Grand European Explorer - Uniworld River Cruises

Grand River Cruises® 

Grand European Explorer 

Cruise Companion & Shore Excursions 

© Basel Tourismus & Andreas Gerth

In the following pages, you will find the below symbols 

to help guide you with the daily excursions. You will 

get an approximate duration and pace of the excursions. 

You will also know if meals are provided and about any 

special excursions such as wine tastings, museum visits, 

or music concerts. 

Uniworld Signature Icons 

Depart Home 

Gateway City 

Return Flight 

Home 

Embark or 

Disembark 

Museum Visit 

Motorcoach 

Scenic 

Viewing 

Music 

Concert 

Dining Out 

Wine Tasting 

Captain’s 

Welcome 

Dinner 

Captain’s 

Farewell 

Dinner 

B = Breakfast 

L = Lunch 

D = Dinner 

Shore Excursion Symbols 

THE VALUE OF OVER 30 YEARS 

OF EXPERIENCE! 

Dear Traveler, 

Welcome to Uniworld Grand River Cruises ® . We want to do 

everything we can to make sure your trip is enjoyable and 

worry-free. And we can’t wait to show you why we think the 

road best traveled is a river. 

All tours involve walking unless strictly noted as a panoramic 

tour. In many cases, the walking takes place over uneven 

ground, cobblestone or flagstone walkways, and more than a 

few tours involve stairs or short uphill climbs. We strongly 

recommend that our guests wear comfortable, non-skid, 

walking shoes while on all our tours. The symbols below are 

provided alongside each tour to give you an idea of what to 

expect on each program. 

Easy walking throughout 

tour, including walking 

15 minutes or less from 

multiple coach stops to, 

and while in historical 

sights. Possibly some 

steps, or gentle uphill 

and downhill walks. 

Intermediate activity, 

including walks of 

up to two hours on 

uneven terrain. 

Limited seating 

at sites. Multiple 

stairs and/or uphill/ 

downhill walking. 

The information in the pages that follow contains valuable tips 

and advice on what to pack, your flight and transfer experience, 

onboard information, and much more. Consider this booklet a 

guideline of what to expect when you arrive in your destination 

and a resource to help you prepare for your trip with the 

greatest of ease. 

Thank you for selecting Uniworld Grand River Cruises 

for your journey. All of us at Uniworld look forward to 

welcoming you onboard. 

Most strenuous activity 

with a combined walking 

duration at all sites of 

up to 2.5 hours. Many 

stairs and uphill/downhill 

passages. Those with 

physical limitations 

and who may need 

assistance with private 

arrangements need to 

contact the Cruise 

Manager when onboard. 

1/2 Day 

AM 

1/4 Day 

AM 

1/2 Day 

PM 

1/4 Day 

PM 

Full Day 

Length of tour varies. Shaded 

area of symbols below indicate 

approximate tour duration. 

uniworld.com | 1

Table of Contents 

Table of Contents 

Cruise Companion 

Helpful Hints Before You Go 

Pages 4-5 

Pages 5-6 

Page 6 

Pages 6-7 

Page 7 

Getting There 

Pages 7-8 

Pages 8-10 

Page 10 

Page 11 

Travel Documents 

Passports 

Passenger Information Form 

Cruise Documentation 

Travel Protection 

Baggage Limitations 

Travel Essentials 

Health and Mobility 

Physical Limitations 

Medical 

Special Diets 

General Money Matters 

ATMs 

Credit Cards and Travelers Checks 

Airport Security and Check-in 

Transfers 

Airport Arrival Transfers 

Airport Departure Transfers 

Private Car Transfers 

Cruise Only Guests or Guest 

with Independent Arrangements 

Late Flight Arrivals/Missed Flights 

Baggage Delays 

Pre/Post Cruise Included or 

Optional Hotel/Land Extensions 

Embarkation/Disembarkation 

Embarkation 

Disembarkation 

About Your Uniworld Cruise Package 

and Onboard Services 

Page 11 

Page 12 

Page 12 

Weather 

What to Wear 

Elevators 

Page 12 

Page 13 

Page 13 

Pages 13 

Pages 13-14 

Page 14 

Page 14 

Page 14 

Pages 14-15 

Page 15 

Page 15 

Pages 15-16 

Page 16 

Page 16 

Fitness Center 

Front Desk 

Gift Shop and Beauty Salon 

Gratuities 

Onboard 

Shoreside and on Tour 

Stateroom Amenities 

Ice Machine 

Key Cards 

Laundry 

Local and Onboard Money Matters 

Lounges 

Mail 

Mooring and Docking Facilities 

Sun Deck Access 

Dining 

Page 16 Safety Deposit Box 

Page 16 Shopping 

Pages 16-17 Shore Excursions 

Page 17 Smoking 

Page 17 Visa Requirements 

Page 17 Visitors 

Page 17 Water 

Shore Excursions 

Pages 18-46 

Grand European Explorer (Basel to Bucharest) 

Pages 47-75 Grand European Explorer (Bucharest to Basel) 

Tour and General Information 

Pages 76-78 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Page 12 

Email Facilities 

2 | Uniworld 

uniworld.com | 3



Helpful Hints Before You Go 

Travel Documents 

Passports 

All Uniworld River Cruise Tours require a passport. In 

most cases, passports must be valid for six months after the 

scheduled return date from the trip. Some itineraries will 

require visas. Each guest is fully responsible for obtaining 

and carrying the travel documents necessary for their travel 

itinerary. Uniworld will not be responsible for any delays, 

damages and/or losses, including missed portions of your 

trip, related to improper travel documents. 

Visa requirements for U.S. and Canadian citizens who 

hold U.S. residency, on this itinerary, can be found at the 

end of this booklet–in the section marked “About your 

Uniworld Cruise Package,” or on the Uniworld website, at 

www.uniworld.com, under Reservations, Visa Information. 

Non-U.S. citizens must contact the appropriate consular 

office for entry requirements pertaining to their particular 

trip. Uniworld provides information on obtaining the 

required visa through Zierer Visa Service as a courtesy only. 

Passenger Information Form 

By now, you should have completed and returned the 

Uniworld River Cruises Passenger Information Form. The 

information on this form is used to comply with certain 

foreign government and airline security restrictions in 

advance of your arrival onboard our ships. Failure to 

complete and return this form will result in a delay in your 

Final Documentation, including issuance of airline tickets.If 

you have completed and returned this form to our offices, 

we thank you for your prompt attention. If you have not 

completed this form, or require a new one, please visit our 

website at www.uniworld.com. The form can be found under 

the Reservations drop-down menu located on the home 

page. The form can be downloaded from this site, and once 

completed, please fax back to Uniworld River Cruises at 

818-382-7655. Or, if you prefer, the document can be mailed 

to Uniworld River Cruises, 17323 Ventura Blvd. Suite 300, 

Los Angeles, CA 91316, Attention: Reservations Services. 

Cruise Documentation 

Uniworld River Cruises sends all final cruise and air 

documents between 21 and 30 days prior to your trip 

departure, provided Uniworld has received a completed 

and signed Passenger Information Form. All documents are 

sent via a priority mail delivery service, such as UPS, DHL, 

or Federal Express. 

Final documentation includes: 

• Cruise Ticket 

• Passenger Ticket Contract 

(which is binding on each guest) 

• Airline Tickets or E-Ticket Confirmation 

(if international air was purchased from Uniworld) 

• Cruise Companion 

• Baggage Tags 

• Leave Behind Telephone Card 

• Worry-Free Travel Protection Plan Pamphlet 

(if Uniworld travel protection was purchased) 

• Pre/Post Optional Cruise Extension Information 

(if trip extension was purchased) 

Travel Protection 

Uniworld River Cruises strongly recommends each guest 

purchase a Travel Protection Plan. Please carry all policy 

information with you during the course of your trip. 


Baggage Limitations 

Airline luggage restrictions change frequently and each guest 

needs to check with their specific air carrier for limitations 

concerning luggage weight, baggage size, carry-on regulations, 

and excess baggage or overweight charges. This information 

can be found on the carrier’s website. Remember to check 

for both international (over the water) and domestic (intracontinental) 

regulations since limitations differ depending on 

flight routings. Overweight or excess baggage charges vary 

and guests who exceed an airline’s recommended limit may 

be asked by the airline to pay fees ranging from $25–$80 

per infraction. 

Onboard the ships and motorcoaches, storage space is 

very limited. Therefore, for your comfort and convenience 

on the cruise as well as on pre- or post-cruise land stays, 

we ask that you bring one (1) suitcase per person and one 

(1) carry-on bag per person (excluding purses). Please note 

there may be a fee assessed on-site for excess baggage. 


uniworld.com | 5


Keep an eye on your baggage and all personal belongings– 

it is your responsibility throughout the trip. Uniworld is not 

responsible for loss, theft, or damage to baggage and personal 

belongings. A Travel Protection Plan covering lost, stolen or 

damaged baggage is highly recommended. 

Travel Essentials 

The following items are essential to any destination. 

Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a 

hat, an umbrella, and lightweight raincoat or outerwear 

appropriate to the seasonal weather conditions. It is 

recommended to bring duplicates of prescription eyewear, 

copies of prescriptions for any medicine and copies of 

passport information pages. Make sure your luggage has 

identification tags both inside and outside with your 

contact information and address clearly marked. Do not 

pack valuables or important medication in your checked 

baggage. Any valuables and important medication should 

be carried with you in your carry-on luggage. Please contact 

your air carrier for any additional regulations. 

Health and Mobility 

Physical Limitations 

Uniworld trips are exciting, relatively active vacations. While 

there will be plenty of time to relax, there will also be much 

to see and do. Your included excursions generally require an 

extensive amount of walking, and navigation of numerous 

steps. Access to sites visited on shore tours for guests with 

physical limitations is generally restrictive. For your safety 

and enjoyment, we recommend all guests be in good physical 

condition. In addition, river ships, while spacious and elegant, 

are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities 

Act, and most do not have elevators. Uniworld, in its sole 

discretion, reserves the right to refuse passage or to require 

a current passenger to end their trip if the passenger’s state 

of health or physical condition may affect their own health, 

safety and enjoyment or that of other passengers. 

Medical 

Uniworld does not employ staff nurses or doctors onboard 

its ships. Should you need medical attention, it will be 

at local facilities, at your own expense. Uniworld is not 

responsible for any cost incurred as a result of medical service, 

or for the quality of medical care received. A Travel Protection 

Plan covering medical expenses is highly recommended. 

Special Diets 

Please advise us in advance of your departure of any special 

dietary restrictions. This information will be provided to the 

proper personnel. To the extent possible, and in consideration 

of local conditions, every effort will be made to accommodate 

your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with 

as much detail as necessary concerning any medically related 

diet concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, 

and we appreciate your understanding in this matter. 

General Money Matters 

ATMs 

ATMs connected to bank networks such as PLUS or 

CIRRUS are widely available in most major metropolitan 

areas, in airports, city centers, and in some instances, hotels. 

Fees for transactions vary. ATMs are not available onboard 

the ships. Your bank can tell you which network your ATM 

card can access, and whether a debit or credit card must be 

used. Make sure you have the correct PIN for the card you 

plan to use before leaving home, as the PIN is required for 

all money withdrawals. It is also recommended you bring 

an overseas contact number for your bank or credit card 

company in case assistance while traveling is required. 

Credit Cards and Travelers Checks 

Most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American 

Express) are accepted worldwide. Credit cards and Travelers 

Checks are also accepted onboard. 

There may be some stores or locations where cash is preferred 

(especially for small purchases), or a particular credit card 

cannot be used for purchases. This is when Travelers Checks 

come in handy. We recommend bringing at least one major 

credit card, an ATM card that is both a debit and credit card, 

and Travelers Checks in small denominations. With Travelers 

Checks, it is always a good idea to bring your receipt for 

your purchase of the Travelers Checks with you, and carry it 

separately from the checks. Please note that Travelers Checks 

are not accepted as local currency and usually incur a fee 

when exchanging Travelers Checks into cash. 

Getting There 

Airport Security and Check-in 

It is advisable to contact the airline in advance of your 

departure to verify that there have been no changes to the 

flight number or schedule found on your travel documents. 

After your travel documents are issued and sent to you, 



uniworld.com | 7


Uniworld is not responsible for notifying guests of any 

changes in flight schedules. 

Please make sure you arrive at the airport at least 2 1/2 

hours prior to scheduled departure to complete check-in 

and security procedures. For peak travel times, you may 

even want to arrive 3 hours prior to scheduled departure. 

Transfers 

Airport Arrival Transfers 

If you have an air-inclusive cruise/tour or you purchased an 

airport-to-ship transfer or a Pre-Cruise Extension, you will 

be met by a Uniworld representative at the embarkation port 

airport. You will be met as you exit the secure Customs area. 

Please claim all of your luggage prior to exiting the luggage 

claim area. From the airport, you’ll be transferred to the ship 

or your hotel. Please note: Transfers are non-refundable. 

There may be a waiting period for scheduled airport transfers, 

depending on groupings of flight arrivals. This wait can be 

up to 1 hour. 

Depending on transfer times, hotel to ship transfers may 

include sightseeing en route. 

Guests who have purchased extra nights with hotel stays 

will be provided private transfers as part of the extra 

night purchase. 

If your cruise/tour package does not contain transfers, then 

please make your own way to the ship or hotel as per your 

trip itinerary at your expense. 

Airport Departure Transfers 

If you have an air-inclusive cruise/tour package or you 

purchased a ship-to-airport transfer or a Post-Cruise 

Extension, you will be transferred to the airport or the 

hotel accordingly. 

Depending on transfer times, ship-to-hotel transfers may 

include sightseeing en route. 

Guests who have purchased extra nights with hotel stays 

will be provided private transfers as part of the extra 

night purchase. 

If your cruise/tour package does not contain transfers, then 

please make your own way from the ship at your expense. 

Private Car Transfers 

Please ask your travel agent or Uniworld for details. In some 

locations, private transfers are not available, due to distances 

involved between airport arrival city and port of embarkation. 

Cruise Only Guests or Guests with Independent 

Arrangements 

For guests making their own way to the ship and who 

are not using Uniworld’s transfer options, we strongly 

suggest you call the ship to determine its exact location 

before proceeding to the dock. Docking assignments for 

river cruise vessels can change at the last minute. And 

information provided on your Cruise Ticket on expected 

docking location could be incorrect on your day of arrival. 

The ship’s telephone numbers will be shown on your Cruise 

Ticket. It is not possible for Uniworld to notify guests 

making their own way to the ship of any sudden changes. 

Cruise only guests may join Uniworld’s group disembarkation 

transfers for an additional charge or private transfers can be 

arranged. However, independent flight arrangements must be 

made in accordance with Uniworld’s recommended transfer 

times which are coordinated with the ship’s required time of 

disembarkation for all guests. 

Late Flight Arrivals/Missed Flights 

If your package includes a Uniworld arrival transfer, and 

you experience a travel delay of any kind, please adhere 

to the following: 

Advise an airline representative at the airport that you 

are a cruise passenger destined for sailing that day or 

the following day. Typically, airlines are able to arrange 

alternative flights for passengers to continue with their 

travel to the point of embarkation. 

Upon arrival in the cruise or tour start city, after you have 

cleared Customs, look for the Uniworld representative 

outside the Customs area. Depending on the nature of the 

delay, Uniworld’s ground staff can, at times, track flight 

changes. If your flight arrangements were drastically 

altered, it is unlikely that the ground staff will be notified 

in time of your specific flight changes. And, due to security 

protocols enacted post September 11, 2001, airlines very 

rarely provide updated flight information to third parties. 

If you cannot find the Uniworld representative, contact 

information for the Transfer Provider in your arrival city is 

listed on your Cruise Ticket. The Transfer Provider, if unable 

to match you up with a scheduled group transfer, will ask 

you to make your own way to the ship or hotel, at your own 

expense. Costs incurred with missed group transfers are the 


For guests with independent flight arrangements arriving 

outside Uniworld’s transfer guidelines, private car transfers 

can be purchased from Uniworld at an additional cost. 


uniworld.com | 9


responsibility of the guest, and in most cases, compensation 

can be obtained from your travel protection plan provider 

or airline carrier. 

If your delay is serious enough that you miss the starting 

point of your cruise, you will need to get to the next stop 

on the ship’s itinerary at your own expense. Please contact 

the ship, using the number shown on your Cruise Ticket, 

for the exact location of the ship on your revised date of 

arrival. The ship’s personnel will advise you of the best 

course of action. Uniworld is not responsible for missed 

transfers, or additional costs incurred in getting to the next 

destination due to missed or delayed flight arrangements. 

Baggage Delays 

Baggage delays do unfortunately occur from time to time, 

especially during peak travel periods. First and foremost, 

do not leave the baggage area without completing a Lost 

Luggage report with your air carrier. This report is essential 

to the tracking of your claim. Give the air carrier a copy 

of your travel itinerary, and the ship’s contact information. 

Report your lost luggage to the Uniworld representative, and 

provide your Uniworld Cruise Manager with a copy of your 

lost luggage report. This will assist our staff in helping to 

locate your luggage as quickly as possible. 

