Europe - Viajes Le Grand

Transcription

Europe
"We have a range of convenient options to
help you discover Europe at its best. A&K’s
Signature Series journeys are pre-arranged
and ready-to-book itineraries featuring
guided sightseeing, accommodations and
the services of a Guardian Angel®.
Our European Elements, meanwhile, are
four-day, single-destination itineraries that
can be mixed and matched to create the
journey of your dreams.
Of course, you can always visit Europe the
way you would any other A&K destination:
by having one of our well-travelled experts
create the journey of your dreams for you."
–Jonathan White,
A&K Europe
TAILOR MADE ELEMENTS 128
130 Britain & Ireland
132 France, The Netherlands & Belgium
134 Italy
136 Central & Eastern Europe
138 Spain & Portugal
140 Greece & Turkey
142 Scandinavia & Russia
EUROPEAN VILLAS 144
CANAL & RIVER CRUISING 148
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121
EUROPE
N O R T H AT L A N T I C
OCEAN
NORWAY
RUSSIA
FINLAND
SWEDEN
Bergen
Helsinki
Oslo
St. Petersburg
Stockholm
SCOTLAND
Edinburgh
IRELAND
B A LT I C
SEA
Moscow
NORTH SEA
Dublin
Copenhagen
ENGLAND
C E LT I C
SEA
Amsterdam
London
Bruges
GERMANY
Normandy
POLAND
Berlin
Warsaw
Prague
Krakow
CZECH REP
Munich
Burgundy
B AY O F B I S C AY
Vienna
Lucerne
Salzburg
Budapest
AUSTRIA
SWITZERLAND
HUNGARY
Ljubljana
Bordeaux
Lake Como
Venice Zagreb
Provence
SLOVENIA
Porto
Portofino
Côte
SPAIN
Florence CROATIA
d’Azur
Lisbon
Tuscany
ITALY
Madrid
Barcelona
Dubrovnik
Rome
PORTUGAL
Amalfi
Seville
Coast
GREECE
FRANCE
Loire
Valley
Paris
Taormina
BL ACK SEA
Istanbul
TURKEY
Athens
MEDITERRANEAN
SEA
"On all of A&K's independent journeys, you travel in the
company of your own private local guides and chauffeurs. You
also enjoy the services of a Guardian Angel, whose assistance
makes your journey seamless and hassle free. Some Signature
Series programs also include Concierge Rail Service, offering
asistance at the train station and with your luggage. Create a
journey to your very own specifications that includes only the
places you long to see and the activities you want to experience
— Europe just the way you want it. "
— Jonathan White, Managing Director, A&K Europe
122
Luxury Private Travel
Time Difference:
London: EST plus 5 hours.
Paris: EST plus 6 hours.
Athens: EST plus 7 hours.
Best Time to Travel:
The best time to travel
depends on where you are
going and what you want
to do.
0 mi.
500 mi.
Climate:
Temperatures vary, from
Scandinavia's cold Arctic
climates with short days
in winter and endless days
in summer to expected
seasonal changes in Ireland,
the British Isles and most
of Central Europe, to the
sunny, temperate climate of
the countries bordering the
Mediterranean Sea.
SIGNATURE SERIES | K_\`[\Xcgi`mXk\aflie\p#i\X[pkfYffb%
EUROPE
Signature Italy
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A&K ADVANTAGES:
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Xjj`jkXeZ\k_ifl^_flkpflijkXp
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]ifd=cfi\eZ\kfM\e`Z\
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› KiXm\ck_ifl^_jZ\e`ZKljZXepXe[jkfg]fikXjkè^XkXcfZXc
nè\gif[lZ\i
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;8P(1 Arrive Rome, Italy
The St. Regis Rome (Gold)/Rose Garden Palace (Silver)
;8P)1 Rome and Vatican City
Locally guided tour stopping at Palatine Hill, the Arch of
Constantine and Colosseum; lunch at leisure; Vatican City and
its vast museum; the Sistine Chapel; St. Peter’s Basilica.
The St. Regis Rome (Gold)/Rose Garden Palace (Silver) | Meals: B
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Venice
ITALY
;8P*1 Rome
Walking tour to Campo de Fiori, Piazza Navona and Fountain of
the Four Rivers; exploration of the Pantheon, iconic Trevi Fountain
and Spanish Steps on the Piazza di Spagna; rest of day at leisure.
The St. Regis Rome (Gold)/Rose Garden Palace (Silver) | Meals: B
A D R I AT I C
SEA
Florence
TYRRHENIAN
SEA
;8P+1 Rome/Orvieto/Florence
Scenic drive and walking tour in Orvieto; wine tasting in Tuscany;
leisure time to explore Florence. Westin Excelsior, Florence (Gold)/
Hotel Santa Maria Novella (Silver) | Meals: B
;8P,1Florence
Ponte Vecchio, Duomo and Uffizi Gallery; optional visit to an A&K
Philanthropy-supported project; leisure time. Westin Excelsior,
Florence (Gold)/Hotel Santa Maria Novella (Silver) | Meals: B
;8P-1 Florence/Venice
Piazzale Michelangelo; visit to see Michelangelo's David; Venice
by train with Concierge Rail Service; and Grand Canal cruise.
Luna Hotel Baglioni (Gold)/Londra Palace (Silver) | Meals: B
;8P.1 Venice
Market district by the Rialto Bridge; wine and Venetian snacks
at a bacari (wine bar); Bellini’s Madonna and Child and Titian’s
Assumption of the Virgin at Frari church; St. Mark’s Square; St.
Mark’s Basilica; and Doge’s Palace.
;8P/1 Venice /Murano/Venice
Murano to visit an exclusive glass factory; evening gondola ride.
;8P01 Depart Venice
Meals: B
Orvieto
Rome
IF8;
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DATES & PRICING
Choose from the dates below or modify this Signature journey to fit your
schedule with customized inclusions and accommodations. Pricing may vary.
Apr 14–22
Apr 28–May 06
May 12–20
May 19–27
Jun 30–Jul 08
Jul 21–29
Aug 04–12
Aug 18–26
Land arrangements:
Silver
Double occupancy
Single supplement
Gold
Double occupancy
Single supplement
Sep 01–09
Sep 08–16
Sep 15–23
Sep 22–30
Apr 14;
Jun 30-Jul 21;
Oct 27
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Apr 14; Jun 30;
Aug 18; Oct 27
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Sep 29–Oct 07
Oct 13–21
Oct 27–Nov 04
Apr 28-May 19;
Sep 01-Oct 13 Aug 04-18
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Apr 28-May 19;
Sep 01-Oct 13
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Jul 21;
Aug 04
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Solo traveller prices are available upon request. Call A&K for details.
TRAVEL IN
A SMALL
GROUP
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123
EUROPE
Signature Croatia
7 days, priced from $4,995; arrives Sunday, departs Saturday
A&K ADVANTAGES:
› <ogcfi\:ifXk`XÊjdfjkg`Zkli\jhl\Xi\XjXZZfdgXe`\[YpXe
expert local guide and private vehicle with your own chauffeur
› Spend a night on the idyllic island of Hvar, known for its sunny days
Xe[d\[`\mXcYl`c[è^j[Xkè^]ifdZ\ekli`\jf]M\e\k`Xeilc\
› Visit the fishing village of Ston, known for its oysters
› Pfli8B>lXi[`Xe8e^\c`jXmX`cXYc\k_ifl^_flkpfliaflie\p
if you have any questions or need assistance
DAY 1: Arrive Split, Croatia/Podstrana
Day at leisure to relax or enjoy your beachfront hotel’s facilities.
Le Méridien Lav
DAY 2: Split
Tour of the lively seaport of Split, located on the shores of
the Adriatic Sea; maze of medieval streets clustered around the
Palace of Diocletian; octagonal St. Dominus Cathedral, originally
a mausoleum and thought to be the oldest practicing church in
Christendom; Split’s Old Town and the palm-lined harbor-front
promenade; and the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps to
do some shopping in the waterfront boutiques.
Le Méridien Lav | Meals: B
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CROATIA
DAY 3: Podstrana/Split/Hvar
Ferry ride along the stunning Dalmatian coast to verdant
Hvar, constructed by Venetian merchants whose palaces are
hidden among the narrow backstreets; walking tour of historical
center with local guide; stops at medieval Spanjol Fortress, the
Cathedral and the Arsenal; and an evening at leisure.
Adriana Hvar Marina Hotel & Spa | Meals: B
DAY 4: Hvar/Dubrovnik
Public ferry to the mainland; stop in fishing village of Ston, a
beautiful example of a fortified town, located on the Peljesac
Peninsula; rest of the day at leisure to explore the picturesque
walled city of Dubrovnik.
Hotel Excelsior | Meals: B
DAY 5: Dubrovnik/Cavtat/Dubrovnik
Walking tour to Franciscan and Dominican Monasteries, the
Rector’s Palace and Dubrovnik Cathedral with a local guide; lunch
at leisure; the scenic, tranquil port town of Cavtat, filled with quaint
shops and restaurants; evening in Dubrovnik to explore its cobbled
streets on your own. Hotel Excelsior | Meals: B
DAY 6: Dubrovnik/Kotor, Montenegro/Dubrovnik
Full day in Montenegro, starting in the Venetian town of Kotor,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site; visit to Budva, one of the oldest
settlements on the Adriatic Sea, dating back to the fifth century BC;
and return to Dubrovnik for evening at leisure to enjoy the scenic
beauty of the Old Town and harbor. Hotel Excelsior | Meals: B
DAY 7: Depart Dubrovnik
Meals: B
124
Split/Podstrana
Drvenik
MONTENEGRO
Hvar
Ston
Dubrovnik
A D R I AT I C
SEA
Cavtat
Kotor
ROAD
FERRY
DATES & PRICING
Apr 07–13
Apr 21–27
May 05–11
May 19–25
Jun 02–08
Jun 16–22
Jun 30–Jul 06
Land arrangements:
Silver
Double occupancy
Single supplement
Jul 07–13
Sep 08–14
Sep 22–28
Apr 07-Jun 16;
Sep 22-Oct 27
$4,995
$815
Sep 29–Oct 05
Oct 13–19
Oct 27–Nov 02
Jun 30-Sep 08
$5,295
$1,065
Gold
$5,195
$995
Double occupancy
Single supplement
TRAVEL IN
A SMALL
GROUP
$5,595
$1,340
Group Journey Treasures of Croatia. Contact A&K
for details.
EUROPE
Signature Budapest,
Vienna & Prague
9 days, priced from $8,195; arrives Tuesday, departs Wednesday
A&K ADVANTAGES:
› Pfli8B>lXi[`Xe8e^\c`jXmX`cXYc\k_ifl^_flkpfliaflie\p
to answer your questions
› Enjoy A&K’s Concierge Rail service from Vienna to Prague
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Heritage Site
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renovation, history and relationship with Mozart
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DAY 1: Arrive Budapest, Hungary
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace (Gold)/
Corinthia Hotel Budapest (Silver)
DAY 2: Budapest
City tour, including the State Opera House, Heroes’ Square, Great
Synagogue and St. Stephen’s Basilica; St. Matthias Church in Buda;
a glimpse of the city from Fisherman’s Bastion. Four Seasons Hotel
Gresham Palace (Gold)/Corinthia Hotel Budapest (Silver) | Meals: B
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DAY 3: Budapest/Pannonhalma/Vienna, Austria
Benedictine abbey of Pannonhalma; arrival in Vienna; and
remainder of day free to explore on your own.
Hotel Imperial Vienna (Gold)/Grand Hotel Wien (Silver) | Meals: B
Prague
CZECH
REPUBLIC
DAY 4: Vienna
Walking tour to Hofburg Palace, the Treasury and Gothic St.
Stephen’s Cathedral; Schönbrunn Palace.
SLOVAKIA
Vienna
DAY 7: Prague
Stroll through the Jewish quarter of Josefov; Old New Synagogue
and Old Jewish Cemetery; Old Town Square and 15th-century
astronomical clock on Gothic Town Hall; and private visit to the
Estates Theater (subject to rehearsal schedules), where Mozart first
conducted Don Giovanni. Four Seasons Hotel Prague (Gold)/
Hotel Aria (Silver) | Meals: B
DAY 8: Prague
Exploration of Hradcany Castle district, Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral,
Golden Lane and the Loreto Chapel; private visit to the Baroque
library at the Strahov Monastery.
