With the river season heating up, 2022 is one of the best years to get great offers for a last-minute European adventure.
Australian brand Travelmarvel have itineraries starting from as low as $4,995 including flights for voyages in Central Europe and more.
The brand’s European Gems cruise, a 15-day voyage from Budapest to Amsterdam or vice versa, sees guests visit iconic destinations like the romantic city of Vienna; Melk, home of an active Benedictine monastery which has been in service since 1089 and Nuremberg, the historic site of Hitler’s now infamous rallies during World War II.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a return sailor, the voyage is the perfect way to get reacquainted to the rich history of Central Europe.
To find out more call Travelmarvel on 1300 300 036, click here or speak to your local travel agent.
Arriving in Budapest, a Travelmarvel ship will be awaiting on the stunning Danube River. You’ll spend the night in the vibrant city where you can admire the lights of Budapest’s Parliament House and the Charles Bridge.
The next morning, you’ll awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities and guests can disembark and learn about the vibrant history of Budapest with a local guide and visit sites like the Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square and Buda Castle.
The next morning, the ship arrives in Vienna where you’ll spend two nights in the home of schnitzel and sacher tortes. Travelmarvel includes shore excursions on the voyage and you can take a drive around the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings.
In the evening, there is an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.
The next top is the town of Durnstein, the home of the Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery which has been operating since 1089. Stroll past the rustic town houses and taverns and you’ll get a great view of the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.
Continue along the river to Passau where you can join an optional tour to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg and enjoy sights from The Sound of Music. And in the evening, the Travelmarvel team organise a traditional Bavarian experience onboard which includes local and regionally beers and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.
Next on the itinerary is the magical town of Regensburg, located in the Southern region of the Bavarian Forest. Wander along the cobblestone lanes and take a journey to explore the historic streets and medieval buildings on a guided tour.
The next section of the itinerary is steeped in World War II history and this is where you’ll visit places likes Nuremberg and Bamberg. Nuremberg is famous for where Hitler held his rallies during World War II and in the afternoon, you’ll take a tour of sights like the Zeppelin Field and Palace of Justice where the Nuremberg trials took place.
The next city on this historic journey is Bamberg, one of the few cities that remained intact during World War II. As you stroll along the streets, you’ll find Tudor buildings and beautiful abbeys. The region is also home to 200 breweries, 11 of those located around the city. And during August as well as October and November, there are festivals dedicated to the nectar of the gods.
For the wine lovers, Wurzburg boasts some of the best vintages due to the verdant hills surrounding the town. There is a beautiful baroque palace which also boasts vibrant gardens. And there is an option to visit medieval Rothenburg.
Miltenberg is a well-preserved town where the half-timbered buildings date from the 15th to 18th century. Then return to the ship for sundowners and watch the lights of the medieval towns slip past you.
The last two stops take you through Rudesheim in the Rhine Gorge and Cologne in Bruhl. When you disembark in Cologne, visit the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle.
And finally, you’ll disembark in Amsterdam, the famous canal city. You’ll dock in the city’s hear and board a glass-top boat to explore the unique city.
If you’ve got a few weeks of leave in July, escape the winter and head to Europe on this fabulous 15-day river cruise starting from $4995 with flights included.
To find out more call Travelmarvel on 1300 300 036, click here or speak to your local travel agent.