River Cruise Vacation Deals | Save $1000 per couple on select 2014 Avalon Waterways Mekong Sailings

Book a select 2014 Avalon Waterways Mekong River Cruise to receive $500 off per person on the cruise/land only price. Offer available on select dates of select cruises. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between October 16 and November 19, 2013 for travel at select times in 2014. Applies to new 2014 bookings only and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Not applicable to custom tours. Discount will apply to individual members of groups adding a name and non-refundable per person deposit WITHIN the promo window. Not applicable on TBA space. Offer reliant on space availability at time of booking and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. May be withdrawn at any time.

Availability: Book by-October 16-November 19, 2013 for travel at select times in 2014
 For more information on this River Cruise Vacations Offer
http://www.rivercruisespecialist.com/promo.php?id=54302

If you are thinking about seeing Europe, why not unpack once and cruise into Paris, city of lights, or cruise by breathtaking castles on the Rhine, visit Vienna (known as the 'city of music') or Amsterdam with its' world famous museums.
For river cruise vacation deals- http://www.rivercruisespecialist.com/

River Cruise Vacation Deals | In celebration of National Cruise Vacation Week save $1,300 per couple

Receive $650 off per person on the cruise/land only price of select 2014 Avalon Waterways vacations. Offer available on select dates of select cruises. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between October 16 and November 19, 2013 for travel at select times in 2014. Avalon and Royal Suites excluded. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer, other than Journeys Club Repeat Traveler benefit. Applies to new 2014 bookings only, and offer will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply. May be withdrawn at any time.

Availability: Book by-October 16 and November 19, 2013 for travel at select times in 2014
 For more information on this River Cruise Vacations Offer
http://www.rivercruisespecialist.com/promo.php?id=52505

If you are thinking about seeing Europe, why not unpack once and cruise into Paris, city of lights, or cruise by breathtaking castles on the Rhine, visit Vienna (known as the 'city of music') or Amsterdam with its' world famous museums.
For river cruise vacation deals- http://www.rivercruisespecialist.com/

River Cruise Vacation Offers | Save $1000 per couple | BALKAN DISCOVERY – EASTBOUND

 See the best of Eastern Europe on this exhilarating Balkan adventure. Your cruise vacation begins with two overnights in the lively Hungarian capital of Budapest. Board your ship and head south, enjoying guided sightseeing in each city, including inside visits of Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, the eclectic rock formations of Belogradchik, Patriarch’s Church in Veliko Târnovo, Arbanassi’s Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity, and the National Art Museum in Bucharest. Other highlights: an organ concert in Pécs, passing through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, and visits to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site and Vidin’s medieval fortress. Your journey ends with an overnight in Bucharest, Romania’s vibrant capital and the “Paris of the East.”