Four Seasons Hotel Prague (Gold)/Hotel Aria (Silver) | Meals: B
DAY 9: Depart Prague
Meals: B
Budapest
AUSTRIA
DAY 5: Vienna/Bratislava, Slovakia/Vienna
Walking tour of Bratislava's Old Town with a local guide.
DAY 6: Vienna/Prague, Czech Republic
Comfortable train ride to Prague with A&K’s Concierge Rail
service; the remainder of day at leisure.
Four Seasons Hotel Prague (Gold)/Hotel Aria (Silver) | Meals: B
Bratislava
HUNGARY
ROAD
RAIL
DATES & PRICING
Apr 23–May 01
May 14–22
May 21–29
Jun 04–12
Jun 18–26
Jul 02–10
Land arrangements:
Silver
Double occupancy
Single supplement
Jul 16–24
Jul 30–Aug 07
Aug 13–21
Apr 23;
Jul 02-Aug 13
$8,195
$1,355
Sep 03–11
Sep 10–18
Oct 01–09
May 14-Jun 18;
Sep 03-Oct 01
$8,595
$1,660
Gold
$10,595
$3,160
Double occupancy
Single supplement
TRAVEL IN
A SMALL
GROUP
$10,995
$3,650
Group Journey Splendors of Budapest, Vienna
& Prague. Contact A&K for details.
125
EUROPE
Signature Russia
9 days, priced from $7,495; arrives Saturday, departs Sunday
A&K ADVANTAGES:
› Explore the Kremlin’s State Armory and the Diamond Fund,
housing the 190-carat Orlov diamond
› M`j`kk_\èZfdgXiXYc\?\id`kX^\#èZcl[è^k_\>fc[Iffd#X
treasure gallery of jewelry and artifacts
› An A&K Guardian Angel answers questions and assists you
throughout your stay
› KiXm\cYp_`^_$jg\\[JXgjXekiXè]ifdDfjZfnkfJk%G\k\ijYli^
in comfort and luxury
DAY 1: Arrive Moscow, Russia
Arrive in Moscow; private transfer to hotel; and balance of day at
leisure. The Ritz-Carlton Moscow (Gold)/Lotte Hotel Moscow (Silver)
DAY 2: Moscow
Historic Red Square, domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and
Novodevichy Convent; optional afternoon visit to the
Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.
The Ritz-Carlton Moscow (Gold)/Lotte Hotel Moscow (Silver) | Meals: B
DAY 3: Moscow/Sergiev Posad /Moscow
Country drive to Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius; leisure time.
The onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral
DAY 4: Moscow/St. Petersburg
Kremlin cathedrals, the State Armory and its Diamond Fund;
transfer for high-speed train to St. Petersburg. Grand Hotel Europe
(Gold)/Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B D
St. Petersburg
DAY 5: St. Petersburg
Visit to the Hermitage Museum, the Gold Room and memorabilia
from the Imperial Court; remainder of day at leisure. Grand Hotel
Europe (Gold)/Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B
RUSSIA
Full day visiting Peter and Paul Fortress, gold-domed St. Isaac’s
Cathedral and the Yusupov Palace; time at leisure. Grand Hotel
Europe (Gold)/Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B
DAY 7: St. Petersburg/Petrodvorets/St. Petersburg
Travel to Petrodvorets; exploring the opulent summer palace of
Peter the Great, replete with cascading fountains, bronze sculptures
and sea channels; return to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil (weather
permitting); and a visit to the Russian Museum.
Grand Hotel Europe (Gold)/
Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B
DAY 8: St. Petersburg/Pushkin/St. Petersburg
Drive through the countryside to Pushkin; visit to sparkling
Catherine Palace; lunch in a country restaurant with traditional
folk entertainment; afternoon visit to Pavlovsk Palace.
Grand Hotel Europe (Gold)/
Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B L
DAY 9: St. Petersburg/USA or Canada
Transfer to the airport; board international flight. Meals: B
126
Moscow
RAIL
DATES & PRICING
Apr 27–May 05
May 18–26
May 25–Jun 02
Jun 01–09
Jun 08–16
Jun 29–Jul 07
Jul 13–21
Jul 27–Aug 04
Aug 10–18
Aug 24–Sep 01
Sep 07–15
Sep 21–29
Oct 05–13
Oct 19–27
Land arrangements: Apr 27; Jul 13-27;
Silver
Oct 05-19 May 18-Jun 29 Aug 10-Sep 21
Double occupancy
Single supplement
Gold
Double occupancy
Single supplement
$7,495
$1,585
Apr 27-Jun 29
$9,595
$2,605
$8,395
$2,215
$7,695
$1,700
Jul 13-Aug 24 Sep 07-Oct 19
$8,595
$8,895
$1,735
$1,985
EUROPE
Signature Waterways
of the Czars
12 days, priced from $8,995; arrives and returns various days
A&K ADVANTAGES:
› Participate in private shore excursions for A&K travellers only
while sailing on MS ‘Volga Dream’
› :_ffj\\`k_\i>fc[$fiJ`cm\i$c\m\c_fk\cjXe[ZXYèZXk\^fi`\j
during the cruise
› Cruise in luxury on ‘Volga Dream,’ with all meals included
DAY 1: Arrive Moscow, Russia
Arrival in Moscow and transfer to your hotel; time at leisure.
The Ritz-Carlton Moscow (Gold)/Lotte Hotel Moscow (Silver)
DAY 2: Moscow
The Kremlin’s famous Armory collection; the Diamond Fund;
two of the Kremlin’s cathedrals; Tretyakov Gallery art collection.
DAY 3: Moscow
St. Basil’s Cathedral and historic Red Square; Pushkin Museum;
board your luxurious riverboat. ‘Volga Dream’ | Meals: B D
Massive Catherine Palace
DAY 4: Uglich
Twelfth-century Uglich; visit to the home, garden and bathhouse of
a local family. ‘Volga Dream’ | Meals: B L D
Kizhi
Goritsy
DAY 6: Volga River/Goritsy
Cyril-Belozersky Monastery at Goritsy; Ferapontov Monastery,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ‘Volga Dream’ | Meals: B L D
St. Petersburg
Moscow
:IL@J<
DAY 9: St. Petersburg/Petrodvorets/St. Petersburg
Petrodvorets, Peter the Great’s flamboyant palace; St. Isaac’s
Cathedral in St. Petersburg; and Peter and Paul Fortress. Grand
Hotel Europe (Gold)/Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B
The Hermitage Museum; Yusupov Palace. Grand Hotel Europe
(Gold)/Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B
DAY 11: St. Petersburg/Pushkin/St. Petersburg
Striking Catherine Palace; lunch in a local restaurant; and return to
St. Petersburg to visit opulent Church on Spilled Blood. Grand Hotel
Europe (Gold)/Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 (Silver) | Meals: B L
DAY 12: St. Petersburg/USA or Canada
Transfer to the airport; board your international flight. Meals: B
Yaroslavl
Uglich
DAY 7: Kizhi Island
Kizhi Island, an open-air museum; the 22 onion-shaped domes of
the Church of the Transfiguration. ‘Volga Dream’ | Meals: B L D
DAY 8: Mandrogi
Cruise along the tranquil Svir River; the village of Mandrogi.
‘Volga Dream’ | Meals: B L D
RUSSIA
Mandrogi
DAY 5: Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl; the “Treasures of Yaroslavl” exhibition; the 17th-century
Church of Elijah. ‘Volga Dream’ | Meals: B L D
DATES & PRICING
Jun 01-12
Jun 06-17*
Jun 28-Jul 09
Jul 03-14*
Jul 11-22
Jul 16-27*
Land arrangements:
Silver
Double occupancy
Single supplement
Aug 10-21
Aug 15-26*
Aug 23-Sep 03
Sep 07-18
Jun 01-Jul 03;
Aug 10-23
$9,595
$2,390
Jul 11-16
$9,795
$2,390
Sep 07
$8,995
$2,080
$10,595
$2,760
$10,795
$2,760
$9,995
$2,385
Gold
Double occupancy
Single supplement
Fuel surcharge of $50 per person.
Prices are based on Deluxe Stateroom for Gold and Superior Stateroom for Silver.
Cabin upgrades available upon request.
*Reverse itinerary, St. Petersburg to Moscow.
127
Europe, Just the
Way You Want It
Tailor Made Elements Make Planning
Your European Vacation a Breeze
Mont Saint-Michel off the Normandy coast
Plan your own custom vacation in Europe with A&K Tailor Made Elements. These four-day, single-destination itineraries
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Xe[dXkZ_\[#Xe[n`k_fm\i+'[\jkèXk`fejkfZ_ffj\]ifd#Zi\Xkè^pflifne`[\Xc<lifg\Xef[pjj\p_Xje\m\iY\\e
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CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATIONS | Build your dream journey from these Tailor Made Elements
Britain & Ireland
London
Combine to create
Edinburgh & St. Andrews
Dublin
Southwest Ireland & the Ring of Kerry
The Scottish Highlands
France, The Netherlands & Belgium
Paris & Versailles
Normandy
The Loire Valley
Bordeaux & St. Émilion
Burgundy
Provence
Côte d’Azur
Bruges
Amsterdam
128
Capital Cities | 10 days
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architecture, art, history, royalty and perhaps even your own
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Italy
Combine to create
Greece & Turkey
EUROPE
Lake Como & Milan
Portofino & the Cinque Terre
Chianti & Tuscany
Amalfi Coast
Venice
Florence
Rome
Taormina, Sicily
Northern Italy | 7 days
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with the intimate charms of the five tiny fishing villages of the
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Athens
Crete
Santorini
Istanbul
Spain & Portugal
Barcelona
Madrid
Seville
Lisbon
Porto & the Douro Valley
Combine to create
Scandinavia & Russia
Moscow
St. Petersburg
Copenhagen
Stockholm
Oslo
Bergen & Norway’s Fjords
Helsinki
From Flamenco to Fado | 10 days
Meld the medieval monasteries, ancient castles and elegant
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Central & Eastern Europe
Berlin
Budapest
Vienna
Munich & Neuschwanstein
Salzburg & the Eagle’s Nest
Lucerne & the Swiss Alps
Prague
Kraków
Warsaw
Zagreb & Plitvice Lakes
Dubrovnik
Ljubljana & Lake Bled
Combine to create
Best of the Alps | 10 days
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Zfek\dgfiXipc`]\%;`jZfm\iDle`Z_ÊjdXib\kj#\ogcfi\JXcqYli^Êj
squares and relax on the shores of Lake Lucerne.
Visit abercrombiekent.com/europe for more information on Tailor Made Elements, and contact A&K or your travel professional
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129
Britain & Ireland Elements
EUROPE
Choose one or more of these short journeys to create your ideal European adventure.
London
Gold low season: from $3,295, The Milestone Hotel
Silver low season: from $3,095, The Kensington Hotel
DAY 1: Arrive in London
After clearing customs, your Guardian Angel meets you
and accompanies you by private vehicle to your hotel.
130
Dublin
Gold low season: from $3,395,
The Merrion (Deluxe Main House)
Silver low season: from $2,695,
The Merrion (Superior Garden Wing)
DAY 1: Arrive in Dublin
Your Guardian Angel meets you and you transfer to your hotel.
DAY 2: Tower Bridge to Trafalgar
Meet your local guide for an overview tour of London's bestknown sights. See the Beefeaters guarding the Tower of London
and continue to St. Paul's Cathedral. Cross the Westminster Bridge
to Westminster Abbey, site of royal weddings and coronations.
See the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Nelson's
Column at the center of Trafalgar Square. You may want to have
traditional afternoon tea in a top hotel or take an optional private
afternoon tea class and tour of an 1860s Victorian home.
DAY 2: City of St. Patrick
Join your local guide for a half-day tour of the Irish capital. At
Trinity College, see the eighth-century Book of Kells, a fabulous
example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Continue to
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, built near the
famous well where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts. In
the afternoon, you may wish to visit some museums, such as the
National Gallery of Ireland or the James Joyce Center, on your own.
