is the one spread out below the cathedral, with the largest Christmas tree in the Rhineland and over 150 wooden chalets selling a huge selection of gifts. Day 3: Cologne Koblenz We cast off early this morning to reach Koblenz, on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle
Cologne
Cabin Prices per person ms Switzerland II Code Deck Berth Coach Coach via via Dover Hull E2S E2M E1S R2E R2M R2S Emerald Deck Standard Emerald Deck Mini Suite Emerald Deck Single Ruby Deck Standard Ruby Deck Mini Suite Ruby Deck Suite 2 2 1 2 2 2 429 519 504 474 549 609 549 639 624 594 669 729
Rhine Krefeld
start
Linz
GERMANY
See page 31 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
GERMANY
BELGIUM Koblenz Moselle
Bernkastel By coach
See page 31 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
BELGIUM
Koblenz Moselle
Kasbachtal Railway, one of the steepest rail journeys in Germany. We stop en route at Steffens Brewery and a nostalgic Christmas Market. In the afternoon we sail to Cologne, the Rhinelands largest city, where you are free to browse the fabulous Christmas Markets. Spreading out from the base of the mighty cathedral is one of the citys most impressive markets where you can wander through stalls and enjoy festive treats. There are four further markets to browse the Altemarkt (old market), back down towards the river, and the Neue Markt (new market); theres also the market at the chocolate factory and theres even a market ship berthed on the Rhine. Alternatively, our optional excursion is the perfect introduction to this fascinating city, taking you on a guided tour including the cathedral.
FRANCE
Optional Excursions l Ahr Valley Christmas Market 19 l Kasbachtal Train & Nostalgic Christmas Markets 29 l Cologne Guided Tour & Cathedral 20
Rivers, where a traditional Christmas Market is held in the picturesque old town. A wealth of events are usually held in the town including concerts and carriage rides. You can also join our optional excursion to visit the medieval Christmas Market at Bernkastel, a beautiful town on the Moselle River characterised by its halftimbered houses with steep roofs and gables.
FRANCE
Day 4: Koblenz Bonn Our final destination is Bonn, former capital of Germany and birthplace of Beethoven. The impressive facades on Mnsterplatz (Cathedral Square) provide a beautiful setting for the Christmas Market, with the old town hall transformed into an enormous Advent Calendar. Here you can join our optional excursion visiting the museum of Beethoven, one of the citys main attractions, followed by a guided tour to see the other highlights. Day 5: Bonn UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Day 4: Cologne UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Bernkastel
38
39
The Rhine
Cologne
Magical landscapes and picture-perfect towns await you on this festive cruise
Celebrate the New Year in style and enjoy being pampered and looked after
6 days from
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2013 Dates 21 December Coach Routes D10 D11 Ferry Train Crossing Station Dover St Pancras Rail 1090 1300 1265 1195 1370 1510
8 days from
719
995
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2013 Dates 28 December Coach Ferry Train Routes Crossing Station D1 D12 Dover St Pancras Rail 814 964 939 889 1014 1114
NETHERLANDS
Nijmegen
start
Cabin Prices per person ms Switzerland II Code Deck Berth Coach via Dover E2S Emerald Deck Standard 2 995 E2M Emerald Deck Mini Suite 2 1205 E1S Emerald Deck Single 1 1170 R2E Ruby Deck Standard 2 1100 R2M Ruby Deck Mini Suite 2 1275 R2S Ruby Deck Suite 2 1415 See page 31 for deck plan and cabin occupancy
NETHERLANDS
Nijmegen
start
Rhine
Rhine
GERMANY
GERMANY
Cabin Prices per person ms Switzerland II Code Deck Berth Coach via Dover E2S Emerald Deck Standard 2 719 E2M Emerald Deck Mini Suite 2 869 E1S Emerald Deck Single 1 844 R2E Ruby Deck Standard 2 794 R2M Ruby Deck Mini Suite 2 919 R2S Ruby Deck Suite 2 1019 See page 31 for deck plan and cabin occupancy
All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
FRANCE Day 4 Christmas Eve: Koblenz Rdesheim Enjoy free time in the walled city of Koblenz where the 2000 year old town has plenty to offer cultural monuments, historic buildings, cosy lanes, atmospheric squares and beautiful riverside promenades. Our route this afternoon takes us through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, a section of the river recognised as a World Heritage Site for its fascinating geology, history and culture. We reach Rdesheim, a traditional wine town, where we stop to enjoy the Christmas festivities on board our ship.
and harbour, or you can venture into the old town to explore the attractive squares and admire the red sandstone cathedral. Day 6 Boxing Day: Mainz Cologne Relax on board as we enjoy a full days cruise, passing through the spectacular scenery of the Rhine Valley with its myriad of castles, vineyards and mountains, to reach our final destination the mighty city of Cologne. Day 7: Cologne Nijmegen Enjoy a free morning in the city of Cologne, which has a long list of attractions led by its famous Gothic cathedral, whose magnificent spires dominate the old town. There are also twelve Romanic churches, the historic Old Town and a range of avant-garde museums. In the afternoon you can relax on board as we set sail for Nijmegen. Day 8: Nijmegen UK We arrive in Nijmegen early this morning where we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Optional Excursions l Dsseldorf City Tour 25 l Bonn City Tour 25 l Koblenz & Bad Ems 29 l Rdesheim 18 l Mainz Small Train City Tour 10 l Cologne City Tour & Walk 25
wine taverns and courtyards. Our cruise this afternoon takes us through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, a section of the river recognised as a World Heritage Site for its fascinating geology, history and culture. We stop at Koblenz, known as Germanys most beautiful corner because of its location in the picturesque landscape of the Rhine and Moselle, and enjoy the celebrations on board our ship in the build up to the New Year. Day 5 New Years Day: Koblenz Cologne Nijmegen We set sail this morning to reach Cologne which sits right on the Rhine. Enjoy an afternoon exploring the city, which has a long list of attractions led by its famous Gothic cathedral, whose magnificent spires dominate the old town. There are also many Romanic churches, the historic Old Town and a range of avantgarde museums. Later this evening you can relax on board as we sail towards Holland. Day 6: Nijmegen UK We arrive in Nijmegen early this morning where we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Optional Excursions l Dsseldorf City Tour 25 l Bonn City Tour 25 l Rdesheim 18 l Cologne City Tour & Walk 25
Day 5 Christmas Day: Rdesheim Mainz Merry Christmas! This morning you can relax on board or take stroll around the narrow streets of Rdesheim to enjoy the peaceful ambience. This afternoon we cruise to Mainz, on the confluence of the Rhine and the Main. Take in the views from the citys waterfront, which has been transformed into a pleasant shoreline park
40
41
Welcome
ms Serenity
We are delighted to welcome the ms Serenity to our fleet for the first time. First launched in 2006, she offers cruises along the great waterways of Europe. Indulge yourself in the stylish surroundings of this 4 star ship together with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, so you can enjoy an unforgettable cruise experience. Accommodation for 190 passengers is split over three decks which are all accessible by a lift. Excellent service and attention to detail are the priority of the captain and crew who are looking forward to welcoming you on board in 2014.
Lounge Bar
Restaurant
Restaurant
The spacious Panorama Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy your included meals, where you are looked after by the highly professional and friendly service team. Meals are served at a single sitting and the menus include international cuisine along with traditional local dishes, freshly prepared by your onboard chef.
Cabin Accommodation
Main Deck Cabins Located on the lower deck these cabins feature two small viewing windows and twin beds which are folded away during the day, allowing more space. Amenities include air-conditioning, en suite shower with wc, radio, satellite TV, safe and hairdryer. There is also a small desk and chair. Middle Deck Cabins These cabins feature large sliding windows and two separate beds that are folded into sofas during the day, giving you space to relax in your cabin. Amenities include en suite shower with wc, air-conditioning, radio, satellite TV, safe and hairdryer. Again there is a small desk and chair. Panorama Deck Cabins These cabins are the highest standard cabin aboard the ms Serenity and are located on the upper deck. They boast a French Balcony which offer excellent river views. The cabins feature twin beds that are folded away during the day and amenities include en suite shower with wc, air-conditioning, radio, satellite TV, safe and hairdryer. As with all the other cabins there is a small desk and chair.
Sun Deck Main Deck Cabin
Sun Deck
On the Sun Deck you can enjoy commanding views of the river whilst you relax in comfortable surroundings. The area is equipped with furniture including comfortable lounge chairs and awnings.
Lounge Bar
Lounge Bar
The spacious and attractive lounge is located on the main deck and ensures much cosiness on board. Its a great place to meet your fellow guests and relax as you watch the scenery pass by.
Lido Bar
Reception
A unique feature aboard the ms Serenity is the lovely Lido bar situated to the rear of the Panorama deck which leads out to an outdoor terrace. Here you can sit and enjoy the fresh air whilst socialising over a drink or two! Panorama Deck
There is also a lift on board which allows access to every deck on the ship.
Captains Quote
Myself and my crew are looking forward to working alongside The River Cruise Line in 2014 and welcoming you on board our beautiful ship, the ms Serenity. In this, our first season with The River Cruise Line we will be sailing along the delightful Danube River, one of the most scenic journeys in the heart of Europe. This fabulous cruise travels through four European countries visiting amazing cities along the way and we would love you to join us. We are always on hand to ensure that all your needs are catered for so that your river cruise experience will be one to remember. Captain Ladislav Toth*
Deck Plan
Panorama Deck Middle Deck Main Deck Berths 2 2 2
Middle Deck
Main Deck
Restaurant
42
43
Budapest
Bratislava Castle
NEW
GERMANY
999
CZECH REPUBLIC Passau
start
ms Serenity
1049
POLAND
Danube
Day 8: Drnstein The town of Drnstein is crowned by the ruins of the castle that once imprisoned Richard the Lionheart. Join our optional walking tour which takes you around the cobbled streets to admire the pretty courtyards and buildings, before stopping at one of the Wachau Valleys renowned wine cellars to enjoy some wine tasting. We set sail for the final time and cruise towards Passau. Day 9: Passau Germany We disembark this morning and travel by coach to our overnight hotel. Those travelling by air depart today. Day 10: Germany UK After breakfast we continue by coach to Calais, taking the ferry to Dover for our return journey.
Join us on this fabulous new cruise along the Danube aboard the ms Serenity
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Travel by Air l Make your own way and join at the ship, from 100 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details *Clients travelling by air join the tour on Day 2 and leave for a return flight to the UK on Day 9 2014 Coach Dates Routes 19 April N1 N2 20 April D7 D8 D9 21 April 25 May D3 D4 D5 D6 26 May 22 June D1 D11 D12 23 June 13 July D2 D3 D10 D12 14 July 2 August H1 H2 H3 H4 3 August D4 D5 D6 4 August 21 Sept D1 D2 D7 D8 D9 D12 22 Sept 5 Oct D10 D11 D12 6 Oct Ferry Crossing/ Cabin Airport Price Newcastle 1249 Dover 1099 Gatwick 999 Dover 1049 Gatwick 1099 Dover 1049 Gatwick 1099 Dover 1049 Gatwick 1099 Hull 1199 Dover 1049 Gatwick 1099 Dover 1049 Gatwick 1099 Dover 1099 Gatwick 999
Ilz
SLOVAKIA
Bratislava Budapest
Inn
AUSTRIA
ITALY CROATIA
Danube
HUNGARY
Day 6: Budapest This morning you can enjoy your time in Budapest or join our optional excursion which takes you through the sweeping plains of Hungary to Lajosmizse. Here we visit a traditional stud farm and enjoy a tour of the grounds in a horse drawn carriage, before watching a spectacular live Puszta Horse Show. In the afternoon we set sail and cruise towards Bratislava. Day 7: Bratislava We reach Bratislava in the early morning. This historic city is dominated by its castle and unique suspension bridge. Join our optional walking tour to take in the sights of this Slovakian capital and experience its rich culture. In the mid-afternoon we set sail and cruise towards Drnstein.