Pre/Post Cruise Included or 

Optional Hotel/Land Extensions 

All Uniworld land programs are fully hosted, and include 

breakfast daily, transfers and porterage. Most feature at 

least one special sightseeing program. Your on-site Uniworld 

representative will host a welcome briefing the evening of 

your first day to familiarize you with the scheduled program 

and to provide additional information about optional tour 

programs, dining recommendations, and shopping tips. 

Details of your pre/post cruise land stay are included with 

your final documents. 

Please note that every effort is made to ensure your hotel 

room is available and ready for occupancy on your arrival 

at the hotel. This is not always possible due to differences 

in hotel check-in/check-out times, and scheduled airport-tohotel 

or ship-to-hotel transfers. A short wait for your room 

to become available may be necessary. 

Embarkation/Disembarkation 

Embarkation 

If sailing time is 8:00pm or later, guests are to embark no 

later than 6:00pm. If sailing time is scheduled between 

5:00pm-8:00pm, guests are to embark no later than 2 

hours prior to scheduled sailing time. 

On embarkation day, the ship is being cleaned and prepped 

for your arrival. Most of the ship’s facilities, including your 

stateroom, will not be available before 3:00pm. We appreciate 

your understanding and cooperation. Should you arrive to 

the ship earlier than 3:00pm, you may leave your checked 

luggage at Reception and take a walk in the area or relax 

in the lounge. Please keep your hand luggage with you at 

all times. Complimentary coffee, water, and light snacks 

will be available in the lounge for your enjoyment. 

Disembarkation 

About two evenings before your departure from the ship, 

your Cruise Manager will brief all guests on what to expect 

the morning of disembarkation, what time to have luggage 

available for pick-up, and distribute any documentation 

necessary to make your departure as smooth as possible. 

All guests must vacate their staterooms no later than 8:00am 

the morning of disembarkation, so the staff and crew can 

prepare for the next group of guests. Breakfast hours are 

coordinated around airport transfer times, which, in some 

cases, can be very early in the morning. It is not unusual in 

some destinations to have airport transfers as early as 4:00am. 

In such cases, we will provide guests with coffee/tea, juices 

and Danish pastries from our 24-hour coffee station. 

Guests staying onboard for an additional cruise might have 

sightseeing included on this day, or will have time at leisure 

for their continued enjoyment of the destination. 

About your Uniworld Cruise Package 

and Onboard Services 

Weather 

Today, weather forecasts are widely available at the click of 

a button on your computer. Uniworld’s favorite resource for 

up-to-the-minute international weather is: www.weather.com. 

Weather.com features a very informative vacation planner 

tool that you may find useful. 



uniworld.com | 11


What to Wear 

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions depending on 

your travel season and the regions you will be cruising 

through. Layering clothing items is always your best bet 

as this allows each person to adjust to any temperature, 

including artificially created ones, by removing or adding 

items throughout the day. 

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate 

both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, 

walking shorts, and everyday skirts/dresses are recommended. 

For warmer temperatures, we suggest lightweight clothing 

that can be layered such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight 

knit shirts, slacks, and walking shorts. For early Spring and 

late Fall departures, you’ll find sweatshirts, heavier cotton 

or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy 

khaki pants perfectly suitable. Mix and match color schemes 

work best to help keep luggage light. You will find a 

significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during 

your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking 

shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another 

good option. 

For evenings, any resort-type wear is perfectly suitable. 

Men may want to bring one sport jacket for dressier 

restaurant venues in cities like Vienna, Budapest, Paris, 

etc., and for the onboard Captain’s Welcome festivities. 

Women find a cocktail dress or two always comes in 

handy no matter the destination. 

Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket 

(preferably hooded) or even a heavier weight windbreaker 

for those colder temperatures. 

Elevator 

Front Desk 

The Front Desk operates 24 hours a day. The Night 

Receptionist will make hourly safety checks of the ship. 

Gift Shop and Beauty Salon 

There is a gift shop onboard with a limited selection of 

toiletries, souvenirs and other sundries. All items may be 

charged to your shipboard account. The hours of operation 

are adjusted to each day’s program. The Beauty Salon can 

assist you with a range of services. For an appointment, 

please contact the Front Desk once onboard. 

Gratuities 

Onboard 

It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as 

wonderful as the sights you visit. Gratuities are customary 

expressions of thanks for a job well done. The amount of 

the gratuity is entirely subject to your satisfaction with 

your travel experience. We recommend the following as 

a guideline: 

• Ship staff and crew: €10.00 per guest per day to be 

shared amongst all staff and crew 

• Cruise Manager: € 3.00 per guest per day 

• Local Host or Hostess for included or optional 

extensions: € 3.00 per person per day 

The above is solely a guideline and the amount you give 

depends on your personal experience and level of satisfaction. 

Gratuities cannot be billed to onboard accounts or paid with 

a credit card, so please ensure you have cash and/or travelers 

checks on hand for this expense. Please note, personal checks 

cannot be accepted. 

Shoreside and on Tour 

Uniworld endeavors to work with the best local guides 

available. If you’d like to show your appreciation, we 

recommend tipping the local guides anywhere from €1.00 

per person for a half-day tour and €1.00–2.00 per person 

for a full-day tour. Your coach driver, whose job it is to 

ensure you arrive on time, and to maintain security at the 

coaches while on tour, generally receives €1.00 per person. 


The ship is equipped with an elevator that services all decks 

except the Sun Deck. On the River Queen, the elevator does 

not service the Moselle Deck. The River Ambassador does 

have a chair elevator. 

Email Facilities 

Our Email Corner allows you to send and receive emails 

via the ship’s email account for a charge. Please note that 

an email connection might not be available in remote 

areas, where it is not possible to connect to the Internet. 

Note: € = Euros 

Fitness Center 

Stateroom Amenities 

Every stateroom includes individual air conditioning, satellite 

flat screen TV, internal telephone, safe deposit box, en-suite 

The Fitness Center is located on the Main Deck or Lower 

Deck. Hours of operation are generally from 6:00am until 

10:00pm, but may be adjusted based on each day’s program. 


uniworld.com | 13


bathroom, a plush terry cloth bathrobe for each guest, 

hair dryer and an umbrella. Electrical current is European 

standard 220V; however, each stateroom has one 110V 

outlet. Each stateroom has hotel-style beds that can be 

positioned separately or together. Your stateroom will be 

serviced by your Cabin Attendant on a daily basis. Security 

and maintenance checks may also be performed. 

Ice Machine 

For your convenience, a self-service ice machine is located on 

each ship, and an ice bucket is provided in your stateroom. 

Key Cards 

A magnetic key card will be issued to each guest at time of 

check-in. The key card can be used to open your stateroom as 

well as the main entrance to the ship. On River Ambassador 

magnetic key cards are not used; standard keys will be issued. 

Alternatively, if paying by cash, the currency accepted 

onboard for settlement of final bills is Euro or USD (total 

amount will be converted into USD based on onboard 

exchange rate) or Travelers Checks. 

The ships do not have an ATM, but ATMs linked to major 

bank networks can be found throughout Europe. Most debit 

or major credit cards can be used for cash withdrawals 

ashore. Limited currency exchange is available onboard for 

the exchange of cash only. Credit cards cannot be accepted 

for money exchange. All hotels and major tourist sites have 

exchange facilities. 

Please note currency exchange transactions and ATM cash 

withdrawals always involve transaction fees. It is always best 

to inquire as to the fee before exchanging any money. ATMs 

will typically ask you if you accept the fee before enabling 

the transaction. 


Laundry 

A launderette containing a self-service washing machine, 

dryer and iron is available for your use (soap available for 

a minimal fee at the reception). There are no dry cleaning 

facilities. The ship also provides washing, drying and ironing 

services for a fee. There is no self-service launderette on the 

River Ambassador. 

Local and Onboard Money Matters 

Currency in the following countries is the Euro: Austria, 

Belgium, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. 

The Euro comes in banknote denominations of 5, 10, 

20, 50, 100, 200, 500. One Euro is divided into 100 cents 

and coin denominations are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent or 

EUR 1 and EUR 2. 

Currency in Hungary is the Forint, which comes in banknote 

denominations of 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 and 

20000 Forints. Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 

5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Forints. 

Currency in Slovakia is the Koruna, which comes in 

banknotes of value 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 5000 

korunas. One Koruna is divided into 100 haliers and current 

coin denominations are 50 haliers, 1, 2, 5, and 10 korunas. 

Lounges 

The Lounge provides spectacular expansive views at 

every turn. Relax in the comfort of soft chairs and sofas 

upholstered in fine fabrics and leathers. Enjoy our fullservice 

bar and dance the night away to the piano tunes 

of our onboard musician. 

The intimate Club Lounge provides a delightful atmosphere 

in which to read a book from our Library, play cards or 

games, or send an email from our Email Corner. 

The Patio Lounge offers a casual atmosphere with comfortable 

chairs and tables. Complimentary coffee and tea are available 

here 24 hours a day. The River Ambassador does not have 

rattan chairs. 

The Sky Lounge, on the Sun Deck, offers a pleasant, glasssheltered 

area with tables and chairs. Perfect for watching 

the passing scenery without be subjected to the elements. 

The River Ambassador does not have a Sky Lounge. 

Mail 

Stamps are available for purchase at the Front desk. Mail 

is posted daily unless local mail facilities are not available. 

Mooring and Docking Facilities 

Uniworld features a “cashless” environment onboard, and 

all charges are billed directly to each guest’s onboard 

account. The onboard currency of our ships is the Euro. 

While onboard, guests can sign for all purchases, and pay 

their charges at the end of the cruise with their credit card, 

including American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Credit 

cards will be charged in Euros. 

The local river authorities allocate docking space around ship 

arrivals and departures in port. Typically, river ships always 

dock facing upstream, against the current. There are times 

when port conditions require ships to tie up alongside each 

other, and where guests may be required to walk through 

another ship to get to their own ship. This is part of the river 


uniworld.com | 15


cruise experience and is perfectly normal and beyond the 

control of Uniworld. Guests may occasionally experience 

obstructed cabin views from staterooms for this reason. 

Sun Deck Access 

For safety reasons, access to the Sun Deck or Sky Lounge 

may be limited during the Main-Danube-Canal transit and 

while passing areas with low bridges. 

Dining 

The restaurant accommodates all guests in a relaxed, single, 

open seating and offers international and national cuisine. 

Breakfast and lunch are sumptuous buffets with evenings 

featuring specialties of the chef and regional dishes. All meal 

times are scheduled around tour departures, and breakfast 

can take place very early in the morning. 

Please notify Uniworld immediately if there are any special 

diet concerns or considerations that need to be taken into 

account while traveling with us. We will do our best to 

ensure your request is accommodated, but cannot guarantee 

this will happen in all areas. 

Safety Deposit Box 

There is a safe in your cabin. We urge you to leave valuable 

jewelry at home. We are not responsible for any valuables 

left in the cabins. Any charge to return “lost and found 

property” onboard will be at the owner’s expense. Please 

beware of pickpockets when ashore. 

Shopping 

Important to some, but not to others, time for shopping is 

allowed within the framework of most of the sightseeing 

programs but not always. And, actual time available for 

shopping may be limited due to tour constraints. Shopping 

recommendations can be made by your Cruise Manager and 

shipboard staff. Larger stores will accept most major credit 

cards. Market vendors and small stores will usually only 

accept local currency. It is a good idea to take a small 

amount of cash to use for on the spot gratuities, purchasing 

souvenirs, or sundries. 

Shore Excursions 

Each cruise and tour program features comprehensive 

included shore excursions designed to provide you with the 

best possible experience ashore. We also offer, from time to 

time, optional excursions designed to enhance the range of 

sightseeing already included in your cruise program. These 

optional excursions are available for purchase when you are 

onboard the ship. Your Cruise Manager will provide details 

about the reservation process at your Welcome briefing. All 

tours purchased onboard are billable to your shipboard 

account and can be paid when settling your final bill. 

A complete day-by-day shore excursion itinerary is provided 

in the Cruise Companion. Details for your particular itinerary 

can also be found on our website at www.uniworld.com. 

Smoking 

The ship enjoys a non-smoking environment in all public 

areas, and in the staterooms. Smoking is allowed only on 

the upper Sun Deck. 

Visa Requirements 

No visas are required for U.S. or Canadian citizens on any 

of the itineraries shown in this book. Non-U.S. or Canadian 

citizens must contact each consulate of the country(ies) to 

be visited for his or her specific requirements. 

Obtaining and carrying the proper documents, including 

passports, is the sole responsibility of the guest. Uniworld 

will not be responsible for any delays, damages and/or losses 

including missed portions of your cruise/tour that are related 

to improper travel documentation. All guests are strongly 

advised to obtain necessary visas well in advance to avoid 

unnecessary expedited processing charges. 

And whenever using a visa service, it is highly recommended 

that the service be provided with a copy of your entire travel 

itinerary. There are times when multiple entry visas may be 

required, or there are restrictions to entering one country from 

another depending on your nationality. If the service does 

not have your full itinerary, this may result in improperly 

issued documentation. 

Visitors 

Visitors are generally not permitted onboard the ship and 

not allowed to join any shore excursion. Please make 

arrangements to meet your friends and relatives onshore. 

Water 

The tap water in each stateroom is safe for drinking. The 

ship has been outfitted with a sophisticated filtration system. 

Bottled water is provided in your stateroom for your comfort. 

Bottles of water consumed will be charged to your onboard 

account and replenished each evening. 



uniworld.com | 17

Day 3: Basel 

B, L 

Basel to Bucharest 30 Days 

Grand European 

Explorer 

This trip combines two wonderful itineraries into one grand 

journey where you’ll experience both Western and Eastern Europe. 

From the fairytale castles along the Rhine to a home-hosted lunch 

in Croatia, get ready to indulge your passion for timeless, aweinspiring 

art and architecture, and for places where history is 

not just recounted, but is still an essential part of daily life. Sail 

through the heart of Europe, following the path of the Rhine, Main 

and Danube Rivers for more than 2,200 miles to the Black Sea. 

Day 1: Depart Home Gateway City 

to Zurich or Basel 

Day 2: Arrive Zurich or Basel 

Arrive in Zurich or Basel. If your cruise/tour package includes 

transfers or if you have purchased one of our transfer options, 

you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred 

to the ship. 

D 

Included Tour: 

Basel City Walk 

Irresistible Optional Tour: €49 ($64) 

Half-day Tour of Lucerne 

Today, we’re going on a walking tour of Switzerland’s 

second largest city, Basel. Long an important university, 

banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident 

in its striking Medieval Town Hall. Basel is also home to 

the modern pharmaceutical industry and has more than 30 

museums. Our guides will take us to Market Square, where 

every day (except Sunday), fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers 

are on sale. The Marktplatz is dominated by the Town Hall 

(Rathaus), the seat of government of the district as well as 

the city. The Town Hall has been located here since the 14th 

century. The Münster Cathedral, with its red sandstone walls, 

multicolored roof tiles and twin towers, is also a dominant 

structure in the city. The crypt, choir, and tomb of Erasmus 

of Rotterdam and two cloisters are a testimony to the eventful 

history of its construction over a period of several centuries. 

Immerse yourself in the Old Town streets, still the proud heart 

of the city, and find great treats such as the local gingerbread 

enjoyed year round or some exquisite Christmas ornaments 

at famous Wanner store. You may stay in town or come back 

with us for lunch on the ship. This afternoon, join us on our 

remarkable optional tour to Lucerne. 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Lucerne 

Our coaches pick us up pier-side for a scenic drive to Lucerne. 

Because of its picture-perfect location right on Lake Lucerne, 

and the surrounding grand mountains (like Mount Titlis at 

3000 meters high or the impressive Mount Pilatus), Lucerne 

is considered to be the “Switzerland in Switzerland.” 

Getting off the coach, a famous landmark greets us and we 

will walk right onto it. At the point where the River Reuss 

flows out of Lake Lucerne, the covered wooden walkway of 

the Chapel Bridge was built in the 14th century and originally 

formed part of the city fortifications. In the 17th century, a 

Basel to Bucharest 

18 | Uniworld uniworld.com | 19

series of painted panels was hung beneath the eaves. After 

the major fire in 1993, the bridge was reconstructed as a 

Day 4: Strasbourg 

B, L, D 

Included Tour: Strasbourg Canal Cruise 

faithful reproduction of the original bridge. Downriver, the 

Spreuerbrücke, or Mill Bridge, zigzags across the Reuss. 

The water tower, 90 feet high, has served as an archive, a 

prison and a torture chamber since the 12th century. 

Welcome to France. You’ll arrive in Strasbourg in the 

morning. Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, 

Strasbourg is known as “The Crossroads of Europe.” 

It’s home to a magnificent, single-spire Gothic cathedral, 


Then on to Old Town’s compact cluster of Medieval 

houses around squares like Mühlenplatz, Weinmarkt, and 

Kornmarkt, forming an ensemble of cobbled, fountain 

squares ringed by colorful patrician houses. 