DAY 3: The Royal Retreat
Head west along the Thames Valley to Windsor Castle, the world's
largest inhabited castle and Queen Elizabeth II's favorite residence.
Subject to opening restrictions, you may see the State Apartments,
St. George’s Chapel and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. From the
castle ramparts, you have excellent views of famous Eton College,
an independent school for boys. Afterward, stroll through the
charming town, browse the boutiques and have a “cuppa” in a
local café before returning to London for the evening.
DAY 3: The Scenic Isle
Embark on a full-day excursion with your driver to the Wicklow
Mountains. Drive across the moorlands to Glendalough, where
St. Kevin established a monastic community during the Dark
Ages. View the ruins of the churches and a perfectly preserved
round tower. On the way back to Dublin, stop at the renowned
Powerscourt Gardens. From the terrace, admire a delightful
panorama that leads to Sugarloaf Mountain. Inside the house,
view an interpretation of the design of the gardens.
DAY 4: Depart London
Transfer privately to Heathrow for your departure flight.
DAY 4: Depart Dublin
Privately transfer to Dublin's airport for your departure flight.
Edinburgh & St. Andrews
The Scottish Highlands
EUROPE
Gold low season:
from $5,195,
Inverlochy Castle (Superior)
Silver low season:
from $4,995,
Inverlochy Castle (Double)
DAY 1: Arrive in Glasgow
You are met and driven to your hotel near Fort William.
DAY 2: Road to the Isles
Your driver-guide takes you along the Great Glen by Ben Nevis,
Great Britain’s highest mountain, to Loch Ness. Continue over the
mountains to Glen Shiel Valley. In Loch Duich, visit the romantic
Eilean Donan Castle. Cross the bridge to the Isle of Skye, where
road signs are still in Gaelic. At the Clan Donald Center, learn
about the Gaelic heritage. Return to the mainland by ferry and
drive along the "Road to the Isles" to Fort William.
DAY 3: Shores of the Loch
Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, resting on a rocky promontory
on the shores of Loch Ness. Continue to Inverness, where you cross
the battlefield of Culloden Moor, where Bonnie Prince Charlie
was defeated in 1746. Return to Fort William, via the edge of the
Cairngorms National Park.
DAY 4: Depart Glasgow
Transfer privately to Glasgow's airport for your departure flight.
Gold low season: from $4,195, The Balmoral
Silver low season: from $2,995, The George Hotel
DAY 1: Arrive in Edinburgh
Meet your Guardian Angel and transfer to your hotel, where the
remainder of the day is at leisure.
DAY 2: Scottish Strongholds
Head to Edinburgh Castle with your local guide, who shows you
the Scottish Crown Jewels. Drive down the Royal Mile, past St.
Giles High Kirk, to Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence
in Scotland. Provided no member of the royal family is in residence
at the time, you have a chance to tour the staterooms. Scotland is
the home of whisky, and you might want to pay an optional private
visit to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, where an expert on Scotch
whisky guides you through a tutored tasting.
DAY 3: The Strathmore Countryside
Drive into the region of Strathmore for a glorious day in the
country. Visit the turreted medieval Glamis Castle, the childhood
home of the late Queen Mother. Continue to St. Andrews, where the
city juts out into the North Sea. Known throughout the world as the
home of golf, St. Andrews is also where Prince William met Kate
Middleton during their college days. Visit the ruins of the cathedral,
destroyed during the Reformation. Return to Edinburgh.
DAY 4: Depart Edinburgh
Transfer privately to Edinburgh's airport for your departure flight.
Southwest Ireland & the Ring of Kerry
Gold low season:
from $4,395,
Sheen Falls Lodge
Silver low season:
from $3,795,
Killarney Park Hotel
DAY 1: Arrive in Shannon
You are met by your Guardian Angel and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: The Emerald Coast
The Ring of Kerry is one of the most scenic coastal drives in Europe.
Your driver-guide follows the ragged shoreline, passing beautiful
mountain and moorland scenery. Pass Derrynane House, home
of Daniel O’Connell, the "Great Liberator.” Muckross House, with
gardens and traditional farms, rests on the shores of the Lake of
Killarney in the shadow of Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. Afterward, ask
your driver to stop at one of the area's salmon smokeries.
DAY 3: To Island's End
Set out today to Dingle, a long-established fishing community. Then
take the Slea Head drive to the westernmost tip of mainland Ireland
for excellent views of the Blasket Islands. Learn about this gaeltacht
(Gaelic-speaking region) at the Blasket Islands Heritage Center.
DAY 4: Depart Shannon
Privately transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
131
France, The Netherlands & Belgium Elements
EUROPE
Paris & Versailles
Normandy
Gold low season:
from $2,695,
Château la Chenevière
(Deluxe Room)
Silver low season:
from $2,595,
Château la Chenevière
(Standard Room)
DAY 1: Arrive in Caen
Arrive in Caen, where you are met and taken to your hotel.
DAY 2: Remembering World War II
Explore the famous Normandy landing areas, including the Pointe
du Hoc and Omaha Beach. Visit the U.S. Military Cemetery and
Interpretation Center at Colleville sur Mer and the Artificial
Harbor at Arromanches.
DAY 3: Top of the Hill
Head to Mont St. Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting
atop a mass of granite. After lunch, continue to Villedieu-les-Poêles,
a town famous for its copperware.
Gold low season: from $4,495, Le Meurice
Silver low season: from $3,095, Hotel Balzac
DAY 1: Arrive in Paris
Your Guardian Angel meets you at the airport and accompanies
you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 2: The City of Light
Take in the iconic sights of Paris with your driver and guide,
including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and the ChampsElysées. On the Ile de la Cité, visit beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral
with its famous gargoyles adorning the gutters. Continue to Sainte
Chapelle, a pearl of Gothic architecture. France is known for its
culinary delights, and you may wish to add an optional Paris food
walk to your agenda. A restaurant critic and food expert spends
the morning taking you to some of the best food suppliers in Paris
during a walking tour. Perhaps visit a world-renowned boulangerie
and learn about the French art of bread baking from the baker
himself, or glimpse the life of a dedicated professional chocolatier.
132
DAY 4: Depart Caen
Privately transfer to Caen station or airport to depart.
Burgundy
Gold low season:
from $4,995,
Abbaye de la Bussière
(Deluxe Room)
Silver low season:
from $4,695,
Abbaye de la Bussière
(Superior Room)
DAY 1: Arrive in Dijon
DAY 2: Dijon's Old Town
Take a guided walking tour of Dijon’s Old Town, with its
magnificent half-timbered houses. Visit the Palais des Ducs and
wander around Les Halles, Dijon's covered market. Continue to
the Cistercian Abbaye de Fontenay and its beautiful grounds.
DAY 3: Folly of Louis XIV
Head south of Paris to Louis XIV's Palace of Versailles. Explore the
State Apartments, including the amazing Hall of Mirrors — 357
mirrors that adorn 17 arches opposite the windows. From the Hall
of Mirrors, look out onto the Water Parterre and decorative gardens
that the king considered as important as the palace itself.
DAY 3: Red-tiled Roofs
Explore Beaune, known for its tiled roofs and Flemish architecture.
Then visit the 15th-century Hôtel-Dieu. Stop at the Clos de Vougeot,
famous for its winemaking barn, before enjoying wine tastings.
DAY 4: Depart Paris
DAY 4: Depart Dijon
Transfer to Dijon's railway station to continue your journey.
Bordeaux & St. Émilion
Provence
DAY 1: Arrive in Bordeaux
Your Guardian Angel meets and accompanies you to your hotel.
DAY 2: Historical Architecture
Visit Bordeaux’s historic buildings on a walking tour, stopping
to see the 18th-century Place de la Bourse and the 13th-century
Cathedral of St. André, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire
the neoclassical façades of the Bordeaux Law Courts and Palais
Rohan. Stroll past Cailhau Gate and Grosse Cloche, the belfry of
the town hall during the Middle Ages.
DAY 3: Environs of St. Émilion
Explore nearby St. Émilion, a medieval town famous for its wines.
Visit a cave that became Église Monolithe, one of France’s largest
underground rock churches. Afterward, stop at some of the local
vineyards, like the famous Château Franc Mayne.
Gold low season:
from $3,595,
La Mirande (King Room)
Silver low season:
from $3,195,
La Mirande (Queen Room)
The Loire Valley
DAY 4: Depart Bordeaux
Depart Bordeaux and continue your journey.
Côte d'Azur
Gold low season:
from $4,095,
Hotel Royal Riviera
(Deluxe Room)
Silver low season:
from $3,595,
Hotel Royal Riviera
(Superior Room)
DAY 1: Arrive in Nice
On arrival in Nice, you are met by your Guardian Angel who
accompanies you to your hotel in charming Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Gold low season:
from $3,595,
Domaine des Hauts de Loire
(Junior Suite)
Silver low season:
from $3,295,
Domaine des Hauts de Loire
(Superior Room)
DAY 4: Depart Nice
Transfer privately to the airport for your departure flight.
Arrive in Saint-Pierre-desCorps (Tours) and transfer
to your hotel in the Loire
Valley’s château country. The
following day, visit Château de
Chenonceau, and Amboise and
Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da
Vinci spent the last three years
of his life. The next day, visit the
16th-century château at Azayle-Rideau and the gardens at
Villandry, returning to Tours to
explore the medieval Old Town
and La Place Plumereau. On
your fourth day, transfer to the
rail station for your departure.
Amsterdam
DAY 2: Nice's Old Town
Head out with your local guide and wander through the Old Town
and colorful open-air market. Explore the Matisse Museum. Add
an optional excursion to Grasse to learn about perfume.
DAY 3: Along the Coastal Road
Drive along the Corniche road to Beaulieu-sur-Mer to visit a Belle
Époque mansion. Continue to cliff-top Eze. Arrive in glamorous
Monte Carlo and visit the extravagant Palais Princier and the
Oceanographic Museum. You may wish to visit Monte Carlo
Casino, inspiration for James Bond’s Casino Royale.
On arrival, your Guardian
Angel meets and accompanies
you to your hotel. The next
day, join your guide for a
walking tour in the papal
stronghold of Avignon, the
capital of Christendom in
the Middle Ages. On your
third day, highlights include
the medieval village of Les
Baux-de-Provence; St-Rémyde-Provence, with its Roman
antiquities; and Nîmes and its
well-preserved Maison Carrée.
Transfer privately to Avignon's
train station on your last day.
EUROPE
Gold low season:
from $3,495,
Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux
& Spa (Deluxe Room)
Silver low season:
from $3,095,
Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux
& Spa (Superior Room)
Gold low season:
from $2,995,
Sofitel Legend The Grand
Amsterdam (Luxury Room)
Silver low season:
from $2,795,
Sofitel Legend The Grand
Amsterdam (Superior Room)
On arrival in Amsterdam,
meet your Guardian Angel
and privately transfer to your
hotel. The next day, discover
Amsterdam’s best with your
local guide, including Dam
Square; the house where
Anne Frank wrote her diary;
the Rijksmuseum, home to
the world’s finest collection
of Dutch paintings; and the
Van Gogh museum. On the
third day, visit Marken and
Volendam, traditional fishing
villages. On your final day,
board your departure flight.
133
Italy Elements
EUROPE
Rome
Amalfi Coast
Gold low season:
priced from $3,395,
Hotel Santa Caterina
Silver low season:
priced from $2,795,
Grand Hotel Convento
di Amalfi
DAY 1: Arrive in Naples
Arrive in Naples and transfer to your Amalfi hotel.
DAY 2: Amalfi Coastal Towns
Meet your driver-guide and travel along one of the world's most
scenic coastlines, passing lagoons, coves, cliffs and sun-baked
villages to arrive in Positano, where narrow lanes lead to the sea.
Stop at a small buffalo mozzarella producer in Sorrento to sample
this local delicacy.
DAY 3: A Vista to the Sea
Stop in Ravello, built as a terrace with a vista to the sea. Head to
Pompeii, where an expert joins you to talk about this ancient city
that was covered by volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted.