Drnstein at the River Danube
Day 3: Melk Vienna This morning we arrive in the small town of Melk which lies in the beautiful Wachau Valley. Here you can join our optional excursion visiting the Benedictine Abbey. This is one of the most famous monastic houses in Austria which has been occupied by monks for over 900 years. You can relax on board for the remainder of the day as we cruise to Vienna for an overnight stop. Day 4: Vienna We spend a full day experiencing the delights of Vienna. Grand palaces, baroque castles, magnificent squares and grand monuments are just some of the key features of this beautiful city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning you can join our optional City Tour and
The Schnbrunn Palace, Vienna
in the afternoon we have an optional excursion to Schnbrunn Palace, which takes you on a journey through time as we explore some of the 1441 rooms. In the early evening we cast off and cruise towards Budapest. Day 5: Budapest SLOVENIA Today we have a full day in Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here you can explore both sides of Hungarys capital traditional Buda and the more cosmopolitan Pest. Start the day by joining our optional city tour to introduce you to the highlights and help get your bearings in the city known as the Pearl of the Danube. In the evening you can join our optional excursion to experience Budapest by Night with a traditional folklore show.
Cabin Supplements per person ms Serenity Deck Berths Supplement Main 2 Nil Middle 2 100 Panorama 2 250 See page 43 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
44
45
Welcome
50
Tobermory
...to our cruises taking you to Europe and beyond for the ultimate river cruise experience, aboard a carefully selected range of ships.
Explore the rugged coastline and picturesque harbours of mainland Scotland and its islands
ms Z Shashkov
The holidays featured on pages 47 53 are aboard highly recommended ships that have been handpicked by us to ensure our excellent standards are met, so that you receive the ultimate river cruise experience. All offer superb itineraries on some of the greatest waterways, from the tranquil lochs of Scotland, the romantic Danube and the elegant Elbe to the intricate rivers and canals of Russia and the idyllic islands in the Baltic Sea the choice is yours. Ship details are given on the relevant page.
Contents
Heart of the Highlands Elegant Elbe, Berlin & Prague Moscow to St Petersburg Cruise Baltic Isles, Berlin & Poland
Ship details are given on the relevant page Baltic Isles, Berlin & Poland
1649
Heart of the Highlands
47 Discover the eternal beauty of the Scottish Highlands and the Western Isles on this captivating 8 day cruise aboard mv Lord of the Glens. Our cruise features tranquil lochs, legendary castles and magnificent peaks as we travel through a breathtaking landscape, along with the chance to step ashore the Isles of Mull, Iona, Eigg and Skye to experience the unique quality of life and tradition of these Inner Hebridean jewels.
Day 1: Kyle of Lochalsh We meet at Kyle of Lochalsh where we board our ship for a relaxing evening and enjoy the Captains welcome reception and dinner. Day 2: Inverness Fort Augustus This morning we visit the Cuillins Mountains and Portree, before sailing via Kyle Rhea and the Sound of Sleat to Armadale on the Isle of Skye, where we visit the Clan Donald Centre and Gardens. We continue cruising to Inverie in Loch Ness to moor overnight. Day 3: Inverie Tobermory Early this morning we sail around Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly point of mainland Britain, and arrive at the tiny island of Eigg, where you get a sense of what life is like for the 90 or so inhabitants. After exploring we sail into the Sound of Mull and moor at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Tobermorys most striking feature is the gaily painted houses that line the waterfront. Day 4: Tobermory Craignure Our destination is Craignure, again on the Isle of Mull. On arrival we have an included excursion by coach to the Isle of Iona the last resting place of some 50 Scottish Kings. Craignure will be our berthing point for this evening.
Inverness
8 days from
Joining Your Cruise l Join at ship l Euston train options have 2 nights on board the overnight sleeper train from Euston, departs one day earlier than stated below see page 64 for details 2014 Dates 20 May 1 July 12 September Ship mv Lord of the Glens mv Lord of the Glens mv Lord of the Glens
Cruise the Scottish or Russian Waterways, the River Elbe or the Baltics
48-49 50-51 52-53
Cabin Prices per person mv Lord of the Glens Overnight Join at Deck Berths ship sleeper James Watt 2 1649 1799 David Roberts 2 1829 1979 Alexander Graham Bell 2 1999 2149 All prices shown are per person NB: If taking the overnight sleeper train the UK departure dates will be one day earlier than above and return one day later ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Kyle of Lochalsh
start
52
Banavie Tobermory
SCOTLAND
Craignure
Day 5: Craignure Banavie This morning we pay a visit to the nearby photogenic Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the McClain Clan, before sailing via the Sound of Mull and Loch Linnhe to Corpach and the entrance to the Caledonian Canal. From here we ascend a dramatic series of locks, known as Neptunes Staircase, which lifts the vessel 103 feet to Banavie. Day 6: Banavie Fort Augustus We sail along the famous Caledonian Canal via Loch Lochy, Laggan Avenue and Loch Oich to Fort Augustus. This afternoon you can join our excursion to Glenfinnan. Day 7: Fort Augustus Inverness Our cruise route takes us across Loch Ness pausing approximately half way in front of Urquart Castle for photos. Later we cross Loch Dochfour and arrive at Inverness where we visit Culloden and see the ancient standing stones of Clava Cairns. Later this evening we enjoy the Captains Farewell Reception and Dinner. Day 8: Inverness This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey.
Our Cruise Vessel The mv Lord of the Glens boasts the style of a luxury yacht with the intimacy of a boutique hotel. Each cabin has en suite facilities, individually controlled airconditioning/heating, a hairdryer, trouser press, satellite TV, safe deposit box, music system, internal telephone, dressing table and stool and a full size wardrobe. 23 of these cabins have tinted picture windows, whilst the remaining 4 on the James Watt Deck have large portholes.
For a Deck Plan please call our Holiday Advisors or visit our website
48
46 To book call 0844 544 6580
47
Prague
Dresden
An elegant experience through Eastern Europe Free time in Berlin, Dresden & Prague
1099
1399
GERMANY
Elbe Magdeburg
Berlin
POLAND
Day 6: Dresden Meissen Enjoy some free time in Dresden before we cruise to Meissen, where you can join our optional excursion of this city which has a fascinating history going back more than 1000 years. It is chiefly famed for its production of fine porcelain which you can learn about on our visit to the House of Meissen. Day 7: Meissen Wittenberg Early this morning we set sail for the old university town of Wittenberg, home to the most important and interesting Reformation museum in Germany The Luther House. Enjoy free time at leisure or take advantage of the optional excursion to follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther and see the towns historic landmarks.
Saxon State Opera, Dresden
The Elbe
Joining Your Cruise l Eurostar from London St Pancras see page 64 for details l Travel by air: Outward Gatwick to Prague 09.00 / 11.55 Return Berlin to Gatwick 10.15 / 11.10 Please note: times are subject to confirmation Clients travelling by air join on Day 2 and leave for a return flight to the UK on Day 10 2014 Dates Airport 3 May 4 May Gatwick Train Station St Pancras
Day 8: Wittenberg Magdeburg Another early sailing takes us to Magdeburg, a cosmopolitan city with a rich and colourful past. Join our City Tour and see the many beautiful sights and attractions which bear witness to the citys 1200 year old history. Day 9: Magdeburg Berlin We disembark our ship this morning and travel to Germanys capital city, Berlin. Check into our overnight hotel and then enjoy free time in this wonderful city or join our guided City Tour. Day 10: Berlin UK After breakfast passengers travelling by air will be transferred to the airport for the return flight. Passengers travelling by rail retrace their route to Brussels for the return Eurostar connection.
Cabin Prices per person ms Princess Code Deck Berths Gatwick M2S Rear Main Deck 2 1099 M3L Main Deck 3 1229 M2L Main Deck 2 1249 P2S Promenade 2 1399
All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
CZECH REPUBLIC
Riquewihr
Day 3: Prague Melnik This morning you can join our optional City Tour Prague start and attractions Prague has to to see the highlights offer. In the early afternoon we set sail along the River Vltava (also known as the Moldau) and cruise to the attractive town of Melnik in the Czech Republic, on the confluence of the Elbe and Vltava, AUSTRIA where we berth overnight. Day 4: Melnik Bad Schandau Today we join the River Elbe and enjoy a full day cruising, taking in wonderful scenery as we head towards our overnight stop in the attractive German spa resort of Bad Schandau. Our cruise route takes us through the breathtaking landscape of Saxon Switzerland, a region dominated by huge, smooth rocks and deep valleys. We reach Dresden in the early afternoon, nicknamed Florence on the Elbe, where you can take an optional City Tour to see the highlights of this fascinating place.
Optional Excursions l Prague City Tour l Dresden City Tour l Meissen & The House of Meissen (Porcelain) l In the Footsteps of Martin Luther l Magdeburg City Tour l Berlin City Tour
FRANCE
Our Cruise Vessel You can be sure of a warm welcome aboard the ms Princess which offers a unique blend of home comforts and sophisticated style. All cabins have a large picture windows, twin beds, air conditioning and bathroom facilities. They are also equipped with a hair dryer and mini safe. All decks are accessible with stairs and a stair lift.
Day 1: UK Nuremberg (Rail only) We travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Brussels and join the local rail network to reach Nuremberg where we check into our overnight hotel. Day 2: Nuremberg Prague (Passengers travelling by air join today) After an early breakfast we travel by rail to Prague, known as City of a Hundred Spires. Venture into the historic centre and you will find plaques which point out tourist landmarks on a circular route this is the Silver Line through Golden Prague; a great way to explore the city at your own pace before we board our ship in the mid afternoon.
