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Danube Waltz Bike + cruise (the next generation) | MV Carissima **** Passau – Vienna – Bratislava – Budapest | Self-guided or guided

Highlights of the Danube/ 4 countries – 3 metropolises

By bike and boat from the “Bavarian Venice“ directly into the heart of the famous and glamorous former K+K monarchy Austria/Hungary. You can look forward to three of Europes most charming capitals: Vienna, the metropolis of Waltz, Bratislava, the capital of coronation and Budapest, the „Paris of the East“. The bike tours lead you to the romantic „Great Loop“ (Schlögener Donauschlinge), the picturesque Danube Bend with Hungarys greatest cathedral and the legendary Wachau valley, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage with the small villages and beautiful palaces and castles. On board our comfortable cruise ship you enjoy an exclusive atmosphere – in the spacious, convenient cabins as well as in the stylish outdoor area. Experience the fantastic view to breathtaking landscapes – on the bike, from the pool on the sun deck, in the comfy seats of the lounge, and even during your amazing meals in the first class restaurant. This exciting bike trip will make your holiday unforgettable.

The cruise ship MS Carissima****

The first thing you´ll experience when boarding is the friendly atmosphere and the coziness of this river ship. In the restaurant you will start your culinary excursion through the Danube countries – the fantastic view of the beautiful scenery will sweeten the diversity of flavours you are tasting. In the Panorama-Lounge, where the bar is located, you can enjoy a glass of wine with your new friends and travel mates while the gorgeous landscape is passing by. Comfortable lounge chairs and discreet colors make you stay a little longer…

After an exciting day of cycling you can relax in the spa with sauna and whirlpool. For pleasant refreshment, jump into the pool (June-August) on the sun deck, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view. And if you are in the mood for reading, just borrow a book in the library! The comfortable ship will make your journey unforgettable. Wifi is available on board (payable on spot, connection can vary).

Standard, Comfort or Luxury ? On the MS Carissima YOU have the choice All 75 de-luxe staterooms have 14,5 m² and feature a hotel-style double bed, which may be converted to two single beds. The half-height windows on the Main deck cannot be opened, the staterooms on the Upper and Middle deck provide full-size picture windows which do open. All cabins are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower, hair dryer, TV, safe and full air-conditioning. For those who love the luxury: Some cabins on the promenade deck have a connecting door and can be rearranged to a spacious DELUXE-suite with living room and bedroom (prices on request). ECO cabins are located in the front/rear part of the ship (engine noise possible).

Note: Pictures are examples, the ship is going to be renovated in winter 2016.

Highlights

Passau at the intersection of three rivers the “Great Loop” Schlögener Donauschlinge World Cultural Heritage site Wachau Hungarian Danube Bend the metropolises of Bratislava, Budapest

and Vienna

Tour profile

Level 1: The cycle route is completely flat, at times on a gentle downhill slope and is ideal for cyclists with less experience and for children. The tour is rated as easy and you cycle on mostly flat terrain.

Comfort relax package (Guided tour) You cycle in a small group guided by a local tour guide. Taste some Austrian delicacies: you'll try sweet cider in a wine tavern. In the world-famous Wachau region you will also get to savour a small variety of regional wine specialties. During a guided tour by bike in Vienna and by bus in Budapest you will pass by numerous famous sights.

Departure dates

Every Sunday, April 30 – October 08, 2017 (= first and last tour start)

Season 1: April/ October Season 2: May/ August Season 3: June/ July/ September

Comfort relax package

May 7 + 21, June 04 + 25, July 16, August 13, September 03 + 17, October 01 (further dates upon request – min. 10 participants)

Itinerary

Day 1: Passau Boarding time at 4.30 p.m. Located at the confluence of Danube, Inn and Ilz, Passau has numerous interesting sites to visit. Use your free time and stroll through the cobblestoned old town centre, listen to the bells of Passau’s Gothic Town Hall or have a look at the world’s largest Catholic Church organ in the Passau Cathedral. At 6.00 p.m. we cast off!

Day 2: Great Loop | Engelhartszell – Aschach, approx. 42 km Your first day’s tour begins with a ride through the classic scenery of the ‘Great Loop’ Donauschlinge - one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube. Along the way you will encounter tiny villages and cozy cider taverns. In Austria’s only Trappist monastery at Engelhartszell you can taste their delicious liquors and cheese. The famous ‘Schlogener View’ provides a wonderful panorama of the surrounding Austrian countryside. The boat welcomes all cyclists back on board in the charming market town of Aschach.

Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, approx. 18-43 km You pedal along the former ‘Iron Curtain’, cross the green line and reach the imposing Imperial Palace of Hof with its beautifully terraced gardens. Follow the bike path through Austria’s ‘vegetable garden’ to the coronation city of Bratislava and the slopes of the Little Carpathians and discover the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.

Day 4: Budapest | Szentendre, approx. 54 km The entrance to Budapest, Hungary's capital, is stunning. Savour the beauty of Budapest during a coach tour or a guided bike tour (optional) to discover many of the highlights of this beautiful city. You can also choose to cycle to the charming town of Szentendre with its Mediterranean atmosphere and lively art scene. You will get a very close experience of Hungarian culture at an evening show with traditional music and dance (optional).

Day 5: Danube bend – Esztergom, approx. 43 km Situated in the middle of the Danube River the idyllic isle of Szentendre exudes silent Puszta romance. History, folklore and hungarian way of life will accompany you on your way to Esztergom where the gorgeous basilica – Hungary’s largest Catholic Church is impressing its guests.

Day 6: Vienna (day of rest) Discover Vienna's most beautiful attractions. During a city tour by bike or bus (optional) you will experience Vienna’s most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous ‘Ring’-boulevard and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall and, of course, the colorful "Hundertwasserhaus". Take time to relax in one or more of Vienna’s famous cafés, while the evening ends impressively at a classical concert (optional) in one of Vienna‘s most famous palaces.

Day 7: Wachau | Krems – Melk, approx. 37 km Your last biking day is a special highlight! A powerful ruin looms above the small Baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue spire of the monastery church is a landmark of the renowned Wachau Valley. Amidst dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards and castles, this hilly landscape enchants everybody who visits ... you will be biking on cloud nine! In Weißenkirchen (possibility to do a wine-tasting – optional) you will find comfortable wine taverns along the bike path.

Day 8: Passau As you cruise back up the Danube enjoy the early morning sunshine as you wind your way to Passau, where you’ll disembark at approx. 10.00 a.m. Connecting travel should be booked for 11.00 a.m. onwards.

Rental bikes & equipment

21 speed Unisex hybrid bike with caliper brake (on request 7 speed Unisex hybrid bike with coaster and caliper brake)

Electrically assisted bike / pedelec Child seat, child trailer or tagalong bike All rental bikes are equipped with 20 l

panniers and a handle bar bag Helmets + cycling clothing available for

purchase onboard

Excursions

The following optional excursions (not included in the tour price) can be booked separately or as a package directly and only onboard.

Bratislava: City tour with scenic train and walking tour

Budapest: City tour by bike or HOP ON HOP OFF bus Budapest by night + traditional Hungarian folklore show at a Csarda

Vienna: City tour by bike or by bus Classical waltz & operetta concert in one of Vienna’s famous palaces

Wachau: Wine tasting with a local wine grower

Included services

7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning Program according to itinerary from/to Passau Captain‘s greeting and welcome cocktail Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen Full board: rich breakfast, lunch onboard (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists),

afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose), late night snack Gala dinner with farewell cocktail Farewell crew show Daily live music Cruise director onboard (does not cycle with the group) Daily information meeting Detailed road book per cabin

Comfort Relax Package additional

Cycling tour guide Tasting of homemade cider at a cider producer in the Upper Danube Valley Ferry rides Guided city tour by bike in Vienna & by HOP ON HOP OFF bus in Budapest Wine tasting with a local wine grower

General information

One the one hand, a riverboat is a “holiday hotel”, while on the other, it is also a means of transport that moves with motor power and must always be operated, even at night (partially with lock and bridge passages and the retractions and extensions of the structures caused as a result). Mistakes can happen with lock passages. This is the case for all Danube journeys and cannot be avoided. Please bear in mind that riverboats are restricted (bridge passages, locks) in size (length, height, width) and therefore cannot be compared with cruise liners in the sea.

The cabins are limited in space but are nevertheless comfortable and furnished. In the event of extremely high or low water, the shipping company reserves the right to bridge stages by bus or even to cancel the trip at short notice without any legal claim arising therefrom (water levels are force majeure). The same applies for officially decreed repairs to locks or bridges, not announced in advance, or in the event of motor or propulsion damage to the ship without attributed fault.

