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15 Day Grand European Discovery
Uniworld River Cruise starting in Basel and finishing in Vienna
Countries Visited: Germany, Switzerland, Austria
Tour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 15 Days (14 Nights)
From: Basel to Vienna
Tour Code: UNIGED
Operator: Uniworld
from AU $6,010 pp
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River Cruise Description

Travel along three majestic rivers - the legendary Rhine, the meandering Main, and the enchanting Danube - and be inspired at every turn. Touch history in Switzerland, France, Germany, and Austria. Experience wonderfully preserved towns that offer a glimpse into life as it must have been lived centuries ago. Take in Miltenberg's crooked streets and leaning houses and Strasbourg's canal lined 'Petite France.' Explore legendary landmarks - the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim, 900-year-old Melk Abbey, and the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Würzburg Residenz.

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the enchanting Bavarian Forest. Enjoy culinary diversity while indulging in wiener schnitzel in Austria, sipping fine Rheingau and Franconian wines, and drinking hearty beer in Germany. Come discover what's grand about Europe on this all-encompassing adventure.

Included Features

  • 14-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the stunning River Ambassador
  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners
  • 2 Captain's Welcome Galas and 2 Captain's Farewell Dinners
  • Complimentary fine wines, choice of beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; replenished bottled water daily in your stateroom; and 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar
  • 19 excursions, including 6 'Choice Is Yours' options, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides
  • Exclusive Go Active Program and "Gentle Walking" Program
  • 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions
  • Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks throughout your cruise
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment
  • 2 Signature Lectures
  • Exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program™
  • All transfers on arrival and departure days