Promenade Deck
106 104 102 Restaurant
Kitchen
Deck Plan
Lounge 107 105 103 101
ms Princess
44 42 40 38 36 34 32 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10
41 39 37 35 33 31 29 27 25 23 21 19 17 15
11
48
49
Visit two amazing cities on this iconic journey All excursions included
St Petersburg
12 days from
1799
Peterhof Palace
Day 4: Uglich Whilst sailing along the Volga, keep a look out Gulf ofand blue for the delightful view of the green Finland domes that signify our arrival at Uglich. Our late afternoon included guided walking tour of Uglich will introduce us to its Kremlin, Transfiguration Cathedral and the fascinating story surrounding the Church of St Dmitri-on-the-Blood. Our cruise continues overnight towards Yaroslavl. Day 5: Yaroslavl Breakfast time marks our arrival in Yaroslavl, one BELARUS of the best preserved Golden Ring towns that stretch for eighteen miles along both banks of the river. Following our included coach tour of the towns we enjoy some free time visiting the local outdoor market before returning to the ship for lunch. In the early afternoon we cruise towards Goritsy. Day 6: Goritsy On arrival at Goritsy you can join our coach for an included excursion to nearby Kirillov to visit the 14th Century Monastery of St Cyril on the White Lake, famous for its Museum of Icons. Casting off during the afternoon, we travel along the Volga-Baltic Canal as we continue our route to cross the length of the White Lake towards Kizhi on Lake Onega. Day 7: Kizhi This morning we cruise along Lake Onega, among the majestic Karelian countryside, making a late
Lake Ladoga
Lake Onega
Kizhi
Whats included
l Return flights from London Heathrow l En suite cabin accommodation l Full board during your cruise l Captains welcome drink reception and farewell
Goritsy
RUSSIA
Flight Times l Outward London Heathrow to Moscow 08.50 / 15.30 l Return St Petersburg to London Heathrow 16.55 / 17.25 Please note: times are subject to confirmation 2014 Dates 26 August Airport London Heathrow Ship ms Z Shashkov
Day 1: UK Moscow Having made your own way to Terminal 5 of Londons Heathrow airport by car or regional flight, we depart on our direct flight to Moscow Domodedova Airport. Following a four hour flight, we land in Moscow. An awaiting coach will transfer us to board our cruise ship. We meet the Captain and his crew at the welcome Cocktail Reception and Bread and Salt Ceremony. Day 2: Moscow After breakfast you can board our coach for an included orientation tour of the city, with free time in Red Square, GUM Department Store, St Basils Cathedral and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Following lunch in Moscow, you have the opportunity to visit the Kremlin, and entrance to one of its cathedrals. After dinner on board our ship, we offer an optional excursion to see a local folk show and Moscow by night. Day 3: Moscow Enjoy a free day in Moscow with a choice of optional excursions to purchase on board, such as a transfer back into the city, a visit to the Tretyagov Gallery or Sergiev Posad Monastery. Early this evening we set course through the locks along the spectacular Moscow Canal towards the mighty Volga River, cruising throughout the night.
afternoons stop at the fairytale island of Kizhi, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kizhi Architectural Museum. In the evening we set sail to cruise overnight back down the length of Lake Onega to join the River Svir as we head towards Mandrogui. Day 8: Mandrogui The serene village of Mandrogui is a favourite stop for cruise ships, featuring an assortment of gingerbread like architecture consisting of houses, workshops and museums including one devoted to vodka. Here you can purchase local crafts such as Matryoshka dolls, lace and ceramics. After our visit we continue, cruising overnight towards St Petersburg.
Cabin Supplements per person ms Z Shashkov Deck Berths Price Lower 2 1799 Main 2 1999 Middle 2 2099 Boat 2 2199 All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Moscow
Days 9-11: St Petersburg Leaving Lake Ladoga to enter the broad River Neva, we arrive at St Petersburg. Introduction to the city, Russias window to the West, takes the form of an included orientation coach tour when many of the citys Imperial and aristocratic palaces can be seen. During the course of our three days in St Petersburg, we embark on included excursions to visit the magnificent Imperial Palace at Peterhof and the incomparable Hermitage Museum, one of the oldest and largest in the world. Additional optional excursions, available to purchase on board, include coach transfers to the city centre, a trip to Pushkin to visit Catherines Palace and Park and St Petersburg by Night. The highlight of our final night on board will include the Captains Farewell Dinner. Day 12: St Petersburg UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and travel to St Petersburg Pulkovo Airport for our return flight to London Heathrow airports Terminal 5.
Visa Information A Russian Visa is required in order to join our cruise since entry to Russia will not be permitted without one. We have an agreement with a Russian Visa Service, ASLA Travel Group (www.asla.co.uk), who can assist with the application. The cost of a Visa is approximately 130. It is the responsibility of each passenger to apply for their own Visa; this can be applied for at any time between three months and 4 weeks prior to departure (process time is approximately 14 working days). The procedure for obtaining your Visa will be outlined within the paperwork confirming your holiday booking, but please note that you will need to enclose your UK passport with your Visa application. Please also note that your UK passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after you are due to return from Russia.
ms Z Shashkov
50
51
Berlin
GERMANY
BELGIUM
Cologne Bonn Rhine Andernach Cochem Koblenz Boppard
Bernkastel
CZECH REPUBLIC
1369
1499
Vitte Zingst Stralsund Karnin Peenemnde Ralswiek Ralswiek Lauterbach
Baltic Sea
Oberbaumbridge, Berlin
Join us to discover this little known region of Europe the perfect holiday retreat
GERMANY
to Cologne rail only
Griefswald Anklam
Stettin Lagoon Ahlbeck
Day 8: Islands of Hiddensee and Darss Hiddensee has a unique atmosphere and is often referred to as the jewel of the Baltic. It is a car-free island which can only be reached by ships; therefore our optional excursion takes you by horse-drawn carriage to see the beautiful landscape. Our next stop is the Fischland-Darss-Zingst peninsula, a magnificent area renowned for its stunning beaches. We stop at the coastal village of Zingst where you can enjoy free time to explore and admire the fantastic views before our cruise returns to Stralsund on the mainland of Germany. Day 9: Stralsund Cologne (Rail passengers only) After breakfast passengers travelling by air will be transferred to Berlin airport for the return flight. Passengers travelling by rail take the train to Cologne for an overnight stay. Day 10: Cologne London After breakfast you can enjoy free time or make the most of your visit by joining our optional city tour to see the highlights of Cologne, which has a long list of attractions led by its famous gothic cathedral the most visited building in Germany. In the afternoon we retrace the route to Brussels for the return Eurostar connection to London.
Anklam
Joining Your Cruise l Eurostar from London St Pancras see page 64 for details l Travel by air: Outward Gatwick to Berlin 13.15 / 16.00; Return Berlin to Gatwick 14.30 / 15.25 Please note: times are subject to confirmation *Clients travelling by air join on Day 1 and leave for a return flight to the UK on Day 9 2014 Dates Airport 16 August 16 August Gatwick Train Station St Pancras
Wolin
POLAND
Szczecin
Peene
Cabin Prices per person ms Princess Code Deck Berths Gatwick M2S Rear Main Deck 2 1369 M3L Main Deck 3 1429 M2L Main Deck 2 1499 P2S Promenade 2 1629
All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Day 3: Baltic Isle of Rgen We set sail early this morning and cruise toward Ralswiek where you can join our optional excursion to see the spectacular scenery of the Jasmund National Park. In the afternoon our ship continues sailing on the sheltered waters around the coast of Rgen, Germanys largest island, and along the Baltic Coast of Germany. In the evening our ship berths in the harbour of Griefswald Wieck, outside Coach onlyHanseatic Town of Griefswald. Day 4: Peene River Delta Szczecin Lagoon Szczecin Take up position on deck and admire the passing scenery as we spend a full day cruising towards Poland, which takes us along the tranquil waters of the Peene River and across the Szczecin Lagoon. Our destination is Szczecin, the capital of West Pomerania, a lively city with fine architecture which you can explore on our optional tour. Day 5: Szczecin Wolin Anklam This morning we set sail for Wolin, Polands largest island, and stop at the small and friendly town of the same name. Here you can join our optional tour to see the fabulous scenery of the island which has a national park at its centre. This evening we berth at the German town of Anklam, on the banks of the Peene River. Day 6: Isle of Usedom The Isle of Usedom is our destination today, one of Germanys most popular holiday resorts due to its stunning natural beauty. From the port of
Karnin you can join our optional excursion which takes you on a scenic drive through the hills to visit Ahlbeck, a popular seaside town and home to the oldest Sea Bridge and longest Sea Bridge of continental Europe. In the afternoon we sail to Peenemnde for an overnight stop. Day 7: Island of Rgen Around breakfast time we arrive at Lauterbach, a small village on the Island of Rgen. Our optional Rushing Berlin Roland excursion takes you on a journey along a steam railway, travelling from Putbus to the elegant resort of Ghren. We return to our ship in Lauterbach and cruise to Vitte on the idyllic island resort of Hiddensee.
Ahlbeck Pier
ms Princess
Szczecin
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Welcome
Rhine Valley Turkey & Tinsel
Christmas Market
...to our collection of 2013 Festive Cruises aboard our exclusively chartered ships.
You can enjoy a relaxing pre-Christmas break and gain a wealth of gift ideas on our Christmas Markets cruises along the Rhine and Moselle. Get into festive mood as you browse around the decorated stalls looking for that unusual gift to take home. Enjoy a glass of warming Glhwein and sample some of the local delicacies before returning to your ship for an evening of fun and laughter.
Rdesheim Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Hull and Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2013 Coach Dates Routes 9 Nov D1 D11 D12 12 Nov N1 N2 13 Nov D4 D5 D6 17 Nov D2 D3 D12 20 Nov H1 H4 21 Nov D7 D9 D10 Ferry Crossing Dover Newcastle Dover Dover Hull Dover
Contents
Festive Cruises
Rhine Valley Turkey & Tinsel German Christmas Markets Magical Moselle Christmas Markets Christmas Markets Extravaganza Christmas Rhine Cruise NEW Christmas Cruise Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent & Bruges NEW New Year Cruise Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp New Year Rhine Cruise
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4 days from
5 days from
299
A real cracker of a Rhineland holiday is guaranteed when you join our pre-Christmas Turkey & Tinsel cruise. Like-minded indulgers in festive food and entertainment believe our five day cruise through the scenic and atmospheric Rhine Gorge, with its on board programme of fun-filled revelry, to be the perfect antidote to those dreary British November days. Optional coach excursions into the surrounding hillsides allow us to stock up on local tipples for the Christmas table back home, whilst visits to the illuminated waterside towns and villages offer plenty of ideas for gift shopping and preparations for Christmas. Aboard the seasonally decorated ship a warm and convivial party atmosphere prevails, with mouth-watering German and English festive fare to tickle the taste buds, and a nightly fun programme of entertainment to unleash the laughter. Whoever said that Christmas comes but once a year obviously has not experienced our Turkey & Tinsel cruise!
Day 1: UK Andernach We travel to Andernach and board our ship where you can relax or venture into the attractive Rhineland town. Day 2: Andernach Rdesheim OUR CHRISTMAS EVE Casting off early this morning we cruise up river, through the dramatic narrow Rhine Gorge, to the pretty town of Rdesheim. Our optional Rdesheim Delights excursion includes a visit to the wonderful mechanical music museum of Siegfried and a mug of Glhwein. After a traditional German Christmas Eve dinner you can settle back and enjoy the entertainment.
Ship mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne
269
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths Coach Coach Coach via via Dover via Hull Ncastle X3S Passenger 3 274 394 424 X2S Passenger 2 299 419 449 X1S Passenger 1 374 494 524 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 349 469 499 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 399 519 549 M2L Main Deck Superior 2 449 569 599 P2S Promenade 2 499 619 649 P2X Promenade Superior 2 549 669 699 See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
The mouth-watering smell of baked gingerbread, the warming taste of Glhwein, the heart lifting sight of twinkling outdoor lights; when was Christmas shopping more enjoyable? Weve witnessed the striking scenery of the stunning Rhine Gorge, called in at typical Rhineland towns and wine centres, seen the medieval town of Koblenz magically illuminated at night, and heard the fables and legends surrounding the famous Seven Mountains. Now were in fragrant Cologne indulging in the citys fabulous Christmas Markets. Theres such a wonderful range of quality items from which to choose; is there a weight restriction on what we can bring back on board Captain?