Prices 2017 Deck-Categories

per person in € Main Middle Upper

S1: 2-bed-ECO 598 698 -

S1: 2-bed 659 798 898

S2: 2-bed-ECO 698 798 -

S2: 2-bed 759 898 998

S3: 2-bed-ECO 748 848 -

S3: 2-bed 809 948 1.048

2-bed single occupancy

+50%

Port charges 59 ( mandatory age 12 and older)

Comfort Relax Package

215

21 speed bike 70

Electrically assisted bike

165

bringing own bike

15

Add Night Passau

***+ ****

Double 56 64

Single 81 84

Transfer

Munich-Passau

one way 64

round trip 109

Reduction children

3 – 12,99 years* -20% *in 2 bed cabin with min. 1 full paying adult. Baby cot (until 2 years) price upon request.

Parking / Passau

Parking lot, fenced outdoor area, incl. round trip transfer to/from pier € 63

Parking garage, incl. round trip transfer to/from pier € 74

(registration form in the travel documents, payable on spot)

Minimum of participants

50 people (has to be reached at the latest 4 weeks before cruise start)

Guided Comfort Relax Package: Minimum 10 people (max. 22)

Some sample pictures (ship will be renovated in winter 2016)

Cabin example

Panorama-Lounge

Wellness area

Danube Impressions Bike + cruise | MV Theodor Körner ***+ Passau – Bratislava – Vienna – Passau | Self-guided or guided

The classic bike trail

Biking along the German/Austrian Danube is a very special pleasure because the hotel is always with you. Gently downhill, mostly supported by a tailwind, you are experiencing the impressive river as it meanders in the Donauschlinge ("Great Loop") and enjoying the gorgeous landscape of the legendary Wachau with its castles and fortresses. In Vienna, a beautiful city rich in architecture and history, you will enjoy exploring the metropolis during a wonderful sightseeing tour by bike. In many ways it is a city that is hard to describe – you really have to see and feel it for yourself! Once you have finished sightseeing on your bicycle you can relax in one of the many cozy cafés or in a typical Viennese wine tavern. After a great day of cycling and exploring relax onboard the MS Theodor Körner while listening to live music or discover the port city.

The cruise ship MS Theodor Körner ***+

Our spacious, nostalgic ship was completely redecorated in winter 2013/14 and offers a comfortable atmosphere in modern Art Deco style. Excellent service and attention to detail are the priority of the captain and crew who are looking forward to welcoming you on board. Your bike tour through various countries is also a culinary expedition through the diversity of national and regional cuisine. The ship offers a restaurant, a panorama bar with a dance floor, a salon with a sunny patio as well as a broad sun deck with comfortable deck chairs. Books and magazines from our library provide reading pleasure and parlour games offer all kinds of disport. After an eventful cycling day you will find relaxation in the sauna. In the evening a musician will perform for you to dance! The MS Theodor Körner also offers Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary).

3 passenger-decks: Promenade deck + Upper deck (windows may be opened), Main deck

Cabins: 60 comfortable cabins (approx. 8 - 16 m2) with large picture windows, own bathrooms, flat-panel TV, hair dryer, mini-safe, air conditioning

2-bed-ECO: bunk bed (1 upper and 1 low bed, app. 8-9 m2)

2-bed: 2 low beds (app. 10-11 m2)

Junior Suite: queen size bed (app. 13-16 m2)

3- bed: in junior suite (couch), 2-bed cabin (promenade deck /bunk bed)

Highlights

Passau, the Bavarian city of 3 Rivers the „Great Loop“ Schlögener Donau-

schlinge National park „Donauauen“ the World Cultural Heritage Site Wachau the cosmopolitan cities of Vienna and

Bratislava with plenty of sights

Tour profile

Level 1: The cycle path is completely flat, at times on a gentle downhill slope and is ideal for bikers with less experience and children. The tour is rated easy on mostly flat terrain.

Comfort relax package (guided tour) You cycle in a small group guided by a local tour guide. Taste some Austrian delicacies: you will try sweet cider at a wine tavern in the world famous Wachau region. You will also get to savor a small variety of regional wine specialties. You visit Austria’s oldest theatre in Grein, the sights of Vienna during a city tour by bike and Bratislava by the city express train.

Departure dates

Every Saturday, May 06 – 07. October 2017 (= first and last departure), except June 03 and August 05;

Season 1: October Season 2: May / August Season 3: June / July / September

NEW BIKE & BOAT TOUR: once a month

in April, June & August the ship is sailing to the Iron Gate – Danube Experiences between Puszta and Balkan!!

Itinerary

Day 1: Passau Boarding time is at 4 p.m. The "Bishop City," close to the Bavarian/Austrian border, is also known as the "City of three Rivers." Use your free time and stroll through the old charming centre, visit the world largest catholic church organ in the cathedral and enjoy the easy atmosphere of a typical Bavarian beer garden. At 6.30 p.m. cast off! Your vacation begins with a cruise through the romantic Danube Valley.

Day 2: Mauthausen – Grein, approx. 35 km Today's bike tour takes you directly along the Danube where you have enough time to enjoy the natural state of the meadow landscape. Visit the medieval village and former concentration camp at Mauthausen. The Celtic village Mitterkirchen gives you an insight into the past. The alternative route, "Clam Castle," through the beautiful back country of the "Strudengau" is slightly hilly but offers a fantastic scenery. Grein, with its mighty castle, is the final destination of today's stage. After a romantic sunset cruise you arrive at Devin with its castle ruin overviewing the Danube in the morning.

Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, approx. 18-43 km From Devin you follow the former ‘Iron Curtain’, cross the former border and reach the imposing Baroque Palace of Hof with its beautifully terraced gardens. Cycle through Austria’s “vegetable garden” to the coronation city and former capital of Hungary - Bratislava located at the slopes of the Little Carpathians. Explore the hidden alleyways and sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour.

Day 4: Vienna (day of rest) During a city tour by bike or bus (optional) you will experience Vienna’s most famous examples of architecture: the imperial Hofburg, St. Stephens Cathedral, the gorgeous ‘Ring’-boulevard and the State Opera House, the Burgtheater and town hall and, of course, the colourful "Hundertwasserhaus". There is enough time in the afternoon to stroll or visit one of the famous Viennese cafés. The evening can end in numerous ways. For example by visiting a Waltz and Opera concert at a famous Viennese Palaces (optional).

Day 5: Wachau | Krems – Melk, approx. 37 km Today’s biking day is a special highlight! Amidst small dreamy towns, apricot trees, vineyards, castles, monasteries and ruins, this hilly landscape enchants everybody. You will be biking on cloud nine! A powerful ruin looms above the small baroque town of Durnstein, while the blue spire of the monastery church is a landmark of Wachau valley. In Weißenkirchen (possibility for a wine-tasting – optional) you will find comfortable wine taverns right along the bike path.

Day 6: Melk – Grein, approx. 50 km After breakfast you have plenty of time to visit the gorgeous baroque monastery of the Benedictine brethren of Melk. Today's stage is marked by diversity. Starting in the wide valleys of the Nibelungenau you follow the Danube and cycle further into the Strudengau – a narrow point of the Danube which used to be notorious amongst skippers. Yours today’s final destination is the – already well known – city of Grein, home of Austria's oldest city theatre (optional, not included).

Day 7: Great Danube Loop | Obermühl - Engelhartszell, approx. 28-43 km Today you will cycle through the Danube Valley and will pass through many picturesque villages. Along the cycle path you may smell freshly grilled mackerels, with small pubs doing all they can to entice cyclists to stay. Make sure you follow the small walking trail to the lookout high above the Danube Loop - what a breathtaking panoramic view of the Danube Valley it provides of the meandering Blue Danube! Need a refreshment? Try some of the special cordials at the Trappist monastery at Engelszell, your day’s destination.

Day 8: Passau As you cruise back up the Danube enjoy the early morning sunshine as you wind your way to Passau, where you will arrive at about 10:00 a.m. and you’ll disembark about 30 minutes later. Connecting travel should be booked for 11.00 a.m. onwards.

