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The scenic heart of Eastern Europe, centred along the shores of one of the world’s greatest rivers, is the theme of this very special itinerary. Our journey begins in Vienna, the heart of Europe and our gateway to the east. After a couple days exploring this fascinating city we embark on the gracious ms AmaCerto and cruise down the Blue Danube through the heart of Eastern Europe, exploring the many wonderful cities that dot its banks and surrounding area. Great cities, historic palaces, picturesque medieval walled towns and some of the most spectacular river scenery in the world, this voyage has it all. Designed with your comfort and pleasure in mind, this journey moves at a leisurely pace. Days are filled with scenic cruising and exciting ports of call, and romantic evenings are filled with fine dining and relaxation. Almost everything is included: most meals, all tips, all taxes, even your shore excursions, leaving you free to enjoy every minute spent in this spectacular corner of Europe. Call today to reserve your places!

Return economy group airfare from Canada to Europe

6 nights hotel accommodation as indicated or similar

7 night cruise on the ms AmaCerto

Transfers between airports, hotels and the ship

Baggage handling shipside and at hotels

All meals during the cruise plus quality European wines, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

Welcome Reception and Dinner on the cruise

Services of your tour escort and / or cruise director

Escorted shore excursions in each port

All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with purchase of group airfare

The ms AmaCerto debuted in Europe in April of 2012. This deluxe 164 passenger vessel incorporates the most advanced design offering spacious staterooms featuring twin balconies (step-out French); a heated swimming pool; multiple fine dining venues plus complimentary Internet access. The interior details compliment the views found along the great rivers of Europe. The AmaCerto consists of four decks. The Sun Deck offers open-air viewing and features a small pool, a lounge area and a walking track. On the Upper Violin Deck, there are 28 cabins and 4 suites, the reception area, a gift shop, a fitness room and small spa and two lounges (the forward one seats 150 persons, has a bar and entertainment area). The Middle Cello Deck has 33 cabins and a spacious single seating dining room, while the Lower Piano Deck features 17 cabins. All cabins are outside with a private bathroom and feature a small sitting area, a writing desk, flat screen TV with movies and internet access, ample wardrobes, individual temperature controls, a safe, telephone, and much more. Cabins have twin beds that convert to one large bed (your choice). Cabins on Piano Deck have a large picture window, while all cabins on Cello and Violin Deck have French Balconies with full height glass doors that open. All cabins in categories BB up through Suites also have an Outside Balcony. Cabin sizes range between 170 to 235 sq ft (the Jr Ste is 350 sq ft). There is a small elevator with access to all decks except Piano and Sun Decks. The ship carries bicycles that are available for guests to use. Smoking is NOT allowed within the ship. The ship operates exclusively with the English language.

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Peles Castle, a formal Royal Residence

Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains, forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania. Today’s breathtaking natural scenery will definitely be a highlight on our Danube voyage. BLD

October 11, Friday Vidin, Bulgaria We travel to Belogradchik to visit this beautifully restored 6th Century castle set in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. We continue to where the Baba Vida Fortress stands guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier. The only remaining 14th Century medieval castle in the country has thick walls and dark towers, which contrasts vividly with its beautiful natural green surroundings. Alternatively you can visit a local home for a culinary experience with traditional yogurt and pastry. BLD

October 12, Saturday Rousse / Veliko Tarnovo Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, where there is Tsarevets Hill, the old fortress walls, Royal Palaces, and Baldwin’s Church. Alternatively visit Rousse, kniown for its 19th and 20th century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then visit the UNESCO-designated Rock hew Churches of Ivanovo. BLD

October 13, Sunday Giurgiu / Brasov, Romania We say goodbye to our floating home this morning as we disembark and journey by coach through the Romanian countryside to Bran. Transylvania is home to Bran Castle which will forever be linked to the legend of Dracula. After a visit to the castle we head to the charming city of Brasov for a tour and to check into our hotel. Hotel Aro Palace (2 nights) BD

October 3, Thursday Depart Canada Tour members from across Canada fly to Vienna.