Day 1: UK Andernach We travel to Andernach and settle aboard our ship. The remainder of the evening is free for strolling through the delightful streets and along the riverside promenades of this attractive walled town.
Rhine Cologne
Rhine
BELGIUM
GERMANY
Andernach BELGIUM
start
2013 Coach lle Dates Routes ose M 28 Nov 29 Nov 5 Dec 6 Dec 12 Dec 13 Dec
Rhine
BELGIUM
GERMANY
Bonn Andernach BELGIUM
start
e sell Mo
Day 2: Andernach Oberwesel Koblenz Having cast off early in the morning we cruise up river through the dramatic narrow Rhine Gorge, as far as the famous Lorelei Rock, to the picturesque town of Oberwesel. Here our optional Rdesheim Delights excursion takes place as the ship cruises back down river to Koblenz. Later you can join our Rhine Wine Tasting Evening excursion to a family owned wine cellar, in a narrow valley close to Koblenz to sample the high quality wines.
Cologne Christmas Market
Koblenz
Oberwesel
Rdesheim Moselle
Ship mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne
Day 3: Rdesheim Boppard Koblenz OUR CHRISTMAS DAY We retrace our route back down the Rhine Gorge as far as Boppard, the Pearl of the Rhine and the meeting place of six valleys. After a traditional British Christmas Day lunch, you can relax on board, explore Boppard or join our optional magical coach excursion into the scenic Moselle Valley. Our cruise continues to the ancient walled city of Koblenz where we stop overnight for more fun and entertainment on board.
Rhine
Day 4: Koblenz Bonn OUR BOXING DAY Our cruising route down the Rhine takes us past the Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains) to Bonn, our final destination. After a delicious Boxing Day lunch you can enjoy some free time and learn of the composer Beethovens life, or join our optional excursion into the delightful Ahr Valley for a spot of wine tasting before rounding off with a final evening of entertainment.
FRANCE
Day 3: Koblenz Cologne Leaving Koblenz we cruise down the Rhine to our final destination, and the highlight of our holiday, the fragrant city of Cologne. To help get your bearings you can join our included walking tour pointing out the city highlights before delving into Colognes fabulous Christmas Markets. Spreading out from the base of Colognes mighty cathedral and into the pedestrianised area is one of the citys most impressive markets. Shopping is far more appealing and relaxing when we can nibble on sugared almonds whilst wandering through stalls selling everything from wooden toys to tree decorations. In addition to the market around the cathedral, there are four further markets to browse. Heading back down towards the river theres the Altemarkt (old market) as well as the Neue Markt (new market). For sweet toothed gift recipients, dont miss the market at the chocolate factory and, for sheer originality, theres even a market ship berthed on the Rhine.
FRANCE
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths Coach Coach Coach via via Dover via Hull Ncastle X3S Passenger 3 249 369 399 X2S Passenger 2 269 389 419 X1S Passenger 1 329 449 479 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 309 429 459 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 349 469 499 M2L Main Deck Superior 2 389 509 539 P2S Promenade 2 429 549 579 P2X Promenade Superior 2 469 589 619 See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Day 5: Bonn UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Day 4: Cologne UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
55
Trier
Warm yourself with a glass of Glhwein and enjoy some gastronomic delights
Bruges
5 days from
319
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Overnight sailings from Newcastle; 2 nights on board a ferry which is reflected in the price chart below l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2013 Coach Dates Routes 25 Nov D1 D11 D12 2 Dec D3 D10 D11 8 Dec N1 N2 9 Dec D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 Ferry Crossing Dover Dover Newcastle Dover
4 days from
Experience the intimacy of the Moselle Christmas Markets and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of this magical region on our fabulous new cruise. The quaint towns along the river banks, with their half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, are the perfect setting for this festive tradition which brings a wealth of gifts, gastronomic delights and light entertainment for visitors to enjoy. Its a wonderful way to countdown to Christmas.
Ship mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne mps Lady Anne
259
See pages 64 and 65 for details 2013 Coach Dates Routes 26 Nov D7 D8 D9 D10 29 Nov* D2 D3 D12 1 Dec H1 H2 H3 H4 5 Dec* D1 D10 D12 8 Dec* D4 D5 D6 10 Dec* N1 N2 14 Dec D1 D11 17 Dec* D3 D4 D12 Ferry Crossing Dover Dover Hull Dover Dover Newcastle Dover Dover
BELGIUM
GERMANY
BELGIUM
Rhine
Koblenz Alken
start
Day 2: Koblenz Cochem In the most romantic part of the Moselle Valley, where the river curves between the beautiful regions of Eifel and Hunsrck, lies the old town of Cochem. On arrival here you can join our optional excursion to sample some of the fine wine harvested in this area. Later in the day the town comes alive with its beautiful Christmas Market.
Trier
Cochem Zell
Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths Coach via Dover X3S Passenger 3 294 X2S Passenger 2 319 X1S Passenger 1 394 M3S Main Deck Standard 3 369 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 419 M2L Main Deck Superior 2 469 P2S Promenade 2 519 P2X Promenade Superior 2 569
Coach via Newcastle 444 469 544 519 569 619 669 719
With so many popular Christmas Markets it can be difficult to choose one destination. Our Christmas Market medley cruise is the perfect solution, taking you to some of the biggest and best markets that Europe has to offer. From festive town centres to illuminated caves, we visit the countries of France, Belgium, Germany and Holland where you will find Christmas gifts for everyone on your shopping list. And when the shoppings complete, you can take a step back to relax and absorb the magical atmosphere. So look no further for the ultimate Christmas market experience!
Day 1: UK Lille Hasselt We travel to Lille to see the spectacular Christmas Market, held in the Place Rihour in the town centre. Lille sparkles and glows with joie de vivre and the area is filled with stalls selling arts, crafts, decorations and local specialities. After a couple of hours we continue to Hasselt where we board our ship. Day 2: Hasselt Lige We cruise to Lige, arriving in the early afternoon, where you will find over 170 decorated stalls which make up one of Belgiums biggest Christmas markets. With a wealth of handmade decorations and traditional crafts, the selection of gift ideas is sure to delight.
Christmas Market
IJssel
Ship mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam mps Amsterdam
*Please note on these dates the cruise operates in reverse Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths Coach Coach Coach via via Dover via Hull Ncastle M2E Main Deck Economy 2 259 449 479 GERMANY M3S Main Deck Standard 3 279 429 459 M2S Main Deck Standard 2 329 489 519 P2S Promenade 2 379 569 599 P1S Promenade 1 439 629 659 See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
NORTH SEA
Bruges
NETHERLANDS
See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Moselle
Day 4: Zell Alken We cruise to Alken, one of the oldest places in the Moselle region surrounded by forests, FRANCE valleys and vineyards. From here you can join our included excursion visiting Koblenz Christmas Market, which takes place in the romantic old town with over 130 festive stalls offering a huge range of seasonal gift ideas. We return to Alken for the final evening aboard our ship. Day 5: Alken UK We bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Cochem
BELGIUM
FRANCE
GERMANY
10 15
Day 3: Cochem Zell Our destination is the pretty village of Zell, where you can join our optional coach excursion to Trier and browse the Christmas Markets of Germanys oldest city, held on the medieval square in front of the imposing backdrop of Trier Cathedral.
Lille
56
57
Bruges
Relax and enjoy the Christmas celebrations aboard the mps Amsterdam
7 days from
659
mps Lady Anne Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Return sailing from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details
NEW
7 days from
679
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Return sailings from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2013 Coach Ferry Dates Routes Crossing Ship 23 Dec All routes D1 to D12 Dover mps Amsterdam Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths M2E M3S M2S P2S P1S Main Deck Economy Main Deck Standard Main Deck Standard Promenade Promenade 2 3 2 2 1
2013 Coach Ferry Dates Routes Crossing Ship 23 Dec All routes D1 to D12 Dover mps Lady Anne Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths X3S X2S X1S M3S M2S M2L P2S P2X Passenger Passenger Passenger Main Deck Standard Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Promenade Superior 3 2 1 3 2 2 2 2
Rhine Cologne
start
Bonn BELGIUM
GERMANY
Andernach
Coach via Dover 624 659 764 729 799 869 939 1009
Spend this Christmas among sparkling diamond capitals, Waddenimpressive skylines, spectacular Sea bridges and chocolate box scenery. Starting from Amsterdam, the City of Diamonds, we take a relaxing cruise along Dutch and Belgian waterways, stepping ashore at three of the prettiest places in Belgium, including Antwerp, another world centre for the diamond trade, and a full day in the beautiful medieval city of Bruges. Combine these stunning locations with the festivities aboard our ship and this will be a Christmas celebration with style!
Day 1: UK Amsterdam We travel to Amsterdam and board our ship for a relaxing evening. Day 2: Amsterdam Rotterdam This morning is free for you to enjoy the IJssel exciting capital city of Amsterdam which is filled with 17th century buildings, atmospheric streets and a labyrinth of waterways. Alternatively you can join our optional canal cruise for one of the best ways to see the city. We spend the afternoon cruising to Rotterdam and enjoy a traditional Dutch Christmas meal shortly before our arrival. Our Tour Managers will point out the nearest church for anyone wanting to attend midnight mass. Day 3: Rotterdam Antwerp Merry Christmas! Take a look at the passing scenery early this morning when we cruise past the Kinderdijk Windmills, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site with 19 windmills that date back to the 17th century its a lovely way to start the day. You can then relax on board and enjoy the festivities which include a delicious Christmas lunch. We arrive in Antwerp in the afternoon where you can join our Tour Manager and stretch your legs on a scenic walk along the Schelde River to the historic centre. Day 4: Antwerp Ghent Enjoy a free morning or join our optional excursion for a guided tour of Antwerp, where you can see the highlights of this charming medieval town as we explore the narrow streets and admire many remarkable buildings. We set sail around midday and spend the afternoon cruising towards Ghent. Amsterdam
start
See pages 10-11 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
NETHERLANDS
Rotterdam
See pages 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
NORTH SEA
Bruges Ghent
Koblenz Rdesheim
Moselle
Antwerp
Rhine Gorge as far as the walled city of Koblenz, where the Moselle meets the mighty Rhine. This afternoon you can relax on board, explore medieval Koblenz or join our optional excursion into the magical Moselle Valley.
BELGIUM
Overlooked by the Castle of the Count, this friendly city is filled with canals and treasures including 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings so there is plenty to see. We enjoy another afternoon relaxing aboard our ship as we cruise towards beautiful Bruges. Day 6: Bruges After breakfast you can enjoy a full day exploring the sights and sounds of the pictureperfect city of Bruges, known as the Venice of the North. During the day you can join our optional excursion which takes you on a guided tour before visiting the Halve Maan Brewery, one of the oldest active breweries in Western Europe where you can learn about the history of the brewery and try the award winning beer. Day 7: Bruges UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and enjoy a little more time in Bruges before we set off on the return journey to the UK.