Because the Swiss have been politically neutral for centuries 

and have long enjoyed a reputation for honoring their 

agreements, a pope, emperor or king could be confident that 

his Swiss Guards wouldn’t turn on him when the political 

winds shifted direction. The Swiss Guards’ honor was put 

to the test in 1792, when—after trying to escape the French 

Revolution—King Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette, and their 

children were hauled back to the Tuileries Palace in Paris. A 

mob of working-class Parisians stormed the palace in search 

of aristocratic blood. More than 700 Swiss officers and 

soldiers died while defending the palace, without knowing 

that their royal employers had already left. In the early 

1800s, the Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen was hired to 

sculpt a monument to the fallen Swiss Guards. The sculpture 

was carved in a sandstone cliff above the city and dedicated 

in 1821. 

After our tour, you will have free time in Old Town to shop, 

explore and enjoy this Swiss gem of a city. 

Tonight, we’ve prepared a special Captain’s Welcome Dinner 

for you. 

Notre-Dame, and beautiful half-timbered houses. One of 

the best ways to see Strasbourg is from the historic canals. 

Taking a canal cruise is an enlightening and relaxing way 

to get a great overview of this historically important 

metropolitan city. Your water taxi takes you through 

the canals of the city in a comfortable glass-enclosed 

environment. We will pass the Ponts-Couverts, which are 

covered bridges linked by Medieval watchtowers, once used 

for observation purposes. We’ll also see the modern building 

that houses the European Parliament, The Council of 

Europe, Place d'Étoile, Palais Rohan and its three glorious 

museums, as well as the completely modern Museum of 

Modern Art. And, finally, you’ll see Petite France. Our boat 

taxis will drop us off right downtown, a short walk from 

the cathedral, where you can venture off and explore this 

city at your leisure. The Cathedral Notre Dame is not to be 

missed. Two hundred years in the making, it impresses from 

every angle. Admire the Rose Window. Then meander 

outside for a wonderful view of the city. 

We provide a shuttle bus to take you back to the ship for 

lunch as we set sail for Speyer. 

Day 5: Speyer, Rüdesheim B, L, D 


Gondola Ride to Niederwald Monument 


Full-day Tour of Heidelberg 



Rüdesheim Dinner 

Today is a day full of fabulous choices. You can remain 

onboard the ship and enjoy a leisurely cruise from Speyer 

to Rüdesheim or you can join the full-day tour to romantic 

Heidelberg before the ship sets sail? The choice is yours. 


uniworld.com | 21

Irresistible Optional Tour: Heidelberg 

trip up to the top of Niederwald Heights. We start our tour 

Perfectly nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s 

with a wonderfully quaint ride on the local “mini-train” to 

“Castle Road,” Heidelberg is one of the best preserved 

the cable car station. Your adventure begins the moment you 

Medieval cities in Europe. From Frankfurt, we will take a 

embark your gondola. The very scenic vistas that play out 

bus from the ship, with a guide who will provide us with an 

before you are well worth the ride. And anything you miss 

introduction to the history of the area, as well as give insight 

going up, you’ll have a chance to catch coming down. 


into the university system in Germany. Heidelberg University, 

founded in 1386, is the oldest in Germany. 

We’ll start our tour at the Heidelberg Castle, Mark Twain, 

on the view from Heidelberg Castle in 1878, said, “I have 

never enjoyed a view which had such a serene and satisfying 

charm about it as this one gives.” We’ll walk up to the 

Heidelberg Castle ruins where we will tour the castle’s 

Once at the top you will be stunned at the fairytale vistas 

that confront you on all sides, including Rüdesheim, the 

vineyards of the Rheingau and the Niederwald Monument. 

Perched at the top of Niederwald Heights, the monument 

can be seen by all who pass this section of the Rhine Valley. 

It was built to celebrate the reunification of the Kingdom of 

Germania in 1877. 


courtyard. Be sure and check out the world’s largest wine 

barrel. Next, we’ll take the bus to downtown Heidelberg. As 

we walk through the Old Town, you’ll see Heiliggeistkirche 

Note: The gondola to the Niederwald Heights is covered, but not 

heated. Cars are open on the sides and it is recommended that you 

dress warmly. 

(a 15th-century Gothic church), and the Student’s Prison, 

In the evening, you have the opportunity to soak up some 

where students were placed when they did something crazy 

local atmosphere if you join us on our Optional Excursion. 

(like drinking at night). After a fantastic lunch at a local 

restaurant, you’ll have leisure time to explore downtown 

Heidelberg. Did you know that Heidelberg has one of the 

longest pedestrian streets in Germany? There are also plenty 

of old-world-charm houses and narrow ancient alleys and 

bustling squares lined with cafes, fountains and statues to 

marvel at and enjoy, all serenely enveloped by the lush 

wooded foothills that surround the town. 

Irresistible Optional tour: Rüdesheim Dinner 

Take advantage of your night here in town. This is an 

excellent option for those who want a better understanding 

and appreciation of local cuisine as well as those who 

just want a fun night out on the town. Back onboard 

the mini-train we go to Rüdesheim’s most famous street, 

the Drosselgasse, where we will have a traditional fourcourse 

meal at Rüdesheimer Schloss Restaurant. Enjoy 

Later, we’ll be boarding the bus again and returning to 

full-bodied wines with your meal as you’re being serenaded 

the ship in Rüdesheim to join our fellow passengers for 

by the restaurant’s band, which will play an assortment 

the included gondola ride to the Niederwald Heights. 

of traditional German songs and some not-so-traditional 

Arrive in Rüdesheim in the afternoon. This charming town has 

a long history going back to Roman times, as do most coastal 

cities along the Rhine. It is famous for, among other things, its 

long avenue of shops and wine bars, the Drosselgasse, and 

international songs. This is your night to kick up your heels 

and try some dances with the locals. 

Alas, it’s time to say farewell to the fairytale village and 

we board the mini-train for the return to the ship. 

also the impressive Niederwald Monument commemorating 

the unification of Germany. This afternoon, we’re going to 

help give you an “uplifting” perspective on the town and the 

entire Rheingau wine-growing region as we take a gondola 


uniworld.com | 23

Day 6: Aschaffenburg 

B, L, D 

Included Tour: Renaissance Castle Johannisburg 

of a Roman house from Pompeii, built under the Bavarian 

king Ludwig I in the early 19th century. 

Wake up on the meandering Main River as we continue our 

Note: Castle is closed on Mondays. 


three river exploration–en route to historic Aschaffenburg. 

There’s much to see along both sides of this twisty river. So 

don’t miss a minute of our transit as we travel through locks, 

under bridges, and through historic towns as we make our 

way up the Main River. 

Aschaffenburg is an impressive 1000-year old town. 

King Ludwig I called it his “Bavarian Nice” due to its 

Mediterranean flair. We’ll guide you to the 17th-century 

Johannisburg Castle with art treasures and Pompeiianuma 

Roman villa rebuilt on plans discovered in Pompeii. 

Day 7: Miltenberg 

B, L, D 

Included Tour: Miltenberg Walking Tour 

Miltenberg is a quintessentially charming Medieval village 

with a well-preserved old town of half-timbered houses and 

a lofty perch above the Main River. The town is protected— 

or used to be—by two gates: Würzburger Tor to the east, 

facing Würzburg, and Mainzer Tor to the west, facing Mainz. 

We’ll meet our guides and pass Main Castle on the way into 

Old Town and New Square (Engelsplatz). From there, we’ll 

see the famous Royal Inn, which has been a working hotel 


The castle was home to the archbishops of Mainz and was 

later destroyed in the Markgräfler War in 1552. Under 

the archbishop Johann Schweikart von Kronberg the castle 

was completely rebuilt from 1605-1614; only the Medieval 

stronghold was integrated in the new, late Renaissance castle. 

since the 16th century. We’ll also see the Crooked House, and 

fairytale-inspiring 14th-century half-timbered houses. We’ll 

wind up our tour at Old Square (Schnatterloch) where you 

will have the opportunity to explore and find that perfect 

souvenir or that delicious glass of wine. 

Although there were some alterations done in the Classicistic 

era, and despite severe damage in World War II, it still 

remains the best example of a pure late Renaissance castle 

in Germany. The State Gallery contains the former collection 

of the archbishops of Mainz, including the great collection 

of paintings by Lucas Cranach. The city museums include an 

exhibition to the local history of Aschaffenburg and a vast 

collection of excellent faience, stoneware, porcelain, tin ware, 

glass and furniture. You can also find an important collection 

of classical modern paintings, like those of Ernst Ludwig 

Kirchner and Christian Schad. In the castle, you will also 

find the state “Court Library,” the former library of the archbishops 

of Mainz and the Convent St. Peter and Alexander 

in Aschaffenburg, with the most precious illuminated 

handwritings. The castle’s chapel includes an extraordinary 

altar of alabaster, created by Hans Juncker between 1609- 

1614. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden, with 

decorative buildings and the Pompeiianum, a reconstruction 

Day 8: Würzburg 

B, L, D 


Würzburg Residenz and Wine Tasting 


Half-day Tour of Rothenburg 

Arrive in Würzburg in the morning. Today, you’ll visit 

Würzburg Residence Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage 

Site, and one of Germany’s greatest architectural treasures. 

This magnificent Baroque palace—one of the largest and 

most beautiful in Germany with its magnificent gardens— 

was created under the patronage of the Prince-Bishops Lothar 

Franz and Friedrich Carl von Schönborn. It was built and 

decorated in the 18th century by an international team of 

architects, painters (including Tiepolo), sculptors and stuccoworkers, 

led by Balthasar Neumann. Our visit here really 

gives us a sense of the history of this region through the 

great Renaissance and the Golden Age of Europe. An added 

treat is a wine tasting in the cellar of the Residenz, featuring 


uniworld.com | 25

local wines. A place that once hosted some of the most 

Day 9: Cruising Main River 

B, L, D 

important personages of Europe, including Napoleon, now 

hosts us. Then we’ll head back to the ship, where you’ll have 

a chance to join us on our remarkable optional tour after 

lunch onboard. 

As we head toward Bamberg, enjoy cruising the Main River 

passing picturesque green meadows and typical Franconian 

towns. What a wonderfully relaxing way to travel! 


Note: Please note that taking photos or videos as well as carrying 

backpacks are not permitted inside the Würzburg Residenz. 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Half-day tour of Rothenburg 

Located on the Tauber River, a visit to Rothenburg is like 

taking a trip back in time to the Middle Ages. Not much 

has changed in the last six hundred years. The city walls 

still stand, protecting the charming core of Gothic churches 

and gabled houses from intruders. 

Day 10: Bamberg B, L, D 

Included Tour: Bamberg Walking Tour 

Bamberg, called a Medieval treasure by UNESCO, is located 

on the Regnitz River near its confluence with the Main. Like 

Rome, the city is built on seven hills, and here, a church tops 

each hill. The town has a rich Roman Catholic history, since 

at one point in its history, Bamberg was the center of the 

Holy Roman Empire in the region. Bamberg is also famous 


Once we arrive in Rothenburg, we’ll walk to Market Square 

for a guided tour of this Medieval gem. See the Rathaus, 

which has touches of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque 

architecture. There’s one timber-framed house after another 

lining the narrow streets, which themselves hide tiny squares, 

each with its own fountain. We’re walking towards the 

Franziskanerkirche. This Gothic church has a famous 

altarpiece depicting the stigmatization of St. Francis. It’s an 

early work of the artist Tilman Riemenschneider, one of the 

greatest sculptors of the Middle Ages, active in Würzburg 

from 1483. He was one of the most prolific and versatile of 

the Medieval sculptors, a master in stone and lime wood. 

You have some time for shopping. There are plenty of 

handmade crafts and souvenirs, as well as—though it might 

seem a bit premature—Christmas gifts! That’s right. Käthe 

Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum and Store is here. Or, view 

the vast collection of instruments of torture and punishment 

for witch hunting. After a brief motorcoach transfer to 

the center of town, we will meet our local guides and make 

our way first to Klein Venedig (Little Venice), a fisherman’s 

colony that dates back to the 19th century. Making our 

way to the town center, we’ll stop first at the Altes Rathaus 

(Old Town Hall), located in the middle of the Regnitz River 

and accessible by two bridges. Next, we’ll venture through 

Medieval alleyways into Old Town to the Dom Bamberg 

Cathedral. The cathedral was completed in 1237 and houses 

the tombs of Emperor Henry II and Pope Clement II. We’ll 

visit Cathedral Square and the Neue Residenz, with its 

lovely rose garden, and where the 17th-century bishopric 

was housed. We’ll continue on to the antiques dealers’ 

quarters, where you may just find some Medieval treasures 

of your own. After the tour, ask your local guides for 

some recommendations on where to shop, sample the local 

specialty “Rauchbier” (smoke beer), or simply people watch. 

kept in the Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum. 

Our ship commences its transit of the Main-Danube Canal 

Now, we’ll depart Market Square and return to the bus for 

as it sets sail for Nuremberg in the afternoon. 

the trip back to the ship. 


uniworld.com | 27

Day 11: Nuremberg 

B, L, D 

Day 12: Regensburg 

B, L, D 

Included Tour: Nuremberg City Tour 

Included Tour: Old Town Walking Tour 

Today’s tour takes you through Nuremberg, an archetypal 

An unspoiled gem and our first port of call on the Danube, 

German Medieval city enriched by defensive walls and red- 

Regensburg is a friendly town with quaint cobblestone streets, 

roofed buildings. Located on the Pegnitz River, Nuremberg 

Medieval alleys and historic Roman remnants. It was the one- 

is the second largest city in Bavaria and home to world- 

time capital of Bavaria; although Regensburg is better known 


renowned gingerbread, called lebkuchen, and tiny, piquant 

sausages. Nuremberg enjoyed its status as a free town of 

the Holy Roman Empire beginning in 1219 and, like many 

such cities, prospered greatly. So much so that during the 

for its Golden Age. Thanks to the building of Steinerne Brücke 

(Stone Bridge), a Medieval bridge spanning the Danube built 

in the 12th century, Regensburg became an international 

trading hub. This bridge, which is 1,014 feet long, is an 


days before, during, and after the Renaissance, Nuremberg 

architectural wonder for its day. Our guides will meet us pier- 

attracted a number of artists and intellectuals, making it 

side and show us the highlights of the town, explaining all we 

one of the cultural centers of Europe. More recently it 

see and pass. We will see the exterior of Cathedral of St. Peter. 

played host to darker history. No visit to Nuremberg can 

Built on the site of a former Roman military camp, this 

be made without first confronting the city’s 20th-century 

cathedral, designed by the architect Ludwig, is modeled on 

history. Nuremberg was the reluctant regional headquarters 

French architecture. Be sure and check out the church’s 

of the Nazis. It is here that filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl 

magnificent stained glass windows dating from the 14th 

immortalized Hitler at the height of his popularity, during 

century. After seeing the cathedral, we’ll see the Gothic 

his famous parades and rallies. The images evoked by the 

structure of Town Hall, where the first parliament of the 

silent remains of the parade grounds are still chilling to 

Holy Roman Empire sat from 1663 to 1806. Then we’ll 

see. And, at the conclusion of the Second World War, in 

wind our way through narrow alleys to the Stone Bridge. 

Courtroom 600 of the Nuremberg Palace, the Nuremberg 

Besides making Regensburg a center of trade, it’s also great 

Trials took place. We visit both of these haunting reminders 

for picture taking, offering a panoramic view of the town. 

of a very dark time in history before continuing to the 

The tour ends back at the ship, after which you will have 

Medieval heart of the city and the fortress walls that 

leisure time. You may want to pay a visit to one of the 

protected the city center from Medieval intruders. Leaving 

oldest restaurants in Germany–die Historische Wurstküche 

our coaches, we walk through the heart of the Old Town, 

(translates literally to historic sausage kitchen). At 900 years 

just as people did for centuries, to gather around Beautiful 

old, it’s probably the world’s oldest hot dog stand. 

Fountain, located in the middle of the large Market Square. 

And while our tour is at an end, you still have time to 

explore before your bus will take you back to the ship for 

lunch. Our guides will make some welcome recommendations 

about shopping, the best place to try those famous sausages 

or to buy lebkuchen. You have a whole afternoon to spend 

in Nuremberg at your leisure. 

Note: Room 600 is still a working courtroom and therefore inside 

visits cannot be guaranteed. 


uniworld.com | 29

Day 13: Passau 

B, L, D 

Included Tour: Passau Walking Tour 

and St. Stephan’s Organ Concert 


Bavarian Village Museum 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Bavarian Village Museum 

Instead of trying to find something to occupy your time with 

in the afternoon, perhaps, you would like to join us in an 

optional tour through the Bavarian Forest to Tittling and the 

Bavarian Village Museum. We cross the Danube, and travel 


Note: Bavarian Heritage Museum Tour may be replaced with alternate 

tour in early spring or late autumn. 

Passau boasts a delightful layer of Italian style on 

quintessential German foundations. Located at the confluence 

of three rivers—the Danube, Inn and Ilz—Passau is well 

known for its ornate Baroque cathedral. It is also well 

preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing 

during World War II. But before any of that, long ago, it 

was a Roman colony in the Roman province of Noricum, 

called Batavis, named after an ancient Germanic tribe. It 

has since been renamed Passau. Our guides will be waiting 

for us as we disembark. We will walk through narrow 

Medieval alleyways on our way to the Italian-made St. 