Vacation Itinerary

Day Num: 1
Arrive in Budapest, Hungary. Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital spanning the banks of the Danube. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan metropolis.
Day Num: 2
Budapest. Whether you’re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café, Budapest’s unique energy is positively palatable. On your included GUIDED TOUR of the city, the massive hilltop castle complex is a major sight with its remarkable Fishermen’s Bastion and 11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city’s eight bridges—many famous sights in and of themselves—which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, a symbol of Budapest built in 1849. This afternoon is free. Perhaps visit St. Stephen’s Basilica for marvelous city views from its viewing platform, or stroll along Váci utca, the main shopping street. (B)
Day Num: 3
Budapest (Embarkation). This morning you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Shop at the Great Market Hall and purchase paprika or embroidery at one of its 180 vendor stalls, or wander around the Royal Palace grounds. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D)
Day Num: 4
Mohács. Excursion to Pécs. This morning, enjoy some leisurely cruising before arriving in Mohács, the last stop in Hungary. After lunch, an included excursion takes you to Pécs. Established by the Romans in the 2nd century, this was a flourishing and important town for Christianity by the 4th century. These early Christians left behind many underground burial chambers with memorial chapels above ground. With a Local Guide, visit the UNDERGROUND TOMBS—now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site—many of which have splendidly decorated murals with Christian themes. Later, enjoy an ORGAN CONCERT. Pécs is also a rich showcase of Turkish architecture and home to Turkish mosques, striking churches, and an enjoyable atmosphere around its restaurants and cafés. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 5
Belgrade, Serbia. Before arriving in Belgrade this afternoon, attend a fascinating ONBOARD LECTURE on the Balkans to better help you understand this region of Europe. One of the oldest cities in Europe, the capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A Local Guide will be proud to show you its main sights, including St. Sava, the world’s largest orthodox church. Also visit the city’s principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS, which showcases the history of Belgrade. Built in stages between the 1st and 18th centuries, the fortress witnessed many battles and observed the courage of those trying to defend the city from conquerors. The surrounding park is the most beautiful and largest park in Belgrade. In your free time, be sure to check out the city’s lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 6
Excursion to Lepenski Vir–Iron Gates. After breakfast, dock at Donji Milanovac, where a short drive takes you to the impressive LEPENSKI VIR EXHIBITION CENTER, which houses area archaeological artifacts and from where you have unique views of the Danube Gorge. Return to your ship before lunch, then cruise what must surely be the most spectacular scenery of the dramatic IRON GATES gorge, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 7
Vidin, Bulgaria. Excursion to Belogradchik. Vidin is an important Danube port in northwestern Bulgaria. Its medieval FORTRESS, known as “Baba Vidin,” is the town’s primary landmark. It served as Vidin’s main defensive installation during the course of the Middle Ages and is the only entirely preserved medieval fortress in the country. It is now a fortress museum and has been restored to its former appearance. In the afternoon, drive to nearby Belogradchik to view the eclectic group of ROCK FORMATIONS on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Sculpted by natural elements for more than 200 million years and with a variety of sizes and shapes, the Belogradchik Rocks are spectacular! (B,L,D)
Day Num: 8
Svistov–Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi–Rousse. A comfortable ride from the river port of Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. One of the oldest towns in Bulgaria (dating back to 4300 BC), the oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces, and the PATRIARCH’S CHURCH. With your Local Guide, discover this town that played an important role in Bulgaria’s history. Next, journey to Arbanassi, founded in the 15th century, and best known for its Bulgarian Revival architecture and ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM, a 400-year-old house preserved as a museum. Visit the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY, one of the town’s oldest churches, and see its outstanding collection of frescoes. Rejoin your ship in Rousse, Bulgaria’s largest inland port. If you don’t wish to participate in the full-day excursion, stay on board, relax, and join a GUIDED TOUR of Rousse in the afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 9
Oltenita, Romania (Disembarkation)–Bucharest. Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, is only a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide, tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphe—built in 1922 to honor the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in WWI—have gained it the name “Paris of the East.” Much recent history has taken place in the city. During the INCLUDED TOUR this afternoon, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon, and the Royal Palace Square, the scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM, which includes over 100,000 works of Romanian and European art from the 15th to the 20th centuries. In your free time, discover this interesting city even further. Stroll down Calea Victoriei, “Victory Avenue,” Bucharest’s most historic and alluring street. Initially built in 1692, today it is lined with shops, museums, churches, restaurants, cafés, and fine houses. (B)
Day Num: 10
Bucharest. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Availability: October 15, 2013 and February 11, 2014
 For more information on this River Cruise Vacation Offer
http://www.rivercruisespecialist.com/tours/WBO/2014

If you are thinking about seeing Europe, why not unpack once and cruise into Paris, city of lights, or cruise by breathtaking castles on the Rhine, visit Vienna (known as the 'city of music') or Amsterdam with its' world famous museums.
For river cruise vacation deals- http://www.rivercruisespecialist.com/

River Cruise Vacation Offer | Save $400 per couple | WINDMILLS, VINEYARDS & PARIS – SOUTHBOUND

Experience Holland, Germany, Luxembourg, and France on this fantastic river cruise vacation. Begin in Amsterdam with an exciting cruise through its intricate network of canals. Then, visit a windmill near the little fishing village of Volendam, and enjoy guided sightseeing in Cologne and Trier, where you’ll see the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in pretty Rüdesheim, cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, enjoy the magnificent views from Reichsburg Castle above the charming town of Cochem, and visit a local wine cellar in Bernkastel. Travel via high-speed train to Paris for guided sightseeing, two overnights, and the conclusion of your amazing vacation.