Optional Excursions GERMANY l Amsterdam Canal Cruise & Diamond Factory 18 l Antwerp City Tour & Diamond Museum 18 l Ghent City Tour 18 l Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery 20
FRANCE
Day 5: Koblenz Bonn Continuing our course back down the Rhine, we pass the Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains) and head for Bonn, the birth place of Ludwig van Beethoven, where you can join our included excursion to see the highlights of this former capital and University City. Day 6: Bonn Cologne We complete our cruise on arrival in the city of Cologne where you are free to explore. Alternatively you can join our optional Romantic Rhine Towns excursion, visiting the pretty towns of Linz and Knigswinter, which has a beautiful setting in the Siebengebirge. Day 7: Cologne UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
Cologne
Day 5: Ghent Bruges Relax on board or take the opportunity to visit the heart of the lovely town of Ghent.
58
59
NEW
5 days from 5 days from
Bruges Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Return sailing from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details 2013 Coach Ferry Dates Routes Crossing Ship 29 Dec All routes D1 to D12 Dover mps Amsterdam Cabin Prices per person mps Amsterdam Code Deck Berths M2E M3S M2S P2S P1S Main Deck Economy Main Deck Standard Main Deck Standard Promenade Promenade 2 3 2 2 1
539
529
Joining Your Cruise Options l FREE regional departure points l Travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras l Join at the port of departure l Stay overnight in Dover/Ashford (parking included for the duration of your cruise) l Return sailing from Dover l Make your own way and join at the ship, 50 reduction please call for details See pages 64 and 65 for details
A resolution made now to spend New Year with the Captain and his crew on board our ship will be the best decision made all year! The cracking New Years Eve party on board and the atmosphere around the medieval town of Koblenz, will surely only confirm how right that decision was. Well cruise the Rhines most romantic waters, learn of the myths surrounding the Lorelei Rock and have the opportunity to taste Cochems delicious local wine and apple strudel. As we set course for our final destination of Cologne, we may not want to bid farewell to our hosts and friends but at least we leave with fond memories.
Day 1: UK Andernach We travel to Andernach and board our ship where you can relax or venture into the attractive Rhineland town before this evenings entertainment.
Rhine Cologne
2013 Coach Ferry Dates Routes Crossing Ship 29 Dec All routes D1 to D12 Dover mps Lady Anne Cabin Prices per person mps Lady Anne Code Deck Berths X3S X2S X1S M3S M2S M2L P2S P2X Passenger Passenger Passenger Main Deck Standard Main Deck Standard Main Deck Superior Promenade Promenade Superior 3 2 1 3 2 2 2 2
Day 1: UK Bruges We travel to Bruges, a beautiful example of medieval Belgium, and board our ship for a IJssel relaxing evening. Day 2: Bruges Ghent You can enjoy a morning exploring the pictureperfect city of Bruges, known as the Venice of the North. Alternatively you can join our optional excursion for a guided tour which points out the highlights of this beautiful city before visiting the Halve Maan Brewery, one of the oldest active breweries in Western Europe where you can learn about the history of the brewery and try the award winning beer. You can then relax on board our ship as we cruise towards Ghent. Day 3: Ghent Antwerp After breakfast you can explore Ghent at leisure or join our optional guided tour. Overlooked by the Castle of the Count, this friendly city is filled with canals and treasures including 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings so there is plenty to see. We set sail around midday and cruise to Antwerp where we welcome in
Ghent
NORTH SEA
Bruges
Kinderdijk
NETHERLANDS
BELGIUM
GERMANY
Andernach BELGIUM
start
ell 8-9 for deck plan and cabin occupancy See pages os M
Coach via Dover 504 529 604 579 629 679 729 779
Rhine
start
Ghent
Antwerp
All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
BELGIUM
the New Year with our on board party. There will be fireworks along the riverside at midnight to celebrate the New Year (subject to weather conditions). Day 4: Antwerp Willemstad Happy New Year! This morning you can take a walk into the centre of Antwerp or book our optional guided tour to see the highlights of this charming medieval town. You can then relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we cruise to Willemstad in the Netherlands, where we arrive after dinner. This fortified little town is the perfect place for an evening stroll and can be walked around in less than an hour. Day 5: Kinderdijk Windmills UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and travel by coach into the Dutch countryside to see the Kinderdijk Windmills, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site with 19 windmills that date back to the 17th century. After some free time we set off on the return journey to the UK. Please note: some walking will be involved to see the windmills and the museums will be closed.
Optional Excursions l Bruges Guided Tour & Halve Maan Brewery l Ghent City Tour l Antwerp City Tour & Diamond Museum l Kindedijk Windmills
Day 2: Andernach Rdesheim Casting off this morning we cruise up river, through the dramatic narrow Rhine Gorge, to the pretty town of Rdesheim. After lunch you can join our optional Rdesheim Delights excursion which includes a visit to the wonderful mechanical music museum of Siegfried and a mug of Glhwein. This evening you are free to explore so be sure to visit the Drosselgasse, a narrow cobblestone street which is the towns cultural heart, and perhaps try a Rdesheim coffee. Day 3: Rdesheim Koblenz New Years Eve starts with us retracing our route down the Rhine Gorge as far as Koblenz. Here you can relax on board, explore the walled city or join our optional excursion into the magical Moselle Valley. Be sure to pack your glad rags for tonights highlight, our wonderful New Years Eve Gala Dinner and Party Night. Day 4: Koblenz Cologne Very quietly, so as not to disturb those needing a lie-in, our included excursion to the Romantic Rhine Towns departs this morning as the ship cruises on to Cologne in time for lunch. In the afternoon you can join our included Highlights tour to familiarise yourself with the largest Rhineland city, famous for its huge gothic Cathedral, traditional pubs and of course eau de Cologne. You can round off the visit by a spot of window shopping in the citys renowned shopping centres.
All prices shown are per person ___________________________________________ Insurance See page 63 for insurance details ___________________________________________
Day 5: Cologne UK This morning we bid farewell to our Captain and crew and disembark for the return journey to the UK.
FRANCE
Kindedijk Windmills
60
61
Special occasions
Add the finishing touch to your cruise with our tempting range of special occasion gifts and make your celebrations truly memorable. It doesnt even have to be a special occasion, maybe you want to surprise a loved one, treat a friend or enjoy a spot of self-indulgence. Whatever the reason, its the little things that count and with our super prices you wont need to push the boat out!
Optional excursions
Enhance your holiday experience with our optional excursions from as little as 10 per person, which are specially designed to complement your cruise and allow you to discover the history of our ports of call, sample the local culture and explore further afield. Full details of the excursions will be sent with your holiday confirmation or are available on request. It is wise to book early to secure your place as some of the excursions are subject to availability.
Optional and included excursions will operate subject to weather conditions and minimum numbers for each excursion. Changes to the advertised excursion programme are rare, but we do reserve the right to amend the programme at any time. The order in which excursions operate may vary according to local circumstances. Please note on occasions due to timings you will be provided with a packed lunch instead of lunch aboard the ship.
Port parking
From 6 per day
Leave your car in a secure car park close to the port of departure and be collected/returned by our coach.
Eurostar
From 175
This high speed train service puts Europe on our doorstep and is a really convenient way to travel to meet the ship.
Heidelberg
and a policy document that fully defines the cover, conditions and exclusions will be sent to you with your booking confirmation (a copy is available on request). When you receive your policy, please take the time to read it carefully to ensure you understand what is and what is not covered, and that all activities that you may wish to participate in are included. If it does not meet your requirements, please return the policy, proof of premium and any other relevant documents to us within 14 days of receipt and we will refund the premium in full, provided you have not travelled or made a claim. Should you decide not to purchase our insurance, you must provide us with details of your alternative insurance. If you fail to do so we will automatically add the premium(s) for our insurance to your booking and invoice you.
Cover will not be effective until any premiums are paid. Any alternative insurance must be at least as comprehensive as ours, containing all sections and a 24-hour medical emergency number. Important declaration An insurance policy can only provide cover in respect of an accident, illness or an event / occurrence which is sudden, unforeseen and beyond your reasonable control. If you or any members of your immediate family have a preexisting medical condition, or have suffered from a serious, chronic or re-occurring illness or if you are waiting to go into hospital as an in-patient, you must declare it to Healthcheck on 0844 826 2711.
Schedule of Cover
Section Proposed limits sum insured per person Excess 50 (nil LOD) 50 Nil A Cancellation charges or curtailment Up to 3,000 B Emergency medical repatriation and associated expenses abroad Hospital benet Up to 5,000,000 20 for each 24 hour period to a maximum of 500
100 for each 24 hour period to a maximum of 5,000 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 50 Nil Nil 50 Nil 50 50 250 Nil
C Personal accident Disability Up to 25,000 Death Up to 10,000 Special Celebration 65 l Cake l Bottle of Champagne l Flowers l Chocolates D Delayed departure Travel delay 25 rst 12 hour period and 25 each subsequent 12 hours to a maximum of 100
National Express
From 32
In case we dont offer a departure point near you, you can travel to the port of departure with this reliable service.
Missed departure Up to 1,000 Missed connection Up to 1,000 Hijack of aircraft, train or seavessel 100 per complete day up to a maximum of 3,000 E Personal effects Single item limit Valuables limit Personal money Up to 1,500 300 400 200 Up to 100 Up to 250 Up to 1,000 Up to 2,000,000 Up to 15,000
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Travel Arrangements
By Coach
Sit back and relax as you travel by coach with the following options: Free Regional Departures On many of our cruises you can take advantage of our convenient and free regional coach departures as shown on page 65. This means you can join the holiday and travel in comfort on a modern executive coach from a town or city near you. You then travel with our coach on a comfortable ferry before joining our ship at the embarkation point as shown in the cruise itinerary. Coach seats are allocated prior to departure and take into account, as far as possible, when your booking is made and any preference requested. There are a limited number of seats towards the front of the coach (usually the first three rows) that can be reserved at the time of booking for just 10 per person. room, single room supplement 29 per person per night. The Ashford International Hotel: 47.50 per person per night for a twin/double bedded room, single room supplement 29 per person per night. You can enjoy a good nights sleep and awaken refreshed and ready for an included breakfast prior to meeting up with your fellow passengers when the coach collects you from the hotel. An added bonus is that the room rate includes parking for one vehicle for the duration of your cruise (subject to availability and conditions, it may be necessary to park at a nearby car park). If you wish to select this option, please make your requirements known to our reservations team at the time of booking as the number of rooms available at this special rate are limited.