Stephan’s Cathedral. When the town burned to the ground 

in 1662 and again in 1680, reconstruction involved a lot of 

Italian artists, giving Passau a lot of Baroque, Rococo, and 

Neo-Classical touches. After we see the Cathedral, we’ll 

through the region that inspired Wagner’s Ring of the 

Nibelungen, along the Golden Trail, in which traders in salt 

and glass plied their trade centuries ago. We then arrive at 

Tittling’s Museumsdorf Bayerischer Wald, the largest European 

farmhouse village, built in the architectural tradition spanning 

the 15th through 19th centuries. We’ll see authentic farmhouses, 

mills, chapels, furniture, and tools, and we’ll learn 

about the daily life as we take a one-hour guided tour through 

the village. And we’ll also visit a 19th-century bowling alley! 

See if you can roll a strike without modern amenities. And 

then cap off the tour by stopping an authentic 19th-century 

Wirtshaus, for a “brotzeit,” a typical Bavarian snack with 

different cold cuts, mustard and the delicious dark rye bread. 

Afterwards, we’ll return to Passau along the scenic Ilz and 

return to the ship. 

Day 14: Melk and Cruising 

the Wachau Valley 

B, L, D 


check out the Rococo stairways of the New Residence. 

We’ll walk along the Inn River to the confluence of the 


Melk Abbey 

three rivers. Then it’s on to the Town Hall and its magnificent 

atrium, which boasts a number of very large paintings by 

the German painter Ferdinand Wagner. We go back to the 

Cathedral again, but this time we’re going to hear an organ 

concert. Or, in this case, a concert played on Europes largest 

pipe organ. So sit back, relax, and let the hauntingly beautiful 

sounds envelop you from every direction. After the concert, 

the afternoon is yours to do as you please. Definitely worth 

a visit is the outstanding glass museum on the promenade. 

Ask your Cruise Manager for directions. 

Melk is home to the 900-year-old abbey situated high atop 

the granite cliffs of the Danube. The beautiful complex is a 

wonderful example of Baroque art and architecture. The 

views from its terrace are spectacular. Arrive in Melk, a town 

with a long-storied past. The Romans were here. As were the 

Babenbergs. The Babenberg castle was eventually donated to 

Benedictine Monks, who then converted it into a fortified 

abbey. Our transportation will be waiting pier-side after 

breakfast, ready to take us to Melk, where we will meet up 

with our guide. During our hour-long walk through the abbey 

Note: Organ Concert is only available May 1 to October 31, 

excluding Sundays. 

complex, our guide will bring the history around us to life as 

we encounter one fresco after another. Now, you’re on your 

own to visit the garden. Buy some souvenirs. Take more 


uniworld.com | 31

pictures. You’ll have some time to explore on your own after 

the church are the catacombs (Katoomba), housing the 

the tour, or you can return to the ship with the coach. 

remains of victims of the plague. 

On our way to Vienna, we have something special in store 

From St. Stephen’s, we will stroll past Figaro House, where 

for you: Make your way to the lounge or come up on deck 

Mozart once lived, today, it is a museum. We will continue 

and marvel at the scenery of the Wachau Valley as the ship 

on to Deutsch Ordenshaus, another Mozart residence, now 

sets sail after lunch. The Wachau is the 30km stretch of the 

turned museum, devoted to the composer’s life and time in 


Danube where it cuts a rocky gorge between the foothills 

of the Bohemian Forest and the Dunkelsteiner Wald on its 

course between Melk and Dürnstein. This beautiful region, 

with steep-sided, densely-wooded southern slopes and a 

mixture of crags and south-facing vineyards on the north 

Vienna. Explore the courtyard. With the sounds of Mozart 

resonating in our hearts, we’ve got some free time in the 

area around St. Stephen’s–the very heart of Vienna. This is 

a great opportunity to shop for Austrian crystal, or indulge 

in a mélange (Austrian coffee) with friends. And perhaps 


side of the river, was recently declared a World Heritage 

visit some more sights. If you want, our guide will take you 

landscape by UNESCO. Dotted along the banks are a series 

on an informative walk to Hofburg, taking in Graben moat— 

of historical small towns and wine-making communities. 

built by the Romans—along the way. Later, we will join our 

Some of Austria’s finest white wines, especially the famous 

guides in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and stroll back to 

Rieslings are produced here, from grapes ripened on terraces 

our busses for our return to the ship for lunch. 

clinging to the rocky slopes. 

Day 15: Vienna 

B, L, D 

During the evening, we know you’ll want to take 

advantage of our exciting optional tour tonight at the 

Included Tour: Vienna City Tour 

Vienna Concert Hall. 


Vienna Concert 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Vienna Concert 

While you’re in Vienna, you can never have enough music; 

Vienna is a city steeped in history yet on the cusp of current 

trends. Today, we’re going to take a tour of the Austrian 

capital city. Our motorcoaches will wait pier-side to take 

us around the stately Ringstrasse, the broad thoroughfare 

surrounded by the many Imperial buildings and monuments 

that give Vienna its wedding cake appearance. We’ll pass by 

Rathaus (City Hall), Parliament, The Hofburg (Imperial 

Palace), and the State Opera, among other sights. Leaving 

our motorcoaches, we start our walking tour of Vienna’s 

central core, with an inside exploration of St. Stephen’s 

tonight, consider joining us for an optional night out on 

the town with a visit to one of Vienna’s famous concert 

halls for an evening of Mozart and Strauss. After dinner, 

take in a concert of Viennese music, where you can hear 

traditional Austrian songs, along with the beauty of the 

orchestral pieces for which Vienna is so famous. This 

musicale forms a perfect backdrop for costumed dancers, 

accomplished in the art of the waltz. Your evening is capped 

by a drive along the brightly-lit Ringstrasse before returning 

to the ship. 

Cathedral (Stephansdom). The most beloved architectural 

wonder in all of Vienna, this Gothic masterpiece is aweinspiring. 

Statues surround its fabled exterior, including one 

depicting the crucifixion of Christ. Inside, don’t miss the high 

altar, which bears a sculpture telling the story of the stoning 

of St. Stephen. Mozart got married here in 1782. Underneath 


uniworld.com | 33


B, L, D 

Day 18: Bratislava 

B, L, D 

Enjoy another glorious day in Austria’s capital city. The 

Included Tour: Bratislava City Tour 

whole day is yours to spend as you please. Venture back 

into town to explore some of the museums or maybe you 

are still hunting for some souvenirs? Today would be the 

perfect opportunity. 

Bratislava, straddling both banks of the mighty Danube, is 

a melting pot of cultures–an absolute fondue of diversity. 

You’ll arrive in Bratislava in the morning. A tour through 

Bratislava will acquaint you with a sampling of the town’s 


Also today some of your fellow passengers will be leaving 

the ship to return home and some new passengers will be 

joining us. Give them a warm welcome as you meet them 

during the Welcome Briefing tonight. 

Day 17: Vienna B, L, D 

eclectic architecture of Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco styles. 

We’ll begin our tour with a panoramic drive through 

Bratislava. We will first encounter the seat of the Slovakian 

government—housed in a restored 17th-century palatial 

summer residence of a former Archbishop of Esztergom. 

Then we will move toward the squares that neatly bisect the 


Included Tour: Schönbrunn Palace 

Old Town: Freedom Square, start of the Velvet Revolution; 

From former hunting lodge to stunning palace rivaling 

Versailles, Schönbrunn Palace is a must see on any visit to 

Austria. This summer Habsburg residence was merely a 

Peace Square, with its echoes of the former communist 

regime, and the neo-classical Grassalkovich Palais, home 

of the President of Slovakia. 

work in progress until the reign of the 23-year-old Empress 

Maria Theresa began in 1740. Under her guidance, the 

palace was the center of Austria’s political and social scene. 

Today, this stunning palatial monument delights the eyes 

with its ornate architecture, extravagant gardens, and 

glorious 18th- and 19th-century interiors. One could spend 

days here. Our visit will concentrate on the Imperial rooms 

and the era of Franz Joseph and his beloved Empress Sissi, 

whose popularity throughout Europe through the Gilded 

Age was unmatched by any before her. 

Our next stop is Bratislava Castle, where you will enjoy a 

commanding view of the Danube and an amazing panorama 

of three countries: Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Locals call 

Bratislava Castle “the upturned table” because it resembles a 

table turned on its end. It was once a Hungarian stronghold 

and fort. Explore the castle yard and imagine the defenders 

as they battled for Slovakia’s independence. Now, we’re 

going to get an up close and personal view of the city on 

foot. Starting at Michael’s Gate, built during Medieval times 

to keep out enemies, our walk will continue past Mirbach 

Palace and the Primatial Palace, where Napoleon reluctantly 

signed a peace treaty with Prussia in the 18th century. We’ll 

see where a six-year-old boy named Mozart once played the 

piano. And where you’ll discover how Bratislava became the 

Coronation City of Kings. Then enjoy an enlightening 25- 

minute walk through this city of contrasts with your guides 

from the Main Square, past the Opera House, back to the 

port where lunch is waiting for you. 

The afternoon is your time to do what you want. Sample 

the local pastries and coffee in one of the many cozy cafes, 

peruse the shops and stalls for souvenirs. 


uniworld.com | 35


Day 19: Budapest B, L, D 

Included Tour: Budapest City Tour 

You’ll arrive in Budapest in the morning. Budapest is an 

enchanting city with a vibrant mix of East and West, and 

Medieval and modern. Made up of two parts—Buda, the 

hills, and Pest, the flat lands—it is divided by the Danube and 

is an architectural dream. We will board our motorcoaches 

and cross the Danube on the famous early 19th-century 

Chain bridge that was the first to connect Buda with Pest. 

Then it is time for a short stop at Heroes’ Square and 

moment. We’ll view Vaci Utca, where the well-heeled do their 

shopping and dining, and Market Hall, with its stalls of fresh 

vegetables and meats, before we conclude our tour and 

return to the ship for lunch. After lunch, you can choose to 

go back out and explore the town on your own. 

Note: Order of sites visited on tour may change from time to time 

for operational considerations. 

Note: Inside visits of Matthias Church may not be possible on some 

weekends and Catholic Holidays. 

Day 20: Budapest 

B, L, D 


Millennial Monument, built to commemorate the conquest 

of the Carpathian Basin by the Magyars. 

After re-boarding the buses, we will continue our panoramic 

drive and marvel at the Great Synagogue, a reminder of a 

once-flourishing Jewish Community; the Hungarian National 

Museum; the Hungarian State Opera House; St. Stephen’s 

Basilica, and the stunning Parliament Building, with its 12 

miles of interior staircases and 223 exterior statues. 

Next, we will cross Margaret Bridge and then drive up to 

Castle Hill, where we begin our walk through what has been 

called the heart of the nation. Once the site of more than 

170 buildings—many of which date back to the 13th and 

14th centuries—the Castle Hill district is now designated 

a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will go inside the 

magnificent St. Matyas (Matthias) Church. Originally called 

the Church of Our Lady, it was renamed after King Matyas. 

Notice the eclectic blend of architectural styles and influences 

on display. Admire the amazing array of decorations on the 

pillars, walls and ceilings. Outside the church is a statue in 

honor of St. Stephen, the founder of Hungary. 


Get a Glimpse of the Famous 

Horsemanship of the Hungarian Cowboys 

You can spend this morning at leisure exploring Budapest 

on your own, but we strongly encourage you to join us on 

our exciting optional tour for a morning of Puszta and a 

horse show. If you’d like to see more of the Hungarian 

countryside, enjoy the romance of the Hungarian Puszta, 

and the tales of the Magyar, the Gypsies, and the Cossacks, 

then you can’t miss this tour! 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Hungarian Cowboys of the Puszta 

We depart from the pier and change our cityscape for the 

sweeping landscape of the Hungarian Puszta, the grassy 

plains that stretch along the banks of the Danube. Our 

lessons in Hungarian horsemanship begin in Dömönyvölgyi 

at the Lazar Equestrian Park. The Lazar brothers are 

champion cowboys and after a traditional Hungarian 

welcome, be thrilled and chilled as the horsemen of the 

plains show off their skills and competitive nature. Be 

dazzled by the riding exhibition and cheer for your favorites. 

After the show, enjoy a hay wagon ride or visit the petting 

We now continue our walk around Castle Hill, winding our 

zoo and the stables where horses are sheltered like kings. 

way up to the fairytale inspired turrets and ramparts of the 

Our afternoon return to Budapest has us passing through 

Fisherman’s Bastion. Built in the 19th century in honor of 

Gödöllö, where Empress Sissi, the beloved Empress of 

the fishermen who defended Buda from the Turks during 

Austria, had her summer residence. 

the Middle Ages, it offers a glorious panoramic view of the 

city and the Danube below. Enjoy the vista. Remember the 


uniworld.com | 37

Day 21: Vukovar (Osijek) 


Osijek with Home-Hosted Lunch 

B, L, D 

into its Roman and Medieval past at Kalemeggdan Fortress. 

Built above the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, 

the Fortress stands in silent testimony to a people’s strength 


You’ll arrive in Vukovar in the morning. Our day in Croatia 

starts in Vukovar with the scars of the recent wars still 

visible. We journey by bus to Osijek, the largest city in 

eastern Croatia. Located on the Drava River, this is the 

cultural center of Slavonia. Today’s special program features 

a chance to get to know your hosts and experience a typical 

day in Croatia. We begin our visit with a walking tour of the 

oldest section of Osijek, Trvdja. Modeled after the fortified 

of will. After seeing the confluence, you will understand 

better what it must have meant for the people of the city to 

have to constantly try to repel invaders. After seeing the 

fortress, we will continue our tour and return to the city 

where we pass Republic Square and the eclectic architecture 

of the National Museum, Parliament House, Republic 

Square, Town Hall, and the Dom Kathedral. 

To contrast Belgrade’s distant past with its more recent 


towns of Holland, Osijek’s Old Town appears as a haunting 

history, we also drive through the Upscale Living Quarters, 

reminder of Croatia’s mighty past. Your walk takes you 

where high-ranking Communist leaders once lived, as well 

past the Holy Trinity Square and streets whose names aptly 

as view the Communist housing projects for the citizens 

describe the nature of the buildings such as High School 

of Belgrade, starkly staring at us forlornly from across the 

Street, Provision Street, and Faculty Street. Leaving Trvdja, 

Danube. We’ll cap things off by passing Tito’s Memorial, 

we reboard the bus and find a scenic overlook of the town 

and then we’ll take a closer look at the city with a visit to 

to take pictures before we travel to some villages just outside 

St. Sava Cathedral. Built on the location where it is believed 

Osijek, where we will have lunch hosted by local Croatians. 

that St. Sava’s remains were burned by the Turk Siman Pasha 

They will let us enter their lives and homes and teach us 

in 1595, St. Sava Cathedral is the largest active Orthodox 

about their culture with the help of interpreters. We will eat 

temple in the world. Its dome can be seen throughout the 

traditional Croatian food with local beer and wine, or the 

city. St. Sava is revered as being the most important saint 

popular plum brandy. After lunch, we will board the bus and 

in the Serbian Orthodox church. And now, having seen the 

make our way back to the ship. 

city and learned about its complex history, we’re going to 

Day 22: Belgrade 

B, L, D 

Included Tour: Belgrade City Tour 

the Hotel Majestic for some refreshments. You’ll then have 

a chance to explore Belgrade’s main shopping boulevard, 

Mihajlova Street, before returning to the ship. 

You’ll arrive in Belgrade in the morning. Belgrade is one of 

the oldest cities in Europe, located at the confluence of the 

Danube and Sava Rivers. It started out as a Celtic settlement. 

But the rivers continuously brought invading tribes and 

warriors from just about everywhere: the Huns, the 

Sarmatians, the Ostrogoths, the Avars, and the Slavs, the 

Note: We will be running shuttles back and forth to the ship for 

people who choose to stay in town. 

Day 23: Belgrade and Kostolac 


Archeological Site at Viminacium 

B, L, D 

Romans, the Ottoman Turks, and the Communists. But, 

Relax onboard this morning as we are cruising down the 

despite this turbulent 2,500-year history, it has retained its 

Danube. You’ll arrive in Kostolac in the afternoon. Today, 

vibrant character, rich in culture, with the eclectic mix of 

we’re going to visit the archeological site at Viminacium, a 

architecture such a history inevitably creates. We start our 

former Roman outpost with wide streets, luxurious villas, 

visit in this fourth largest city in the Balkans, with a glimpse 

extensive baths and an amphitheater, just recently opened to 


uniworld.com | 39

the public. Viminacium, called the Balkan Pompeii, was 

the steep Cliffside over the treacherous rapids, built by the 

destroyed and devastated in the 5th century AD. The site 

Romans around 103 A.D. We’ll see other Roman remains as 

is of great significance because of its size, its prominence as 

well, including an ancient fortress and Severin Castle. One of 

the civilian and military capital of the Roman province of 

the most spectacular fortresses along the next stretch of the 

Moesia Superior, and because of its very well-preserved 

Danube is Golubac Castle. Built in the 14th century and 

structures, frescoes and over 32,000 artifacts including one 

strategically located, many ambitious cultures felt it crucial 


of the earliest depictions of the monogram of Christ found 

to date. 