Gold low season: priced from $3,295, The St. Regis Rome
Silver low season: priced from $2,495, Palazzo Manfredi
DAY 1: Arrive in Rome
Your Guardian Angel meets you and you privately transfer to your
centrally located hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure to settle in.
DAY 2: The Eternal City
Spend a half-day with your local guide exploring the remnants of
Imperial Rome, one of the world’s mightiest empires. Begin at the
Flavian Amphitheater, more commonly known as the Colosseum,
which once held 50,000 spectators who reveled in public spectacles
and gladiatorial contests. Continue to the Roman Forum,
containing the tomb of Romulus. Your afternoon is at leisure.
DAY 3: Vatican City
Created as a result of the Lateran Treaty in 1929 between Pope
Pius XI and the Italian government, the Vatican is the world’s
smallest independent state. Explore the treasures of the Vatican
Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, with its stunning frescoes
by Michelangelo. Discover St. Peter's Basilica, erected over the tomb
of the crucified St. Peter, who is thought to be the first pope. On the
way back to your hotel, stop to briefly view the fortress of Castel
Sant’Angelo, built as the tomb for Emperor Hadrian and his family.
DAY 4: Depart Rome
Privately transfer to the airport or train station for your departure.
134
DAY 4: Depart Naples
Privately transfer for your departure flight, train or ship.
Taormina, Sicily
Gold low season:
priced from $3,995,
Grand Hotel Timeo
Silver low season:
priced from $3,495,
San Domenico Palace
DAY 1: Arrive in Catania
You are met and transferred to your Taormina hotel.
DAY 2: Volcanoes and Vistas
On a walking tour, visit the Greek Theater, which overlooks the
countryside with splendid views of Mount Etna. Then drive to
Castelmola, a tiny hamlet with more sensational panoramas.
DAY 3: Roman Entertainment
Meet your guide in Syracuse and visit the religious Greek Theater,
with its stunning architecture. Continue to the charming Ortygia
neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop by an ancient
stone quarry to see “Dionysius’ Ear,” with its flawless acoustics.
DAY 4: Depart Catania
Venice
Portofino & the Cinque Terre
DAY 1: Arrive in Venice
Your Guardian Angel meets and takes you to your private
motorboat for the ride to your hotel.
DAY 2: Around the Piazza
Enjoy a walking tour to some of the city’s most famous landmarks,
including St. Mark’s Basilica; café-lined St. Mark’s Square, dubbed
"Europe's drawing room" for its cosmopolitan flair; and Doge’s
Palace, with its lavish frescoes and graceful staircases. Conclude
your sightseeing at the Bridge of Sighs. The afternoon is at leisure to
absorb the city’s everyday charms.
DAY 3: Island Paradise
Take a private motorboat excursion to the Lagoon Islands:
quaint Burano, a colorful fishing island famous for its lace-making
traditions and charming architecture, and Murano, known for its
glass, which is made using 700-year-old glass-blowing methods.
DAY 4: Depart Venice
Transfer privately to your departure airport, railway station or port.
Chianti & Tuscany
Gold low season:
priced from $5,495,
Hotel Splendido
Silver low season:
priced from $4,095,
Hotel Splendido Mare
EUROPE
Gold low season:
priced from $3,495,
Hotel Danieli
Silver low season:
priced from $2,795,
Ca' Sagredo
DAY 1: Arrive in Genoa
You are met in Genoa and privately transferred to Portofino.
DAY 2: Italian Riviera
Discover Portofino, Italy’s most exclusive harbor and resort town.
Above the town is the church of San Giorgio, containing relics
said to be of the fabled dragon-slayer. Explore the Italian Riviera,
visiting the fishing village of Camogli, where seashells adorn pastelpainted house walls.
DAY 3: Charming Cinque Terre
Explore Cinque Terre (“Five Lands”), built along the steep coastal
cliffs of Liguria. At one time only accessible by sea, its vineyards
and fishing villages are still strongly attached to their old traditions.
Visit Vernazza, a village at the head of a sheltered cove, and
Manarola, a fishing village. Although Liguria's wines are not as
famous as those from Tuscany and Sicily, Cinque Terre produces
its own sweet wines. Visit an enoteca (wine bar) to enjoy tastings.
DAY 4: Depart Genoa
Transfer to your departure airport, port or train station.
Lake Como & Milan
Gold low season:
priced from $3,495,
Castello del Nero
Silver low season:
priced from $2,495,
Palazzo Leopoldo
DAY 1: Arrive in Florence
You are met in Florence and taken to your Chianti hotel.
DAY 2: Chianti Countryside
Venture into the Chianti countryside with your driver-guide,
stopping in hilltop towns, such as Greve and Castellina. Enjoy wine
tastings and local specialties, such as vegetables sott’olio (preserved
in oil). Visit Panzano, known for incredible cuts of meat, and Badia
di Passignano. You also have a chance to taste Antinori wines.
Gold low season:
priced from $5,695,
Villa d'Este Hotel
Silver low season:
priced from $4,595,
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
DAY 1: Arrive in Milan
Arrive in Milan and privately transfer to your luxury hotel on the
banks of stunning Lake Como.
DAY 2: Lake Como Cruise
Meet your local guide for a half-day private boat cruise on Lake
Como, Europe’s deepest lake. Stop in the delightful village of
Bellagio and visit elegant Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo.
DAY 3: Medieval Walled Towns
With its medieval towers and palaces, UNESCO World Heritage
Site San Gimignano is incredibly well preserved. Pass vineyards and
olive groves when you head off the main roads, picturesque scenes
that most travellers miss. Continue to Monteriggioni, famous for
its intact defensive walls.
DAY 3: Last Supper and a Snack
Drive to Milan and meet your local guide. View da Vinci's newly
restored Last Supper in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Visit the flamboyant Gothic Cathedral and the Brera Gallery,
considered Milan’s most formidable art museum. Don’t miss the
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and La Scala Opera House. Take a break
and join your guide for coffee and pastries at a historic pasticceria.
DAY 4: Depart Florence
DAY 4: Depart Milan
Privately transfer to the airport or railway station.
135
Central & Eastern Europe Elements
EUROPE
Munich & Neuschwanstein
Lucerne & the Swiss Alps
Gold low season:
priced from $4,495,
Hotel Palace Lucerne
(Deluxe Lake View Room)
Silver low season:
priced from $3,995,
Hotel Palace Lucerne
(City View Room)
DAY 1: Arrive in Zurich
DAY 2: Walking Tour of Lucerne
Join a guided walking tour to the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall),
the Hofkirche and the celebrated Glacier Gardens. Afterward, take
a boat cruise on the lake. In your free time, you might want to stroll
along the lake shore, stopping off at a terrace to take in the views.
Alternatively, you may wish to visit one of its museums.
DAY 3: Riding the Cog-wheel Railway
At the station in Alpnachstad, board the world's steepest cog-wheel
railway to Pilatus Kulm. Make your way back via the aerial gondola.
Gold low season: priced from $2,695, The Charles Hotel
Silver low season: priced from $2,395, Hotel Torbräu
DAY 1: Arrive in Munich
The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own.
DAY 2: Haus-hold Names
Join your local guide for a walking tour of the compact Old Town,
with its famous Hofbräuhaus. See the Karlsplatz fountain and the
Frauenkirche, as well as the Marienplatz with the new Rathaus (city
hall). Stroll along to the Eisbach, a small river that forms a standing
wave, to watch the surfers.
DAY 3: A Fairy-tale Castle
Set out into the Bavarian countryside to King Ludwig II’s
Neuschwanstein Castle, used by Walt Disney as the model for
Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland. Its construction almost
brought Bavaria to bankruptcy, and Ludwig's early death in the lake
is rumored to be closely connected with this. Take time to walk to
the Marienbrucke (Mary’s Bridge) for the best views of the stunning
fairy-tale castle. Afterward, see Ludwig II’s country retreat at
Linderhof; its Rococo styling is similar to Versailles'.
DAY 4: Depart Munich
Privately transfer to the Munich airport.
136
DAY 4: Depart Zurich
Privately transfer to the airport.
Prague
Gold low season:
priced from $3,595,
Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Silver low season:
priced from $2,395,
Hotel Aria
DAY 1: Arrive in Prague
You are met by your Guardian Angel and taken to your hotel.
DAY 2: Old Town and Jewish Quarter
Start your guided walking tour in the Old Town and Jewish
Quarter. Set out on a tour of Prague's Castle District, including
stops at Hradcany Castle, the Cathedral of St. Vitus and the Basilica
of St. George. End the day at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Loreto
and the Strahov Monastery, where you privately tour the library.
DAY 3: An Archduke's Retreat
Venture to Konopiste Castle, once owned by Archduke Franz
Ferdinand. The balance of the day is at leisure.
DAY 4: Depart Prague
Transfer to the airport.
Budapest
On arrival, your Guardian
Angel meets and transfers you
to your hotel. The following day,
explore this breathtaking city's
highlights, including the Opera
House, the ornate Synagogue
and its Jewish Museum, Heroes'
Square and the Parliament.
Ascend Castle Hill by funicular
to the former Royal Palace
that towers over the Danube.
On your third day, venture to
artsy Szentendre, with cobbled
streets and colorful Baroque
houses. Transfer to the airport
on your final day.
Salzburg & the Eagle's Nest
Gold low season:
priced from $2,495,
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
(Festival Wing Room)
Silver low season:
priced from $2,195,
Hotel Goldener Hirsch
(Classic Room)
Your Guardian Angel meets
and transfers you to your hotel.
The next day, join your guide
to see Mozart’s birthplace and
St. Peter’s Abbey. Take the
funicular to Hohensalzburg
Fortress, Central Europe’s
largest; visit Mirabell Palace.
On day 3, cross the AustrianBavarian border and drive
along the Königsee Valley to
Berchtesgaden and the nearby
salt mines. Continue to Eagle’s
Nest, Hitler’s mountain retreat,
for panoramic alpine views.
Depart the following day.
Vienna
Gold low season:
priced from $3,595,
Hotel Imperial
Silver low season:
priced from $2,895,
Grand Hotel Wien
Gold low season:
priced from $2,395,
Sheraton Krakow Hotel
(Deluxe Room)
Silver low season:
priced from $2,295,
Sheraton Krakow Hotel
(Classic Room)
You are met by your Guardian
Angel and transferred to your
hotel. The next day, explore
UNESCO World Heritage
Site Kraków with your guide.
Visit the Royal Castle and the
Cathedral, the magnificent
Market Square and the
medieval university complex.
Head to Kazimierz, the former
Jewish ghetto area. You also
visit the infamous Auschwitz
concentration camp, now a
memorial. On your last day,
transfer to the airport for
your departure flight.
EUROPE
Gold low season:
priced from $3,395, Four
Seasons Gresham Palace
Silver low season:
priced from $2,295,
Corinthia Hotel Budapest
Kraków
Warsaw
Gold low season:
priced from $2,095,
Mamaison Hotel Le Regina
(Deluxe Terrace Room)
Silver low season:
priced from $1,895,
Mamaison Hotel Le Regina
(Superior Room)
You are met by your Guardian
Angel and transferred to
your hotel. The following day,
discover Warsaw with your
private guide. Explore the Old
Town, with its Gothic churches,
defensive walls and fairy-tale
facades. You also visit the
Royal Castle; the cathedral of
Saint John; Lazienki Park and
the Lazienki Palace. Continue
exploring, visiting the regal
Palace and Gardens and
enjoying time at leisure.
The next day, depart from
Warsaw airport.
Berlin
Your Guardian Angel meets
and transfers you to your
hotel. On a guided tour,
see the Hofburg Palace, the
Imperial Treasury, St. Stephen’s
Cathedral and the colorful
Viennese Naschmarkt. Then
visit the historic Schönbrunn
Palace. The next day take
an excursion to the Vienna
Woods, stopping at Mayerling
and the Cistercian abbey of
Heiligenkreuz. En route back to
Vienna, stop at Seegrotte, with
its underground lake. Transfer
to the airport on your last day.