Departure Points
Ferry Crossings
When you travel by coach or car, you will join a ferry at Dover, Hull, Newcastle or Harwich, depending on your chosen cruise, and cross over to Europe. Our coach will then take you to meet our ship at the embarkation point as shown in the cruise itinerary. Hull, Newcastle and Harwich crossings take place overnight, adding 2 days to the cruise duration which is reflected in the price chart on the relevant cruise itinerary pages. Dover P&O ferry crossings from Dover involve a morning departure and take approximately 1.5 hours to reach Calais, where our coach continues to our ship. Avon Bath D9 Bristol D9 Weston-super-Mare D8 Bedfordshire Bedford D3 Dunstable D4 Luton D4 Berkshire Bracknell D9 Chieveley Services D9 Maidenhead D9 Newbury D9 Reading D9 Slough D9 Wokingham D9 Buckinghamshire Aylesbury D4 High Wycombe D6 Milton Keynes D4 Cambridgeshire Cambridge D2 Huntingdon D2 Peterborough D2 Cheshire Altrincham H1 Chester H1 Crewe D4 Ellesmere Port H1 Northwich D4 Runcorn H1 Stockport H1 Warrington H1 Cleveland Hartlepool H3 Middlesbrough H3 County Durham Bishop Auckland H3 Darlington H3 Durham H3 Cumbria Aspatria N2 Carlisle N2 Kendal H2 Maryport N2 Penrith H2 Whitehaven N2 Wigton N2 Workington N2 Derbyshire Derby D3 Devon Exeter Services D8 Paignton D8 Plymouth D8 Torquay D8 Dorset Bournemouth D10 Christchurch D10 Dorchester D10 Poole D10 Weymouth D10 East Sussex Bexhill D11 Brighton D11 Eastbourne D11 Hastings D11 Hove D11 East Yorkshire Beverley H3 Essex Basildon D1 Brentwood D1 Chelmsford D1 Clacton-on-Sea D1 Colchester D1 Harlow D2 Romford D1 Southend-on-Sea D1 Thurrock Services D1 Witham D1 Gloucestershire Cheltenham D6 Gloucester D6 Tewkesbury D6 Greater London Bexleyheath D12 Bromley D9 Croydon D9 Enfield D3 Kingston-upon-Thames D9 Richmond-upon-Thames D9 Sutton D9 Uxbridge D9 Greater Manchester Manchester H1 Oldham H1 Rochdale H1 Hampshire Aldershot D10 Andover D10 Basingstoke D10 Cosham D11 Cowplain D11 Eastleigh D10 Fareham D11 Farnborough D10 Fleet Services D10 Havant D11 Petersfield D11 Portchester D11 Portsmouth The Hard D11 Southampton D10 Waterlooville D11 Herefordshire Hereford D6 Hertfordshire Birchanger Green Services D2 Hatfield D3 Hemel Hempstead D4 Letchworth D3 South Mimms Services D4 St Albans D4 Stevenage D3 Watford D6 Welwyn Garden City D3
Routes D1 to D12 ferry crossings from Dover to Calais or Harwich to Hook of Holland Routes H1 to H4 ferry crossings from Hull to Rotterdam Routes N1 to N2 ferry crossings from Newcastle to Amsterdam
We know that for many of our customers a convenient local pick-up is important. So weve revised our coach routes and are pleased to offer over 250 FREE pick-ups and we promise that after you have boarded your tour coach there will be no more than 5 additional pick-up stops en route to the UK port of departure (excluding motorway services and overnight hotel stops).
Kent Ashford D12 Canterbury D12 Chatham D12 Dartford D12 Faversham D12 Folkestone D12 Maidstone Svcs D9 D10 D12 Medway Svcs D1 D3 D4 Orpington D9 Rochester D12 Sevenoaks D10 Sittingbourne D12 Tunbridge Wells D10 Lancashire Blackburn H2 Blackpool H2 Bolton H1 Burnley H2 Bury H1 Chorley H2 Lancaster H2 Preston H2 Wigan H2 Leicestershire Leicester Forest East Services D3 Loughborough D3 Lutterworth D4 Market Harborough D3 Lincolnshire Grantham D2 Grimsby D2 Lincoln D2 Scunthorpe D2 Merseyside Liverpool H2 Southport H2 St Helens H2 Norfolk Great Yarmouth D1 Norwich D1 Thetford D1 North Yorkshire Harrogate H3 Ripon H3 Scotch Corner H3 York H3 Northamptonshire Kettering D3 Northampton D4 Wellingborough D3 Northumberland Alnwick N1 Morpeth N1 Nottinghamshire Mansfield D3 Newark D2 Nottingham D3
By Air
Air travel is included on our Up the Rhine & Down the Danube, Moscow to St Petersburg Cruise, and our Baltic Isles, Berlin & Poland, and on some cruises it is offered alongside rail or coach travel options details are given on the relevant cruise itinerary page. Where your holiday includes flights, they will be in economy class. Regional flights are subject to availability and, in some cases, may be at a higher supplement than shown in the brochure. The majority of airlines now operate all non-smoking flights. This brochure is our sole responsibility; it is not issued on behalf of and does not commit the airlines mentioned therein or any airline whose services are used in the course of these tours. The responsibility of IATA airlines in connection with these tours is limited to the carriage of passengers and their luggage, in accordance with the conditions of carriage of the participating airlines. Please note: for flights within the UK you normally require photographic proof of identity, such as a passport or other document acceptable to the airline.
Your Touring Coach Experience has taught us that the quality of your vehicle makes a huge difference during the course of your holiday, not only on the journey to and from our ship, but whilst making the most of some of the exciting excursions that we have arranged for you. That is why we only use chartered executive coaches for our cruise programme complete with toilet and air conditioning, ensuring that the time you have with us is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. National Express If there is no regional departure point we can arrange for you to receive National Express vouchers redeemable for the journey to and from Dover, Hull, Newcastle or Harwich. This service costs just 32 per person, with a 10 supplement if travelling from Scotland. Please check departure times and points with your local National Express office before booking your vouchers not all coach routes stop at the ferry port and may require a transfer by taxi or local coach. Please note: if you are aged over 60, or have a disability, you may be eligible for a cheaper fare if you book directly with National Express.
By Rail
Enjoy the benefits of rail travel Eurostar Boarding at London St Pancras International, you can be whisked effortlessly along by Eurostar whilst relaxing in your reserved seat. You have the freedom to stretch your legs whenever the mood takes you and purchase drinks and snacks from the buffet carriage. You could even begin the adventure with fine food and champagne served at your seat in First Class (prices available on request). If you choose to travel by Eurostar to join either the mps Lady Anne or the mps Amsterdam the following supplements apply; from Brussels the efficient continental rail network will take you to either Holland or Germany; this fast mode of transport costs 175 per person for the Standard Class return journey from London to Holland and 250 per person for the Standard Class return journey from London to Germany. Return transfers to the ship are included on cruises aboard the ms Switzerland II only.
Hull P&O ferry crossings from Hull involve a late afternoon/early evening departure and cruise overnight to Rotterdam, where our coach continues to our ship. This is a great way to travel, spending a relaxing evening enjoying the on board facilities and entertainment. Overnight accommodation is in a comfortable non-smoking cabin with en suite washbasin, toilet and shower. All 2-berth cabins have either one lower and one upper berth, or two lower berths. If you wish, you can upgrade to either a premier or club cabin. Speak to our reservations team for more information. Newcastle DFDS Seaways ferry crossings from Newcastle involve a late afternoon/early evening departure and cruise overnight to Amsterdam, where our coach continues to our ship. This is a great way to travel, spending a relaxing evening enjoying the on board facilities and entertainment. Overnight accommodation is in a comfortable non-smoking cabin with en suite washbasin, toilet and shower. All 2-berth cabins have either one lower and one upper berth, or two lower berths. If you wish, you can upgrade to either a premier or club cabin. Speak to our reservations team for more information. Harwich Stena Lines ferry crossings from Harwich involve a late evening departure and cruise overnight to the Hook of Holland, except for our Amsterdam & Bulbfields Spectacular cruise which is a daytime crossing, where our coach continues to our ship. This is a great way to travel, spending a relaxing evening enjoying the on-board facilities and entertainment. Overnight accommodation is in a comfortable non-smoking cabin with en suite facilities and new high quality mattresses. Standard two berth cabins have one lower and one upper berth. If you wish, you can upgrade to either a Comfort Class cabin or a Captain Class cabin. Speak to our Holiday Advisors for more information. Meal Package on the Hull/Newcastle/ Harwich Ferry Enjoy dinner and breakfast on both the outwards and return crossing for 50 per person. Drinks purchased separately.
By Car
Travel at your own pace, in the comfort of your own vehicle and take advantage of the following options: Parking at Dover, Hull, Newcastle or Harwich docks We offer a superb value for money parking option for only 9* per day at Dover Eastern Docks. Simply call our Holiday Advisors to book. Car Parking at Hull Docks is 6* per 24hrs, at Newcastle 12* per 24hrs and at Harwich 10* per 24hrs, payable upon departure from the car park. We are unable to prebook parking at Hull, Newcastle or Harwich. *Prices subject to change Overnight Hotel in Dover/Ashford Enjoy the special rates we have negotiated with the following hotels. The Ramada Hotel Dover: 49.50 per person per night for a twin/double bedded
West Yorkshire Bradford H4 Dewsbury H4 Ferrybridge Services H4 Halifax H4 Huddersfield H4 Leeds H4 Pontefract H4 Wakefield H4 Wetherby H3 Wiltshire Swindon D9 Worcestershire Evesham D6 Kidderminster D6 Malvern Link D6 Worcester D6 North Wales Bangor H1 Colwyn Bay H1 Conwy H1 Flint H1 Llandudno H1 Queensferry H1 Rhyl H1 Wrexham D5 South Wales Bridgend D7 Cardiff D7 Cardiff West Services D7 Carmarthen D7 Llanelli D7 Magor Services D7 Neath D7 Newport D7 Port Talbot D7 Swansea D7 Scotland Aberdeen N1 Airdrie N2 Aviemore N2 Ayr N2 Castle Douglas N2 Dumfries N2 Dundee N1 East Kilbride N2 Edinburgh N1 Elgin N1 Fochabers N1 Forres N1 Glasgow N2 Hamilton N2 Inverness N2 Irvine N2 Kilmarnock N2 Lockerbie N2 Moffat N2 Perth N1 Pitlochry N2 Stirling N2 Stonehaven N1
Passengers using our complimentary coach transfer service should be aware this may involve an early departure/late return. This may on occasion be the day before the date of departure/day after the date of return for those who live a long way from the port. Regional departures are subject to availability and are operated subject to minimum numbers of people.