Day by Day

Day Num: 1
Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation). Welcome to Amsterdam! Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés, restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambiance. If your flight arrives early enough, you might like to visit the Van Gogh Museum or take an optional excursion to nearby Zaanse Schans. Then, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at an evening welcome reception. (D)

NOTE:
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Day Num: 2
Amsterdam–Volendam. After breakfast, set out to discover the treasures of this city by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” At lunchtime, sail out of Amsterdam, heading for the Ijsselmeer and Volendam, a picturesque fishing town with a unique open harbor and a small, timbered church dating back to 1658. Well known for its old fishing boats, distinctive small houses, drawbridges, and canals, Volendam offers a romantic and friendly atmosphere. Outside the small town, visit a WINDMILL and learn how these played such an important role in the development of the country as to become a symbol of Holland. Late this afternoon, cruise out of Volendam and head for Germany. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 3
Cologne, Germany. Today enjoy a peaceful morning of cruising before reaching Cologne in the early afternoon. One of Germany’s largest cities and capital of the Rhineland, Cologne straddles both sides of the Rhine, and is known for its soaring, twin-steepled gothic cathedral. Choose between a GUIDED CITY WALK or a "JEWISH HERITAGE" WALK. Later during free time, perhaps look in on the Romano-Germanic Museum—home to a large collection of artifacts from the Roman settlement on which modern Cologne is built— a must for history buffs! Be sure to try a Kölsch pale lager, locally brewed in Cologne for over a hundred years and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 4
Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge. Pretty Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town, and SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM is a real surprise! Here you’ll see and hear a large collection of self-playing calliopes and music boxes from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to pick up some souvenirs on the narrow, cobblestoned Drosselgasse, where colorful flowers, open-air wine gardens, and live music add to the festive atmosphere. Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic RHINE GORGE, the most beautiful stretch of river. Here, ancient castles stand sentry on lofty cliffs rising 400 feet above the waters. Cruise past the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where echoes of enchanted siren song lured unwitting sailors to their doom. This evening, arrive in Koblenz and dock overnight. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 5
Cochem. This morning, as you cruise the wide, peaceful curves of the Moselle River, it quickly becomes obvious why the Moselle Valley is famous for its beautiful and tranquil scenery, and that this is an important wine-growing area. Simply relax or attend an interesting ONBOARD LECTURE to learn more about the region. After lunch, arrive in Cochem, a charming, picturesque town with half-timbered houses and winding streets full of history and legends that will be brought to life during your GUIDED WALK. Visit REICHSBURG CASTLE, built in 1000 AD and furnished with renaissance and baroque furniture. Sitting dramatically atop a conical hill covered in vines, this castle offers splendid views of the little town nestled down below and of the river valley. Cochem is at the heart of the Moselle wine trade and, most notably, the Riesling grape is cultivated, producing a dry to sweet, floral white wine. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 6
Bernkastel. In the middle of the Moselle region is the charming wine village of Bernkastel with its fascinating narrow streets and half-timbered houses that have stood since the Middle Ages. Enjoy a GUIDED WALK that includes the beautiful marketplace with its renaissance-style Town Hall and the “pointed house,” built in 1416. Wine growers in this area look after Germany’s largest expanse of vineyards, the most celebrated of the vintages being the Bernkasteler Doktor. This afternoon you might like to participate in an optional bicycle outing (weather permitting) or perhaps visit the Wine Museum to learn more about the history of the region’s wine. Before dinner, enjoy a pleasant included TASTING of several of the region’s varietals at the Moselle Vinoteque. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 7
Trier, Germany. At the head of the Moselle Valley is Trier, Germany’s oldest city. Some say Trier is even older than Rome and that it was populated over a thousand years before the Romans arrived. Many Roman remains have survived, including a 20,000-seat amphitheater; the Porta Nigra, the only surviving fortified gate from the original Roman settlement, which still gives access to the town’s center; imperial baths; and the Roman bridge, Germany’s oldest bridge, with stone pilings dating from 144-152 AD—all evidence of this once grand Roman city. Trier also offers pleasant market squares, Germany’s oldest Christian church, and a cornucopia of architectural styles—Roman, baroque, neo-classicism, renaissance, and gothic. Choose between the included GUIDED CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR or the more history-focused “ROMAN TRIER” guided tour, followed by some free time, giving you the opportunity to really explore this magnificent town. Later, sail to Remich in the Dutchy of Luxembourg, where you dock overnight. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 8
Remich, Luxembourg (Disembarkation) – Paris, France. Today travel by motorcoach to Luxembourg or Metz to board a HIGH-SPEED TRAIN to Paris where you arrive later in the day. (B)
Day Num: 9
Paris. Known as one of the world’s most passionate and lively cities, Paris is a delight for your senses. Your included CITY SIGHTSEEING shows you magnificent must-see sights, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the unique Louvre Museum with its glass pyramid as a contrast to its ancient architecture, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. In your free time, stroll down the Champs-Elysées with its lavish cafés, or perhaps visit the world-famous Louvre or Montmartre with its gleaming white Sacre Coeur Basilica and bevy of artists on Place du Tertre. Paris is also well known for its colorful nightlife that includes some of the world’s most famous cabaret shows. All of this awaits your discovery! (B)
Day Num: 10
Paris. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