Gold low season:
priced from $3,295,
Hotel Adlon Kempinski
Silver low season:
priced from $3,095,
Hotel de Rome
Your Guardian Angel
meets and transfers you
to your hotel. On day two,
discover Berlin, visiting the
Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz and
Checkpoint Charlie, where East
and West Berlin met. Peruse
the ancient artifacts at the
Pergamon Museum and see the
Berlin Cathedral. The next day,
explore Charlottenburg Palace.
You may visit the East Side
Gallery, the largest remaining
intact section of the Berlin
Wall, during time at leisure. On
day four, transfer to the airport.
137
Spain & Portugal Elements
EUROPE
Madrid
Gold low season: priced from $3,495, Hotel Ritz Madrid
Silver low season: priced from $2,695,
InterContinental Madrid
DAY 1: Arrive in Madrid
You are met by your Guardian Angel and transferred by private
vehicle to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
DAY 2: The Great Masters
Your local guide takes you to the Prado Museum to view works
by Spain’s three great masters: Goya, Velázquez and El Greco.
Continue to the Royal Palace, whose rooms are filled with art
treasures. Aficionados of chocolate should consider stopping for
a cup of dark hot chocolate and churros (long, thin doughnuts),
perfect for dunking.
DAY 3: Fortified City of Toledo
Head out with your guide to Toledo, an ancient fortified city.
Inhabited successively by the Romans, Visigoths and Arabs, Toledo
was conquered by the kings of Castile in 1085. Later, Christians,
Muslims and Jews lived here in harmony. Visit the Cathedral and
stroll through winding cobbled streets, stopping at the Church of
Santo Tomé, housing El Greco’s famous The Burial of Count Orgaz.
Continue your exploration at the city’s oldest and largest synagogue,
the 12th-century Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue.
DAY 4: Depart Madrid
138
Barcelona
Gold low season: priced from $3,795, Hotel Arts Barcelona
Silver low season: priced from $3,195, El Palace Hotel
DAY 1: Arrive in Barcelona
Meet your Guardian Angel for the transfer to your hotel. The
remainder of today is at leisure.
DAY 2: Gaudí's Masterpieces
Head out with your local guide and driver to discover the
masterpieces of Catalonia’s most famous architect, Gaudí. See
his Casa Mila, with its wavelike façade, and the impressive but
unfinished Sagrada Familia Basilica. Visit the colorful Parc Güell,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city's medieval Gothic
Quarter, including the magnificent 13th-century Cathedral. At the
Picasso Museum, view some of the painter’s earliest works. Wander
through the Boquería Market, teeming with fruits and vegetables,
seafood and Iberian hams. Sample as you go to experience the
variety of flavors in Mediterranean cuisine.
DAY 3: Amid the Serra de Montserrat
Embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of the shrine of the Black
Virgin of Montserrat, located high in the peaks of the Serra de
Montserrat. Visit the beautiful domed basilica and the museum,
housing works by El Greco and Caravaggio, among others.
DAY 4: Depart Barcelona
Seville
Lisbon
EUROPE
Gold low season:
priced from $2,895,
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
Silver low season:
priced from $2,295,
Bairro Alto
DAY 1: Arrive in Lisbon
You are met by your Guardian Angel and transferred by private
vehicle to your hotel. The remainder of today is at leisure; relax in
your hotel or set out to explore the Gothic cityscape and winding
backstreets.
DAY 2: Palaces and Museums
Explore the 15th-century Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Continue to the Belém Palace to see the National
Coach Museum. Wander the Gulbenkian Museum. Sample the
delicious Pasteis de Belém, traditional custard pastries.
DAY 3: A Day in Sintra
Sintra was once the summer residence of Portuguese kings and
aristocrats. This charming town, on the northern slopes of the
Serra de Sintra, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you
explore the city, stop at the National Palace of Sintra, a former
royal residence with a variety of architectural styles.
DAY 4: Depart Lisbon
Gold low season: priced from $2,895, Hotel Alfonso XIII
Silver low season: priced from $2,495, Gran Meliá Colón
Porto & the Douro Valley
Gold low season:
priced from $2,295,
InterContinental Porto
(Executive Room)
Silver low season:
priced from $2,195,
InterContinental Porto
(Deluxe Room)
DAY 1: Arrive in Seville
On arrival you are met by your Guardian Angel and transferred by
private vehicle to your hotel.
DAY 2: Overview of the City
Join your local guide to visit the 15th-century Cathedral and La
Giralda. Its Moorish tower was erected as a minaret in the 12th
century. Continue to the Alcázar, a magnificent 14th-century
Mudéjar palace that is one of the oldest royal residences in Europe
still in use. Walk the maze of narrow streets in the Barrio de Santa
Cruz, admiring the whitewashed houses, small squares and flowerfilled patios. At the Museum of Fine Arts, view religious works from
the Middle Ages and beautiful paintings by Zurbarán, Ribera and
Murillo. Continue to Casa de Pilatos, home to one of Seville’s great
aristocratic families.
DAY 1: Arrive in Porto
The remainder of today is at leisure.
DAY 3: Historical Carmona
In unspoiled Carmona, visit the Arab fortress, Renaissance palaces
and a Roman necropolis before returning to your Seville hotel.
You may wish to add a visit to the Tablao El Arenal, located in a
17th-century building, to watch a dance performance of flamenco.
DAY 3: The Douro Valley
The remote Douro Valley is port country. Travel with your guide
to the palace of Solar de Mateus, with its 18th-century interior and
manicured lawns and connected with the rose-colored wine still
produced in the village; then cruise the River Douro.
DAY 4: Depart Seville
DAY 4: Depart Porto
DAY 2: Porto and Its Signature Drink
Explore Porto. Visit the Cais da Ribeira and some of the city’s
monuments, including the Stock Exchange and St. Francisco
Church. Sample the region’s signature port at a famous wine lodge.
139
Greece & Turkey Elements
EUROPE
Athens
Gold low season: priced from $3,195,
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Silver low season: priced from $2,495, Electra Palace Hotel
DAY 1: Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens, where you are met by your Guardian Angel and
transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
DAY 2: Iconic Athens
In the company of your private guide, explore the complex of
monuments that is the icon of Athens — the Acropolis. See the
Parthenon and the new Acropolis museum. You may also be able to
see the changing of the guard in Constitution Square. Afterward,
walk through the ancient Plaka district; then wander the Benaki
Museum to view a fascinating display of eclectic art. En route,
drive past the Panathenaic Stadium or ask your guide to take you to
Lycabettus Hill instead of the museum. Board a funicular to the top
of the hill to see the little chapel of St. George and a theater.
DAY 3: The Coast to Cape Sounion
Your morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, drive along the scenic
coast to Cape Sounion. Visit the ruined Temple of Poseidon, sitting
high on the cliffs. You may wish to be there late in the day; it is one
of the best spots in Greece to watch the sunset.
DAY 4: Depart Athens
Transfer privately to the airport.
140
Santorini
Gold low season: priced from $2,895, Perivolas
Silver low season: priced from $2,395, Vedema Resort
DAY 1: Arrive in Santorini
Your Guardian Angel meets you at the airport and accompanies you
to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 2: Whitewashed Houses and White Wine
Head out with your driver and guide to Oia, the most picturesque
town on the island. Stroll through narrow streets and admire the
tidy whitewashed houses, windmills and caves perched up on the
edge of the cliff. Continue to Fira to explore the Prehistoric Museum
that houses the artifacts from Akrotiri, a settlement destroyed by
a massive volcanic eruption in 1600 BC. Visit Domaine Sigalas or
Boutari Wines, two of the island's best producers of stellar white
wine. Consider a stop at the Art Space, a complex of caves that acts
as both a winery and a unique art gallery.
DAY 3: Seaside Pursuits
Go swimming, diving or snorkeling in the azure waters or enjoy
the facilities at your hotel. You may want to continue exploring the
island on your own. Do some last-minute shopping or enjoy the
stunning view (and menu) at a seaside taverna.
DAY 4: Depart Santorini
Crete
Istanbul
EUROPE
Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas (Island Suite on water's edge)
Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas (Sea View Room)
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Park Hyatt Istanbul - Maçka Palas
DAY 1: Arrive in Heraklion
On arrival at Heraklion's airport you are met by your Guardian
Angel and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
DAY 1: Arrive in Istanbul
You are met by an A&K representative and transferred to your hotel,
driving by the periphery of the impressive city walls.
DAY 2: Memories of Minos
Visit the temporary exhibition of the archaeological museum of
Heraklion that includes important Minoan artifacts. Continue to the
Palace of Knossos that once belonged to King Minos. It was once the
center of the Minoan civilization. Excavations have revealed mosaic
floors, the grand staircase and the throne complex. Wine lovers
might want to add a visit to the Boutari Winery near Knossos.
DAY 2: Remnants of the Ottoman Empire
Istanbul was the center of the greatest political power of the
medieval world. Stops include the sixth-century Basilica Cistern;
breathtaking Hagia Sophia; and Topkapi Palace, the Ottoman
government center. In the afternoon, view Yildiz and set out to
stroll the Pera district, the present-day heart of Istanbul. Stop
for a coffee at the fabled Pera Palace Hotel.
DAY 3: A Glimpse of Daily Life
Venture to the village of Kritsa, renowned for its traditional
weaving. See the church of Panagia Kera with its beautiful frescoes.
Continue to Gournia, the best-preserved Minoan settlement,
offering a glimpse of what daily life must have been like in the
days of the palaces, around 1450 BC. You may visit the houses of a
carpenter, a potter and a smith. The balance of the day is at leisure.
DAY 3: The Era of Sinan
The master architect of the Ottoman Empire was Mimar Sinan
(1491-1588), acclaimed by Frank Lloyd Wright as “the master
builder of all time.” Visit Sinan’s wonderful Rustem Pasa Mosque,
known for its outstanding Iznik tiles. Stroll through the busy
nearby market area into the Spice Bazaar to browse a tremendous
variety of goods in its 88 vaulted rooms. Continue to the dazzling
Grand Covered Bazaar, in service since 1461, where you are certain
to find some fabulous souvenirs to take home.
DAY 4: Depart Heraklion
Transfer by private vehicle to the airport.
DAY 4: Depart Istanbul
141
Scandinavia & Russia Elements
EUROPE
Copenhagen
Gold low season: priced from $5,495, Hotel Nimb
Silver low season: priced from $4,295, Palace Hotel
DAY 1: Arrive in Copenhagen
Arrive in Copenhagen, where you are taken to your hotel.
DAY 2: Exploring the City
Visit Rosenborg, a Renaissance castle, and see The Little Mermaid,
the statue that commemorates Hans Christian Andersen’s
character. Stop at Christiansborg Castle, surrounded on three
sides by canals, where the queen officially receives guests. End the
morning at Nyhavn, lined with restaurants and boutiques. This
afternoon, you are at leisure to explore on your own. You may want
to visit Tivoli Gardens to see a large collection of works by Gauguin,
Degas and other Impressionists, as well as Danish 19th-century
paintings and Greek, Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman sculptures.
DAY 3: A Day in the Country
Explore the picturesque Danish countryside with your local guide.
Stop in the elegant seaside town of Humlebæk to visit the Louisiana
Museum of Modern Art, renowned for its stunning location and
architecture as much as for its collection. Continue to Kronborg
Castle, used by William Shakespeare as the setting for Hamlet.
You also visit Frederiksborg Castle.
DAY 4: Depart Copenhagen
Transfer to the airport or rail station.
142
Stockholm
Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel
DAY 1: Arrive in Stockholm
You are met on arrival and privately transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: Gamla Stan and Djurgården
Begin a day of sightseeing in Gamla Stan, the quaint Old Town,
with its fine palaces and churches. Visit the Blue Hall in City Hall,
the venue for the Nobel Prize-winner’s dinner. Admire the Royal
Palace's State Apartments, the Crown Jewels in the Treasury and
the impressive paintings in the National Museum, which houses a
collection of thousands of paintings. After lunch at leisure, travel to
the island of Djurgården to visit the 300-year old Vasa warship, the
largest battleship of its kind, and wander Skansen, the world’s first
open-air museum.