There wasn’t a Roman emperor who did not pass through 

Viminacium or spend some time there. Among visits by 

Roman emperors, mention should certainly be made of 

Hadrian’s residency when hunts were organized for him at 

Viminacium on two occasions; the Emperor Septimus Severus 

visited twice; later on other emperors stayed there: Gordian 

III, Phillip the Arab, Trebonius Gallus, Hostilian, Diocletian, 

Constantine The Great, Constans I and Julian. Gratian was 

the last emperor known to have visited Viminacium. 

During your exploration of the site—an exclusive for 

Uniworld guests—you’ll be guided by a local archeologist, 

who will share insights about the exciting treasures that 

have been unearthed during the ongoing excavations. 

Day 24: Cruising the Iron Gate B, L, D 

to fight for ownership rights. The Serbs, Magyars, and Turks 

all wanted it. The Turks won in 1458 and the castle helped 

to reinforce the Ottoman Turks’ control of the area until 

1867, when they abandoned it. Until now, you’ve been 

keeping your attention on the passing scenery, but now it’s 

time to focus on the river itself and the engineering marvels 

of Iron Gates I and II, created in the 1960s and 70s as a joint 

Romanian-Serbian project to harness the hydropower of the 

Iron Gate, where the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains 

close in to form a narrow valley and the river becomes a 

mighty force. Iron Gates I and II are enormous locks that 

will lower our ship for the continuation of our journey. The 

high lock chamber lowers you almost 90 feet in 60 minutes– 

quite a spectacle! 

Day 25: Vidin and Belogradchik 


Vidin and Belogradchik Rock Formations 

B, L, D 


Today the hero is not a fortress or a church or an ancient 

Vidin is one of the oldest towns along the Bulgarian section 

river port but the river itself. And the landscape it has created, 

of the Danube. To this day, the Baba Vida fortress dominates 

with the help of the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. 

the Danube River. From Vidin, it is only a short distance to 

The gorge of the Iron Gate, which acts as a natural border 

discover one of the natural wonders of Bulgaria. A fairytale 

between Serbia and Romania, is stunning, one of the most 

stone world surrounds Belogradchik, and is made of 

dramatic natural displays of beauty in all of Europe. The 

weathered sandstone in fantastic formations, such as Adam 

Danube breaks dramatically through the Carpathian 

and Eve. The formations are a product of erosion. The rocks 

Mountains, forming a 100-mile-long sequence of gorges 

were declared a natural landmark in 1949 and are comprised 

named the Cataracts. 

of four independent groups. Every distinct rock is named after 

Today, we will leisurely tour this dramatic area. Castles. 

Fortresses. Roman Ruins. The Romans were here. One entire 

an object it is believed to resemble and the formations vary 

from red through yellow to grey in color. 

side of the gorge, the country of Romania, bears their name. 

But when we pass the Trajan Plaque, we are reminded of an 

early engineering masterpiece, a hanging road anchored in 


uniworld.com | 41


Day 26: Rousse, Veliko Turnovo 

and Arbanassi 


Veliko Turnovo & Arbanassi 

B, L 

You’ll arrive in Rousse in the morning. With today’s excursion 

to the Bulgarian towns of Veliko Turnovo and Arbanassi, 

you’ll discover even more of the region’s Roman heritage 

and one of the most picturesque towns in Bulgaria. With 

our guides, we’ll visit Turnovo, built on three hills, with 

the river Yantra running through the middle of it. It was 

here that two brothers, Asen and Peter, declared an end 

to Byzantine rule. It grew into the cultural center of the 

Bulgarian Empire, as well as the strongest Bulgarian fortress 

There are 80 preserved houses, of which 36 have been 

declared monuments of culture. Take a look in the 

Konstantsaliev House and see how a traditional Bulgarian 

home was appointed. Next, we’ll go inside Christ Nativity 

Church, which, besides being included on the UNESCO 

World Heritage List of valuable cultural sites, is one of 

the oldest (16th century) and most beautifully decorated 

churches in the village. Let your local expert explain the 

brilliant frescoes, telling the story of the Last Judgment and 

of the nativity in vivid scenes. Learn what an iconostasis is 

and why men and women are separated in orthodox church. 

Enjoy an A cappella performance by an orthodox choir 

before returning to the ship. 


of the Middle Ages up until the Ottomans set fire to it in 

Tonight we’ve prepared a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner 

1393. Upon arrival, take a glimpse of Tzarevetz Hill and the 

for you. 

majestic ruins of Tzarevetz Castle. You’ll see the entrance 

gates to the old fortress, the fortification walls and towers, 

what remains of the Royal Palaces, as well as Baldwin’s 

Tower, the 13th-century prison of Baldwin of Flanders, a 

one time Latin Emperor of Constantinople. After seeing 

the castle, we will make a stop at Samovodska Charshia, 

which is a street with stalls of local artists, handicrafts, and 

souvenirs. An interesting fact is that here in Bulgaria, you 

nod your head to say no and shake it to mean yes–the 

reverse of what we’re used to. 

Next, we’ll visit the charming picturesque village of 

Arbanassi. It was originally created by wealthy merchants 

who wanted to enjoy the healthy mountain climate. Home 

to many monasteries and churches, it was a religious haven 

for Christians during Turkish rule. It’s famous for its stone 

houses and unique architecture and it boasts some of the 

highest real estate prices in Bulgaria. Once in Arbanassi, we 

will stop for lunch. We will eat at “The Spring,” a traditional 

Bulgarian restaurant with live folk music. Arbanassi is home 

to monumental houses which resemble minor fortresses, 

but behind the solid walls you will discover carved ceilings, 

colorful rugs and cushions, silver and ceramic utensils. 

Day 27: Silistra (Varna) 

and Black Sea 


Varna, Archeological Museum 

and Exclusive Black Sea Cruise 

B, L, D 

You’ll arrive in Silistra in the early morning. Today, we’ll take 

a motorcoach to Varna, the third largest city in Bulgaria with 

a population of 314,539. It is widely called the seaside capital 

of Bulgaria because of the string of famous beaches along the 

“Gold Coast.” Our first stop is Varna’s Museum of Art and 

History, home to the legendary Gold Treasure of Varna. The 

golden artifacts date back 6,000 years, weigh some 6kg and 

contain the oldest gold works found in the world. 

Next we head for the Varna beach to enjoy a local Bulgarian 

lunch and get ready for the scenic cruise along the Black Sea. 

Our exclusive charter boat takes us along the string of popular 

beaches and resorts to the garden town of Balchik. Struck by 

the natural beauty of the area around Balchik, the Romanian 

Queen Maria built a summer palace and a botanical garden 

there. The picturesque park, called Tenha Vuva in Romanian 

(Quiet Nest), was designed and arranged in 1924-1936 after 

the project of a French garden designer, Jules Janine. 


uniworld.com | 43

The Palace combines old Bulgarian, Moldavian, Mauritanian 

After lunch, you can choose to either return to the hotel or 

and Oriental styles in a marvelous way. The park itself is 

stay in town and explore. There is plenty to be found here: 

an imitation of the Famous Cretan labyrinth, with each stone 

museums, art galleries, coffeehouses, and souvenir shops. 


of the church being brought from the island of Crete. Apart 

from the palace complex and the botanical garden, which is 

the biggest and most diverse on the Balkans, the town also 

appeals to tourists with its ancient spirit, reflected into steep 

pebbled streets and houses made of stone and adobe. From 

Balchik, we will once again board our coaches back to our 

ship waiting in Silistra. 

Note: In adverse weather conditions, the Black Sea Cruise may 

not be possible for safety reasons and passengers will be taken 

to Balchik by motorcoach. 

Day 28: Oltenita (Bucharest) 

B, L 

Day 29: Bucharest 


Visit Bran Castle and 

Snagov Island and Monastery 

You can spend your last day in Bucharest enjoying the 

sights on your own. But we strongly recommend you join 

us on our optional excursion to Bran Castle, home to Vlad 

the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Visit Bran Castle and 


Our optional tour today explores the legendary and tradi- 

B 


Included Tour: Bucharest City Tour 

and Palace of the People 

tional side of Romania. We start with a drive to Snagov 

Lake, where we’ll embark on a scenic boat ride. Marvel at 

You’ll arrive in Oltenita in the early morning. Today, you’ll 

the new and old rich villas of Bucharest’s high society and the 

transfer to your hotel in Bucharest from the Danube port 

protected native Linden tree forests hugging the shores. We’ll 

of Oltenita. En route, we will enjoy our panoramic city tour 

disembark on Snagov Island, where the head priest of the 

of Bucharest, starting with a visit to the colossal Palace 

16th-century monastery will welcome us inside his church. 

of the People, or Parliament, the second largest building 

The church boasts original murals and precious icons from 

in the world. The man behind its construction was the mega- 

the Middle Ages and…you guessed it, the tomb of Dracula, 

lomaniac former leader of Romania, Nikolai Ceausescu. He 

also known as Vlad the Impaler. We will leave this bucolic 

is also behind the construction of Soseaua Kiseleff, originally 

setting of the island monastery, where three residing monks 

called the “Boulevard of the Victory of Socialism,” which was 

tend to their farm and animals, for a short boat passage 

built deliberately to be longer than the famous Champs- 

across the lake back to the coaches waiting for us. Our scenic 

Élysées in Paris. Bucharest is a mix of ancient and modern. 

coach ride first crosses the Ploiesti Oil Fields, a heavily bomb- 

Nineteenth-century architecture sits next to practical and 

ed target in WWII. Until today, the Ploiesti Fields supply 

drab buildings from the Communist Era, which in turn sit 

Romania with oil. The scenic drive starts to slowly climb up 

next to modern skyscrapers. In the early 20th century, before 

pretty Prahova Valley with densely wooded mountain flanks 

Communism, things were different. Bucharest was known 

and winter resort towns. After we have crossed the Kar- 

as “Little Paris.” While Communism and the struggle for 

pathian chain and come down in the valley of Bran, we head 

independence, and an earthquake, ruined the city’s buildings, 

straight to our restaurant to enjoy a hearty Romanian meal. 

the city and its soul are intact and thriving. It won’t be long 

After lunch, it is time to explore the famous Bran Castle, 

before Bucharest is once again “Little Paris.” For lunch, we’re 

legendary home of Dracula, the most famous vampire of all. 

going to a local restaurant. Sitting on one of Bucharest’s 

Dracula was based on a real person, Vlad Tepes, also known 

lakes, this local establishment offers great food accompanied 

as Vlad the Impaler. The castle he lived in was built as a 

by live music and a folkloric show. 


uniworld.com | 45


defense against invaders, most notably Turkish soldiers 

who didn’t want to be impaled. Thanks to Bram Stoker and 

his most famous creation, the castle is the stuff of legends, 

as is the name Transylvania itself. Bran Castle, built by the 

Saxons, was also used as a summer residence by Romania’s 

Queen Marie. Many of her furnishings remain, some dating 

back to the 14th century. And, for those who don’t scare 

easily, there are secret passageways accessible from the 

fountain in the courtyard. 

Having explored the castle as well as the souvenir stalls at 

its foot, it’s time to head back to Bucharest and our hotel. 

Day 30: Depart Bucharest 

B 

If your cruise/tour package includes transfers, or if you 

have purchased one of our transfer options, you will be 

transferred to the airport in Bucharest for your flight home. 

Bucharest to Basel 30 Days 

Grand European 

Explorer 

This trip combines two wonderful itineraries into one grand 

journey where you’ll experience both Western and Eastern Europe. 

From the fairytale castles along the Rhine to a home-hosted lunch 

in Croatia, get ready to indulge your passion for timeless, aweinspiring 

art and architecture, and for places where history is 

not just recounted, but is still an essential part of daily life. Sail 

through the heart of Europe, following the path of the Rhine, Main 

and Danube Rivers for more than 2,200 miles to the Black Sea. 

Day 1: Depart Home Gateway City 

to Bucharest 


uniworld.com | 47

Bucharest to Basel 

Day 2: Arrive Bucharest 

Arrive in Bucharest. If your cruise/tour package includes 

transfers or if you have purchased one of our transfer 

options, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative 

and transferred to the hotel. 

Day 3: Bucharest 


Visit Bran Castle and 


You can spend your first day in Bucharest relaxing for your 

B 

Dracula was based on a real person, Vlad Tepes, also 

known as Vlad the Impaler. The castle he lived in was built 

as a defense against invaders, most notably Turkish soldiers 

who didn’t want to be impaled. Thanks to Bram Stoker and 

his most famous creation, the castle is the stuff of legends, 

as is the name Transylvania itself. Bran Castle, built by the 

Saxons, was also used as a summer residence by Romania’s 

Queen Marie. Many of her furnishings remain, some dating 

back to the 14th century. And, for those who don’t scare 

easily, there are secret passageways accessible from the 

fountain in the courtyard. 


journey and enjoying the sights on your own. But we strongly 

recommend you join us on our optional excursion to Bran 

Castle, home to Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram 

Stoker’s Dracula. 

Our optional tour today explores the legendary and traditional 

side of Romania. We start with a drive to Snagov 

Lake, where we’ll embark on a scenic boat ride. Marvel at 

the new and old rich villas of Bucharest’s high society and 

the protected native Linden tree forests hugging the shores. 

We’ll disembark on Snagov Island, where the head priest of 

the 16th-century monastery will welcome us inside his 

church. The church boasts original murals and precious icons 

from the Middle Ages and…you guessed it, the tomb of 

Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler. We will leave this 

bucolic setting of the island monastery, where three residing 

monks tend to their farm and animals, for a short boat 

passage across the lake back to the motorcoaches waiting for 

us. Our scenic coach ride first crosses the Ploiesti Oil Fields, 

a heavily bombed target in WWII. Until today, the Ploiesti 

Fields supply Romania with oil. The scenic drive starts to 

slowly climb up pretty Prahova Valley with densely wooded 

mountain flanks and winter resort towns. After we have 

crossed the Karpathian chain and come down in the valley 

of Bran, we head straight to our restaurant to enjoy a hearty 

Romanian meal. After lunch, it is time to explore the famous 

Bran Castle, legendary home of Dracula, the most famous 

vampire of all. 

Having explored the castle as well as the souvenir stalls at 

its foot, it’s time to head back to Bucharest and our hotel. 

Day 4: Oltenita (Bucharest) 

Included Tour: Bucharest City 

Tour and Palace of the People 

B, L 

Today, you’ll transfer to your ship in Oltenita. En route, 

we will enjoy our panoramic city tour of Bucharest, 

starting with a visit to the colossal Palace of the People, 

or Parliament, the second largest building in the world. The 

man behind its construction was the megalomaniac former 

leader of Romania, Nikolai Ceausescu. He is also behind 

the construction of Soseaua Kiseleff, originally called the 

“Boulevard of the Victory of Socialism,” which was built 

deliberately to be longer than the famous Champs-Élysées in 

Paris. Bucharest is a mix of ancient and modern. Nineteenthcentury 

architecture sits next to practical and drab buildings 

from the Communist Era, which in turn sit next to modern 

skyscrapers. In the early 20th century, before Communism, 

things were different. Bucharest was known as “Little Paris.” 

While Communism and the struggle for independence, and 

an earthquake, ruined the city’s buildings, the city and its 

soul are intact and thriving. It won’t be long before Bucharest 

is once again “Little Paris.” For lunch, we’re going to a local 

restaurant. Sitting on one of Bucharest’s lakes, this local 

establishment offers great food accompanied by live music 

and a folkloric show. 


uniworld.com | 49

Day 5: Silistra (Varna) 

and Black Sea 

B, L, D 

Day 6: Rousse, Veliko Turnovo 

and Arbanassi 

B, L, D 



Varna, Archeological Museum 

and Exclusive Black Sea Cruise 

You’ll arrive in Silistra in the early morning. Today, we’ll take 

a motorcoach to Varna, the third largest city in Bulgaria with 

a population of 314,539. It is widely called the seaside capital 

of Bulgaria because of the string of famous beaches along the 

“Gold Coast.” Our first stop is Varna’s Museum of Art and 

History, home to the legendary Gold Treasure of Varna. The 

golden artifacts date back 6,000 years, weigh some 6kg and 

contain the oldest gold works found in the world. 


Veliko Turnovo and Arbanassi 

You’ll arrive in Rousse in the morning. With today’s excursion 

to the Bulgarian towns of Veliko Turnovo and Arbanassi, 

you’ll discover even more of the region’s Roman heritage and 

one of the most picturesque towns in Bulgaria. With our 

guides, we’ll visit Turnovo, built on three hills, with the river 

Yantra running through the middle of it. It was here that two 

brothers, Asen and Peter, declared an end to Byzantine rule. It 

grew into the cultural center of the Bulgarian Empire, as well 

as the strongest Bulgarian fortress of the Middle Ages up 


Next we head for the Varna beach to enjoy a local Bulgarian 

lunch and get ready for the scenic cruise on the Black Sea. 

Our exclusive charter boat takes us along the string of 

popular beaches and resorts to the garden town of Balchik. 

