European River Cruising from a Fresh Perspective with Connections by Abercrombie & Kent
DOWNERS GROVE, IL – September 17, 2013… Gliding with ease on a sparkling river, going ashore to explore vibrant cities and inviting villages without repacking – these are the qualities travellers expect from a European river cruise. Abercrombie & Kent goes beyond the expected with its new Connections European River Cruise Journeys aboard the modern and stylish Amadeus fleet. Calling upon its unrivaled small-group luxury travel expertise, A&K has elevated the river cruise with private sightseeing excursions led by a dedicated Tour Director, small groups of no more than 24 guests, and pre- and post-cruise city stays with exclusive experiences only available to A&K guests.
Europe’s great cities -- Amsterdam, Cologne, Vienna and Budapest -- grew up along these rivers, vital to trade and bridging diverse cultures. Abercrombie & Kent’s European River Cruise Journeys, the most recent addition to the company’s Connections portfolio, explore these waterways from a fresh perspective, revealing everyday life as the locals live it.
“By expanding our popular Connections journeys to encompass the world of river cruising, we are bringing the small-group experience to traditional river travel,” explains Abercrombie & Kent USA President Phil Otterson. “With our own offices in Europe, we are able to guarantee ‘by invitation only’ access to authentic encounters, providing guests with a deeper understanding of each destination, made possible through genuine local knowledge and experience.”
Explore as a Group, Not With the Crowd
A river cruise with Abercrombie & Kent is unlike any other. From start to finish, each journey is personally overseen by a dedicated Tour Director, who brings decades, if not a lifetime, of experience and knowledge of the destination. The A&K Tour Director serves as an on-board concierge, leads private shore excursions in the most inviting cities and picturesque villages, and offers A&K guests sound guidance for getting the most out of time spent exploring on their own.
Sightseeing tours are limited to just 24 guests with private A&K vehicles and expert local guides. The small group size ensures priority boarding, and access to lodgings with local character that are not available to larger groups. To further enrich the river cruise experience, A&K offers Onshore Connections, such as visiting unique markets and neighborhoods and meeting local artisans, musicians and culinary experts who share their gifts.
Pre- and Post-Cruise City Visits Included
Abercrombie & Kent’s European River Cruise Journeys include stays before and after the cruise at centrally located hotels. On Music & Maestros of the Danube cruise, for example, after a classical music-filled journey along the Danube River, explore Munich’s old town and enjoy a private tour of the Bavarian State Opera House. Regular meals and a special group welcome and farewell dinners are also included, as are transfers to and from the airport.
Connections European River Cruise Journeys
Cruising Holland & Belgium in Bloom – Behold millions of blossoms at Keukenhof Gardens and Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer, the world’s largest flower auction. Tour Delft, known worldwide for its distinctive blue and white porcelain. Visit a chocolatier in Brussels and the Diamond Pavillion in Antwerp on an exclusive A&K Onshore Connection. Experience colorful Bruges, a medieval jewel. Nine days from $3,995.
The Great Rivers of Europe – Cruise in luxury on the scenic Main and Rhine Rivers in Holland and Germany. Taste Edam cheese in the town where it originated. Visit the 12th century monastery, Kloster Bronnback, to enjoy a wine tasting in its own cellar. Privately tour a World War II bunker in Nuremberg, built to conserve irreplaceable art treasures. 10 days from $4,495.
Music & Maestros of the Danube – On this Danube River Cruise, enjoy performances at the world-famous Opera House in Budapest, as well as a concert of classical music at a special location in Bratislava. Celebrate the "Great Masters" with a matinée at a traditional Viennese Palais. Join in a private waltz lesson in Vienna, an A&K exclusive. 10 days from $4,395.
Paris, Burgundy and a South of France Cruise – Tour the sights of vibrant Paris and visit the Musee d’Orsay, noted for its collection of Impressionist art. Tour the home of Claude Monet and his garden in Giverny before boarding the ‘Amadeus Symphony.’ Exclusive A&K sightseeing includes the Cistercian Abbey, the massive Roman amphitheatre in Arles and the place where Van Gogh painted ‘Café Terrace at Night.’ 11 days from $5,295
Christmas Markets on the Danube – Visit the finest Christmas markets (Christkindlesmarkts) in southern Germany and Austria on this Danube River Cruise. Take a guided tour of a renowned porcelain factory. An A&K Exclusive Onshore Connection includes Schloss Artstetten, home of the great granddaughter of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Nine days from $3,495
Heart of Europe: Cruising the Rhine, Main & Danube – Spend two weeks cruising the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers from Amsterdam to Budapest. Exclusive excursions visit the lively university town of Heidelberg and tour a World War II art bunker in Nuremberg. Enjoy a night-time cruise along the Danube River in Budapest. 17 days from $7,295.
Along the Danube – Explore Budapest on both sides of the river and take in romantic views of the city on an evening Danube River cruise. Discover Vienna, city of Mozart and Strauss, and learn how to make apple strudel. Enjoy a “Sound of Vienna” concert in the Kursalon. 10 days from $4,195.
Discovering the Rhine – Enjoy a taste of Holland, Germany, France and Switzerland, cruising the Rhine River, including the postcard-perfect Rhine Gorge. Tour a chocolatier’s workshop or gingerbread bakery. An A&K exclusive excursion in Holland visits Gouda, its crafts museum and market square. 10 days from $4,695.
Christmas Along the Danube – Explore the local Christmas markets in Munich and Salzburg. Awaken Christmas morning in Vienna for a tour of the city bedecked in holiday finery. An A&K exclusive excursion includes Bratislava and the “Blue Church,” a fairytale landmark. Visit breathtaking Nymphenburg Palace, once a summer residence of the Bavarian Wittelsbachs. Nine days from $3,995.
Boutique Riverboats with Balconies
Family owned and operated for decades, the ships of the Amadeus fleet offer modern elegance and convenience, with the amenities you expect from a fine hotel. The crew and staff offer genuine Austrian hospitality, blending the service of 19th-century Vienna with the warmth and welcome of an Alpine country inn. Spacious cabins have unrestricted views thorough panoramic windows, some featuring French balconies, while others have walk-out balconies. Shipboard amenities include Wi-Fi, a fitness room, and hairdresser and massage facilities.
Prepared fresh on board by a master chef and his team, culinary highlights include well-composed dinner menus and fresh delicacies that take inspiration from the places you visit during your European River Cruise. Dining in the Panorama Restaurant, aptly named for its bright views of the outside, is an elegant, friendly experience. Dinner is served with selected vintages from renowned wine regions around the world. Breakfast and lunch buffets are also provided, and a light lunch is available at midday in the Amadeus Salon.
Value only A&K Can Deliver
Last year Abercrombie & Kent introduced Connections journeys to deliver authentic, intimate experiences in some of the world’s most intriguing places, combined with the service on which A&K has built its reputation -- all at an incomparable value. Connections European River Cruise Journeys provide a value that springs directly from something only A&K can offer: more than 50 years of expertise and trademark amenities, including on-the-ground support from a network of six offices throughout Europe and the finest local expert guides. It’s the A&K difference, available now in the relaxing world of European river cruises.
For information on Abercrombie & Kent’s 2014 European River Cruise Journeys contact your travel professional or go to www.abercrombiekent.com or call 800 554 7094 to speak with an A&K Travel Consultant.
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