DAY 3: The Queen's Island
Travel across the archipelago by public steamboat cruiser to the
17th-century Drottningholm Palace (Queen’s Island Castle), now
home to the Swedish royal family. Stop to see the 18th-century
Court Theater in the beautiful grounds of the palace. This
afternoon is at leisure to shop and explore on your own.
DAY 4: Depart Stockholm
Transfer to the airport or rail station.
Oslo
Helsinki
DAY 1: Arrive in Oslo
You are met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
DAY 2: The Royal Palace and Nobel Peace Center
Join your guide for a walking tour, beginning at Karl Johans Gate.
Stroll through the gardens of the Royal Palace to the Cathedral.
Visit City Hall, with its array of sculptures and murals, and the
Nobel Peace Center.
DAY 3: Norway's Heritage
Explore the Munch Museum, containing works of art from Edvard
Munch, one of Scandinavia’s leading artists, and the Vigeland
Sculpture Park. Transfer to the Bygdøy Peninsula to visit the
Viking Ship Museum. Continue to the Kon-Tiki Museum and
Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Jump Tower to learn about the
importance of skiing.
DAY 4: Depart Oslo
Transfer to the airport or train station.
Bergen & Norway's Fjords
Gold low season:
priced from $4,695,
Clarion Collection Hotel
Havnekontoret
Silver low season:
priced from $4,195,
Clarion Admiral Hotel
DAY 1: Arrive in Bergen
You are met and transferred to your hotel in Bergen.
DAY 2: Fish Market and Mount Floyen
Walk through the Fish Market and a stroll along the Bryggen
wharf area to the Bergen Fortress. Visit the Hanseatic Museum
and Troldhaugen, Edvard Grieg's former home. Take the Fløibanen
funicular to the top of Mount Floyen. This afternoon is at leisure.
Gold low season:
priced from $3,295,
Hotel Kamp (Executive Room)
Silver low season:
priced from $3,095,
Hotel Kamp (Deluxe Room)
EUROPE
Gold low season:
priced from $4,295,
Hotel Continental
(Deluxe Room)
Silver low season:
priced from $3,995,
Hotel Continental
(Standard Room)
DAY 1: Arrive in Helsinki
You are met and privately transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: Quaint Porvoo
Meet your guide and travel to Porvoo and walk through the
charming Old Town, with its winding lanes and colored wooden
houses. Browse the small handicraft shops scattered along the lanes.
There are also several antique shops with interesting pieces. As you
wander around, you may notice that many of Porvoo's residents still
speak Swedish rather than Finnish, and they refer to their town as
Borga. Then explore the Porvoo Museum.
DAY 3: Exploring Helsinki
Embark on a city tour today. View the green-domed Tuomiokirkko
(Lutheran Cathedral of Finland) and the copper-domed Temple
Square Church carved into the rocks below. You may also see the
Sibelius monument, set in a lovely park.
DAY 4: Depart Helsinki
St. Petersburg
Gold low season:
priced from $2,695,
Hotel Astoria
Silver low season:
priced from $2,295,
Angleterre Hotel
DAY 1: Arrive in St. Petersburg
You are met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.
DAY 2: Historic Highlights
Observe the main sights of historic St. Petersburg: Nevsky Prospect,
Palace Square, the Winter Palace, the Admiralty and Vasilevsky
Island. See the fascinating Peter & Paul Fortress, the Fortress
Cathedral and the awe-inspiring Hermitage.
DAY 3: Fjords and Mountains
Board the express ferry to Flåm. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as
you cruise along the famous Sognefjord. Arrive in Flåm and take
the Flåm Railway train to Myrdal. During your short rail journey,
climb 2,850 feet up a steep mountain gorge to marvel at the fjords
below. In Myrdal, ride in first class on the express train to Bergen.
DAY 3: Czarist Life
Visit Peterhof, the great summer estate of Peter the Great, nestled
on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. Afterward, enjoy a hydrofoil
trip back to St. Petersburg, where your afternoon is at leisure. You
may wish to browse the 19th-century shops along Nevsky Prospekt,
visit the restored Church on Spilled Blood or explore the Russian
Museum’s outstanding art collection.
DAY 4: Depart Bergen
DAY 4: Depart St. Petersburg
143
European Villas
You are welcomed to authentic
Europe — to the sights, flavors
and experiences that are the heart
and soul of each destination.
EUROPE
"Whatever your travel style and destination
of choice, a European villa provides an
exclusive, private getaway that offers many
of the same amenities as a luxury hotel —
maid service, a chef who can prepare your
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with coordinating excursions and activities.
You choose the services you require, and
we can do the rest. What's more, you have
the opportunity to stay in one-of-a-kind
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family or friends?"
— Frank Rejwan, Managing Director, A&K Villas
There is no better way to spend a week or two with your family and friends
than at a charming European villa, handpicked by A&K. We offer a wide
range of luxury villas in prime European locations, checked and inspected
by our team to ensure they are the perfect fit for your ideal vacation.
Villas range in size from intimate residences more suited to a small family
getaway, to grand manor houses whose size and amenities make them ideal
for a large group of friends or family celebrations. Whatever your travel
style, A&K offers a villa to match.
Although no two villas are exactly alike, they all include the services and
amenities you need for an enjoyable, carefree and memorable experience.
Our villa hosts can help you make the most of your stay so that you can be
as active or laid back as you wish.
All A&K Villas stays include the following:
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the history, people and culture of the surrounding area. One is suited just for you.
145
Upgrade Your Basic Villa Package to a Hosted Option
EUROPE
To make the most of your villa vacation, we recommend that
you upgrade your basic package to a hosted option that includes
a wide range of additional benefits and services, including:
› Airport/station arrival assistance
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› Light, pre-prepared supper on your arrival evening
› A refrigerator stocked with drinks and initial provisions
› Complimentary pre-arrival shopping service
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Villa Jasmine | Cote d’Azur s,Y\[iffdj#jc\\gj/$('
This spacious and modern luxury villa is set amid landscaped gardens
that surround the heated infinity pool. Immaculately presented, this
sumptuous villa has an impressive list of facilities and is a stylish choice
for a family villa holiday.
146
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Villa Barbet | Provence s+Y\[iffdj#jc\\gj/
Set in its own private grounds, this charming Provençal villa is
within walking distance of one of the region's most famous villages,
Bonnieux. Set on a hillside, the holiday villa enjoys delightful views
of the surrounding landscape dotted with ancient medieval villages
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Le Mas des Roses | Provence s.Y\[iffdj#jc\\gj(+
This stunning 17th-century maison de maître was featured on the cover
page of the April 2012 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. It is set within its
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sleeping accommodation make it ideal for a family villa holiday.
Priced from $9,937 (up to 8 guests) to $11,014 (up to 14 guests) per week
EUROPE
Villa Le Terme | Tuscany s,Y\[iffdj#jc\\gj('
Villa le Terme offers fully renovated farmhouse accommodations in
Tuscany with views over the Chianti hills. It is located a short distance
from the medieval village of San Gimignano. This luxury villa retains
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countryside yet conveniently located near Panzano, offering a
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A newly renovated farmhouse located in the area of Cortona, La
Fornace offers great views from the grounds to the Tuscan countryside.
The villa is a peaceful retreat away from the crowds and is centrally
located, allowing for daytrips to Florence, Arezzo, Siena or Perugia.
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Tuscany, close to many of the region's treasures, including Chianti
and Florence. The spectacular formal gardens and gated infinity
pool make this the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing vacation.
La Madonnina | Tuscany s*Y\[iffdj#jc\\gjLa Madonnina is situated in one of the premier positions within the
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recently restored with complete respect for the Tuscan traditions
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accommodation for a group of friends or a family villa holiday. The pool
is completely fenced, making it an ideal vacation home for families with
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147
Canal & River
Cruising in France
Cruise France’s rivers and canals,
and witness some of the world’s
most beautiful natural canvases.
EUROPE
4 Alsace-Lorraine
Paris
3 Champagne
Strasbourg
2 Upper Loire Valley
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B AY O F B I S C AY
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elegant river cruisers and you’ll have time to explore off the
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we will reserve these independently owned vessels for you,
working with you to create a personalized journey. Perhaps
you will decide to add a unique excursion or a European
city stay to make it truly your own.”
— Jonathan White, Managing Director,
A&K Europe
Time Difference:
EST plus 7 hours
Late April through October
is the best time to go. In the
spring, the landscapes come
alive and brighten with the
first flowers of the season. In
summer, vineyards are lush
and verdant, and produce is
ripening to be transformed
into delicious meals. In the fall,
watch as the trees blanket the
forests with brilliantly colored
leaves, and new wines are
introduced to an eager public.
Climate:
The northern part of France,
including Paris and Strasbourg,
sees spring temperatures
between 50-60 degrees
Fahrenheit, increasing to 65
to near 80 in the summer and
hovering around 60 in the fall.
Dijon averages 55-65 in spring,
70-75 in summer and 55-70 in
fall. Avignon, located in the
south, is about 68-70 in the
spring, 75-85 in summer and
55-75 in the fall.
149
EUROPE
1 Burgundy
World-renowned wines, cheeses, foie gras, even Dijon mustard:
the region of Burgundy is a culinary nirvana. Full of thriving
vineyards and small towns rich in history, Burgundy offers plenty
of the quiet, little-known pleasures that make canal and river
cruising so rewarding. Yet the true highlight may be in the evening,
when your chef presents another gourmet dinner made from the
best regional ingredients, pairing it with an admirable local wine.
Agriculturally rich and strategically important, Burgundy has
long been a political prize. Julius Caesar fought Gaulish chief
Vercingétorix here, and the courts of the powerful Dukes of
Burgundy once rivaled those of France’s kings. On a cruise
through the region, you’ll see that the prize is a culinary one.
Each day, your onboard chef uses fresh regional ingredients
like these with a selection of cheeses and wines — always
accompanied by a brief history or story.
For instance, it was originally Cistercian monks working in the
vineyards near Dijon who developed the robust Côte de Nuits
and Côte de Beaune wines. The monks grew pinot noir grapes for
the king, but by the 14th century the gamay grape was gaining in
popularity. The vintners of Beaujolais ignored the monks’ orders
to pull out the young gamay vines and continued to produce their
“working class” wine. Many oenophiles continue to believe this
fruity and refreshing wine is worthy of sharing with good friends —
something you have the opportunity to do.
Your canal and river cruise is hotel, meals and activities all rolled
into one. Since you’re travelling at a leisurely pace, you can literally
Château du Clos de Vougeot in the Burgundian countryside
stop and smell the roses. Browse the open-air markets of medieval
towns like Dijon or bike through wildflower fields and towpaths.
Palaces and châteaux are always nearby, and you can expect to see
firsthand what life was like in their day.
A fascinating example is in Beaune at the Hôtel-Dieu, or Hospices
de Beaune. Nicolas Rolin, the Chancellor of Burgundy, and his wife,
Guigone de Salins, founded this “palace of the poor,” a marvel of
Burgundian and Flemish art with a gloriously colored tile roof. The
Grande Salle (or Chambre des Pauvres) was both a hospital and
a church, enabling the sick to attend religious services. Now you
can visit the Hôtel-Dieu museum with its restored rooms, kitchen,
pharmacy and gallery of Renaissance religious art.
VESSELS CRUISING IN FRANCE
=fi`kè\iXi`\jXe[[\kX`c\[gi`Zè^#m`j`kXY\iZifdY`\b\ek%Zfd%
150
‘Caprice’ | 21 guests | From $3,190 per person
:Xgi`Z\Zil`j\jè9li^le[pfeXY\Xlk`]lci`m\iXe[ZXeXciflk\
Y\kn\\e;àfeXe[Jk$C^\i$jli$;_\le\%<ogcfi\clj_mè\pXi[jXe[
charming towns such as Chalon-sur-Saône, Chagny and Beaune,
home to the famous Hôtel-Dieu with its Burgundian tiled roof.