October 4, Friday Vienna, Austria On arrival in Vienna, we will be met and taken to our hotel to check in and enjoy dinner. InterContinental Vienna (2 nights) D

October 5, Saturday Vienna Meet your local guide and coach at the hotel this morning and depart for a half day city tour. The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems on our tour that showcases its regal splendors. See the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is free to enjoy exploring on your own or relaxing at the hotel or nearby coffee shop. B

October 6, Sunday Vienna / Budapest, Hungary This morning we leave Austria for Hungary and the capital city of Budapest. Visit the UNESCO listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Houses of Parliament and the Chain Bridge. After some free time for lunch we embark our floating home in the centre of the city on the mighty Danube. ms AmaCerto (7 nights) BD

October 7, Monday Mohács / Pécs, Hungary Arrive in Mohacs during breakfast and then depart for our excursion to Pecs, the 2010 European Union Cultural Capital. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis, St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs, and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. Also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Wine connoisseurs will want to visit the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red wine regions in Hungary, established more than two millennium ago. BLD October 8, Tuesday Vukovar, Croatia / Novi Sad, Serbia You will have a choice of excursions this morning. The first is a “Yugoslav Civil War” tour of Vukovar including the Ovcara Memorial, the monumental cross that is a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. Alternatively you may choose to visit the town of Ilok for a wine tasting. Lunch will be served on board as we cruise into Croatia. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad, beginning at Dunavski Park then through the Old Town district. BLD

October 9, Wednesday Belgrade, Serbia This morning awake in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, where we will explore its myriad of streets, plazas and squares. Belgrade has over 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. On our panoramic tour, we will see the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Later we have a choice of three excursion; visit the Royal Palace and then tour the House of Flowers (the first president’s mausoleum); enjoy a taste of Serbian plum brandy and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery; or join a guided bike tour. BLD October 10, Thursday The Iron Gates Today, enjoy a day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian

Visit Bran Castle which will forever be linked to the legend of Dracula

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October 14, Monday Brasov / Sighisoara Sighisoara is the birthplace of Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Tepes, more commonly known as Vlad the Impaler and the basis for the character Dracula. This perfectly preserved UNESCO designated town is filled with pastel-coloured buildings, stone lanes, and medieval towers. B

October 15, Tuesday Bucharest Enroute to Bucharest this morning we shall stop in Sinaia, where we visit Peles Castle, a former Royal Residence, built in the 19th century German Renaissance style, which will enchant us with different furnishings. Hotel Cismigiu (2 nights) B

October 16, Wednesday Bucharest Bucharest, Romania’s capital, has earned its nickname, the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a visit o the city's most impressive sites including the historic city centre and the Palace of Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world. Tonight we dine at a local restaurant and enjoy a folklore show. BD

October 17, Thursday Bucharest / Canada Our journey comes to an end as we transfer to the airport to catch our flights bound for our homes across Canada. B

Cruise / Tour Only (Join Vienna / Leave Bucharest) . $6,595 Toronto ...................................................................... $7,995 Montreal / Ottawa ...................................................... $8,055 Halifax / St. John’s ..................................................... $8,155 Winnipeg / Thunder Bay ............................................ $8,185 Regina / Saskatoon ................................................... $8,295 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver ............................... $8,235 Victoria ....................................................................... $8,295

Rates are per person based on sharing a Cat E Outside Twin on Piano Deck. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carrier are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to Inclusive Features for details.

D Deluxe (Piano - Window) ......................................... $320 C Deluxe (Violin, Cello - French Balcony) .................. $920 BB* Deluxe (Cello) .................................................... $1,320 BA* Deluxe (Violin) .................................................. $1,620 AB* Deluxe (Cello) .................................................... $1,870 AA* Deluxe (Violin) ................................................... $2,120 AA+* Deluxe (Violin) ................................................. $2,670 Suite* Deluxe (Violin) ................................................ $3,470

Stateroom categories are subject to availability at time of booking. See deck plan for full details. Single rates are available on request. Cruise price is based on sharing a stateroom with private bathroom. Prices are based on a minimum 20 members, on rates, taxes and fees effective June 2018 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. This river cruise will be escorted with a minimum of 20 travellers.

Prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of insurance which is available and is highly recommended. Premiums vary with the cost, length of the trip, and the traveller’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date, premiums will range from $314 to $520 pp plus applicable taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will range from $191 to $414 pp plus applicable taxes. Clients 86 years and older and/or clients residing outside Ontario – please contact our staff for procedures. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to the enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Final payment will be due May 28, 2019 Deposit is $800 per person

To reserve your spot on this tour, simply complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

Excursions and land arrangements include extensive walks, often over rough surfaces. Cobblestones used in many European cities makes walking more difficult. Access to some decks and to shore in some ports may involve steep steps. Members should be in good physical condition, able to walk 1 km or more without assistance to enjoy this cruise.

Larry and Lyn Mann love to travel and have visited most continents and cruised to many parts of the world. After 35 years in the teaching profession, Craig Travel offers the perfect match to their skill set and their passion for meeting new people and discovering new places. They were volunteer workers at the Vancouver Olympics, at Whistler, teach skiing in the winter and actively volunteer within their community. They look forward to sharing this river cruise adventure with all who join them!