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Day
1
Basel (Embark)
Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg where you'll be transferred to the ship. (D)
Day
2
Strasbourg, Speyer
Featured Excursion: Strasbourg canal cruise.
Awaken in the beautiful Alsatian port town of Strasbourg. Situated half-way between Paris and Prague, Strasbourg is known as the 'Crossroads of Europe.' It is home to a magnificent, single-spired Gothic cathedral, Notre Dame, and beautiful half-timbered houses; it is also the seat of the European Parliament. See Strasbourg in the way it has been seen through the centuries - on a canal cruise. Petite France, the picturesque old quarter with its timber-frame houses adorned with flower boxes, is a highlight of your tour. (BB/L/Captain's Welcome Gala)
Day
3
Nierstein (Heidelberg or Nierstein)
Featured Excursion: Choice of exclusive Nierstein village walking tour and wine tasting OR three-quarter-day tour of Heidelberg.
A motorcoach takes you to Heidelberg, a perfectly preserved Medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany's Castle Road. Heidelberg is home to Germany's oldest university and is forever immortalized by Sigmund Romberg's operetta, The Student Prince. Your tour takes you to the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, where you will be guided through the castle's courtyard. Continue your tour in downtown Heidelberg and through Old Town. After the tour, you will have free time to wander along one of Germany's longest pedestrian streets. Enjoy the bustling squares lined with cafés, or simply take in the serene atmosphere of this truly charming town. Or opt to spend the day exploring the Rhine village of Nierstein with an exclusive guided walk and wine tasting. The old Riesling vineyards on a thousand hills and more than 1,500 hours of sunshine a year have earned this area the nickname 'German Tuscany.' Note: Lunch is not included with Heidelberg tour. (BB/L/D)
Day
4
Cruising the Main River, Miltenberg
Featured Excursion: Miltenberg walking tour.
Begin your day with scenic sailing along the beautiful Main River. You'll arrive in charming and romantic Miltenberg, the 'Pearl of the Main River,' at noon. The town is protected by its old walls and two gates - one facing east, and another facing west. Enjoy a walking tour of this Medieval town that seems to leap from the pages of a German fairytale, seeing Miltenberg's 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal Inn, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century. (BB/L/D)
Day
5
Cruising the Main River, Würzburg
Featured Excursion: Würzburg Residenz visit.
Enjoy a tranquil morning of scenic sailing through the Franconian countryside on the Main River. Arrive in Würzburg in the early afternoon and set off on a visit to Würzburg Residenz, an immaculate example of Baroque architecture and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This grand palace was built and decorated in the 18th century by an international team of architects, sculptors, stucco-workers, and painters. Particularly noteworthy is Tiepolo's ceiling fresco - the largest in the world. Enjoy the magnificent garden, one of the most expansive and beautiful in Europe. (BB/L/D)
Day
6
Schweinfurt (Rothenburg)
Featured Excursion: Rothenburg city tour.
After a morning of scenic cruising, enjoy a guided tour of picturesque Rothenburg, a well-preserved Medieval walled town. Then venture on your own to see even more of the treasures this gem of a time-capsule has to offer - like the extraordinary 15th-century altarpiece in St. Jacob's Church that was carved by Tilman Riemenschneider, Germany's Gothic contemporary of Michelangelo. Or explore the Christmas world of Käthe Wohlfahrt's museum, which is enchanting any time of the year. (BB/L/D)
Day
7
Bamberg
Featured Excursion: Bamberg city tour.
Awaken in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg, located on the Regnitz River near its confluence with the Main. Bamberg has one of Europe's largest intact Old Town centers, and like Rome, the city is built on seven hills - only here, a church tops each hill. Your city tour takes you past the Imperial Cathedral of St. Peter and St. George, the four-winged New Residence, the Town Hall lapped by the Regnitz River, and 'Little Venice,' an area of colorful fishermen's houses from the 19th century. During the afternoon, you will cruise the peaceful, meandering Main River. (BB/L/Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Day
8
Nuremberg
Enjoy a day at leisure in the exquisite Medieval walled town of Nuremberg.
Day
9
Nuremberg
Featured Excursion: Choice of classic Nuremberg city tour OR Nuremberg WWII historical tour with Documentation Center visit.
Embark on a panoramic tour of Nuremberg. Birthplace of Albrecht Dürer and famous for its pocket watches, the city also held the astounding War Crimes Trials after WWII. Discover the sights of Nuremberg during a panoramic tour. Or turn back the pages of history with a guided tour of the city's most important WWII sites, including the enormous Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds, the actual site of the Nazi party rallies, and home to the permanent exhibition 'Fascination and Terror.' You'll also visit the newly opened Nuremberg Trials Memoriam which includes Courtroom 600, venue of the Nuremberg Trials that were so instrumental in forging our current ideals of international criminal law. In the afternoon, you'll sail along the most scenic parts of the Main-Danube Canal, a marvel of modern engineering. Note: Courtroom 600 is an active court. Visitors will only be permitted to see the courtroom during trial breaks. (BB/L/Captain's Welcome Gala)
Day
10
Regensburg
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tour.
Regensburg, one of the finest Medieval towns in Europe, captures 2,000 years of living history with outstanding manmade monuments like the 12th-century Stone Bridge and the towering Gothic cathedral. Your walking tour takes you past the architectural treasures of Old Town as well as the Cathedral of St. Peter with its magnificent 14th-century stained glass windows. Genuine Bavarian hospitality adds to the vibrant mix of art and culture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB/L/D)
Day
11
Deggendorf (Theresienthal), Passau
Featured Excursion: Bavarian forest horse-drawn carriage ride, and visit to a glass museum and workshop in Theresienthal.
After enjoying an exclusive scenic horse-drawn carriage ride through an authentic village in the Bavarian Forest and enjoying homebaked bread fresh from the oven, you will head for the world-famous glass manufacturer, Theresienthal. Here you will experience the fine art of crystal glassmaking firsthand during a workshop where you will learn all the various steps involved, as well as the extraordinary history of Theresienthal, once the purveyor of the finest crystal to the royal houses of Europe and the Russian czars. Spend your afternoon taking a scenic stroll or bike ride along the Danube and through the small town of Deggendorf. (BB/L/D)
Day
12
Passau
Featured Excursion: Passau walking tour and St. Stephan's organ concert.
Enjoy a scenic morning sail through the Schloegener Schlinge - an exceptionally pretty oxbow in the Danube. In the afternoon, discover the Medieval city of Passau with a walking tour that culminates in a concert on Europe's largest pipe organ in Baroque St. Stephan's Cathedral. Note: Concert not available before May 2, after October 31, or on Sundays. (BB/L/D)
Day
13
Melk, Cruising The Scenic Wachau Valley
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey.
Today you'll tour Melk's 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. The views from the terrace are spectacular, but the splendid frescos, marble, and gilded plaster work of its interior will be the true highlight of your visit. Then set sail along the scenic, vineyard-rich Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape and one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. (BB/L/Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Day
14
Vienna
Featured Excursion: Choice of Vienna city tour and National Library visit OR exclusive  'See Vienna as the Viennese Do' on a waltzing discovery of Viennese daily life.
There can be no exploration of the Danube without a visit to Vienna, which is a city both steeped in history and on the cusp of current trends. Your panoramic city tour showcases all the imperial Habsburg grandeur of the stately Ringstrasse, taking you past the Rathaus (City Hall), Parliament, the Hofburg (Imperial Palace), and the State Opera, among other sights. Leaving the motorcoach, you will start a walking tour through the Hofburg grounds, culminating at the magnificent Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library, which is said to be the most beautiful library room in the world. For a more intimate look at this stunning city, 'See Vienna as the Viennese Do,' walking and riding the subway to discover the daily life of the Viennese in the historic town center. Top off your tour with a stop at a traditional Viennese coffee house. Note: On Mondays, Mozarthaus will be substituted for the National Library. (BB/L/D)
Day
15
Vienna (Disembark), Transfer to the Airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to Vienna International Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Vienna. (CB or BB)
Uniworld Brochure Itinerary is based on 2013 departures. Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. Click here to view the 2014 preview brochure.