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Booking Conditions
It is our sincere wish that you thoroughly enjoy your holiday so we would appreciate it if you would take the time to read the following pages which we hope you will find useful. These booking conditions, the Important Holiday Information and other information in our brochure applicable to your holiday forms the basis of the contract between you and us. References to you and your means all persons named on a booking (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date), or any of them as applicable and we, us and our means Diamond Shortbreak Holidays Ltd. 1. Our brochure & website The information and prices shown may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information and prices at the time of printing, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. All timings are approximate. You will be notified of precise timings, pickup routes, hotel name and order of excursions/ visits when you receive your tickets as they could occasionally be liable to change e.g. for weather and/or operational reasons. Please also see clause 10. The duration of your holiday includes the days of departure and return. Any illustrations do not necessarily depict your destination unless specifically stated. 2. Booking your holiday The person who makes the booking (party leader) confirms on behalf of all persons named on the booking that you understand and have accepted our Important Holiday Information and our Booking Conditions. We will communicate with the party leader or with your travel agent. The party leader is responsible for making all payments due to us and for passing on to all party members all information and documents sent to him/her. You may book over the telephone, through our website, by post or via one of our authorised travel agents. If you wish to make payment by cheque, we recommend you telephone us first to check the availability of your chosen holiday and to make a provisional reservation. We will hold this reservation for 48 hours (or such longer period as we may agree) to enable you to send us the applicable payment and your signed booking form. Once we or your travel agent have received your signed booking form and all appropriate payments (see clause 3), we will, subject to availability, confirm your holiday by issuing a confirmation invoice. Alternatively, if you are able to pay by Visa, MasterCard or UK Maestro credit or debit card, you can book with us straight away over the telephone. A handling fee applies to all payments made by credit card (including deposits) but no fee is applicable for payments by debit card. Subject to availability, your booking will be confirmed at the end of the telephone conversation on the basis that you accept these booking conditions. We will then send you a confirmation invoice. As a further option you can book through our website using any these credit or debit cards. Any acknowledgement of your booking generated by our computer system is not a confirmation of it. This is provided by the confirmation invoice which we will issue as soon as your booking is processed. Please check the confirmation invoice carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact us immediately if any information on the confirmation or any other document appears to be incorrect or incomplete as it may not be possible to make changes later. We regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracy (for which we are responsible) in any document within 14 days of our sending it out (5 days for tickets).We will do our best to rectify any mistake notified to us outside these time limits but you must meet any costs involved in doing so, unless the mistake in question was made by us and there is good reason why you did not tell us about it within these time limits. 3. Payment In order to confirm your chosen holiday, you must pay us a deposit and any applicable insurance premiums as set out on our booking form or website at the time of booking (or full payment if booking within 10 weeks of departure).The balance of the cost of your holiday must be paid no less than 10 weeks before departure. If you do not pay all sums due (including any surcharge - see clause 5) in full and on time we are entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking in which case you will be liable to pay cancellation charges according to the scale set out in clause 8. NO REMINDER WILL BE SENT. We reserve the right to increase or decrease our advertised prices at any time prior to your booking being confirmed. Any change will be advised to you at the time of booking (see clause 5). For cheque payments that cannot be cleared by our bank an additional charge of 5.00 per unpaid cheque will be added to your booking. Personal cheques cannot be accepted if booking/paying within 21 days of departure. Except for flight inclusive bookings, all monies you pay to one of our authorised travel agents for your holiday with us will be held by the agent on your behalf until we issue our confirmation invoice. After that point, your agent will hold the monies on our behalf. For flight inclusive bookings, all monies paid to such agents for your holiday with us will be held on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust subject to the travel agents obligation to pay such monies to us in accordance with our trading terms unless we fail. In the unlikely event of our financial failure, all monies then held by the travel agent or subsequently paid by you to the travel agent will be held by the agent on behalf of and for the benefit of the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust without any obligation on the agent to pay such monies to us. 4. Your contract A binding contract between us comes into existence when we post or e-mail your confirmation invoice to you or your travel agent (for postal, internet and travel agent bookings) or verbally confirm your booking where you book with us by telephone using a credit or debit card. This contract and all matters arising out of it are governed by English law and no other except as set out below. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises out of or in connection with this contract or your holiday (claim) must be dealt with under the ABTA Arbitration Scheme (if the scheme is available for the claim in question - see clause 21) or by the courts of England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings must either be brought in the courts of your home country or those of England and Wales. If proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your contract and any claim governed by the law of Scotland/ Northern Ireland as applicable (but if you do not so choose, English law will apply). Your holiday contract is with Diamond Shortbreak Holidays Limited of Anson House, Compass Point, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9HW, registered company number 3546467. 5. Our price We reserve the right to raise or lower prices at any time before your holiday is confirmed. We will advise you of any difference and the applicable price at the time of booking. After booking we will only increase or decrease prices in the following circumstances. Price increases or decreases after bookings have been confirmed will be passed on by way of surcharge or refund. A surcharge or refund (as applicable) will be payable, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, in the event of any change in our transportation costs or in dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports. Even in the above cases we will only levy a surcharge if the amount of the increase in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your holiday (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges). If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost of your holiday (excluding insurance premiums and any amendment charges), you will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid to us (except for any amendment charges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us as referred to in clause 10. Although insurance (where purchased through us) does not form part of your contract with us or of any package, we will consider an appropriate refund of any insurance premium you have paid us if you can show you are unable to use/reuse or transfer your policy in the event of cancellation or purchase of an alternative holiday. A refund will only be payable if the decrease in our costs exceeds 2% as set out above. Where a refund is due, we will pay you the full amount of the decrease in our costs. You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel or purchase another holiday where applicable. If you do not tell us within this period of time, we are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge. Any surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice, whichever is later. Please note that arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your holiday due to contractual and other protection in place. We promise not to levy a surcharge within 30 days of the start of your holiday. No refund will be payable if any decrease in our costs occurs during this period either. 6. Special requests and medical conditions / disabilities / reduced mobility If you have a special request, you must advise us or your travel agent at the time of booking and clearly note it on your booking form. Although we will try to pass any reasonable requests onto the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met. Failure to meet any request will not be a breach of contract on our part. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation is not confirmation that the request will be met. Unless and until specifically confirmed, all special requests are subject to availability. For your own protection, you should obtain our written confirmation that a special request will be complied with (where it is possible to give this) where the request is important to you. We regret we cannot accept any booking, which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as standard bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests. If you have any medical condition or disability which may affect your booking (including one which may affect the booking process) or any mobility concerns, please tell us before you book so that we can advise as to the suitability of the holiday, discuss your requirements and/or assist you in making your booking. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking and whenever any change in the condition, disability or your mobility occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition, disability or reduction in your mobility which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. 7. Changing your holiday Should you wish to make any changes to your holiday after your confirmation invoice has been issued, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. Whilst we will endeavour to assist, we cannot guarantee we will be able to meet any such requests. We charge an amendment fee of 10 for each alteration, plus any charges incurred by us or incurred or levied by our suppliers. Any alteration by you after the balance due date which involves the cancellation of the original booking (such as a change to a different departure date or to a different holiday) will be subject to the cancellation charges below. 8. Cancelling your holiday If you decide to cancel, we must be notified as soon as possible. If notification is by telephone, this must be followed up in writing by letter or email within 24 hours by the person who booked the holiday. Cancellation will take effect from the day we receive written notification so we recommend using recorded or registered post when writing. In order to compensate us for our losses and expenses on cancellation, we charge a cancellation fee in accordance with the following scale. Percentages shown are of the total holiday cost excluding amendment charges and insurance premiums which are not refundable in the event of cancellation. Days notice prior to departure date More than 70 42 - 70 22 - 41 0 - 21 Cancellation charge % of holiday price Deposit 50% 75% 100%
confirmed and cancel confirmed bookings. However, we will not cancel your confirmed booking after your balance due date unless you are in breach of contract (such as failing to pay on time) or we have to for reasons outside our control. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a significant change, which is a change made before departure which, taking account of the information you give us at the time of booking, we can reasonably expect to have a major affect on your holiday. All changes which are not significant are treated as minor changes for the purposes of these booking conditions. Significant changes include the following changes when made before departure; a change of a main hotel to one of a lower quality than that advertised, a change of accommodation location to an area which adversely affects the operation of the itinerary and tour itinerary changes involving a confirmed major destination being left out. We will tell you about any significant change or cancellation as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure we will offer you the choice of the following options: 1) Accepting the changed arrangements, 2) Purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar standard to that originally booked if available. We will offer you at least one alternative holiday of equivalent or higher standard for which you will not be asked to pay any more than the price of the original holiday. If this holiday is in fact cheaper than the original one, we will refund the price difference. If you do not wish to accept the holiday we specifically offer you, you may choose any of our other then available holidays. You must pay the applicable price of any such holiday. This will mean your paying more if it is more expensive or receiving a refund if it is cheaper or 3) Cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us. If we have to make a significant change or cancel we will where compensation is appropriate, pay you the compensation payments set out in the table below depending on the circumstances and when the significant change or cancellation is notified to you subject to the following exceptions. Compensation will not be payable and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned choices can be accepted where (1) we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) we have to cancel because the minimum number of bookings necessary for us to operate your holiday has not been reached - we will notify you not less than 10 weeks prior to departure if this is the case. No compensation will be payable and the above options will not be available if we cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time) or where a change is a minor one. A change of pick up point to another within a 20 mile radius of your home address, flight time of less than 12 hours, airline (except as specified in clause 19 Flights), type of aircraft (if advised) or destination airport will all be treated as minor changes. Please also see Cruising Itineraries in the Important Holiday Information section. We reserve the right to vary itineraries where obliged to do so as a result of unusually high or low water levels. The amended itinerary will be as close to the original itinerary as we are able to offer in the circumstances. As the risk of such conditions is part of river cruising, the change(s) to the itinerary will not be treated significant change(s) unless they effectively result in a totally different itinerary to that offered at the time of booking. Period before departure, a significant change or cancellation is notified to you or your travel agent More than 70 days 15 - 70 days 0 - 14 days Compensation payable (excluding any supplements) Nil 3% of the basic holiday cost 6% of the basic holiday cost
15. Delays and denied boarding In the event of a delay to the departure of your tour we will do our best to keep you informed. Should a delay exceed 4 hours at the beginning of the outward or return journey either the carrier or ourselves will endeavour to provide meals at mealtimes and, if appropriate overnight accommodation where reasonably possible. We will make every effort to ensure that your coach will be to the standard described in the brochure. However, we cannot accept any claims from passengers if a different vehicle is used for a short term emergency replacement. In the event of any flight delay or cancellation at your UK or overseas point of departure, the airline is responsible for providing such assistance as is legally required by the Denied Boarding Regulations (see below). The ferry, cruise, tunnel or rail operator is similarly responsible in relation to any delayed or cancelled sea crossing, cruise or international rail departure. Except as set out above or where otherwise stated in our brochure or on our website, we regret we cannot provide any assistance in such circumstances other than information and advice to the extent we are in a position to do so. If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline, depending on the circumstances, the airline may be required to pay you compensation, refund the cost of your flight and/or provide you with accommodation and/or refreshments under EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004. Where applicable, you must pursue the airline for the compensation or other payment due to you. All sums you receive or are entitled to receive from the airline concerned by virtue of these Regulations represent the full amount of your entitlement to compensation or any other payment arising from such cancellation, delay, downgrading or denied boarding. This includes any disappointment, distress, inconvenience or effect on any other arrangements. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no liability to make any payment to you in relation to the Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket or denial of any boarding as the full amount of your entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as dealt with above) is covered by the airlines obligations under the Denied Boarding Regulations. If, for any reason, we make any payment to you or a third party which the airline is responsible for in accordance with the Denied Boarding Regulations, you must, when requested, assign to us the rights you have or had to claim the payment in question from the airline. If your airline does not comply with these rules, you should complain to the CAA on 020 7453 6888 or as shown on www.caa.co.uk - Referring your complaint to the CAA. 16. Safety standards It is the requirements and standards of the country in which any services which make up your holiday are provided which apply to those services and not those of the UK. As a general rule, these requirements and standards will not be the same as the UK and may sometimes be lower. 17. Accommodation Unless otherwise stated, our holiday prices are per person and based upon the shared occupancy of twin or double bedded rooms. Single rooms are in limited supply and are often smaller in size than twin/ double bedded rooms. Where there is a supplementary charge for single rooms, details are given in the brochure. En suite facilities designate rooms with a private bathroom equipped with either bath or shower and WC. On holidays including half-board (dinner and breakfast) meal arrangements, dinners will normally be based on a set menu unless otherwise stated. Please note that hotel ratings used in the brochure refer to local classifications. Grading systems vary from country to country and cannot be compared on a like for like basis. As far as possible we will use the hotel stated in the brochure. Occasionally it may be necessary to use an alternative hotel of equal standard and you will be advised at the earliest opportunity. Any such change will not be a significant change. The term hotel includes motels, inns and other equivalent establishments according to local classification. 18. Our responsibility 1) We promise to make sure that all parts of the holiday we have agreed to arrange, perform or provide as part of our contract with you are arranged, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these booking conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal injury or your contracted holiday arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing, as applicable, your contracted holiday arrangements. It is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). 2) We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (including loss of enjoyment or possessions),damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any nature or description whatsoever which results from any of the following: the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable or force majeure as defined in clause 11. 3) Please note we cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised by us and we have not agreed to arrange them as part of our contract and any excursion you purchase during your holiday. In addition, regardless of any wording used by us in our brochure, on our website, in any advertising material or elsewhere, we only promise to use reasonable skill and care as set out above and we do not have any greater or different liability to you. 4) The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with the local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. This will be the case even if the services did not comply with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have applied had those services been provided in the UK. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature which might lead a reasonable holiday maker to refuse to take the holiday in question. 5) Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions (including money), the maximum amount we will have to pay you is 30 per person affected (unless clause 18(6) below applies) as you are assumed to have taken out insurance at the time of booking. You must ensure you have appropriate travel insurance to protect your personal belongings. For all other claims which do not involve death or personal injury, if we are found liable to you on any