Comfort relax package

May 20, June 17, July 29, August 26, September 23 (further dates upon request – min. 10 participants)


21-speed Unisex hybrid bike with caliper brake (on request 7-speed Unisex hybrid bike with coaster and caliper brake)

Electrically assisted bike / Pedelec Child seat, child trailer or tagalong bike All rental bikes are equipped with 20 l

panniers and a handle bar bag Helmets + cycling clothes available for

purchase onboard

Excursions

The following optional excursions (not included in the tour price) can be booked either separately or as a package directly on board:

Bratislava: City tour with the scenic train and walking tour

Vienna: City tour by bike or HOP ON HOP OFF bus Classical waltz & operetta concert in one of Vienna’s famous palaces

Wachau: Wine tasting with a local winegrower

Grein: Visit of Austria’s oldest theatre

Included services

7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities and air conditioning Program according to itinerary from/to Passau Captains greeting and Welcome cocktail Daily cabin cleaning, towels and bed linen Full board: rich breakfast, lunch on board (non-cyclists) or packed lunch (cyclists),

afternoon coffee break, dinner (2/3 dishes to choose from), late night snack Gala-dinner with farewell cocktail Farewell-Crew-Show Daily live-music Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group) Daily information meeting Detailed roadbook per cabin

Comfort Relax Package additional

Cycling tour guide Ferry rides Visit of Austria’s oldest theatre in Grein Tasting of homemade cider directly at the cider producer in the

Upper-Danube-Valley Wine tasting in the Wachau region Guided city tour by bike in Vienna City tour with the scenic train and walking tour in Bratislava

General information



Prices 2017 Deck-Categories

per person

in € Main Upper Promenade

S1: 2-bed-ECO 557 657 -

S1: 2-bed 635 755 785

S1: Junior Suite - 915 915

S2: 2-bed-ECO 657 757 -

S2: 2-bed 735 855 885

S2: Junior Suite - 1.015 1.015

S3: 2-bed-ECO 707 807 -

S3: 2-bed 785 905 935

S3: Junior Suite - 1.065 1.065

ECO or 2-bed single occupancy

+50%

Port charges 59 ( mandatory age 12 and older)

Comfort Relax Package

215

21 speed bike 70

Electrically assisted bike

165

Using own bike 15

Add Night Passau ***+ ****

Double 56 64

Single 81 84

Transfer

Munich-Passau

one way 64

round trip 109

Reduction children/3rd adult

3 – 12,99 years -50% in cabin with min. 1 full paying adult

13 – 99 years -20% in 2 bed cabin with 2 full paying adults

Prices for children up to 2 years up on request.

Parking / Passau

Parking lot, fenced outdoor area, incl. round trip transfer to/from pier € 63

Parking garage, incl. round trip transfer to/from pier € 74

(registration form in the travel documents, payable on spot)


50 people (has to be reached 4 weeks before cruise start at the latest)

Guided Comfort Relax Package: Minimum 10 people (max. 22)

Danube Delta Bike + cruise | Europe’s last natural paradise

Info

This cycling trip by “hotel boat” leads you through the stunning beauty of Europe’s last natural paradise Danube Delta to kilometer "0", where the mighty Danube River ends into the Black Sea. The tour takes you through Romania’s Delta, the second largest and best preserved of Europe’s deltas. You will travel along canals with floating reed islands, lagoons and lakes. The landscape alternates between gently rolling hills, swamp and prairie land and amazes everyone with its diversity and beauty. Life in small fishing villages is tranquil, the solitude and silence of the almost impenetrable thicket many times interrupted only by the calls of Dalmatian Pelicans, Cormorants and Egrets. Under expert guidance you will discover the fauna and flora of this landscape, which is also rich in history. Enjoy Romanian hospitality and cuisine on board of your floating hotel and in the cosy guesthouse.

Accomodations

Your ship Comfortable and cosy hotelboat with restaurant (air-conditioned) and spacious sundeck with deckchairs; cabins (approx. 9 m²) with private facilities.

Guest house 4* in Tulcea This comfortable hostel, with air-conditioned rooms, is about 5-10 minutes walk from the market square.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bucharest Individual arrival to Bucharest/Airport; 2 p.m bus transfer (approx. 4 h) to the starting point Tulcea in the Danube Delta; Embarkation on the comfortable floating hotel. Dinner and overnight on hotelboat.

Day 2: Nufaru – Sfantu Gheorge, approx. 31 km Along the most southern Danube arm through the nature reserve Bestepe Hills. A wonderful view deep down into the Delta will make you forget some ascents. At the small fishing village Murighiol we enter into a maze of channels, floating islands, dense forests and a pure wilderness experience by boat. Overnight on hotelboat.

Day 3: The journey to kilometer “0”, approx. 25 km A bumpy gravel path – on the right the open range of the Black Sea, on the left side the lush green reeds and marsh land. In the loneliness of the Danube Delta Cormorants and Great White Egrets are our permanent companions. Kilometer “0” at Sulina: the Danube has reached its final destination at the lighthouse and starts to merge with the salt of the sea. Overnight on hotelboat.

Highlights

Biosphere reserve Danube Delta The monasteries of Celic Dere and Saon The antique colony Argamum The medieval fortress of Enisala

Tour profile

Level 2; amidst the Danube Delta flat, gravel or paved paths, 2 days tarmaced country roads in a gently hilly landscape (sometimes some traffic).

Day 4: Gulf of Musura – Crisan, approx. 23 km Along the bird’s paradise Musura-Bay the path leads you to the picturesque village Letea. It seems as if time stands still here. The houses are made of reed and loam, lovely painted in blue and all surrounded by contemplative silence. Close to the village, located on a sandbank, a special wonder of nature can be observed – a tropical forest with climbing plants and lianes. We will reach the fishing village Crisan by boat. Overnight on hotelboat

Day 5: The Fauna & Flora of the Danube Delta (day of rest) During the cruise through a labyrinth of narrow waterways we pass by small fishing villages and again experience the incredible diversity of the Fauna and Flora of the UNESCO World Heritage Danube Delta. In the afternoon we return from a surreal dream world to the vibrant city life of Tulcea. Overnight on hotelboat.

Day 6: Monasteries of the Dobrogea, approx. 26 km Round trip through a gently undulating landscape to the orthodoxe monastery Celic Dere, the biggest convent of the Dobrogea territory. The beautiful monastery of Saon with its distinctive windmill is located amidst vineyards right on the bank of the Danube. From a ridge you have a fantastic view over the extensive and green floodplain directly of the border to the Ukraine. Transfer back to Tulcea. Overnight at Tulcea guesthouse 4*.

Day 7: Lagoon-tour to the cape Dolosman, approx. 42 km By bus we travel to the old town Ceamurlia de Jos. The nature reserve of Cape Dolosman with the Greek-Roman excavations of Argamum seperates the Delta-lakes Golovita and Razim. By bike you reach the medieval fortress of Enisala, which is located high above the Danube. Let us enjoy a breathtaking view over the Lagoon Razim! Overnight Tulcea guesthouse 4*.

Day 8: Transfer Tulcea – Bucharest After breakfast bus transfer back to the romanian capital Bucharest; arrival at the airport approx. 1 p.m.; possibility of additional nights in Tulcea or Bucharest.

Included services

5 nights on hotelboat, 2 nights in comfortable guesthouse 4* in Tulcea Schedule incl. all transfers according to itinerary from/to Bucharest (day 1 + 8) Bike-Guide / Wildlife-Guide Support van and support boat Full Board: breakfast, lunchbox or picnic, dinner Folklore show Maps and informational material per cabin

General information

With our experienced local wildlife- and bikeguides you learn to recognize birds by their noise or in flight, discover rare plants and animals, learn about the life of the Delta residents and the incredible eventful past of this region, which already fascinated the Romans, Greeks and Dacians. You are accommodated on a modern floating Hotel and in a familyrun, comfortable 4* guesthouse. The meals are traditional with fish, meat and vegetables, for lunch picnics or lunch packs will be offered. You cycle in groups of 12-20 people. Therefore it is necessary to have some experience in bike tours. Sand- and gravel roads require to be in an average physical shape, but should be succeed by everybody, as the daily stretches are quite short. Some stretches are done by boat or bus. Itinerary is subject to change – in case of higher forces (water level, technical breakdown). Before and after your bike tour you also have the possibility to book extra nights in Tulcea or Bucharest.

Departure dates

Season 1 October 01 2017

Season 2 April 22, May 13/24, June 05/16, August 26, September 06/23 2017


21-speed-hybrid bikes with caliper brake including panniers

Helmets limited availability (€ 25,- payable locally)



Prices p.P.

in €

Bike Tour

Season 1 Season 2

2-bed cabin/ room 999 1209

1-bed cabin/ room 1369 1579

Rental bike (21-speed) 89

Extranight Tulcea 4* guesthouse

Double room 39

Single room 56

Extranight Bukarest 4* Berthelot

Double Room 51

Single Room 89

Extra-Transfer One way

Delta-Bucharest1 245

1 price per car (1-3 Pers.); only needed, if you

book additional nights in the Danube Delta - transfers day 1 und 8 included in the package.