‘L’Art de Vivre’ | 8 guests | From $4,150 per person
Fi`^èXccpX9i`k`j_cldY\iZXii`\i#C8ik[\M`mi\nXjkiXej]fid\[èkf
XÔfXkè^Z\c\YiXk`fef]k_\Xikf]c`mè^èkiX[`k`feXc9li^le[`Xejkpc\%
Cruise past verdant vineyards, and visit medieval villages with halfk`dY\i\[_flj\jXe[X^\$fc[kfnejÔXlekè^jg\ZkXZlcXiZ_liZ_\j%
‘Elisabeth’ | 6 guests | From $5,000 per person
K_\Z_Xidè^]Xd`cp$]i`\e[cp<c`jXY\k_fø\ij_\igfglcXi
"Chocolate & Wine" cruises in Burgundy and features activities
k_XkèZcl[\[\c\ZkXYc\[\jj\ik$dXbè^[\dfejkiXk`fejXe[nè\
tastings of local wine varietals.
‘C’est La Vie’ | 8 guests | From $5,750 per person
É:\jkCXM`\fø\ijXg\i]\ZkYc\e[f][`jZfm\ipXe[i\cXoXk`feèk_\
majestic French countryside as she cruises through the ever-changing
scenery of the Canal de Bourgogne, passing vineyard-clad hillsides
and pretty towns and villages along the way.
Canal de Bourgogne
EUROPE
The Canal de Bourgogne offers a scenic gateway to Burgundy, one
of France’s most popular holiday destinations. Your cruise takes
you to charming towns and vineyards for a glimpse of Gallic
history, gastronomy and art.
River Saône
This commercial river links Paris to Marseille through the canal
network and flows through the length of Burgundy to Lyon, where
it joins the Rhône. Among the important ports along the river are
Chalon-sur-Saône, with its medieval quarter, and Tournus, with its
tree-lined quays and laid-back pace. At Mâcon, the Saône is wide
and slow moving. The numerous cafés and restaurants along the
banks give a Mediterranean ambience.
Canal du Centre
The most commercial of all Burgundy canals, Canal du Centre links
the Saône with the Loire River Valley. It has serviced the wine trade,
heavy industry and breeders of Charolais cattle.
:XeXc[lE`m\ieX`j
Canal du Nivernais in central Burgundy is the most scenic of the
Burgundian canals and a bird lover’s paradise. More than 180
different bird species, including some 120 nesting breeds, have been
spotted along the canal, which flows through miles of unspoiled
countryside. The town of Clamecy is on its route, and since the
Crusades, religious pilgrims have passed by on their way to
Santiago de Compostelo in Spain.
Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, overlooking the Canal de Bourgogne
‘La Belle Époque’ | 12 guests | From $4,890 per person
Elegant 'La Belle Epoque' travels through Burgundy on a delightful
`kè\iXipY\kn\\eM\eXi\p$c\j$CXld\jXe[KXecXp#èZcl[è^XjkfgXk
k_\()k_$Z\eklipC8YYXp\[\=fek\eXp#XLE<J:FNfic[?\i`kX^\
J`k\%KXb\èk_\Y\Xlk`]lcZflekipj`[\]ifdXcfle^\Z_Xìfe[\Zb%
‘Saroche’ | 6 guests | From $4,500 per person
9fXjkè^jgXZ`fljZXYèj#XjgXgffcfe_\ijle[\ZbXe[XgXiXjfc$
covered area for meals al fresco, ‘Saroche’ cruises along some of the
most scenic waterways in France, on a voyage that passes prolific
vineyards, quaint market towns and serene valleys.
‘L’Impressionniste’ | 12 guests | From $4,890 per person
'L'Impressionniste,' featuring an on-deck spa pool and well-appointed
ZXYèj#kiXm\cjk_ifl^_k_\9li^le[pnè\Xi\XfeX[\c`^_k]lc
jki\kZ_f]k_\:XeXc[\9fli^fê\Y\kn\\e=c\li\p$jli$FlZ_\Xe[
Escommes, with walking and cycling opportunities along the way.
‘Hirondelle’ | 8 guests | From $5,400 per person
K_`jd\dY\if]k_\Fi`\ek$<ogi\jjZfcc\Zk`fejg\e[j_\i\ekì\
j\XjfeZil`jè^è9li^le[pXe[k_\=iXeZ_\$:fdk#Y\kn\\e
Chagny and Besançon, passing picturesque villages on a delightful
canal and river route .
151
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2 Upper Loire Valley
Just outside the arms of Paris the world seems to change from
crowded, balconied apartments and endless traffic to tranquil,
flowing fields dotted with magnificent châteaux. This is the Loire
Valley, close in distance but miles apart in flavor, and known far
and wide for its wonderful varietals. The valley is known as the
“Garden of France,” where royal hunting lodges evolved into
magnificent châteaux.
The Val de Loire produces every variety of wine: white, red and
rosé. Villages such as medieval Sancerre offer opportunities to taste
the prestigious local vintages. Lovely towns such as Montargis and
Charité-sur-Loire dot the landscapes. Stroll the villages, including
Gien, where high-quality faïance pottery is produced.
A windmill in the verdant Champagne region
The canals here are some of the oldest in France. The staircase of
seven locks at Rogny is a testament to 17th-century engineering. It was
at Briare in 1890 that Gustav Eiffel chose to construct his magnificent
aqueduct high about the River Loire. At more than 2,100 feet in
length, the channel is the longest of its kind in the world and links
the Canal Lateral à la Loire to the Canal de Briare. An evening cruise
across this illuminated bridge is a never-to-be-forgotten experience.
For a leisurely vacation amid gorgeous châteaux, stately manor
houses and rolling vineyards, cruising through the lush Loire Valley
simply has no equal.
3 Champagne
With a history as vibrant as the famous beverage produced here,
the Champagne region in France is best explored on a canal cruise.
Follow along the River Marne on a trade route that dates back
to Caesar’s conquest of Gaul in 56 BC. Now the route is home to
renowned champagne and wine estates, one dating back to 1584 —
Gosset. Taittinger, Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot followed
in the 18th century.
According to French law, only champagne produced in the
Champagne-Ardenne area can be called “champagne"; everything
else is merely “sparkling wine.” Each vineyard has its own terroir,
which refers to all aspects of climate — temperature, sunlight
and rainfall, soil and length of the growing season. Although the
method of champagne production may be duplicated, the terroir
is unique and cannot be replicated. It’s this terroir that is the key
to differentiating champagne from other sparking wines. You’ll
experience these subtleties for yourself on your cruise.
152
‘Prospérité’ | 8 guests | From $45,900 per charter
Watch the glorious Burgundian scenery go past as you glide along
k_\:XeXc[\9fli^fê\]ifdpflijgfkèk_\fe$[\Zb_fkklYf]
k_`jjgXZ`fljm\jj\c%FYj\im\pfli^flid\kZ_\]Xknfibèk_\fg\e
kitchen or chat with the captain from a guest seat in the pilot house.
‘Fleur de Lys’ | 6 guests | From $7,950 per person
>iXZ`flj=c\li[\Cpj#XclolipYXi^\èk_\Fi`\ek$<ogi\jj
collection, ventures into the quiet French countryside. She cruises the
Canal de Bourgogne, River Saône and Canal du Centre, offering a
unique glimpse into Gallic history, gastronomy and art.
‘La Nouvelle Etoile’ | 8 guests | From $6,790 per person
CXEflm\cc\<kf`c\#YfXjkè^Xi\Óe\[[Zfi#fø\ijXmXi`\kpf]
departures in four unique regions: Burgundy, Champagne, AlsaceCfiiXè\#Xe[k_\Lgg\iCfì\Æ\XZ_befne]fi`kjjZ\e`ZY\Xlkp
and world-famous vintages.
‘Amaryllis’ | 8 guests | From $63,600 per charter
'Amaryllis,' part of the Orient-Express collection, plies the waters of
the Canal de Bourgogne, River Saône and Canal du Centre, cruising
Y\kn\\e;àfeXe[Jk$C^\i$jli$;_\le\fiMXe[\e\jj\$\e$8lof`j
Xe[;àfefeXmfpX^\k_ifl^_=iXeZ\jY\jk$befnenè\i\^`fej%
EUROPE
Gustav Eiffel's famous aqueduct on the Canal de Briare over the River Loire
‘Anjodi’ | 8 guests | From $4,390 per person
>iXZ\]lc8eaf[`kiXm\cjXYc`jj]lci\^`fef]jflk_\ie=iXeZ\%J_\
glides along the tranquil Canal du Midi with its many picturesque locks,
taking you to medieval walled towns, Roman colonies and cliff-top
villages for a glimpse of another era.
‘Napoléon’ | 12 guests | From $6,050 per person
EXgfcfe`jfe\f]<lifg\jÓe\jkm\jj\cj#XjkXe[flkd\dY\i
of the Orient-Express collection with fine facilities on three levels.
She cruises the River Rhône, passing charming medieval towns
and historical walled cities.
‘Le Phénicien’ | 18 guests | From $3,490 per person
C\G_e`Z`\eZil`j\jk_\I`m\iI_e\Xe[k_\kiXehl`cnXk\inXpjf]
the Camargue, meandering through Provence and the Languedoc
wine region where you experience the fascinating local culture while
relaxing in comfort.
‘Enchanté’ | 8 guests | From $5,540 per person
'Enchante' cruises the tree-lined Canal du Midi in the south of France.
KXjk\]lccp]lie`j_\[#j_\YfXjkjXjgXZ`fljjXcfeXe[X[\dfejkiXk`fe
kitchen for watching the chef prepare gourmet meals. The sun deck,
Zfdgc\k\n`k_cfle^\ijXe[X_fkklY#`jg\i]\Zk]fiXc]i\jZf[èè^%
153
EUROPE
4 Alsace-Lorraine
Whereas Champagne has always played a major role in French
history, neighboring Alsace-Lorraine switched identities from
French to German in the 1871 Franco-Prussian War and back
following World War I. This has only enhanced a cuisine influenced
by the best of both cultures and architecture that is fairy tale-like
in its beauty. Guests who travel the Canal de la Marne au Rhin see
charming villages with half-timbered houses; Strasbourg, the seat
of the European Parliament, and its La Petite France pedestrian
area; the 11th-century Château du Haut Barr; and La Petite Pierre,
a mountain-top village with a medieval castle.
5 Provence, Languedoc & the South of France
The sun-drenched landscapes of Provence have attracted painters
and artists for centuries. Historically, the region has been home
to the Greeks, Romans and Moors and claims a unique identity
— Provençale rather than simply French. Fascinating Languedoc,
with ties to the mysterious Cathars, is known for its vineyards, and
produces almost half of the table wine consumed in the country.
Romantic southeast France, bisected by the peaceful Canal de
Garonne, is the fabled land of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Cyrano de
Bergerac and the Three Musketeers. This less-visited corner of
the country has a unique culture all its own.
River Rhône
First used as a trade route by the ancient Greeks, the mighty River
Rhône has always been the favored link between the Mediterranean
Sea and northern Europe. The Romans planted the Val du Rhône's
first vineyards, and Côtes du Rhône vintages are still among the
country's best. Influential cities such as Arles, Lyon and Avignon,
a 14th-century papal residence, grew up along its banks.
Canal du Midi
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Canal du Midi is the
17th-century masterpiece of Pierre-Paul Ricquet who transformed
technical achievement into a work of art. Along with the Canal de
Garonne, its more than 300 locks, aqueducts, bridges and tunnels
link the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
=i\j_cpYXb\[Yi\X[èXGifm\eXcdXib\k
154
‘Alouette’ | 4 guests | From $28,600 per charter
8cfl\kk\#XclolipYXi^\èk_\Fi`\ek$<ogi\jjZfcc\Zk`fe#kiXm\cjk_\
_`jkfi`Z:XeXc[lD`[`Y\kn\\e9q`\ijXe[:XiZXjjfee\Xe[]\Xkli\j
knfjgXZ`fljZXYèj#Xjn\ccXjXefg\eb`kZ_\ek_XkXccfnj^l\jkjkf
fYj\im\k_\Z_\]Xknfib#gi\gXiè^k_\^flid\kd\Xcj%
‘Renaissance’ | 8 guests | From $6,090 per person
:il`j\Xcfe^k_\jZ\e`ZnXk\inXpjf]k_\Lgg\iCfì\#m`j`kè^jkXk\cp
Z_k\XloXe[jXdgcèî\^`feXcnè\j%FeYfXi[#\eafp\c\^Xekcp
gi\j\ek\[^flid\kd\XcjZfdgc\d\ek\[YpÓe\nè\j#Xe[kXb\
k`d\kfi\cXoèk_\_fkklYfe[\Zb%
‘Roi Soleil’ | 6 guests | From $36,700 per charter
If`Jfc\`c#Xcloli`fljknf$jkfipYXi^\#fø\ijjfd\f]k_\Y\jk
jkpc\#Zl`jè\#nè\jXe[j\im`Z\fek_\:XeXc[lD`[`#XLE<J:F
World Heritage Site. Experience the area's picturesque scenery
and outstanding gastronomy.