Struck by the natural beauty of the area around Balchik, 

the Romanian Queen Maria built a summer palace and a 

botanical garden there. The picturesque park, called Tenha 

Vuva in Romanian (Quiet Nest), was designed and arranged 

in 1924-1936 after the project of a French garden designer, 

Jules Janine. The Palace combines old Bulgarian, Moldavian, 

Mauritanian and Oriental styles in a marvelous way. The 

until the Ottomans set fire to it in 1393. Upon arrival, take a 

glimpse of Tzarevetz Hill and the majestic ruins of Tzarevetz 

Castle. You’ll see the entrance gates to the old fortress, the 

fortification walls and towers, what remains of the Royal 

Palaces, as well as Baldwin’s Tower, the 13th-century prison 

of Baldwin of Flanders, a one time Latin Emperor of 

Constantinople. After seeing the castle, we will make a stop 

at Samovodska Charshia, which is a street with stalls of local 

artists, handicrafts, and souvenirs. An interesting fact is that 

here in Bulgaria, you nod your head to say no and shake it 

to mean yes–the reverse of what we’re used to. 

park itself is an imitation of the Famous Cretan labyrinth, 

with each stone of the church being brought from the island 

of Crete. Apart from the palace complex and the botanical 

garden, which is the biggest and most diverse on the Balkans, 

the town also appeals to tourists with its ancient spirit, 

reflected into steep pebbled streets and houses made of 

stone and adobe. From Balchik we will once again board 

our coaches back to our ship waiting in Silistra. 

Next, we’ll visit the charming picturesque village of 

Arbanassi. It was originally created by wealthy merchants 

who wanted to enjoy the healthy mountain climate. Home 

to many monasteries and churches, it was a religious haven 

for Christians during Turkish rule. It’s famous for its stone 

houses and unique architecture and it boasts some of the 

highest real estate prices in Bulgaria. Once in Arbanassi, we 

will stop for lunch. We will eat at “The Spring,” a traditional 

Tonight we’ve prepared a special Captain’s Welcome Dinner 

for you. 

Note: In adverse weather conditions, the Black Sea Cruise may not be 

possible for safety reasons and passengers will be taken to Balchik by 

motorcoach. 

Bulgarian restaurant with live folk music. Arbanassi is home 

to monumental houses which resemble minor fortresses, but 

behind the solid walls you will discover carved ceilings, 

colorful rugs and cushions, silver and ceramic utensils. There 

are 80 preserved houses, of which 36 have been declared 


uniworld.com | 51

monuments of culture. Take a look in the Konstantsaliev 

The Danube breaks dramatically through the Carpathian 

House and see how a traditional Bulgarian home was 

Mountains, forming a 100-mile-long sequence of gorges 

appointed. Next, we’ll go inside Christ Nativity Church, 

named the Cataracts. 


which, besides being included on the UNESCO World 

Heritage List of valuable cultural sites, is one of the oldest 

(16th century) and most beautifully decorated churches 

in the village. Let your local expert explain the brilliant 

frescoes, telling the story of the Last Judgment and of the 

nativity in vivid scenes. Learn what an iconostasis is and 

why men and women are separated in orthodox church. 

Enjoy an A cappella performance by an orthodox choir 

before returning to the ship. 

Day 7: Vidin and Belogradchik 

B, L, D 

Today, we will leisurely tour this dramatic area. Castles. 

Fortresses. Roman Ruins. The Romans were here. One entire 

side of the gorge, the country of Romania, bears their name. 

But when we pass the Trajan Plaque, we are reminded of an 

early engineering masterpiece, a hanging road anchored in 

the steep Cliffside over the treacherous rapids, built by the 

Romans around 103 A.D. We’ll see other Roman remains 

as well, including an ancient fortress and Severin Castle. One 

of the most spectacular fortresses along the next stretch of 

the Danube is Golubac Castle. Built in the 14th century and 



Vidin and Belogradchik Rock Formations 

strategically located, many ambitious cultures felt it crucial 

to fight for ownership rights. The Serbs, Magyars, and Turks 

This morning relax on board as your ship makes its way 

upriver. Our next port of call is Vidin, one of the oldest 

towns along the Bulgarian section of the Danube. To this 

day, the Baba Vida fortress dominates the Danube River. 

From Vidin, it is only a short distance to discover one of 

the natural wonders of Bulgaria. A fairytale stone world 

surrounds Belogradchik, and is made of weathered 

sandstone in fantastic formations, such as Adam and Eve. 

The formations are a product of erosion. The rocks were 

declared a natural landmark in 1949 and are comprised of 

four independent groups. Every distinct rock is named after 

an object it is believed to resemble and the formations vary 

from red through yellow to grey in color. It is like nature’s 

all wanted it. The Turks won in 1458 and the castle helped 

to reinforce the Ottoman Turks’ control of the area until 

1867, when they abandoned it. Until now, you’ve been 

keeping your attention on the passing scenery, but now it’s 

time to focus on the river itself and the engineering marvels 

of Iron Gates I and II, created in the 1960s and 70s as a 

joint Romanian-Serbian project to harness the hydropower 

of the Iron Gate, where the Carpathian and Balkan 

Mountains close in to form a narrow valley and the river 

becomes a mighty force. Iron Gates I and II are enormous 

locks that will lower our ship for the continuation of our 

journey. The high lock chamber lowers you almost 90 feet 

in 60 minutes–quite a spectacle! 

petrified illustrations of a wonder world. 

Day 8: Cruising the Iron Gate 

B, L, D 

Today, the hero is not a fortress or a church or an ancient 

river port but the river itself. And the landscape it has created, 

with the help of the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. 

The gorge of the Iron Gate, which acts as a natural border 

between Serbia and Romania, is stunning, one of the most 

dramatic natural displays of beauty in all of Europe. 


uniworld.com | 53

Day 9: Kostolac and Belgrade 


Archeological Site at Viminacium 

B, L, D 

But, despite this turbulent 2,500-year history, it has retained 

its vibrant character, rich in culture, with the eclectic mix of 

architecture such a history inevitably creates. We start our 


This morning we’re going to visit the archeological site at 

Viminacium, a former Roman outpost with wide streets, 

luxurious villas, extensive baths and an amphitheater, just 

recently opened to the public. Viminacium, called the Balkan 

Pompeii, was destroyed and devastated in the 5th century 

AD. The site is of great significance because of its size, its 

prominence as the civilian and military capital of the Roman 

province of Moesia Superior, and because of its very wellpreserved 

structures, frescoes and over 32,000 artifacts 

including one of the earliest depictions of the monogram 

of Christ found to date. 

visit in this fourth largest city in the Balkans, with a glimpse 

into its Roman and Medieval past at Kalemeggdan Fortress. 

Built above the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, 

the Fortress stands in silent testimony to a people’s strength 

of will. After seeing the confluence, you will understand 

better what it must have meant for the people of the city to 

have to constantly try to repel invaders. After seeing the fortress, 

we will continue our tour and return to the city where 

we pass Republic Square and the eclectic architecture of the 

National Museum, Parliament House, Republic Square, Town 

Hall, and the Dom Kathedral. To contrast Belgrade’s distant 

past with its more recent history, we also drive through the 


There wasn’t a Roman emperor who did not pass through 

Upscale Living Quarters, where high-ranking Communist 

Viminacium or spend some time there. Among visits by 

leaders once lived, as well as view the Communist housing 

Roman emperors, mention should certainly be made of 

projects for the citizens of Belgrade, starkly staring at us for- 

Hadrian’s residency when hunts were organized for him at 

lornly from across the Danube. We’ll cap things off by pass- 

Viminacium on two occasions; the Emperor Septimus Severus 

ing Tito’s Memorial and then we’ll take a closer look at the 

visited twice; later on other emperors stayed there: Gordian 

city with a visit to St. Sava Cathedral. Built on the location 

III, Phillip the Arab, Trebonius Gallus, Hostilian, Diocletian, 

where it is believed that St. Sava’s remains were burned by 

Constantine The Great, Constans I and Julian. Gratian was 

the Turk Siman Pasha in 1595, St. Sava Cathedral is the larg- 

the last emperor known to have visited Viminacium. 

est active Orthodox temple in the world. Its dome can be 

During your exploration of the site—an exclusive for 

Uniworld guests—you’ll be guided by one 

of the local archeologist, who will share insights about 

the exciting treasures that have been unearthed during 

the ongoing excavations. 

Day 10: Belgrade 

B, L, D 

Included Tour: Belgrade City Tour 

seen throughout the city. St. Sava is revered as being the most 

important saint in the Serbian Orthodox church. And now, 

having seen the city and learned about its complex history, 

we’re going to the Hotel Majestic for some refreshments. 

You’ll then have a chance to explore Belgrade’s main shopping 

boulevard, Mihajlova Street, before returning to the ship. 

Note: We will be running shuttles back and forth to the ship for 

people who choose to stay in town. 

Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe, located at the 

confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. It started out as a 

Celtic settlement. But the rivers continuously brought invading 

tribes and warriors from just about everywhere: the 

Huns, the Sarmatians, the Ostrogoths, the Avars, and the 

Slavs, the Romans, the Ottoman Turks, and the Communists. 


uniworld.com | 55

Day 11: Vukovar (Osijek) 


Osijek with Home-Hosted Lunch 

B, L, D 

the beautiful city lights at night on your own or join us on 

our irresistible optional tour, Budapest by Night, after dinner 

on board. 


You’ll arrive in Vukovar in the morning. Our day in 

Croatia starts in Vukovar with the scars of the recent wars 

still visible. We journey by bus to Osijek, the largest city in 

eastern Croatia. Located on the Drava River, this is the 

cultural center of Slavonia. Today’s special program features 

a chance to get to know your hosts and experience a typical 

day in Croatia. We begin our visit with a walking tour of the 

oldest section of Osijek, Trvdja. Modeled after the fortified 

towns of Holland, Osijek’s Old Town appears as a haunting 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Budapest by Night 

Our tour takes us up Gellert Hill. Budapest at night is 

touched by magic. Its imperial buildings are gently illuminated 

by thousands of lights. Tonight is a celebration of a glorious 

past. And a great future. Drink in the glittering view from 

high above this sophisticated city as you sip on a famous 

Hungarian Tokay wine, sample traditional hors d’oeuvres, 

and become captivated by the local gypsy band that 

serenades you. 


reminder of Croatia’s mighty past. Your walk takes you past 

the Holy Trinity Square and streets whose names aptly 

describe the nature of the buildings such as High School 

Street, Provision Street, and Faculty Street. Leaving Trvdja, 

we reboard the bus and find a scenic overlook of the town 

to take pictures before we travel to some villages just outside 

Osijek, where we will have lunch hosted by local Croatians. 

They will let us enter their lives and homes and teach us 

about their culture with the help of interpreters. We will eat 

traditional Croatian food with local beer and wine, or the 

popular plum brandy. After lunch, we will board the bus and 

make our way back to the ship. 

Day 12: Cruising the Danube 

and Budapest 


Budapest by Night 

B, L, D 

Today we are on the river for most of the day, slowly 

winding our way through Hungary and towards the Queen 

of the Danube: Budapest. A perfect opportunity to catch 

up on those postcards you have been meaning to write or 

Day 13: Budapest 

B, L, D 

Included Tour: Budapest City Tour 


Get a Glimpse of the Famous 

Horsemanship of the Hungarian Cowboy 

You’ll arrive in Budapest in the morning. Budapest is an 

enchanting city with a vibrant mix of East and West, and 

Medieval and modern. Made up of two parts—Buda, the hills, 

and Pest, the flat lands—it is divided by the Danube and is 

an architectural dream. We will board our motorcoaches and 

cross the Danube on the famous early 19th-century Chain 

Bridge that was the first to connect Buda with Pest. Then 

it is time for a short stop at Heroes’ Square and Millennial 

Monument, built to commemorate the conquest of the 

Carpathian Basin by the Magyars. 

After re-boarding the buses, we will continue our panoramic 

drive and marvel at the Great Synagogue, a reminder of a 

once-flourishing Jewish Community; the Hungarian National 

Museum; the Hungarian State Opera House; St. Stephen’s 

Basilica, and the stunning Parliament Building, with its 12 

to converse with new friends over a drink up on deck. Be 

miles of interior staircases and 223 exterior statues. 

sure to come up on deck though as the ship makes its 

grand entry into Budapest and be amazed! 

Next, we will cross Margaret Bridge and then drive up to 

Castle Hill, where we begin our walk through what has been 

Upon arrival in Budapest in the evening, you can explore 

called the heart of the nation. Once the site of more than 

170 buildings—many of which date back to the 13th and 14th 


uniworld.com | 57

centuries—the Castle Hill district is now designated 

a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will go inside the 

Note: Order of sites visited on tour may change from time to time 

for operational considerations. 

magnificent St. Matyas (Matthias) Church. Originally called 

the Church of Our Lady, it was renamed after King Matyas. 

Note: Inside visits of Matthias Church may not be possible on some 

week-ends and Catholic Holidays. 


Notice the eclectic blend of architectural styles and influences 

on display. Admire the amazing array of decorations on the 

pillars, walls and ceilings. Outside the church is a statue in 

honor of St. Stephen, the founder of Hungary. 

We now continue our walk around Castle Hill, winding 

our way up to the fairytale inspired turrets and ramparts of 

the Fisherman’s Bastion. Built in the 19th century in honor 

Day 14: Bratislava 


Bratislava City Tour 

B, L 

Bratislava, the Slovak capital, straddling both banks of 

the mighty Danube, is a melting pot of cultures—an 

absolute fondue of diversity. You’ll arrive in Bratislava 

in the afternoon. A tour through Bratislava will acquaint 


of the fishermen who defended Buda from the Turks during 

you with a sampling of the town’s eclectic architecture of 

the Middle Ages, it offers a glorious panoramic view of the 

Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco styles. We’ll begin our tour 

city and the Danube below. Enjoy the vista. Remember the 

with a panoramic drive through Bratislava. We will first 

moment. We’ll view Vaci Utca, where the well-heeled do their 

encounter the seat of the Slovakian government—housed 

shopping and dining, and Market Hall, with its stalls of fresh 

in a restored 17th-century palatial summer residence of a 

vegetables and meats before we conclude our tour and return 

former Archbishop of Esztergom. We then move toward 

to the ship for lunch. After lunch, you can choose to go back 

the squares that neatly bisect the Old Town: Freedom Square, 

out and explore the town on your own. 

start of the Velvet Revolution; Peace Square, with its echoes 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Half day Puszta with Horse Show 

If you’d like to see more of the Hungarian countryside, 

of the former communist regime, and the neo-classical 

Grassalkovich Palais, home of the President of Slovakia. 

enjoy the romance of the Hungarian Puszta, and the tales 

of the Magyar, the Gypsies, and the Cossacks, then you 

can’t miss this tour! We depart from the pier and change 

our cityscape for the sweeping landscape of the Hungarian 

Puszta, the grassy plains that stretch along the banks of 

the Danube. Our lessons in Hungarian horsemanship begin 

in Dömönyvölgyi at the Lazar Equestrian Park. The Lazar 

brothers are champion cowboys and after a traditional 

Hungarian welcome, be thrilled and chilled as the horsemen 

of the plains show off their skills and competitive nature. 

Be dazzled by the riding exhibition and cheer for your 

favorites. After the show, enjoy a hay wagon ride or visit 

the petting zoo and the stables where horses are sheltered 

like kings. Our afternoon return to Budapest has us passing 

through Gödöllö, where Empress Sissi, the beloved Empress 

of Austria, had her summer residence. 

Our next stop is Bratislava Castle, where you will enjoy a 

commanding view of the Danube and an amazing panorama 

of three countries: Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria. Locals 

call Bratislava Castle “the upturned table” because it 

resembles a table turned on its end. It was once a Hungarian 

stronghold and fort. Explore the castle yard and imagine the 

defenders as they battled for Slovakia’s independence. Now 

we’re going to get an up close and personal view of the city 

on foot. Starting at Michael’s Gate, built during Medieval 

times to keep out enemies, our walk will continue past 

Mirbach Palace and the Primatial Palace, where Napoleon 

reluctantly signed a peace treaty with Prussia in the 18th 

century. We’ll see where a six-year-old boy named Mozart 

once played the piano. And where you’ll discover how 

Bratislava became the Coronation City of Kings. Then 

enjoy an enlightening 25-minute walk through this city 


uniworld.com | 59

of contrasts with your guides from the Main Square, past 

some more sights. If you want, our guide will take you on 

the Opera House, back to the port. 

an informative walk to Hofburg, taking in Graben moat— 

Or stay in town and explore further. Sample the local 

pastries and coffee in one of the many cozy cafes, and 

peruse the shops and stalls for souvenirs. 

built by the Romans—along the way. Later, we will join our 

guides in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and stroll back to 

our busses for our return to the ship for lunch. 


Tonight we’ve prepared a special Captain’s Farewell 

Dinner for you. 


B, L, D 

Included Tour: Vienna City Tour 


Vienna Concert 

Welcome to Vienna. Today, we’re going to take a tour of the 

city. Our motorcoaches will wait pier-side to take us around 

the stately Ringstrasse, the broad thoroughfare surrounded by 

the many Imperial buildings and monuments that give Vienna 

its wedding cake appearance. We’ll pass by Rathaus (City 

Hall), Parliament, The Hofburg (Imperial Palace), and the State 

Opera, among other sights. Leaving our motorcoaches, we 

start our walking tour of Vienna’s central core, with an inside 

During the evening, we know you’ll want to take advantage 

of our exciting evening optional Vienna Concert excursion. 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Vienna Concert 

While you’re in Vienna, you can never have enough music; 

tonight, consider joining us for an optional night out on 

the town with a visit to one of Vienna’s famous concert halls 

for an evening of Mozart and Strauss. After dinner, take in 

a concert of Viennese music, where you can hear traditional 

Austrian songs, along with the beauty of the orchestral pieces 

for which Vienna is so famous. This musicale forms a perfect 

backdrop for costumed dancers, accomplished in the art 

of the waltz. Your evening is capped by a drive along the 

brightly-lit Ringstrasse before returning to the ship. 