Danube Experience Iron Gates Bike + Boat | MS Theodor Körner ***+ Passau – Vienna - Bratislava – Budapest - Belgrade – Iron Gates - Passau

Fjord-like Landscapes, Puszta, Balkan and Paprika

Come with us on an adventure-packed bike and boat tour through 6 countries and widely differing cultures that reveals the beauty of the majestic Danube river in all its glory. Discover the breath-taking natural scenery of the Iron Gates, one of the most spectacular gorges in Europe, the vast expanse of the Pannonian plains, cycle through the Danube Bend in Hungary and the breadbaskets of Croatia and Serbia, through idyllic wine-growing regions and past commanding fortresses high above the river. Visit Belgrade, the “white city”, fall in love with bewitching Budapest, the “Paris of the East”, marvel at the baroque palaces in the picturesque Old Town of Bratislava and let yourself be carried away by the elegant charm of Vienna, the city of the waltz. Scenic and cultural highlights, excellent food and a crew that caters to your every whim, guarantee that your cycling holiday will be a unique and unforgettable experience.

The MS Theodor Körner ***+

A ship that feels like home! The spacious nostalgia ship was beautifully renovated in a trendy art deco style in winter 2013/2014 and exudes a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Nothing is too much trouble for the crew and you will be pampered at every turn with regional and international specialities. After dinner, the generously proportioned Panorama Bar, where the board band plays dance music, is a popular place to socialise. The comfortable lounge is a haven of tranquillity – with board games and a library for your entertainment. After an action-packed day’s cycling, enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the sun-deck as the sun goes down or relax in the infra-red sauna. WIFI is available on board (connection speed may vary, extra charge)

3 Passenger Decks: Promenade Deck + Upper Deck (windows can be opened), Main Deck

Cabins: 60 comfortable cabins (approx. 8-16 m²) with large picture windows, shower /WC, SAT-TV, hair-dryer, safe and air-conditioning.

2-bed cabin: 2 single beds (approx. 10-11 m2)

2-bed ECO cabin: Bunk bed (1 upper and 1 lower bed, approx. 8-9 m2)

Junior Suite: Double bed, slightly more spacious (approx. 13-16 m2)

3-bed cabin: in Junior Suites (couch), 2-bed cabin on Promenade Deck (bunk bed)

Highlights

The four capital cities along the Danube Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade

The mighty canyon of the Iron Gates National Park is the highlight of this cycling holiday

Kalocsa, the “Paprika Capital” and centre of folk art

The commanding citadel Petrovaradin Novi Sad, the magnificent capital of the

Vojvodina The basilica in Esztergom, the biggest church

in Hungary The Drava-Nemzeti National Park The picturesque countryside of the Danube

Bend The fabulous Wachau region with its

vineyards and castles

Tour profile

Level 1+2: The route mainly follows the Eurovelo 6 cycle path; in A/SK/H it runs on asphalted paths over flat terrain; in HR/SRB country roads with little traffic and cycle paths not all of which are asphalted. 1 stage runs over hilly terrain. Don’t feel like cycling today? You can reach your destination easily by boat.

Departure dates

SATURDAY, 22 April, 3 June, 5 August 2017


21-speed Unisex hybrid bike with caliper brake (on request: 7-speed Unisex hybrid bike with coaster and caliper brake)

Electrically assisted bike / Pedelec All rental bikes are equipped with 20 l

panniers and a handle bar bag Helmets + cycling clothes available for

purchase onboard

Itinerary

Day 1: Passau Embarkation 4.00 p.m. in Passau; departure is at 5.00 p.m. Enjoy a final view of the beautiful city of Passau as you glide serenely into the sunset, past dark green forests before entering the lock at the Jochenstein power plant on the border between Germany and Austria.

Day 2: Schlögen Danube Bend | Engelhartszell – Aschach, approx. 42 km Enjoy a delightful day’s cycling from Engelhartszell (Austria’s only Trappist monastery) through the ruggedly romantic Danube Bend at Schlögen, one of the most beautiful sections of the river lined with sleepy farming villages. Along the way, you can drop in at one of the many inviting cider taverns. Rejoin the ship in the idyllic market town of Aschach, with its long tradition of ship-building and shipping, before sailing into the night.

Day 3: Devin – Bratislava, approx. 43 km A narrow cycle path runs along the Iron Curtain from the castle ruins in Devin to the splendid palace of Schloss Hof, which boasts one of the most magnificent baroque gardens in Europe. There follows a stretch of untouched countryside and a short time later, you arrive in the vibrant city of Bratislava. Our miniature train tour of the Slovakian capital in which Hungarian kings were once crowned (optional) begins with a glorious view from the fortress perched on a hill overlooking the city and ends with a walk through the beautifully restored historic city centre.

Day 4: Budapest | Excursion to Szentendre approx. 54 km (or rest day) Savour the entrance to Budapest and the stunning views of the city‘s most famous buildings. Discover the city that straddles the Danube on a guided tour (optional) or take a detour to the delightful little town of Szentendre with its many artists and galleries. Get a taste of the fiery Hungarian temperament at a Hungarian folklore show with traditional music and folk dance accompanied by wine and hearty local food (optional).

Day 5: Baja – Mohacs, approx. 50 km From the quiet baroque town of Baja that is famous for its fish soup, you’ll cycle along the flood protection dykes in the Gemenc floodplain, through sleepy river landscapes past fields of sunflowers. At the end of today’s stage, you take the ferry to the little town of Mohacs, Hungary’s most southerly town on the Danube and famously the site of two battles with the Ottoman Turks.

Day 6: Belgrade (rest day) Explore the fun-loving Serbian capital at the confluence of the Save and the Danube by bike or bus, take a journey in time from the past to the present and learn about the rise and fall of Yugoslavia (optional). In the evening, Belgrade is bathed in a sea of light. Visit a colourful folklore show with traditional dances from all parts of the country, followed by typical regional specialities in the well-known bohemian district of Skadarlija with lively folk music from a Serbian band (optional).

Day7: Cataract Canyons /Iron Gates National Park (rest day) Experience the stunning fjord-like landscape at close quarters from the ship’s deck. The river cuts through the Romanian Carpathian mountains and the mighty foothills of the Balkan mountain range. A spectacular landscape with steep gorges, dark forests with historic monuments and impregnable fortresses on the shores that are reflected in the blue waters of the river: this miracle of nature will take your breath away!

Day 8: Novi Sad – Ilok, approx. 51 km The imposing Petrovaradin fortress perches high above the provincial capital of the Vojvodina. After cycling upstream along a flat cycle path you take a ferry to reach the gentle foothills of the Fruska Gora, with its orchards, vineyards and idyllic farming villages. Everything in the medieval town of Ilok revolves around wine. During an evening tour of the town, you will have the opportunity to sample some famous Serbian wines at a wine cellar (optional).

Day 9: Apatin – Bezdan, approx. 54 km

Apatin beer is well-known throughout the western Balkan region. Cycle along the Danube Canal on idyllic paths lined by meadows and trees, and over country roads through the vast expanse of the Batschka (the area populated by Danube Swabians). Sombor is a small romantic town with buildings dating back to the Habsburg period. In the silk-damask workshop in Bezdan – the only one of its kind in Europe – fabric is still produced on the old looms using original 19th century techniques.

Day 10: Kalocsa – Solt, approx. 45 km Kalocsa is the “Paprika Capital” of Hungary and the character of the town is strongly influenced by colourful houses with hand-painted, bright floral patterns and the cathedral with its towers that can be seen even from a distance as they rise into the skies from the flat Hungarian plain. Visiting the Paprika Museum you’ll learn all there is to know about Hungary’s favourite spice. Continue your journey on the well-built cycle path along the flood protection dyke through the vast expanse of the puszta, and corn fields and orchards that stretch as far as the eye can see until you reach Solt, birthplace of the famous conductor Sir George Solti. Vecsey Castle and the library with some 34,000 books are especially worth seeing.

Day 11: Danube Bend – Esztergom, approx. 43 km The Danube is framed by steep wooded hills as it flows through the picturesque, hilly landscape of the “Hungarian Wachau“. Set in the middle of the Danube, the delightful island of Szentendre radiates real puszta romance. As you continue your journey on idyllic cycle paths through picturesque villages you’ll be able to experience the Hungarian zest for life at first hand. The dome of the imposing basilica in Esztergom that sits high over the Danube can be seen from far and wide. Hungary’s largest church, with its Tuscan-style high altar and a side chapel with red marble walls is especially worth seeing.