For more information on this River Cruise Vacation
http://www.rivercruisespecialist.com/tours/WAR/2014

A Dream River Cruise Vacation | Save $1000 per couple on TULIPS OF NORTHERN HOLLAND

  If you’re looking for a vacation that combines some well-known sights with those off the beaten track, this itinerary is for you! Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your river cruise vessel in Haarlem. From the fishing village of Volendam, visit the town of Edam. Discover the region of “North Holland,” where tulip fields abound, then sail across the Ijsselmeer, formerly known as the Zuider Zee, to the region known as “Friesland,” famous for its black-and-white cows. Visit the Zuider Zee Museum in Enkhuizen or get a chance to meet some of the locals. Take a walking tour of the small town of Hoorn, which gave its name to South America’s Cape Horn, visit the Batavia shipyard in Lelystad, and choose between visits of the Kröller-Müller Museum or Museum Hartenstein near Arnhem. From Rotterdam, you may choose to visit Keukenhof Gardens. Your vacation concludes with a cruise along Amsterdam’s canals.

Day By Day Excursions

Day Num: 1
Arrive in Amsterdam, Holland. Transfer to Haarlem (Embarkation)–Volendam. Welcome to Holland! This afternoon, drive to Haarlem, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at an evening welcome reception as your ship sails from Haarlem and heads for Volendam. (D)