River Cruise Prices

Cruise prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

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Flights:

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General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Cruise Operator: Uniworld

Uniworld presents an unrivalled river cruise program with unique itineraries and superb five-star inclusions. Travel onboard intimate, luxurious ships with a maximum of 134 guests - fewer guests than any other river cruise company in Europe. With one highly trained staff member for every three guests and expert onboard hotel management, Uniworld are able to deliver a guest satisfaction rate of 98%.


Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the deck plans, cabin types and more ship information?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Uniworld including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well fleet information, deck plans, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their cruises. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Which direction of the cruise should I book? Is one better than the other?

It does not matter which direction you choose, as each direction contains the same included features. Timings of activities may, of course, vary a little due to cruising times up- or downstream, but you will not see or do more in one direction than in the other.

What is the dress code onboard?

During the day, comfortable, casual attire is appropriate. The weather in Europe can be very changeable, so take a sweater or windproof jacket and an umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for excursions. Evenings are a little dressier. Gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket to the Captain's dinner. You'll find average temperatures listed on each of the cruises on our website.

How large are the ships?

Our ships accommodate between 100 and 138 guests. They are generally 360 feet long (110 meters), and 37.5 feet wide (11.4 meters). The draft is approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters). There are typically 34 crew members aboard. We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information each ship. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Do your ships have any exclusive features?

Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience. The River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess offer guests the convenience of checking and sending e-mails. On the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess, each guest is provided with a terry cloth robe in their cabin. Our ships have one of the largest fitness centres aboard any river cruise ship. There is also a sauna and a steam room on the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess.

Are meals included onboard?

Sumptuous buffets at breakfast and lunch offer an extensive array of hot and cold selections. Breakfast features crispy Belgian waffles topped with whipped cream and warm maple syrup, a dozen or more homemade breads and jams, an omelette station, and hand-cut seasonal fresh fruit.

Lunch offers a delectable feast with salads, soups, carved-to-order roasts, and more. Evenings provide exquisite ambience with relaxed open seating. Each dish is flawlessly prepared using the finest ingredients—local meats and seafood along with tasty side dishes. Always included with dinner onboard are European fine wines and a selection of beer and soft drinks served by an attentive, caring staff. Of course, every meal concludes with a wide range of freshly prepared, decadent desserts that look every bit as delicious as they taste.

Uniworld also provides a variety of dining experiences including: al fresco “under the stars” and light-lunch dining—both on the sun deck; Captain's Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinner; early-riser breakfast; and afternoon tea. Plus, Uniworld gives you the choice of dining on lighter cuisine with our Traveling Lite menu.

What are your handicapped facilities like?

The ships are not handicapped or wheelchair accessible. There are elevators on the River Princess, River Queen, River Countess, River Duchess, and River Empress. On the River Queen, the elevator does not reach all decks. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking. Some excursions are walking cruises only, and several occur on cobblestone streets.

Are tips/gratuities included in our tour price?

Tips & gratuities including the customary end-of-trip gratuity/tip for the cruise/tour manager, crew onboard and local guides for the included shore excursions are included in the price of your trip (excluding Optional Excursions). Europe & Russia cruises only.

How do I pay for purchases and services onboard?

Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Countess, River Duchess, and River Empress. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience.

On other ships all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your shipboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a total, which can be paid with cash or credit card. The ships do not accept payments made by Diners Club cards. The onboard currency is the Euro. View individual ships here.

What is Gold Seal Protection?

Gold Seal Protection is coverage for cancellation and return flight security which gives you total peace of mind for $99 per person when booking any Uniworld River Cruise. This will cover you (in most cases) if you cancel your tour prior to departure, or if you or a member of your direct family falls sick while on tour and you need to change your flights home. Read Details. If you wish for us to include this protection in your quote, please let us know when completeing the 'Quote Request'.

Do we always dock in the heart of the city?

It depends; in many places you will dock within walking distance to the city center, but there are places where the river only touches the outskirts of a town (i.e. Bamberg or Nuremberg), and thus a motorcoach transfer is necessary.

Arrival & Departure Information

Transfers

Transfers to/from airports will be provided only for flights arriving/departing on the start/finish day of the cruise (and for extensions/extra nights). There may be a waiting period of up to 2 hours or more unless private car transfers have been purchased. The following time limits apply:

  Arrival Departure
Europe 7am - 3pm 7am - 5pm
Extensions 24 hours 24 hours 
Extra Nights 24 hours 24 hours

Passenger flight details must be given to Global Journeys 45 days prior to departure. If your flight arrangements arrive/depart outside of the above you may purchase a private car transfer from Uniworld or make your own transfer arrangements. Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed or cancelled flights, for missed cruise/trip days or for extra costs resulting from the foregoing.

Boarding Time

On turnaround day, the entire ship must be cleaned in preparation for your arrival. The facilities of the ship, including your cabin, will not be available before 4pm. We appreciate your understanding on this matter. Should you arrive early, you may leave your bags in the Reception area and take a walk into the city, or relax in the lounge.

Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it though, as no one likes surprises!

Hannah Campbell

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Hannah Campbell
Tour Consultant
Email: hannah@globaljourneys.com.au
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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