Day 12: Vienna (Bike excursion to Klosterneuburg, Danube Island…) After so many action-packed days of cycling, you deserve some relaxation. Enjoy the breath-taking view of the idyllic floodplain forest of the Donauauen National Park and the impressive skyline as you sail into Vienna. Go for a ride on the Danube Island – Vienna’s favourite recreational area, cycle out to the nearby Klosterneuburg Abbey or wander through the idyllic vineyards on Kahlenberg (with magnificent views over the city and the Danube). The day ends traditionally with a concert of classic waltz and operetta music in a historic Viennese palace (optional).

Day 13: Vienna (rest day) Discover Vienna: from the saddle on a guided bike tour or on your own with the HOP ON HOP OFF Bus (optional). Ride through the historic city centre at a leisurely pace and see the sights from close up. The magnificent Ringstraße will remind you of times long past and inviting coffee houses will tempt you with delicious Viennese cakes and pastries. Afterwards, there’s enough time to stroll through the quaint lanes or visit the Naschmarkt, a feast for the senses. End your day in Vienna in traditional fashion at a rustic wine tavern.

Day 14: Wachau | Krems – Melk, approx. 37 km This final stage of your cycling tour can best be described as magical! The gentle hilly countryside of the Wachau with its picturesque villages, historic castles and palaces surrounded by apricot trees and terraced vineyards, is one of the loveliest stretches of the river. In Weißenkirchen the cycle path is lined with cosy vintner’s taverns and you should definitely treat yourself to a break here (optional wine tasting)!

Day 15: Passau Enjoy the first rays of sun and the early-morning tranquillity of the Danube valley one last time. Catch a final view of the Danube Bend at Schlögen – before you reach Passau, your heart bursting with memories and impressions. Disembarkation at approx. 10.00 a.m. Independent homeward travel. We recommend that you do not make any arrangements for onward connections departing before 11.00 a.m. To be on the safe side, later departure times would be even better.

Excursions

Optional excursions (not included in the price of your tour) can be booked individually or as a package at a discount on board.

Bratislava: City tour on a miniature train, walk through the historic city centre

Budapest: City tour by bike or by HOP ON HOP OFF Bus Budapest by night and folklore show in a Hungarian Csarda

Belgrade: City tour by bike or bus Belgrade by night with Folklore Show

Novi Sad: City tour by bike

Ilok: Guided walk with wine-tasting at a wine cellar

Vienna: City tour by bike or bus Concert of waltz and operetta music in a historic Viennese palace

Wachau: Wine-tasting at a vintner in the Wachau

Included services

14 nights in an outside cabin with shower/WC/air-conditioning in the cabin category booked

Programme according to the itinerary from/to Passau Captain’s cocktail reception Cabins cleaned daily, towels and bed linen Full board: Buffet breakfast, lunch on board or packed lunch for cyclists, afternoon

coffee and cake, dinner (choice of 2-3 main dishes), late night snack Gala dinner with farewell cocktail Crew Show Daily live music Tour guide on board (does not cycle with the group) Daily information meeting Detailed route booklet (one per cabin)

General information



Prices per person 2017 in €

Decks Main Upper Promenade

ECO Bunk bed 998 1,295 -

2-Bed 1,295 1,595 1,695

Junior Suite - 1,995 1,995

ECO or 2-bed for single use

+50% surcharge

Passenger /Harbour taxes

99 (mandatory for passengers over 12)

21-Speed Bike 97

Electric Bike 199

Bring your own Bike

15

Additional Night Passau

***+ ****

Double Room 56 64

Single Room 81 84

Group Transfer Munich-Passau

Single 64 Return 109

Reduction children/3rd adult

0 – 2,99 years free of charge in baby cot

3 – 12,99 years -50% in cabin with min. 1 full paying adult

13 – 99 years -20% in 2 bed cabin with 2 full paying adults

Parking / Passau

Fenced car-park, including transfer to ship and back € 98

Indoor parking, including transfer to ship and back € 111

(Booking form will be sent with your holiday documents, to be paid on site)



Cycling Cruises 2017 Holland & Belgium

Highlights of Holland and Flanders: Amsterdam to Bruges or Bruges to Amsterdam*

Premium barge “MAGNIFIQUE II” Beautiful historical art cities and a variety of landscapes by bike and barge

Travel by bike & barge: A unique and “typical Dutch” concept, where a cycling holidayand a journey on a comfortable ship are combined. Cycling cruises are perfect for all who like to cycle during the day and explore beautiful areas, without giving up a comfortable way of travelling. During our tours you don’t have to pack and unpack your suitcases every day to travel from one beautiful place to the next! During this tour you will explore the most beautiful cities of Holland and Western Belgium (Flanders) by bicycle and barge: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges are wonderful and interesting historical cities. Daily bike tours will lead you through a variety of flat landscapes and along the river Schelde. En route, you will visit many picturesque small towns.

Eight day tours (Sat.-Sat), May till October ; depending on departure date from Amsterdam to Bruges or from Bruges to

Amsterdam; choice between guided and individual bike tours ; Total of 210 – 290 cycling kilometers (130-180 miles) in 6 days.

During this tour some of the most beautiful cities of Holland and Flanders are highlighted: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, where you still can feel the charm of the days long gone. After embarkation in Amsterdam you will cross through a beautiful part of the Netherlands. After a short cruise with the ship, you bike along the winding small river Vecht with its impressive mansions and country houses on its banks. You visit a real Dutch cheese farm and the 19 Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk. Via Dordrecht and the fortified town of Willemstad, the ship cruises through the “Delta” Province of Zeeland to Belgium. You will spend the night in Antwerp, the city of Rubens, whose paintings can be admired in the cathedral. You will cycle from Antwerp to Ghent along the beautiful tidal river Lower Schelde. Destination of your tour is Bruges, the “Pearl of Flanders” with its picturesque medieval town centre. You will travel on board of the premium barge “Magnifique II” for 35 guests, a newly built barge for the 2016 season in classical style, operated by the owner of the very successful and beloved barge Magnifique. Among the highlights of the new barge are four upper deck suites with large panoramic windows.

* tour - depending on the departure date - from Amsterdam to Bruges or Bruges to Amsterdam.

PREMIUM

BARGE:

Choice of

guided and

self-guided

cycling tours


TOUR DETAILS Holland & Flanders: from AMSTERDAM to BRUGES – barge Magnifique II:

Day 1 (Sat): Amsterdam – Vianen (ca. 15 km / 9 miles)

Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is at 1 PM. At

around 2 PM the MS Magnifique II will depart from Amsterdam for Vianen, a small

fortified village on the Lek River. After the distribution of bicycles, you can enjoy a short

first test bike ride through the surrounding area.

Day 2 (Sun): Vianen – Schoonhoven – Kinderdijk – Dordrecht

(ca. 56 km / 34 miles)

After breakfast you will cycle a beautiful route to Schoonhoven – nicknamed Zilverstad

(Silver City) – a city renowned for its talented silver smiths since the 17th century. As

you continue to cycle along the Lek River you will pass through the Alblasserwaard

region to Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills – one

of which you can visit – which have a UNESCO cultural heritage listing. From nearby

Alblasserdam you will take the “Waterbus” (not included approx.€ 4,- per person), a fast

ferry, that will take and your bike you in approx. 10 minutes to Dordrecht, one of the

oldest towns in Holland.

Day 3 (Mon): Dordrecht – Tholen | Tholen – Kreekrak lock (ca. 43 km / 26 miles) | Kreekrak lock – Antwerp

As you enjoy your breakfast the MS Magnifique II will sail to Tholen where you will start your day’s cycling.

Attractions today include the beautiful “Wouwse Plantage” forest, the fortress town of Bergen op Zoom and the

impressive Kreekrak lock. In the afternoon you will once again board the MS Magnifique II which will sail to the port

city of Antwerp which is situated on the river Schelde. Antwerp is famous for handling up to 80% of the world's

rough diamonds and is a city with a long list of attractions including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings

constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe

Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. After dinner visit the beautiful old city centre.

Day 4 (Tue): Antwerp – Temse – St-Amands / Dendermonde (ca. 42 or 56 km / 25 or 34 miles)

This morning you will cycle out of Antwerp along a picturesque section of the Schelde River to either

St. Amands or Dendermonde – depending on the tides - your home for the night. There is only one

way to describe the landscape around the Schelde and that is “magnificent”. It is without doubt

one of the natural highlights of the tour.

Day 5 (Wed): St-Amands / Dendermonde – Ghent (ca. 53/40 km / 32/24 miles)

Today you will continue to follow the river Schelde to Ghent where the MS Magnifique II

will moor for the night at a lock in the suburb of Merelbeke. Ghent is a lively university city

that boasts a rich history. Since Roman times Ghent’s position at the junction of Leie and

Schelde Rivers has ensured that it has been a successful trading port. In total the city

features an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100

churches and over 400 historical buildings. Major attractions

are St. Bavo Cathedral where a number of masterpieces of

medieval art including the world famous ‘Adoration of the Mystic

Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck are kept and the 91-metre-tall belfry of Ghent,

one of three medieval towers that overlook the old city centre.