‘Meanderer’ | 6 guests | From $4,950 per person
Jkpc`j_D\Xe[\i\iZil`j\jk_\Lgg\iCfì\#fø\iè^Óe\Zl`jè\#
Zfd]fikXYc\ZXYèj#Xk\Xbjle[\ZbXe[_\Xk\[jgXgffc]ifdn_`Z_
to savor the historic countryside and enjoy a place where life moves
more slowly and elegantly.
EUROPE
The imposing walled city of Carcassonne
‘Panache’ | 12 guests | From $4,890 per person
:il`j\XYfXi[GXeXZ_\kf=iXeZ\j>\idXe$èÔl\eZ\[i\^`fe
of Alsace-Lorraine. Make sure to save time to relax in the on-deck
_fkklYn_`c\pflkXb\èk_\gXjjè^jZ\e\ipf]k_`j]XjZèXkè^Xe[
historic part of Europe.
‘Saint Louis’ | 6 guests | From $4,250 per person
The intimate 'Saint Louis' cruises on the Canal de Garonne in
jflk_n\jk=iXeZ\#m`j`kè^k_\]XYc\[cXe[jf]<c\Xefif]8hl`kXè\#
Cyrano de Bergerac and the Three Musketeers — a less-visited,
hidden corner of the country.
155
Canal & River Cruising in
Holland & Central Europe
A cruise through Holland’s vast network
of waterways and Central Europe’s Moselle,
Danube, Rhine or Main rivers is a journey
through European history.
EUROPE
NORTH SEA
1 Holland
NETHERLANDS
GERMANY
ENGLISH
CHANNEL
BELGIUM
Koblenz
River Moselle 2
Frankfurt
River Rhine
4 & River Main
SLOVAKIA
Basel
River Danube 3
SWITZERLAND
AUSTRIA
Vienna
Bratislava
Budapest
HUNGARY
ÇFe\f]k_\Y\jk]\Xkli\jf]ZXeXcXe[i`m\iZil`jè^`jk_Xk`k`jX
great value in today’s European travel market. Your price includes
everything, from accommodations to three delicious meals per day
with wine to guided sightseeing and entry fees. Even transfers and
YXi[ièbjXi\èZcl[\[fedfjkm\jj\cj%Pfle\m\i_Xm\kfkXb\flk
pflinXcc\kn_`c\pflXi\XYfXi[pfliZXeXcfii`m\im\jj\c%JXm\
that for special souvenirs you find ashore.”
— Jonathan White, Managing Director, A&K Europe
Time Difference:
EST plus 6 hours
Spring is an ideal time to
cruise through Holland,
when fields are awash
with colorful tulips and
other bright flowers.
Cruise Central Europe
anytime from spring
through fall because there
is always something to see,
from summer’s verdant
vineyards to vibrant
festivals and the rich hues
of autumn leaves.
Climate:
The weather in Holland and
Central Europe is generally
temperate and comfortable,
with cool summers and
mild winters. However,
summers are typically
warmer in Germany
than in Holland.
1 Holland
Tulips. Canals. Bicycles. Art by the Old Masters. These may be the
first things that come to mind when thinking of Holland, but there
is much more. Travelling the waterways is one of the best ways to
explore this enchanting country, the land of windmills, chocolate
and spectacular spring flowers. Although the canals of Holland
were built out of necessity — as repositories for seawater pumped
from their low-lying shores — the result was reclaimed land and
a very popular system of transportation. A cruise affords you the
opportunity to take a scenic look at the medieval architecture, craft
workshops and incredible art, and also sample the delicious cuisine
as you travel around bustling, cosmopolitan cities and charming
rural areas.
2 River Moselle
Germany’s valley of the River Moselle is a fascinating blend of
ancient culture, winemaking traditions and spectacular countryside
with a unique charm all its own. Numerous hilltop castles attest to
the area’s impressive Roman legacy, and idyllic towns and romantic
villages with half-timbered houses are terraced neatly into the
K_\]XìpkXc\$c`b\9li^<ckqèBfYc\eq
157
EUROPE
hillsides. Someone said that the secret to Moselle wines lies in the
Riesling grape and the slate that clings to the slopes. The sun shines
on it by day, and the residual heat warms the vines at night. It’s the
slate-lined slopes in the river bends that are said to produce the best
Moselle wines, as you discover during tastings at local wineries.
3 River Danube
A cruise on the Danube is like taking a journey through European
history. Stone-age hunters and Roman legionnaires, emperors and
kings, as well as rich citizens and medieval traders have all left their
mark along these significant waterways. Beautiful imperial cities,
such as Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, have grown up along
the Danube’s banks. Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles are
represented in their monuments and architecture and are often
reflected in the river’s blue waters. As you sip rich coffee and
sample delicious pastries in a Viennese coffee shop, it’s easy to
envision the elite of yesteryear gracefully waltzing to the music
of Strauss. Budapest also has a history of opera and classical
music, but the city's many health and thermal spas are well
worth a visit in their own right.
9iXk`jcXmX:Xjkc\#fek_\YXebjf]k_\;XelY\
One of Amsterdam's many canals
158
VESSELS CRUISING IN HOLLAND & CENTRAL EUROPE
EUROPE
4 River Rhine & River Main
The Romans built the first bridges over the Rhine and founded many
cities on her banks, including Strasbourg, Cologne and Koblenz. The
rolling hills, fairy-tale castles and ruined monasteries all contribute
to an ambience of romance on this long stretch of river.
The Main River stretches 330 miles — 240 of them navigable
by cruise between Bamberg and Mainz — flowing through the
German states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse. This
scenic route reveals palaces and castles, medieval towns and
architecture from Gothic to Baroque.
At one time, upstream travel was difficult. By the 19th century,
chain shipping made it more navigable with the introduction of
steam-powered tugs that used a chain laid in the riverbed to haul
barges. Today, locks make it possible for even larger river cruisers
and transport ships to navigate the water and reach Bamberg and
the Main-Danube Canal.
‘Panache’ | 12 guests | From $4,890 per person
In spring, the well-designed ‘Panache’ cruises through flower-filled
Holland, stopping in quaint towns, such as Delft and Gouda. On
YfXi[#\eafpX_`^_c\m\cf]g\ijfeXcj\im`Z\#\oZ\cc\ekZl`jè\#
î\XkZXdXiX[\i`\Xe[Xeèm`kè^fe$[\Zb_fkklY%
‘La Nouvelle Etoile’ | 8 guests | From $6,540 per person
CXEflm\cc\<kf`c\Y\^èj_\ij\Xjfeè?fccXe[#k_\cXe[f]nè[d`ccj#
chocolate and spectacular spring flowers, and ends her season in the
scenic valley of Germany’s Moselle in autumn, when the harvest is
Yflek`]lcXe[k_\Z\c\YiXk`fejeld\iflj%
‘River Cloud II’ | 88 guests | From $2,595 per person
K_`jÓm\$jkXiÔfXkè^_fk\cZil`j\j:\ekiXc<lifg\jdfjkY\Xlk`]lc
i`m\ij#j\kkè^XifdXek`ZZflij\k_Xk`jYfk_\c\^XekXe[i\cXoè^%Pfli
[\ZbZ_Xìgifm`[\jXYfoj\XkkfnXkZ_k_\g`Zkli\jhl\cXe[jZXg\j
gXjjYp#n`k_c`]\Xj_fi\fecpjk\gjXnXp\m\ipk`d\k_\j_`g[fZbj%
Great St. Martin Church along the Rhine in Cologne, Germany
159
Cruising in
Britain & Ireland
History seems to unfold before
your eyes as you cruise England's
River Thames, Scotland's
Caledonian Canal and
Ireland's River Shannon.
The River Thames, flowing through the English countryside
Caledonian Canal 2
Inverness
2 Loch Ness
NORTH SEA
SCOTLAND
Edinburgh
Ç@]pflnXekkfZfdYè\ZXeXcXe[
river cruising with your personal
interests, create a special themed
cruise. Consider a luxury river cruise
on ‘Magna Carta’ in England if your
passion is horticulture and gardens,
as you pass through lush green
countryside and quaint towns along
the Thames. Special interest charters
Xi\XmX`cXYc\èXccfk_\iZil`jè^
i\^`fejXjn\ccXjk_\L%B%È
— Jonathan White, Managing Director,
A&K Europe
IRELAND
IRISH SEA
Time Difference:
EST plus 6 hours
3
River Shannon 3 River Shannon
Dublin
ENGLAND
London
River Thames 11
River Thames
C E LT I C S E A
ENGLISH CHANNEL
160
April to October is the
best time to travel to
Britain and Ireland,
as they are usually the
warmest months. It
is also when British
summer time extends
daylight hours well into
the evening. Everything
is in bloom, and
gardens are the
most colorful.
Climate:
Although there can be
rain any day of the year,
the climate is rather
temperate. Spring
temps range from 50-60
degrees Fahrenheit,
and fall temps are just
slightly higher. Summer
temperatures rarely
climb above 75.
3 River Shannon
Buoyed by spectacular scenery and Ireland’s legendary hospitality,
a cruise through the fjord-like reaches of the River Shannon onto
Lough Derg puts you in the center of the enchanting history and
culture of the land. Rolling hills in 40 shades of green, ancient Celtic
monasteries, Irish ring forts and charming riverside towns are
commonplace on this carefully chosen route. There is time to
listen to a seisun (traditional music session), enjoy the craic (fun)
and share a pint on a relaxing journey through the land of céid
mille fáilte (a hundred-thousand welcomes).
EUROPE
1 River Thames
The River Thames weaves its way through a tapestry of English
history — a world of picturesque villages, winding backwaters, tidy
locks and paddling ducks. As you travel through old-world England
and the natural beauty of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, visit
historic sites, including Hampton Court, a former palace of Henry
VII, and Windsor Castle, still in use by the royal family. Frequent
stops along the way give you the time to wander and explore the
charming villages that have grown up along this ancient route.
VESSELS CRUISING IN BRITAIN & IRELAND
‘Magna Carta’ | 8 guests | From $4,190 per person
The River Thames runs throughout the tapestry of English history,
Zil`jè^k_ifl^_k_\gXjkfiXcZflekipj`[\%8Zil`j\XYfXi[DXêX
Carta' is an ideal way to discover life that has grown up outside the
Yljkcè^Cfe[fed\kifgfc`j%
The tranquil countryside along the Caledonian Canal
2 Caledonian Canal
The Scottish Highlands hold the very essence of this awe-inspiring
country. Cruise the length of the Great Glen from Inverness toward
Fort William, through lochs and the scenic Caledonian Canal.
Anchor below ancient castles dotting heather-clad hillsides and
explore the glens, munroes and bens. The legends of the past,
the taste of single malt whisky and the search for a mythical
lake monster add to the magic of incredible Scotland.
‘Scottish Highlander’ | 8 guests | From $4,290 per person
Cruise the Great Glen through lochs and down the scenic
Caledonian Canal. This is inland cruising at its finest, with ancient
castles and heather-clad hillsides along the way. Learn whisky-making
secrets and enjoy a dram or two.
‘Shannon Princess II’ | 10 guests | From $4,110 per person
9lfp\[Ypjg\ZkXZlcXijZ\e\ipXe[@i\cXe[jc\^\e[Xip_fjg`kXc`kp#
cruising on 'Shannon Princess II' through the fjord-like reaches of
the River Shannon onto Lough Derg puts you in the center of the
enchanting history and culture of the land.
The early Christian monastery of Clonmacnoise along the River Shannon
161

Europe - Viajes Le Grand

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