NOTE:
Flights into Amsterdam must arrive by 2:00 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Day Num: 2
Volendam. Excursion to Edam–Enkhuizen. This morning, wake up in the picturesque fishing village of Volendam with its unique open harbor and timbered church dating back to 1658. Well known for its old fishing boats, distinctive small houses, drawbridges, and canals, Volendam offers a romantic and friendly atmosphere. An excursion takes you to Edam, whose cheese of the same name has become famous throughout the world and where cheese markets are still held in the summer months. The Old Town center, especially the Kwakelsteeg, still has lovely characteristic Waterland houses. During lunch, sail on the Markermeer to Enkhuizen, situated at the most easterly point of North Holland. Enkhuizen is a quintessential fishing town with cobblestone streets, a quaint town center, and one of the largest marinas in the Netherlands. It owes its prosperity to the Zuider Zee (now known as the IJsselmeer) during the “Golden Age,” and this afternoon you have the choice to visit the ZUIDERZEE MUSEUM, dedicated to the culture and history of this area. The museum focuses on the past and present of the IJsselmeer, and features living history, heritage, and crafts combining works from the past with works from the present. Alternatively, you may wish to join a “DUTCH EXPERIENCE” to meet some of the locals. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 3
Enkhuizen–Friesland. After breakfast you may join the included excursion of your choice: a trip along the TULIP FIELDS or a GUIDED WALK of Alkmaar. Tulip fields abound in this part of the country. Take pictures and learn more about these flowers and how they were introduced into Holland from the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) in the 17th century. Alternatively, join your Local Guide for a walk to show you the most beautiful spots of Alkmaar with its many historic buildings, picturesque drawbridges spanning canals, serene courtyards, and narrow shopping streets. Rejoin your ship and cruise across the IJsselmeer to southwest Friesland, a province rich in history and legends. As you sail, enjoy the scenic rural landscape along the river. Dock in Lemmer, from where our Friesland excursion departs. Primarily an agricultural region with a long history, Friesland is best known internationally for its famous black-and-white Friesian cattle and black Friesian horses. Visit the 18th-century ROYAL EISE EISINGA PLANETARIUM, which has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rejoin your ship in Sneek, where you dock overnight. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 4
Sneek–Lelystad–Kampen. Today, enjoy a peaceful morning of cruising through this delightful area of Friesland. Spring is in the air, and the lush green landscape is coming alive. Before lunch, we’ll introduce you to LOCAL CHEESE and GENEVER, traditionally drunk neat from a shot glass. After docking in Lelystad, visit the BATAVIA SHIPYARD, where ships that were important to the Netherlands’ maritime industry during the “Golden Age” are faithfully reconstructed by hand. Then, board the BATAVIA itself. Originally built in 1628 to sail to and from the East Indies, the Batavia wrecked on its maiden voyage on June 4, 1629 off the coast of Western Australia. It took 10 years—from 1985 to 1995—for a crew to reconstruct the ship using traditional construction materials. Later this afternoon, sail to Kampen, where you dock overnight. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 5
Gelderse IJssel–Arnhem. Another relaxing morning on board as you sail along the IJssel River, also known as the Gelderse IJssel, which is a branch of the Rhine River. After lunch, the choice is yours: perhaps visit the AIRBORNE MUSEUM HARTENSTEIN, dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem, one of the major tragedies of WWII, or visit the KRÖLLER-MÜLLER MUSEUM in Otterlo with its world-renowned collection of mainly 19th- and 20th-century visual art. In the late afternoon, rejoin your ship in Arnhem. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 6
Rotterdam–Utrecht. This morning, sail through the HARBOR OF ROTTERDAM, said to be the world’s busiest port. Leveled by German bombs in WWII, Rotterdam now has a modern, high-tech look. After an early lunch you may opt to join a LOCAL GUIDE for a visit of this port city as well as of nearby Utrecht. Called Holland’s cultural treasure trove, Utrecht is an old university town with a small medieval city center, many structures and buildings from the early Middle Ages, picturesque canals, and many outdoor cafés. See the Dom Tower, which was built between 1321 and 1382 and is the highest and oldest church tower in the Netherlands. Alternatively, you may opt for a visit to the gardens of KEUKENHOF near Lisse, which encompass over 70 acres of parkland with lakes, sculpture gardens, greenhouses, and a windmill to explore. Every year, 7 million flower bulbs are planted, and you have the opportunity to see the spectacular display of colors not only from the tulips, but also from hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, roses, and more. Rejoin your ship in Utrecht. (B,L,D)
Day Num: 7
Hoorn–Amsterdam. Arrive in Hoorn in the early morning hours. Later, join a Local Guide for a GUIDED WALK around this charming town that gave its name to Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America. Combining old and new, the town center has largely remained intact, and historical buildings have been retained in their old forms. The monumental façades tell of Hoorn’s one-time importance as a Dutch East India Company town. Enjoy some free time before returning to your ship for lunch, then sail to Amsterdam, where GUIDED SIGHTSEEING is provided by CANAL BOAT. Cruise through the elegant grachten, lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.” (B,L,D)
Day Num: 8
Amsterdam (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)



For More Information on the river cruise TULIPS OF NORTHERN HOLLAND
http://www.rivercruisespecialist.com/tours/WHA/2014

Once a year, go someplace you've never been before....The Dalai Lama.  Europe river cruising is a dream-fulfilling vacation, you find yourself surrounded by luxury and an attentive staff that are hallmarks of this type of travel.  Elegant dining, unsurpassed sightseeing at a leisurely pace. River cruising on Europe's historical waterways allows one the advantage of experiencing sights not seen on the typical escorted tour. Take advantage of, "2 for 1" rates and discounted airfare currently be offered for 2014 Europe river cruises. Reserve in advance for the best stateroom selection, call 1-888-