Day 6 (Thu): Ghent – Bruges (ca. 45 km / 28 miles)

Today you will cycle from Ghent through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders to Bruges, widely described as

the ‘Venice of the North’ and arguably the most beautiful of all the Flemish cities. Bruges attracts more than two million visitors

every year who come to see the picturesque medieval town centre of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city and a long

list of historic attractions. An outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historic

fabric as it has evolved over the centuries, with the result that today the city’s original Gothic buildings form an integral part of

the town's identity. While you are here you can visit one of Bruges many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty of this

unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café. Dinner tonight will be in town in a restaurant of your choice

(recommendations available on board).

Day 7 (Fri): Tour around Bruges to the North Sea, (ca. 50 km / 30 miles)

Your final day of cycling takes you along a quiet canal and past beautiful poplar trees through an attractive polder landscape (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments) dotted with small farm houses to the North Sea coast. Here if you want you can swim in the sea along an inviting sandy beach, visit any one of numerous cafés and see the dune landscape of “Het Zwin” (a unique nature reserve). On the return ride to Bruges you will cycle along a small picturesque canal. Day 8 (Sat): Bruges

After breakfast: end of the tour and disembarkation till 10:00 AM.

PREMIUM

BARGE:

Choice of

guided and

self-guided

cycling tours


TOUR DETAILS Holland & Flanders: from BRUGES to AMSTERDAM – barge Magnifique II Day 1 (Sat): Arrival and embarkation in Bruges

Arrival and embarkation early afternoon in the beautiful city of Bruges, also called “Pearl of Flanders”. The crew will welcome you. You will have plenty of time to discover the beautiful historical city of Bruges. Afternoon and evening with city tour in Bruges.

Day 2 (Sun): Bruges – Ghent ( ca. 40 km / 24 miles)

Your cycle tour starts early today on the outskirts of Bruges following the distribution of bicycles after breakfast. You will start your first day of cycling by pedalling towards Ghent through the beautiful Flemish landscape along the Ghent canal. On arrival in Ghent make sure you make the effort to discover the best of what this historical city has to offer during an afternoon stroll. Ghent’s town centre features lovely illuminated streets that are a must to explore, while the architectural richness in the historical centre of the city has to be seen to be believed (during the Middle Ages Ghent was the 2nd largest European city after Paris). The Ship will dock for the night at the Merelbeke lock, in a suburb of Ghent and approx. 15 cycling min. to the city centre.

Day 3 (Mon): Ghent – Dendermonde / St-Amands (ca. 40/53 km / 24/32 miles)

After breakfast in Ghent you will cycle downstream through a diverse landscape along the tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde located at the junction of Dender and Schelde Rivers. There is only one way to describe the landscape along the Schelde and that is “magnificent”. It is without doubt one of the natural highlights of the tour. During this section of the Schelde the speed of the MS Magnifique II will be determined by the height of the tide. You will travel from Dendermonde to St. Amands by either bike or barge depending on the tides. Your floating hotel will be docked for the night in St. Amands..

Day 4 (Tue): St-Amands – Temse – Antwerp (ca. 45 km / 28 miles)

Today we will follow the Schelde River further downstream through the Temse region to Antwerp. Over the centuries the Schelde River has held strategic importance for the Romans, Vikings, Spanish and Napoleon… today it is a beautiful waterway just perfect for bike and barge holidays! Antwerp, your destination for the day, is a harbour city famous for handling up to 80% of the world's rough diamonds and as the birthplace of the famous painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens. There are many highlights in the city to discover including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. Dinner will be in town in a restaurant of your choice (recommendations available on board).

Day 5 (Wed): Antwerp – Kreekrak locks - Tholen - Willemstad - Dordrecht (ca. 25-45 km / 15-28 miles)

The MS Magnifique II will sail this morning along the Schelde-Rhine Canal and over the huge Kreekrak lock system to Tholen, a former fishing village in the Dutch province of Zeeland. From Tholen you will have the opportunity to see the impressive Volkerak lock system, the fortified town of Willemstad and then you will cycle on to Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and your destination for the day. The skipper will discuss with you in the morning which parts of the tour will be covered by barge or by bicycle.

Day 6 (Thu): Dordrecht – Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven – Vianen (ca. 30-55 km / 19-34 miles)

Today you will start your tour with the “Waterbus” (not included, approx. € 4,- per person), a fast ferry that will take you and your bike in just 10 minutes to Alblasserdam. After just a few minutes of cycling you will reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 UNESCO cultural heritage-listed windmills – one of which you can visit (don’t forget your camera!). The windmills were constructed in the 18th century to pump water out of the low Alblasserwaard polder (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments). You will then continue to cycle via Schoonhoven to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek where you will spend the evening. Since the 17th century Schoonhoven – nicknamed Silver City – has been renowned for its talented silversmiths. . Day 7 (Fri): Vianen – Breukelen | Breukelen - Amsterdam (ca. 35 km / 21 miles)

During breakfast the MS Magnifique II will cruise to Breukelen where you disembark to start your final day of cycling. Ride along the Vecht River in an area famous for its beautiful mansions, small castles, impressive houses and their large gardens. After cycling through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen and Vreeland you will arrive at Nigtevecht where you can visit a traditional cheese farm. Continue cycling through the historical town of Muiden and on to Amsterdam where you will meet the barge for the final time in the Amsterdam harbour.

Day 8 (Sat): Amsterdam

After breakfast: end of the tour and disembarkation till 10:00 AM. If you wish, you can visit Amsterdam or one of its numerous museums, do some shopping or make a canal tour (not included).

For both tours applies: In italics printed parts will be covered by ship. **:• Both possibilities are being offered: the guest can choose. • All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. When a guest does not want to cycle one day, he can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town. • Program + details barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons. • On the arrival day is it possible to put your luggage already on board from 9:30 AM. • Daily guided bike tours: it is also possible to ride the bike tours individually: tour description and maps are available on board. • During the day the tour leader is guiding the daily bike tour and – for those who want to cycle individually – can be reached on his/her mobile phone in cases of emergency or technical breakdown of the bicycle.


PRICES HOLLAND & FLANDERS - MAGNIFIQUE II 2017 , prices per person:

Cabins: For: all departure dates

Twin cabin 2 pers. € 999

Premium Twin 2 pers. € 1,199

Upper deck suite 2 pers. € 1,399

Single cabin 1 pers. € 1,349

Triple cabin 3 pers. € 949

Triple cabin 3 pers. € 1,299

Rental bicycle with 7 gear, hand- and/or pedal brakes, pannier bag : € 70 per week (optional) Rental E-Bike: € 165 per week (only on request, limited number available, early bookings strongly recommended)

DATES SEASON MAGNIFIQUE II 2017 HOLLAND & FLANDERS (dd/mm): Amsterdam-Bruges: departure on: 29/04, 27/05, 10/06, 24/06, 08/07, 05/08,

19/08, 30/09 Bruges-Amsterdam: departure on: 06/05, 20/05, 03/06, 17/06, 01/07, 29/07,

12/08, 23/09, 07/10 On other dates the ship sails the tour “Across Flanders” between Bruges and Brussels (info on request)

INCLUDED:

- Tour and accommodation on board in the booked category , -8 days/7 nights (Saturday-Saturday) from/to Amsterdam or Bruges; - Meals: 7x breakfast, 6x picnic lunch during bike tours, 6x three course dinner (dinner in Bruges, Antwerp respectively is not included); - Use of bed linen and towels (change of towels daily possible); daily short cleaning of the cabin; - Welcoming drink and speech on the first evening; - Tour leader (multilingual) with daily briefings of the bike tours, some short city tours (free); During the day the tour leader will cycle the daily bike tour and can be reached by individual travellers on his/her cell phone; daily fully guided bike tours; - Printed instructions and detailed maps for daily bike tours, 1 set per cabin; - Daily coffee and tea between 3 and 4 PM.