Day 16: Vienna B, L, D 


exploration of St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom). The 

most beloved architectural wonder in all of Vienna, this Gothic 

masterpiece is awe-inspiring. Statues surround its fabled exterior, 

including one depicting the crucifixion of Christ. Inside, 

don’t miss the high altar, which bears a sculpture telling the 

story of the stoning of St. Stephen. Mozart got married here in 

1782. Underneath the church are the catacombs (Katoomba), 

housing the remains of victims of the plague. 

From St. Stephen’s, we will stroll past Figaro House, where 

Mozart once lived; today it’s now a museum. We will continue 

Enjoy another glorious day in Austria’s capital city. The 

whole day is yours to spend as you please. Venture back 

into town to explore some of the museums or maybe you 

are still hunting for some souvenirs? Today would be the 

perfect opportunity. 

Also today some of your fellow passengers will be leaving 

the ship to return home and some new passengers will be 

joining us. Give them a warm welcome as you meet them 

during the Welcome Briefing tonight. 

on to Deutsch Ordenshaus, another Mozart residence, now 

turned museum, devoted to the composer’s life and time in 

Vienna. Check out the courtyard. With the sounds of Mozart 

resonating in our hearts, we’ve got some free time in the area 

around St. Stephen’s–the very heart of Vienna. This is a great 

opportunity to shop for Austrian crystal, or indulge in a 

mélange (Austrian coffee) with friends. And perhaps visit 


uniworld.com | 61



B, L, D 

Included Tour: Schönbrunn Palace 

From former hunting lodge to stunning palace rivaling 

Versailles, Schönbrunn Palace is a must see on any visit 

to Austria. This summer Habsburg residence was merely a 

work in progress until the reign of the 23-year-old Empress 

Maria Theresa began in 1740. Under her guidance, the palace 

was the center of Austria’s political and social scene. Today, 

this stunning palatial monument delights the eyes with its 

ornate architecture, extravagant gardens, and glorious 18thand 

19th-century interiors. One could spend days here. Our 

visit will concentrate on the Imperial rooms and the era of 

Franz Joseph and his beloved Empress Sissi, whose popularity 

throughout Europe through the Gilded Age was unmatched 

by any before her. 

the Danube. The beautiful complex is a wonderful example 

of Baroque art and architecture. The views from its terrace 

are spectacular. Arrive in Melk, a town with a long-storied 

past. The Romans were here. As were the Babenbergs. The 

Babenberg castle was eventually donated to Benedictine 

Monks, who then converted it into a fortified abbey. Our 

transportation will be waiting pier-side after lunch, ready 

to take us to Melk, where we will meet up with our guide. 

During our hour-long walk through the abbey complex, 

our guide will bring the history around us to life as we 

encounter one fresco after another. Now, you’re on your 

own to visit the garden. Buy some souvenirs. Take more 

pictures. You’ll have some time to explore on your own 

after the tour, or you can return to the ship with the coach. 

The ship sets sail to Passau in the late afternoon. 


Day 18: Cruising the Wachau Valley 

and Melk 


Melk Abbey 

B, L, D 

On our way to Melk, we have something special in store 

for you: Make your way to the lounge or come up on deck 

and marvel at the scenery of the Wachau Valley as we are 

cruising this morning. The Wachau is the 30km stretch of 

the Danube where it cuts a rocky gorge between the foothills 

of the Bohemian Forest and the Dunkelsteiner Wald on its 

course between Dürnstein and Melk. This beautiful region, 

with steep-sided, densely-wooded southern slopes and a 

mixture of crags and south-facing vineyards on the north 

side of the river, was recently declared a World Heritage 

landscape by UNESCO. Dotted along the banks are a series 

of historical small towns and wine-making communities. 

Some of Austria’s finest white wines, especially the famed 

Riesling are produced here, from grapes ripened on terraces 

clinging to the rocky slopes. 

We’ll arrive in Melk in the afternoon. Melk is home to the 

900-year-old abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of 

Day 19: Passau 

B, L, D 

Included Tour: Passau Walking Tour 

and St. Stephan’s Organ Concert 


Bavarian Village Museum 

We’ll arrive in Passau in the morning. Passau boasts a 

delightful layer of Italian style on quintessential German 

foundations. Located at the confluence of three rivers— 

the Danube, Inn and Ilz—Passau is well known for its 

ornate Baroque cathedral. It is also well preserved, having 

been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during World War 

II. But before any of that, long ago, it was a Roman colony 

in the Roman province of Noricum, called Batavis, named 

after an ancient Germanic tribe. It has since been renamed 

Passau. Our guides will be waiting for us as we disembark. 

We will walk through narrow Medieval alleyways on our 

way to the Italian-made St. Stephan’s Cathedral. When the 

town burned to the ground in 1662 and again in 1680, 

reconstruction involved a lot of Italian artists, giving Passau 

a lot of Baroque, Rococo, and Neo-Classical touches. After 

we see the Cathedral, we’ll check out the Rococo stairways 

of the New Residence. We’ll walk along the Inn River to the 


uniworld.com | 63


confluence of the three rivers. Then it’s on to the Town Hall 

and its magnificent atrium, which boasts a number of very 

large paintings by the German painter Ferdinand Wagner. 

Go back to the Cathedral again, but this time we’re going 

to hear an organ concert. Or, in this case, a concert played 

on Europe’s largest pipe organ. So sit back, relax, and let 

the hauntingly beautiful sounds envelop you from every 

direction. After the concert, the afternoon is yours to do 

as you please. Definitely worth a visit is the outstanding 

glass museum on the promenade. Ask your Cruise Manager 

for directions. 

Note: Organ Concert is only available May 1 to Oct 31, 

excluding Sundays. 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Bavarian Village Museum 

Instead of trying to find something to occupy your time 

with in the afternoon, perhaps, you would like to join us 

in an optional tour through the Bavarian Forest to Tittling 

and the Bavarian Village Museum. We cross the Danube, 

and travel through the region that inspired Wagner’s Ring 

of the Nibelungen, along the Golden Trail, in which traders 

in salt and glass plied their trade centuries ago. We then 

arrive at Tittling’s Museumsdorf Bayerischer Wald, the 

largest European farmhouse village, built in the architectural 

tradition spanning the 15th through 19th centuries. We’ll 

see authentic farmhouses, mills, chapels, furniture, and 

tools, and we’ll learn about the daily life as we take a onehour 

guided tour through the village. And we’ll also visit 

a 19th-century bowling alley! See if you can roll a strike 

without modern amenities. And then cap off the tour by 

stopping an authentic 19th-century Wirtshaus, for a 

Day 20: Regensburg B, L, D 

Included Tour: Old Town Walking Tour 

Arrive in Regensburg in the afternoon. An unspoiled gem, 

Regensburg is a friendly town with quaint cobblestone 

streets, Medieval alleys and historic Roman remnants. It 

was the one-time capital of Bavaria; although Regensburg 

is better known for its Golden Age. Thanks to the building 

of Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), a Medieval bridge 

spanning the Danube built in the 12th century, Regensburg 

became an international trading hub. This bridge, which 

is 1,014 feet long, is an architectural wonder for its day. 

Our guides will meet us pier-side and show us the highlights 

of the town, explaining all we see and pass. We will see 

the exterior of Cathedral of St. Peter. Built on the site of a 

former Roman military camp, this cathedral, designed by 

the architect Ludwig, is modeled on French architecture. 

Be sure and check out the church’s magnificent stained 

glass windows dating from the 14th century. After seeing 

the cathedral, we’ll see the Gothic structure of Town Hall, 

where the first parliament of the Holy Roman Empire sat 

from 1663 to 1806. Then we’ll wind our way through 

narrow alleys to the Stone Bridge. Besides making Regensburg 

a center of trade, it’s also great for picture taking, offering a 

panoramic view of the town. The tour ends back at the ship, 

after which you will have leisure time. You may want to 

pay a visit to one of the oldest restaurants in Germany–die 

Historische Wurstküche (translates literally to historic sausage 

kitchen). At 900 years old, it’s probably the world’s oldest 

hot dog stand. 


“brotzeit,” a typical Bavarian snack with different cold cuts, 

mustard and the delicious dark rye bread. Afterwards, we’ll 

return to Passau along the scenic Ilz and return to the ship. 

Depart Passau in the evening. 


uniworld.com | 65

Day 21: Nuremberg B, L, D 

Included Tour: Nuremberg City Tour 

This morning prepare for the exciting transit through the 

most impressive section of one of the modern marvels of our 

age–the Main-Danube Canal that our ship entered during 

back to the ship which is now conveniently docked in 

Nuremberg. Our guides will make some welcome recommendations 

about shopping, the best place to try those 

famous sausages or to buy lebkuchen. 

Depart Nuremberg in the evening. 


the night. This is the formidable piece of engineering that 

allows ships of all shapes and sizes to readily transit this 

region from Amsterdam to the shores of the Black Sea. 

Just after lunch we will arrive in Roth, which will be our 

jumping off point for our tour of Nuremberg, an archetypal 

German Medieval city enriched by defensive walls and redroofed 

buildings. Located on the Pegnitz River, Nuremberg 

is the second largest city in Bavaria and home to worldrenowned 

gingerbread, called lebkuchen, and tiny, piquant 

sausages. Nuremberg enjoyed its status as a free town of the 

Holy Roman Empire beginning in 1219 and, like many such 

cities, prospered greatly. So much so that during the days 

before, during, and after the Renaissance, Nuremberg 

attracted a number of artists and intellectuals, making it one 

of the cultural centers of Europe. More recently it played 

host to darker history. No visit to Nuremberg can be made 

without first confronting the city’s 20th-century history. 

Nuremberg was the reluctant regional headquarters of the 

Nazis. It is here that filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl immortalized 

Hitler at the height of his popularity, during his famous 

parades and rallies. The images evoked by the silent remains 

of the parade grounds are still chilling to see. And, at the 

conclusion of the Second World War, in Courtroom 600 of 

the Nuremberg Palace, the Nuremberg Trials took place. We 

visit both of these haunting reminders of a very dark time in 

history before continuing to the Medieval heart of the city 

and the fortress walls that protected the city center from 

Medieval intruders. Leaving our coaches, we walk through 

the heart of the Old Town, just as people did for centuries, 

to gather around Beautiful Fountain, located in the middle 

Note: Room 600 is still a working courtroom and therefore inside 

visits cannot be guaranteed. 

Day 22: Bamberg B, L, D 

Included Tour: Bamberg Walking Tour 

Arrive Bamberg in the morning. Bamberg, called a Medieval 

treasure by UNESCO, is located on the Regnitz River near 

its confluence with the Main. Like Rome, the city is built on 

seven hills, and here, a church tops each hill. The town has a 

rich Roman Catholic history, since at one point in its history, 

Bamberg was the center of the Holy Roman Empire in the 

region. Bamberg is also famous for witch hunting. After a 

brief motorcoach transfer to the center of town, we will meet 

our local guides and make our way first to Klein Venedig 

(Little Venice), a fisherman’s colony that dates back to the 

19th century. Making our way to the town center, we’ll stop 

first at the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), located in the 

middle of the Regnitz River and accessible by two bridges. 

Next, we’ll venture through Medieval alleyways into Old 

Town to the Dom Bamberg Cathedral. The cathedral was 

completed in 1237 and houses the tombs of Emperor Henry 

II and Pope Clement II. We’ll visit Cathedral Square and the 

Neue Residenz, with its lovely rose garden, and where the 

17th-century bishopric was housed. We’ll continue on to the 

antique dealers’ quarters, where you may just find some 

Medieval treasures of your own. After the tour, ask your 

local guides for some recommendations on where to shop, 

sample the local specialty “Rauchbier” (smoke beer), or 

simply people watch. 

Our ship sets sail for Würzburg in the afternoon. 


of the large Market Square. And while our tour is at an end, 

you still have time to explore before your bus will take you 


uniworld.com | 67

Day 23: Würzburg 

B, L, D 

Franziskanerkirche. This Gothic church has a famous 


Würzburg Residenz and Wine Tasting 

altarpiece depicting the stigmatization of St. Francis. It’s 

an early work of the artist Tilman Riemenschneider, one 


Half-day Tour of Rothenburg 

of the greatest sculptors of the Middle Ages, active in 

Würzburg from 1483. He was one of the most prolific and 


Arrive in Würzburg in the morning. Today, you’ll visit 

Würzburg Residence Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage 

Site, and one of Germany’s greatest architectural treasures. 

This magnificent Baroque palace—one of the largest and 

most beautiful in Germany with its magnificent gardens— 

was created under the patronage of the Prince-Bishops 

Lothar Franz and Friedrich Carl von Schönborn. It was built 

versatile of the Medieval sculptors, a master in stone and 

lime wood. You have some time for shopping. There are 

plenty of handmade crafts and souvenirs, as well as—though 

it might seem a bit premature—Christmas gifts! That’s right. 

Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum and Store is here. Or, 

view the vast collection of instruments of torture and 

punishment kept in the Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum. 


and decorated in the 18th century by an international team 

of architects, painters (including Tiepolo), sculptors and 

stucco-workers, led by Balthasar Neumann. Our visit here 

really gives us a sense of the history of this region through 

Now we’ll depart Market Square and return to the bus for 

the trip back to the ship. 

Depart Würzburg in the evening. 

the great Renaissance and the Golden Age of Europe. An 

added treat is a wine tasting in the cellar of the Residenz, 

featuring local wines. A place that once hosted some of the 

Day 24: Miltenberg B, L, D 

Included Tour: Miltenberg Walking Tour 

most important personages of Europe, including Napoleon, 

Marvel at the scenery of the Main River this morning and 

now hosts us. Then we’ll head back to the ship, where you’ll 

as we continue our three river exploration–en route to 

have a chance to join us on our remarkable optional tour 

historic Miltenberg. 

after lunch onboard. 

There’s much to see along both sides of this twisty river. So 

Note: Please note that taking photos or videos as well as carrying 

backpacks are not permitted inside the Würzburg Residenz. 

don’t miss a minute of our transit as we travel through locks, 

under bridges, and through historic towns as we make our 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Half-day tour of Rothenburg 

down the Main River. 

Located on the Tauber River, a visit to Rothenburg is like 

taking a trip back in time to the Middle Ages. Not much 

has changed in the last six hundred years. The city walls 

still stand, protecting the charming core of Gothic churches 

and gabled houses from intruders. 

Arrive Miltenberg in the afternoon. Miltenberg is a 

quintessentially charming Medieval village with a wellpreserved 

old town of half-timbered houses and a lofty 

perch above the Main River. The town is protected—or 

used to be—by two gates: Würzburger Tor to the east, 

Once we arrive in Rothenburg, we’ll walk to Market Square 

facing Würzburg, and Mainzer Tor to the west, facing 

for a guided tour of this Medieval gem. See the Rathaus, 

Mainz. We’ll meet our guides and pass Main Castle on 

which has touches of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque 

the way into Old Town and New Square (Engelsplatz). 

architecture. There’s one timber-framed house after another 

From there, we’ll see the famous Royal Inn, which has 

lining the narrow streets, which themselves hide tiny squares, 

been a working hotel since the 16th century. We’ll also 

each with its own fountain. We’re walking towards the 

see the Crooked House, and fairytale-inspiring 14th-century 


uniworld.com | 69

half-timbered houses. We’ll wind up our tour at Old Square 

Day 26: Rüdesheim 

B, L, D 

(Schnatterloch) where you will have the opportunity to 

explore and find that perfect souvenir or that delicious 


Gondola Ride to Niederwald Monument 


glass of wine. 

Day 25: Aschaffenburg B, L, D 

Included Tour: Renaissance Castle Johannisburg 

Aschaffenburg is an impressive 1000-year old town. 

King Ludwig I called it his “Bavarian Nice” due to its 

Mediterranean flair. We’ll guide you to the 17th-century 

Johannisburg Castle with art treasures and Pompeiianum– 

a Roman villa rebuilt on plans discovered in Pompeii. 

The castle was home to the archbishops of Mainz and 

was later destroyed in the Markgräfler War in 1552. Under 

the archbishop Johann Schweikart von Kronberg the castle 

was completely rebuilt from 1605-1614; only the Medieval 

stronghold was integrated in the new, late Renaissance castle. 