basis the maximum amount we will have to pay you is twice the price (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total unless a lower limitation applies to your claim under clause 18(6) below. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit at all from your holiday. 6) Where any claim or part of a claim (including those involving death or personal injury) concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, river or rail carrier to which any international convention or EU regulation applies, our liability (including the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you, the types of claim and the circumstances in which compensation will be payable) will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements in question (for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended or unamended and the Montreal Convention for international travel by air and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, the EC Regulation on Air Carrier Liability No 889/2002 for national and international travel by air, the Athens Convention (as amended by the 2002 protocol where applicable) for international travel by sea (and where applicable, national and international travel by inland waterway) and COTIF, the Convention on International Travel by Rail).Where a carrier would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable international convention or regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the carrier for the complaint or claim in question. Copies of the applicable international conventions and regulations are available from us on request. (7) Please note, we cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you or (2) which did not result from any breach of contract or other fault by ourselves or our employees or, where we are responsible for them, our suppliers. Additionally we cannot accept liability for any business losses including self employed loss of earnings. 19. Flights In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a Community list which contains details of airlines which are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The Community list is available for inspection at http:// ec.europa.eu/transport/air-ban/list_en.htm. We are also required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we will inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative the provisions of clause 10 Changes to or cancellation of your holiday by us will apply. We are not always in a position at the time of booking to confirm the flight timings which will be used in connection with your flight. The flight timings shown in our brochure, on our website and/or detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. Flight timings are outside our control. They are set by airlines and are subject to various factors including air traffic control restrictions, weather conditions, potential technical problems and the ability of passengers to check in on time. Specific instructions relating to departure and travel arrangements will be sent with your air or other travel tickets approximately 2 weeks before departure. You must accordingly check your tickets very carefully immediately on receipt to ensure you have the correct flight times. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been despatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges except where specified in these conditions. 20. Conditions of suppliers Many of the services which make up your holiday are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the suppliers liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable international conventions (see clause 18(6)). Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from ourselves or the supplier concerned. 21. Suitability of the Tour & Behaviour We reserve the right in our absolute discretion to terminate without prior notice the holiday arrangements of any customer whose behaviour is such that it causes or is likely to cause, in our reasonable opinion, or in the opinion of any tour manager or any other person in authority, distress, damage, danger or significant annoyance to any third party, or damage property. In these circumstances all our obligations to you under our contract or otherwise shall cease, full cancellation charges apply and we shall not be liable for any refund, compensation or costs incurred by you whatsoever. Our tours can be physically demanding. We are also entitled to terminate your holiday where, in the reasonable opinion of any person in authority (including office staff or your tour manager when you join your holiday), your physical condition means you are unable, or likely to be unable, to cope with the tour or to experience significant difficulties in doing so. It is your responsibility to disclose an accurate account of your mobility and all other relevant information relating to your health and fitness at the time of booking. You must also advise us of any change to your level of mobility or health and fitness between booking your holiday and joining your tour. The river cruise holidays featured in this brochure are not suitable for children under the age of 12 years. 22. If you have a complaint If you have a problem during your holiday, you MUST report the matter to the driver or our representative and the supplier of the services in question IMMEDIATELY. If the matter is not then satisfactorily resolved, you must complete a written report (form available from our driver or tour manager) and follow up your complaint in writing to us within 28 days of your return, including a copy of the original report form. We regret we cannot accept liability if you fail to notify the complaint or claim entirely in accordance with this clause (this exclusion does not apply to any claim which involves death, personal injury or illness). Disputes arising out of, or in connection with this contract which cannot be amicably settled may be referred to arbitration if you so wish under a special scheme arranged by ABTA and administered independently. The scheme provides for a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability
on the customer in respect of costs. Full details will be provided on request or can be obtained from the ABTA website (www.abta.com). This scheme does not apply to claims for an amount greater than 5,000 per person. There is also a limit of 25,000 per booking. Neither does it apply to claims which are solely in respect of physical injury or illness or their consequences. The scheme can however deal with compensation claims which include an element of minor injury or illness subject to a limit of 1500 on the amount the arbitrator can award per person in respect of this element. The application for arbitration and other required documents must be received by ABTA within 18 months of your return from the holiday. Outside this time limit arbitration under the scheme may still be available if we agree, although the ABTA Code does not require such agreement. For injury and illness claims, you can request the ABTA mediation procedure and we have the option to agree to this. 23. Data protection In order to process your booking and to ensure that your travel arrangements run smoothly and meet your requirements we need to use the information you provide about yourself and those in your party. This information may include travellers names, contact details, payment details and relevant health information etc. We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect your information. We may pass relevant information to third party services providers, such as transport companies and hotels. The information may also be provided to security or credit checking companies, public authorities such as customs/immigration if required by them, or as required by law. This applies to any sensitive information you give us such as details of any disabilities or dietary requirements which may disclose your religious beliefs. If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, we cannot provide your holiday. In making your booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant parties. Diamond Holidays may contact you by mail, email or telephone with information and offers on holidays and other services we provide. If you would like to see the information held by us about you or prefer not to receive information on our services, please write to Data Controller, Diamond Holidays, Anson House, Compass Point, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 9HW. We do not disclose or sell customer names and addresses to third parties for marketing activities. 24. Financial protection holidays which do not include flights Diamond Shortbreak Holidays Ltd is a member of ABTA with membership number W0552. Where your holiday does not include flights booked with us, ABTA will ensure that you are not left stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking in the unlikely event that we cannot provide your holiday due to our insolvency. Please go to www.abta.com for a copy of the guide to ABTAs Scheme of Financial Protection. 25. Financial protection holidays which include flights We also hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence, number 9357, granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). 26. Passports, visas and health requirements The passport and visa requirements applicable at the time of printing to British citizens with a British passport for the holidays we offer are shown after the itinerary. Requirements may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure. A full British passport presently takes approximately 2 to 6 weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and havent yet got a passport, you should apply for one at least 6 weeks before your holiday. The UK Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and will ask you to attend an interview in order to do this. If you are not a British citizen or hold a non British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) to or through which you are intending to travel. Details of any compulsory health requirements applicable to British citizens for your holiday are shown after the itinerary. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of all recommended vaccinations and health precautions in good time before departure. Details are available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre www.nathnac.org. Information on health is also contained in the Department of Health leaflet T7 (Health Advice for Travellers) available from the Department of Health by telephone on 0870 1555455 or via its website www.dh.gov.uk and from most Post Offices. For holidays in the EU / EEA you should obtain an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) prior to departure from the Department of Health (see leaflet T7 and the website www.dh.gov.uk). Health requirements and recommendations may change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure. It is the party leaders responsibility to ensure that all members of the party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents before departure. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry all required documentation. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty or expenses being imposed on or incurred by us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. 27. Foreign Office Advice The Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes regularly updated travel information on its website which you are recommended to consult before booking and in good time before departure www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
Very rarely, we may be forced by force majeure (see clause 11) to change or terminate your holiday after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away. This is extremely unlikely but if this situation does occur, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any refunds from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result. 11. Force majeure Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, we regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by, or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss (as more fully described in clause 18(2)) as a result of, force majeure. In these booking conditions, force majeure means any event or circumstances which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events or circumstances are likely to include (whether actual or threatened), but are not limited to, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, technical problems with transport, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, epidemic ,fire, flood and all similar events or circumstances outside our control. 12. Coach travel arrangements A minimum number of passengers are required for a pick-up point to operate. In the unlikely event that your chosen pick-up point does not achieve sufficient numbers you will be offered the nearest available pick up point or you can join the tour at the ferry port. Coach seats are allocated prior to departure and take into account, as far as possible when your booking is made and any requests. There are a limited number of seats toward the front of the coach (usually the first three rows) that can be reserved for just 10 per person. Guaranteed seats cannot be reserved on feeder journeys or to/from a UK port. If your tour is cancelled for any reason and seat reservations are not available on your new tour you will be refunded the supplement. No other compensation will be payable and you wont be entitled to cancel. From time to time, it may be necessary to reduce the number of seats available at a supplement for operational reasons. Where already booked, any supplement will be refunded but no compensation will be payable. Once allocated, these seats are reserved for the duration of the holiday. Any timings given are provisional and for guidance purposes only and are subject to change. Final timings and seat numbers will be advised with your travel documents approximately 7 to 10 days prior to departure. On occasion departure points may be included in addition to those listed in the brochure and taxis or minibuses may be used for part of the journey. 13. Luggage allowance As space is limited we ask that you restrict luggage to one suitcase per person weighing a maximum of 18 kilograms, plus light, compact hand luggage. 14. Coaches Your coach will be modern comfortable and manned by experienced driver(s). Almost all coaches we use (particularly those on longer journeys) have a video/DVD player, toilet, drinks machine etc for your greater comfort. Coaches used on airport/port transfers, shorter weekend trips, etc, do not always have these extra facilities but will still be comfortable. Taxis or minibuses may be used for part of the journey. We do not allow alcohol or smoking on board our coaches.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance which should in many cases include cover against the above charges (after deduction of any applicable excess), providing the reason for cancellation falls within the terms of the policy. Claims must be made to the insurance company direct. A partial cancellation may result in an increase in the price payable by remaining party members (for example, where a twin room is as a result only occupied by one person). 9. Transferring bookings If any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that person may transfer their place to someone else (introduced by you) providing we are notified in writing not less than 14 days before departure. Where a transfer to a person of your choice can be made, all costs and charges incurred by us or incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers as a result together with an amendment fee of 20 per person must be paid before the transfer can be made. 10. Changes to or cancellation of your holiday by us We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors in brochure and other details both before and after bookings have been
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Holidays by Rail
Relax and enjoy one of our expertly planned fully escorted holidays by rail. With travel into the heart of Europe by Eurostar you can choose from short breaks, classic tours and lakes and mountains to superb destinations.
RAIL E HOLIDA YS
GREA VALU T
Short Brea Lakes & ks Classic Rail Tou Mountain rs s Fest ive Brea ks
Anson House, Compass Point, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9HW To book call us on 0844 544 6580 or visit www.rivercruiseline.co.uk
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