NOT INCLUDED:

Transfers to/from the docking places in Amsterdam and Bruges • Dinner in Bruges, Antwerp respectively (1x) • Rental bicycle • Other transfers • Parking fee • Entrance fees & excursions • City Maps • Fees for ferries and Waterbus • Drinks on board • Personal insurances • Gratuities (at your discretion) • Dietary requirements on request/surcharges may be calculated . YOUR SHIP: NEW PREMIUM BARGE MAGNIFIQUE II

The premium barge MAGNIFIQUE II was constructed between May 2015 and February 2016. The 63 meters long barge can accommodate 35 guests and sails under Dutch flag and management. The lower deck has 14 cabins: 12 of which are twin cabins (approx. 11 M², 2 single beds next to each other), one is a premium twin (approx.13 M². 2 single beds next to each other, small sitting area) and 1 single cabin (approx. 8 M²); the upper deck has 4 beautiful suites with large panoramic windows (approx. 14 M², 2 single beds next to each other, small sitting area). Cabins on lower deck have portholes (all portholes are fixed for safety reasons), upper deck suites have a 2 meter wide window (one window can be opened). All cabins have en-suite facilities (shower + toilet), individually regulated air conditioning, flat screen satellite-TV; if requested, an extra bed is available in some twin cabins (above one of the other beds). On the upper deck there are a tastefully furnished salon with restaurant, bar, lounge with wide screen TV, large windows, Wi-Fi (limited use of data). A partly covered teak wooden sun deck with chairs and tables on the aft deck and a cycle shed (front deck).

BICYCLES:

The bicycles on board are mostly unisex touring bicycles of the German brand VSF with normal mount (ladies model), 7 gears, hand brake and/or pedal brake and pannier bag. Other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and child’s saddles (front or rear) are on these tours only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and in very limited numbers. Bike rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles or E-bikes (at no extra cost). However, the crew or tour operator are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles. In the Netherlands and Belgium cyclists are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet. Bike helmets are not available on board.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The General Conditions (travel conditions) of SE-Tours apply to cycling cruises, as well as to confirmation and cancellation of such tours. In principle, children are very welcome on board. However, before booking, we advise you to satisfy yourself that your child is able to manage a cycle trip of ca. 55 km. Of course you may stay one or more days longer on board (children under the age of18 years must be under supervision). Child discount on request. The interior of the ship is a non-smoking zone: smoking is only allowed on the sun deck. As a safety measure, a statutory smoking ban applies in all cabins; this means that all cabins and rooms on board are non-smoking areas.


Highlights of Holland and Flanders: Amsterdam to Bruges or Bruges to Amsterdam*

Barge “MAGNIFIQUE”

Beautiful historical art cities and a variety of landscapes by bike and barge

Travel by bike & barge: A unique and “typical Dutch” concept, where a cycling holiday and a journey on a comfortable ship are combined. Cycling cruises are perfect for all who like to cycle during the day and explore beautiful areas, without giving up a comfortable way of travelling. During our tours you don’t have to pack and un-pack your suitcases every day to travel from one beautiful place to the next! During this tour you will explore the most beautiful cities of Holland and Western Belgium (Flanders) by bicycle and barge: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges are wonderful and interesting historical cities. The daily bike tours will lead you through a variety of flat landscapes and along the river Schelde. En route, you will visit many picturesque small towns.

Eight day tours (Sat.-Sat), May till mid October ; depending on departure date from Amsterdam to Bruges or from Bruges to

Amsterdam; choice between guided and individual bike tours ; Total of 210– 290 cycling kilometers (130-180 miles) in 6 days.

During this tour some of the most beautiful cities of Holland and Flanders are highlighted: Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, where you still can feel the charm of the days long gone. After embarkation in Amsterdam you will cross through a beautiful part of the Netherlands. After a short cruise with the ship, you bike along the winding small river Vecht with its impressive mansions and country houses on its banks. You visit a real Dutch cheese farm and the 19 Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk. Via Dordrecht and the fortified town of Willemstad, the ship cruises through the “Delta” Province of Zeeland to Belgium. You will spend the night in Antwerp, the city of Rubens, whose paintings can be admired in the cathedral. You will cycle from Antwerp to Ghent along the beautiful tidal river Lower Schelde. Destination of your tour is Bruges, the “Pearl of Flanders” with its picturesque medieval town centre. You will travel on board of the premium barge MS Magnifique, for approx. 32 - 35 guests, one of the most beautiful barges for boat & bike tours. In winter 2012/13 the barge has been extended by 14 meters and now has 11 twins, 4 premium twins and 2 single cabins and a large salon/lounge.

* Tour – depending on the departure date – from Amsterdam to Bruges or from Bruges to Amsterdam.

PREMIUM

BARGE:

Choice of

guided and

self-guided

cycling tours


TOUR DETAILS Holland & Flanders: from AMSTERDAM to BRUGES – barge Magnifique:

Day 1 (Sat): Amsterdam – Vianen (ca. 15 km / 9 miles)

Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is at 1 PM. At

around 2 PM the MS Magnifique will depart from Amsterdam for Vianen, a small fortified

village on the Lek River. After the distribution of bicycles, you can enjoy a short first test

bike ride through the surrounding area.

Day 2 (Sun): Vianen – Schoonhoven – Kinderdijk – Dordrecht

(ca. 56 km / 34 miles)

After breakfast you will cycle a beautiful route to Schoonhoven – nicknamed Zilverstad

(Silver City) – a city renowned for its talented silver smiths since the 17th century. As

you continue to cycle along the Lek River you will pass through the Alblasserwaard

region to Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills – one

of which you can visit – which have a UNESCO cultural heritage listing. From nearby

Alblasserdam you will take the “Waterbus” (not included approx.€ 4,- per person), a fast

ferry, that will take and your bike you in approx. 10 minutes to Dordrecht, one of the

oldest towns in Holland.

Day 3 (Mon): Dordrecht – Tholen | Tholen – Kreekrak lock (ca. 43 km / 26 miles) | Kreekrak lock – Antwerp

As you enjoy your breakfast the MS Magnifique will sail to Tholen where you will start your day’s cycling.

Attractions today include the beautiful “Wouwse Plantage” forest, the fortress town of Bergen op Zoom and the

impressive Kreekrak lock. In the afternoon you will once again board the MS Magnifique which will sail to the port

city of Antwerp which is situated on the river Schelde. Antwerp is famous for handling up to 80% of the world's

rough diamonds and is a city with a long list of attractions including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings

constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe

Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. After dinner visit the beautiful old city centre.

Day 4 (Tue): Antwerp – Temse – St-Amands / Dendermonde (ca. 42 or 56 km / 25 or 34 miles)

This morning you will cycle out of Antwerp along a picturesque section of the Schelde River to either

St. Amands or Dendermonde – depending on the tides - your home for the night. There is only one

way to describe the landscape around the Schelde and that is “magnificent”. It is without doubt

one of the natural highlights of the tour.

Day 5 (Wed): St-Amands / Dendermonde – Ghent (ca. 53/40 km / 32/24 miles)

Today you will continue to follow the river Schelde to Ghent where the MS Magnifique

will moor for the night at a lock in the suburb of Merelbeke. Ghent is a lively university city

that boasts a rich history. Since Roman times Ghent’s position at the junction of Leie and

Schelde Rivers has ensured that it has been a successful trading port. In total the city

features an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100

churches and over 400 historical buildings. Major attractions

are St. Bavo Cathedral where a number of masterpieces of

medieval art including the world famous ‘Adoration of the Mystic

Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck are kept and the 91-metre-tall belfry of Ghent,

one of three medieval towers that overlook the old city centre.

Day 6 (Thu): Ghent – Bruges (ca. 45 km / 28 miles)

Today you will cycle from Ghent through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders to Bruges, widely described as

the ‘Venice of the North’ and arguably the most beautiful of all the Flemish cities. Bruges attracts more than two million visitors

every year who come to see the picturesque medieval town centre of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city and a long

list of historic attractions. An outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historic

fabric as it has evolved over the centuries, with the result that today the city’s original Gothic buildings form an integral part of

the town's identity. While you are here you can visit one of Bruges many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty of this

unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café. Dinner tonight will be in town in a restaurant of your choice

(recommendations available on board).

Day 7 (Fri): Tour around Bruges to the North Sea, (ca. 50 km / 30 miles)

Your final day of cycling takes you along a quiet canal and past beautiful poplar trees through an attractive polder landscape (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments) dotted with small farm houses to the North Sea coast. Here if you want you can swim in the sea along an inviting sandy beach, visit any one of numerous cafés and see the dune landscape of “Het Zwin” (a unique nature reserve). On the return ride to Bruges you will cycle along a small picturesque canal. Day 8 (Sat): Bruges

After breakfast: end of the tour and disembarkation till 10:00 AM.

PREMIUM

BARGE:

Choice of

guided and

self-guided

cycling tours


TOUR DETAILS Holland & Flanders: from BRUGES to AMSTERDAM – barge Magnifique Day 1 (Sat): Arrival and embarkation in Bruges

Arrival and embarkation early afternoon in the beautiful city of Bruges, also called “Pearl of Flanders”. The crew will welcome you. You will have plenty of time to discover the beautiful historical city of Bruges. Afternoon and evening with city tour in Bruges.