Although there were some alterations done in the Classical 

era, and despite severe damage in World War II, it still 

remains the best example of a pure late Renaissance castle in 

Germany. The State Gallery contains the former collection of 

the archbishops of Mainz, including the great collection of 

paintings by Lucas Cranach. The city museums include an 

exhibition to the local history of Aschaffenburg and a vast 

collection of excellent faience, stoneware, porcelain, of tin 

ware, glass and furniture. You can also find an important 

collection of classical modern paintings, like those of Ernst 

Ludwig Kirchner and Christian Schad. In the castle you will 

also find the state “Court Library,” the former library of 

the archbishops of Mainz and the Convent St. Peter and 

Alexander in Aschaffenburg, with the most precious illuminated 

handwritings. The castle’s chapel includes an extraordinary 

altar of alabaster, created by Hans Juncker between 

1609-1614. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden, 

with decorative buildings and the Pompeiianum, a reconstruction 

of a Roman house from Pompeii, built under the 

Bavarian king Ludwig I in the early 19th century. 


Rüdesheim Dinner 

Arrive Rüdesheim in the afternoon. Rüdesheim has a long 

history going back to Roman times, as do most coastal cities 

along the Rhine. The town is famous for, among other 

things, its long avenue of shops and wine bars, the Drosselgasse, 

and also the impressive Niederwald Monument 

commemorating the unification of Germany. Today, we’re 

going to help give you an “uplifting” perspective on the town 

and the entire Rheingau wine-growing region as we take a 

gondola trip up to the top of Niederwald Heights. We start 

our tour with a wonderfully quaint ride on the local “minitrain” 

to the cable car station. Your adventure begins the 

moment you embark your gondola. The very scenic vistas 

that play out before you are well worth the ride. And anything 

you miss going up, you’ll have a chance to catch 

coming down. Once at the top you will be stunned at the 

fairytale vistas that confront you on all sides, including 

Rüdesheim, the vineyards of the Rheingau and the Niederwald 

Monument. Perched at the top of Niederwald Heights, 

the monument can be seen by all who pass this section of 

the Rhine Valley. It was built to celebrate the reunification 

of the Kingdom of Germania in 1877. 

Note: The gondola to the Niederwald Heights is covered, but not 

heated. Cars are open on the sides and it is recommended that you 

dress warmly. 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Rüdesheim Dinner 

Take advantage of your night here in town. This is an 

excellent option for those who want a better understanding 

and appreciation of local cuisine as well as those who 

just want a fun night out on the town. Back onboard the 

mini-train we go to Rüdesheim’s most famous street, the 

Drosselgasse, where we will have a traditional four-course 

meal at Rüdesheimer Schloss Restaurant. Enjoy full-bodied 


Note: Castle closed on Mondays. 

wines with your meal as you’re being serenaded by the 


uniworld.com | 71

estaurant’s band, which will play an assortment of 

and narrow ancient alleys and bustling squares lined with 

traditional German songs and some not-so-traditional 

cafes, fountains and statues to marvel at and enjoy, all 

international songs. This is your night to kick up your 

serenely enveloped by the lush wooded foothills that 

heels and try some dances with the locals. 

surround the town. 

Alas, it’s time to say farewell to the fairytale village and 

Day 28: Strasbourg 

B, L 


we board the mini-train for the return to the ship. 

Day 27: Speyer 

B, L, D 


Full-day Tour of Heidelberg 

You have the day at leisure to explore this fascinating city 

on your own. However, we strongly recommend you join 

us on our special full day optional tour. 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Heidelberg 

Perfectly nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s 

“Castle Road,” Heidelberg is one of the best preserved 

Medieval cities in Europe. From Speyer, we will take a bus 

from the ship, with a guide who will provide us with an 

introduction to the history of the area, as well as give insight 

into the university system in Germany. Heidelberg University, 

founded in 1386, is the oldest in Germany. 


Strasbourg Canal Cruise 

Welcome to France. You’ll arrive in Strasbourg in the 

morning. Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, 

Strasbourg is known as “The Crossroads of Europe.” It’s 

home to a magnificent, single-spire Gothic cathedral, 

Notre-Dame, and beautiful half-timbered houses. One of 

the best ways to see Strasbourg is from the historic canals. 

Taking a canal cruise is an enlightening and relaxing way 

to get a great overview of this historically important metropolitan 

city. Your water taxi takes you through the canals of 

the city in a comfortable glass-enclosed environment. We will 

pass the Ponts-Couverts, which are covered bridges linked by 

Medieval watchtowers, once used for observation purposes. 

We’ll also see the modern building that houses the European 

Parliament, The Council of Europe, Place d'Étoile, Palais 


We’ll start our tour at the Heidlberg Castle, Mark Twain, on 

the view from Heidelberg Castle in 1878, said, “I have never 

enjoyed a view which had such a serene and satisfying charm 

about it as this one gives.” 

We’ll walk up to the Heidelberg Castle ruins where we will 

tour the castle’s courtyard. Be sure and check out the world’s 

largest wine barrel. Next, we’ll take the bus to downtown 

Heidelberg. As we walk through the Old Town, you’ll see 

Heiliggeistkirche (a 15th-century Gothic church), and the 

Student’s Prison, where students were placed when they did 

something crazy (like drinking at night). After a fantastic 

Rohan and its three glorious museums, as well as the completely 

modern Museum of Modern Art. And, finally, you’ll 

see Petite France. Our boat taxis will drop us off right downtown, 

a short walk from the cathedral, where you can venture 

off and explore this city at your leisure. The Cathedral 

Notre-Dame is not to be missed. Two hundred years in the 

making, it impresses from every angle. Admire the Rose 

Window. Then meander outside for a wonderful view 

of the city. 

We provide a shuttle bus to take you back to the ship for 

lunch and in the afternoon. 

lunch, you’ll have leisure time to explore downtown 

Heidelberg before boarding the bus and returning to the 

ship. Heidelberg has one of the longest pedestrian streets in 

Tonight we’ve prepared a special Captain’s Farewell Dinner 

for you. 

Germany to meander up and down, leisurely checking out 

the shops. There are also plenty of old-world-charm houses 


uniworld.com | 73


Day 29: Basel 

B, L, D 

Included Tour: Basel City Walk 


Half-day Tour of Lucerne 

Wake up in Switzerland this morning. Today, we’re going 

on a walking tour of Switzerland’s second largest city, Basel. 

Long an important university, banking and trade center, 

Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its striking Medieval 

Town Hall. Basel is also home to the modern pharmaceutical 

industry and has more than 30 museums. Our guides will 

take us to Market Square, where every day (except Sunday), 

formed part of the city fortifications. In the 17th century, a 

series of painted panels was hung beneath the eaves. After 

the major fire in 1993, the bridge was reconstructed as a 

faithful reproduction of the original bridge. Downriver, the 

Spreuerbrücke, or Mill Bridge, zigzags across the Reuss. The 

water tower, 90 feet high, has served as an archive, a prison 

and a torture chamber since the 12th century. 

Then on to Old Town’s compact cluster of Medieval 

houses around squares like Mühlenplatz, Weinmarkt, 

and Kornmarkt, forming an ensemble of cobbled, 

fountain squares ringed by colorful patrician houses. 


fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers are on sale. The Marktplatz 

is dominated by the Town Hall (Rathaus), the seat of 

government of the district as well as the city. The Town Hall 

has been located here since the 14th century. The Münster 

Cathedral, with its red sandstone walls, multicolored roof 

tiles and twin towers, is also a dominant structure in the city. 

The crypt, choir, and tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam and 

two cloisters are a testimony to the eventful history of its 

construction over a period of several centuries. 

Because the Swiss have been politically neutral for centuries 

and have long enjoyed a reputation for honoring their 

agreements, a pope, emperor or king could be confident that 

his Swiss Guards wouldn’t turn on him when the political 

winds shifted direction. The Swiss Guards’ honor was put to 

the test in 1792, when—after trying to escape the French 

Revolution—King Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette, and their 

children were hauled back to the Tuileries Palace in Paris. A 

mob of working-class Parisians stormed the palace in search 

Immerse yourself in the Old Town streets, still the proud 

heart of the city, and find great treats such as the local 

gingerbread enjoyed year round or some exquisite Christmas 

ornaments at famous Wanner store. You may stay in town 

or come back with us for lunch on the ship. This afternoon, 

join us on our remarkable optional tour to Lucerne. 

Irresistible Optional Tour: Lucerne 

of aristocratic blood. More than 700 Swiss officers and 

soldiers died while defending the palace, without knowing 

that their royal employers had already left. In the early 

1800s, the Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen was hired to 

sculpt a monument to the fallen Swiss Guards. The sculpture 

was carved in a sandstone cliff above the city and dedicated 

in 1821. 

Our coaches pick us up pier-side for a scenic drive to 

Lucerne. Because of its picture-perfect location right on Lake 

Lucerne, and the surrounding grand mountains (like Mount 

Titlis at 3000 meters high or the impressive Mount Pilatus), 

After our tour, you will have free time in Old Town to shop, 

explore and enjoy this Swiss gem of a city. 

Day 30: Depart Basel 

Lucerne is considered to be the “Switzerland in Switzerland.” 

Disembark the ship. If your cruise/tour package includes 

Getting off the coach, a famous landmark greets us and we 

will walk right onto it. At the point where the River Reuss 

flows out of Lake Lucerne, the covered wooden walkway of 

the Chapel Bridge was built in the 14th century and originally 

transfers or if you have purchased one of our transfer 

options, you will be transferred to the airport in Basel or 

Zurich for your flight home. You’ll be leaving with a lot 

of memories. It’s time to go home and prepare to do it all 

over again. To plan your next adventure with Uniworld. 


uniworld.com | 75

Tour and 

General Information 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What about the weather? 

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions depending on 

your travel season and the river you will be cruising on. 

Layering clothing items is always your best bet as this 

allows each person to adjust to any temperature, including 

artificially created ones, by removing or adding items 

throughout the day. 

How accurate are the tour descriptions? 

Uniworld does everything possible to ensure that a shore tour 

is performed as promoted, and as outlined in the previous 

pages. In certain circumstances and for reasons beyond the 

control of Uniworld, it may not be possible or practical for 

the tour to be performed exactly as written. The decision not 

to operate, to alter the operation, change content and/or 

otherwise adjust or modify any element of the tour as 

advertised is at the sole discretion of Uniworld, always taking 

into account the safety, best interests of the guests, and the 

intent of the overall product delivery. Any such modifications 

to tours will not result in eligibility for a refund. 

Can the itinerary change? 

What happens if it does change? 


What should I wear ashore? 

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate 

both onshore and onboard. Basic pants, khakis, walking 

shorts, and everyday skirts/dresses are recommended. For 

warmer temperatures and summer departures, we suggest 

lightweight clothing that can be layered such as a mix of 

sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, pants, and walking shorts. 

For early Spring and late Fall departures, you’ll find 

sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved 

shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants perfectly 

suitable. Mix and match color schemes work best to help 

keep luggage light. You will find a significant amount of 

walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We 

recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle 

support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. Don’t 

forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof, jacket (preferably 

hooded) or even a heavier weight windbreaker for those 

colder temperatures. 

You can count on the value of Uniworld’s experience and 

regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your tour even 

when conditions beyond our control occur. The very nature 

of a river, its sources, and networks of bridges and locks, 

means that there will be times when weather or other 

conditions in a region require Uniworld to make adjustments 

and modifications to the operation of an itinerary. Although 

every effort is made to keep itineraries as advertised, Uniworld 

reserves the right to make changes and substitutions as may 

be necessary to ensure the safety of our guests and the vessels. 

Itineraries may need to be altered specifically because of water 

levels. Every possible effort will be made to alert guests in 

advance of boarding of any known changes. Otherwise, all 

guests will be informed onboard of changes and amendments. 

Any changes to itineraries, including the addition of extensive 

motorcoach touring to effect delivery of the intended itinerary 

operation, will not result in eligibility for a refund. 

What time will the tours depart? 


I have concerns about my physical ability. 

What do I do? 

Guests with mobility concerns need to discuss their concerns 

with Uniworld staff in advance of their departure. The 

nature of the Uniworld shore programs is such that guests 

requiring use of a mobility device such as a wheelchair, 

motorized scooter, or walker will not be able to participate 

in any tours. Guests who may be limited in ability to walk 

long distances will also have difficulties. Access to most sites 

for guests with physical limitations will be restricted. 

All tours are carefully coordinated to the ship’s daily 

schedule. Just prior to dinner each evening, or perhaps 

earlier, your Cruise Manager will brief all guests about 

what activities will take place the next day. This briefing 

includes information about tour departure times, specifics 

about the tour not covered in this booklet, suggested 

shopping, restaurant recommendations, and other 

important information about the port of call. In addition 

to the briefing, a daily program will be distributed to 

each guest’s stateroom every evening. This program 

provides a written diary of all events taking place the 

next day – whether onboard or ashore. 


uniworld.com | 77


How can I book the optional tours 

listed in the booklet? 

Reservations and payment for the optional tours on your 

cruise can be made directly with your Cruise Manager 

onboard the ship. A briefing will be held the day prior to go 

over any information you may need to make an informed 

purchase decision. No refunds are available for any tour 

cancelled within 24 hours of departure or pre-purchased. 

Does each coach or walking group 

have its own tour guide? 

Yes. Each coach or walking group has its own Englishspeaking 

tour guide. Uniworld tries very hard to ensure the 

quality of our guides are of the highest standard, well-versed 

in his or her subject, and most of all, caring and concerned 

that you have the best possible time ashore. 

What about tipping on tour? 

Gratuities are always to be according to each guest’s personal 

satisfaction. And Uniworld endeavors to work with the best 

local guides available. Please refer to the “Gratuities” section 

of this book for specific recommendations and guidelines. 

What is the transportation like on the tours? 

Uniworld works with some of the world’s best tour 

companies, all of whom are chosen with exact standards in 

mind. To ensure your maximum enjoyment of each tour, all 

coaches are 45-50 seaters, and air-conditioned wherever and 

whenever available. There are a few destinations, however, 

where the equipment may not be of a similar standard and 

in such cases, the best possible transportation will be 

arranged. Rest stops are provided throughout the course of 

the tour as most coaches used for excursions will not have 

onboard lavatories. 

Is smoking allowed on tours? 

Smoking is not allowed while on the coach, and 

many historical venues now request visitors to not smoke 

anywhere on site. For the comfort of all guests, we ask all 

our guests who smoke not to do so while on tour. 

Responsibility and Waiver: 

The Passenger accepts the terms and conditions of the 

Passenger Ticket Contract when participating in any 

organized tour that is provided by Uniworld. Participation in 

some tours may also be subject to an independent operator’s 

own Terms and Conditions. 

Notes 


uniworld.com | 79

Notes 

Notes 


uniworld.com | 81

Our Destinations... 

Rhine, Moselle, Danube, and Main Grand River Cruises 

Sail along Europe’s historic waterways and rivers, and dock in the heart of 

the quaintest villages and grandest cities. 

Spend 8 to 26 days onboard the most luxurious Grand River Cruise ships 

in Europe with outside staterooms, all transfers, all meals and entertainment 

onboard, and exciting shore excursions included. 

France Grand River Cruises 

From the beaches of Normandy all the way to the Mediterranean Sea and to 

Paris, the heart of France, you’ll discover “joie de vivre”is not just a phrase, 

but a way of life. 

Spend 8 to 15 days onboard the most luxurious Grand River Cruise ships 

with outside staterooms, all transfers, all meals and entertainment onboard, 

and exciting shore excursions included. 

Portugal & Spain Grand River Cruises 

Take a journey along the Douro River, one of Europe’s most unspoiled 

rivers, with its fertile slopes of vineyards, and tiny white villages clinging to 

the hillsides. 

Enjoy 2 nights in Lisbon with breakfast, and 7 nights onboard the Douro 

Queen with outside staterooms, all transfers, all meals and entertainment 

onboard, and exciting shore excursions included. 

Egypt Grand River Cruises & Tours 

Explore the unique antiquities and treasures that define Egypt. 

Spend 12 or 13 days enjoying the glories of the world’s oldest civilization. 

Roundtrip airfare, all transfers, deluxe hotel in Cairo with breakfast, all 

meals and entertainment onboard, and exclusive tours included. 

Russia Grand River Cruises 

Discover the soul of Russia along the shores of the Volga River, and as you 

do, uncover the rich history and culture of this amazing land. 

Spend 13 to 16 days onboard the Litvinov with outside staterooms, all transfers, 

all meals and entertainment onboard, and exciting shore excursions included. 

China Grand River Cruises & Tours 

Uncover a world of magnificent landscapes, ancient history, manmade wonders, 

enduring culture and friendly faces. 

Roundtrip airfare, all transfers, deluxe hotels, outside stateroom onboard a 

Victoria Cruise ship, exclusive tours, all meals, entertainment and domestic 

flights within China are all included. 

Holiday Season Grand River Cruises 

Sprinkle a little magic in your holidays with a Grand River Cruise along 

the Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Danube Rivers. Uncover Europe’s holiday 

traditions and enduring Christmas Markets. 

Enjoy 7-night cruises onboard a Grand River Cruise ship with outside 

staterooms, all transfers, all meals and entertainment onboard, and exciting 

shore excursions included. 

For more information or to receive a free brochure, see your 

Preferred Travel Professional. Call Uniworld at 800-733-7820, 

or visit our website at www.uniworld.com 

Reservation Hours 

Monday – Friday 

Saturday 

6:00am – 6:00pm (PST) 

7:00am – 4:00pm (PST)

Grand European Explorer - Uniworld River Cruises

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?