Day 2 (Sun): Bruges – Ghent (ca. 40 km / 24 miles)

Your cycle tour starts early today on the outskirts of Bruges following the distribution of bicycles after breakfast. You will start your first day of cycling by pedalling towards Ghent through the beautiful Flemish landscape along the Ghent canal. On arrival in Ghent make sure you make the effort to discover the best of what this historical city has to offer during an afternoon stroll. Ghent’s town centre features lovely illuminated streets that are a must to explore, while the architectural richness in the historical centre of the city has to be seen to be believed (during the Middle Ages Ghent was the 2nd largest European city after Paris). The Ship will dock for the night at the Merelbeke lock, in a suburb of Ghent and approx. 15 cycling min. to the citycentre.

Day 3 (Mon): Ghent – Dendermonde / St-Amands (ca. 40/53 km / 24/32 miles)

After breakfast in Ghent you will cycle downstream through a diverse landscape along the tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde located at the junction of Dender and Schelde Rivers. There is only one way to describe the landscape along the Schelde and that is “magnificent”. It is without doubt one of the natural highlights of the tour. During this section of the Schelde the speed of the MS Magnifique will be determined by the height of the tide. You will travel from Dendermonde to St. Amands by either bike or barge depending on the tides. Your floating hotel will be docked for the night in St. Amands..

Day 4 (Tue): St-Amands – Temse – Antwerp (ca. 45 km / 28 miles)

Today we will follow the Schelde River further downstream through the Temse region to Antwerp. Over the centuries the Schelde River has held strategic importance for the Romans, Vikings, Spanish and Napoleon… today it is a beautiful waterway just perfect for bike and barge holidays! Antwerp, your destination for the day, is a harbour city famous for handling up to 80% of the world's rough diamonds and as the birthplace of the famous painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens. There are many highlights in the city to discover including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. Dinner will be in town in a restaurant of your choice (recommendations available on board).

Day 5 (Wed): Antwerp – Kreekrak locks - Tholen - Willemstad - Dordrecht (ca. 25-45 km / 15-28 miles)

The MS Magnifique will sail this morning along the Schelde-Rhine Canal and over the huge Kreekrak lock system to Tholen, a former fishing village in the Dutch province of Zeeland. From Tholen you will have the opportunity to see the impressive Volkerak lock system, the fortified town of Willemstad and then you will cycle on to Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and your destination for the day. The skipper will discuss with you in the morning which parts of the tour will be covered by barge or by bicycle.

Day 6 (Thu): Dordrecht – Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven – Vianen (ca. 25-50 km / 16-32 miles)

Today you will start your tour with the “Waterbus” (not included, approx. € 4,- per person), a fast ferry that will take you and your bike in just 10 minutes to Alblasserdam. After just a few minutes of cycling you will reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 UNESCO cultural heritage-listed windmills – one of which you can visit (don’t forget your camera!). The windmills were constructed in the 18th century to pump water out of the low Alblasserwaard polder (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments). You will then continue to cycle via Schoonhoven to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek where you will spend the evening. Since the 17th century Schoonhoven – nicknamed Silver City – has been renowned for its talented silversmiths. . Day 7 (Fri): Vianen – Breukelen | Breukelen - Amsterdam (ca. 35 km / 21 miles)

During breakfast the MS Magnifique will cruise to Breukelen where you disembark to start your final day of cycling. Ride along the Vecht River in an area famous for its beautiful mansions, small castles, impressive houses and their large gardens. After cycling through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen and Vreeland you will arrive at Nigtevecht where you can visit a traditional cheese farm. Continue cycling through the historical town of Muiden and on to Amsterdam where you will meet the barge for the final time in the Amsterdam harbour.

Day 8 (Sat): Amsterdam

After breakfast: end of the tour and disembarkation till 10:00 AM. If you wish, you can visit Amsterdam or one of its numerous museums, do some shopping or make a canal tour (not included).

For both tours applies: In italics printed parts will be covered by ship. **:• Both possibilities are being offered: the guest can choose. • All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. When a guest does not want to cycle one day, he can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town. • Program + details barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons. • On the arrival day is it possible to put your luggage already on board from 9:30 AM. • Daily guided bike tours: it is also possible to ride the bike tours individually: tour description and maps are available on board. • During the day the tour leader is guiding the daily bike tour and – for those who want to cycle individually – can be reached on his/her mobile phone in cases of emergency or technical breakdown of the bicycle.


PRICES HOLLAND & FLANDERS MS MAGNIFIQUE 2017, pricing per person:

Cabins: for

all departure

dates

Twin cabin 2 pers. € 999

Premium twin 2 pers. € 1,199

Single cabin 1 pers. € 1,349

Triple cabin 3 pers. € 949

Premium triple 3 pers. € 1,099

Rental bicycle with 7 gear, hand- and/or pedal brakes, pannier bag : € 70 per week (optional) Rental E-Bike: € 165 per week (only on request, limited number available, early bookings strongly recommended)

DATES SEASON BARGE MAGNIFIQUE 2017 HOLLAND & FLANDERS: Amsterdam to Bruges: departure on: 06May, 03Jun, 01Jul, 15Jul, 29Jul, 26Aug, 09Sep, 23Sep, 07Oct Bruges to Amsterdam: departure on: 13May, 27May, 24Jun, 08Jul, 22Jul, 19Aug, 02Sep, 16Sep, 30Sep, 14Oct

On other dates the barge offers some cycling cruises “Across Flanders” between Bruges and Brussels (info on request)

INCLUDED:

- Tour and accommodation on board in the booked category , 8 days/7 nights (Saturday-Saturday) from/to Amsterdam or Bruges; - Meals: 7x breakfast, 6x picnic lunch during bike tours, 6x three course dinner (dinner in Bruges, Antwerp respectively is not included); - Use of bed linen and towels (change of towels daily possible); daily short cleaning of the cabin; - Welcoming drink and speech on the first evening; - Tour leader (multilingual) with daily briefings of the bike tours, some short city tours (free); During the day the tour leader will cycle the daily bike tour and can be reached by individual travellers on his/her cell phone; daily fully guided bike tours; - Printed instructions and detailed maps for daily bike tours, 1 set per cabin; - Daily coffee and tea between 3 and 4 PM.

NOT INCLUDED:

Transfers to/from the docking places in Amsterdam and Bruges • Dinner in Bruges, Antwerp respectively (1x) • Rental bicycle • Other transfers • Parking fee • Entrance fees & excursions • Fees for ferries and Waterbus • City maps • Drinks on board • Personal insurances • Gratuities (at your discretion) • Dietary requirements on request/surcharges may be calculated YOUR SHIP: MS MAGNIFIQUE

The MS Magnifique is 63 meters long, accommodates approx. 32-35 guests, sails under the Dutch flag and management and was completely modernized in 2010 and extended by 14 metres during the winter of 2012/13. The lower deck has 17 cabins: 11 twin cabins (approx. 11 M², 2 single beds next to each other), 4 premium twins (approx. 14 M², 2 single beds next to each other, small sitting area), 2 single cabins (approx. 8 M²). All cabins have portholes (all portholes are fixed for safety reasons), shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, flat screen TV (satellite); if requested, an extra bed is available in some twin cabins (above one of the other beds). On the upper deck there is a tastefully furnished salon with restaurant, bar, lounge with wide screen TV, large windows, Wi-Fi (with limited data use). Two partly covered teak wooden sun decks with chairs and tables and cycle shed (front deck), and with a whirlpool/jacuzzi and barbecue on the aft deck. BICYCLES:

The bicycles on board are mostly unisex touring bicycles of the German brand VSF with normal mount (ladies model), 7 gears, hand brake and/or pedal brake and pannier bag. Other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and child’s saddles (front or rear) are on these tours only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and in very limited numbers. Bike rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles or E-bikes (at no extra cost). However, the crew or tour operator are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles. In the Netherlands bikers are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet. Bike helmets are not available on board.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The General Conditions (travel conditions) of SE-Tours apply to cycling cruises, as well as to confirmation and cancellation of such tours. In principle, children are very welcome on board. However, before booking, we advise you to satisfy yourself that your child is able to manage a cycle trip of ca. 55 km. Of course you may stay one or more days longer on board (children under the age of18 years must be under supervision). Child discount on request. The interior of the ship is a non-smoking zone: smoking is only allowed on the sun deck. As a safety measure, a statutory smoking ban applies in all cabins; this means that all cabins and rooms on board are non-smoking areas.

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