AAA Traveler - Winter 2015 - 23

European river cruises

During discussions of
European river cruises,
talk inevitably turns to
the majestic Danube
River, the continent's second longest river. Uniworld's "Danube
Discovery & Prague" cruise takes passengers on a 10-day, threecountry journey along the river, which is flanked by cities,
terraced hillsides, tiny villages, vineyards and monasteries.
The elegant 118-guest River Ambassador, where guests
can luxuriate in Egyptian cotton sheets, European duvets
and diverse pillow offerings, starts her sojourn with an overnight stay in Vienna, Austria, a long-celebrated arts center
that boasts some of the world's most important imperial art.
Take advantage of a rare evening out in Vienna by attending a classical music concert or by finding someplace that
you and your partner can dance together in the waltz
capital of the world" off your bucket list.
During the day, you're swept along on a tour of the historic city to stately Ring Street, St. Stephen's Cathedral
and the 19th-century Neo-Renaissance State Opera
House. Tales of the powerful Habsburg dynasty come alive
as you stroll through the regal Belvedere and then through
the famed Art History Museum.
As the ship meanders along the Danube en route to
Nuremberg, Germany, guests attend lectures by experts on
the region, enjoy complimentary wine and discuss local
vineyards with the knowledgeable sommelier before dining
on the chef's specialties, regional meals and healthy fare.
Guests on select departures in May through September will
be treated to an exclusive, onboard concert by Elisabeth von
Trapp, granddaughter of legendary Maria and Baron von
Trapp, whose romantic story inspired The Sound of Music.
Days are filled with romantic experiences: strolling along

IMAGES: ISTOCK; UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION

The heig ht of romance

the old walls of the city of Nuremberg, taking in the amazing sounds of Europe's largest pipe organ at St. Stephen's
Cathedral in Passau, following the cool hallways of Melk's
famed abbey. And what could be dreamier than biking
alongside the ship on a riverside path (the ship carries bicycles for just this purpose) or cuddling up in a horse-drawn
wagon ride through the lush Bavarian Forest?
Back on board, the mood prevails with marble bathrooms featuring designer bath and body products, towel
warmers and plush bathrobes, and a fully-stocked minibar, fresh fruit and cookies and even an invigorating
massage. The service is second to none, since Uniworld
offers one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios, and is even
more impressive when you realize gratuities are included
in your fare, along with airport transfers, excursions and
unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
At the end of the journey awaits magical Prague, a veritable wonderland of bridges, museums, theaters, church
bells, Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau
architecture, cafes, castles and city squares. One of Europe's
most visited cities, Prague reeks of old-world glamour.
Must-dos for romantics in Prague include a walk through
its famed Old Town, the city's best view from the TV tower
on Petrin Hill, an exploration of gorgeous Prague Castle, and
a sampling of the city's best beers in a local Czech bar.
With the "Danube Discovery & Prague" cruise-tour under
your belt, you might consider some of Uniworld's other romantic offerings for your next journey. Check out "Paris &
Normandy," where you can stroll through the most romantic
city on earth; "Splendours of Northern Italy, Venice, Florence
and Rome," the undisputed art and culture queens of Italy;
and "Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux," the perfect option for
sipping wine and visiting lush French vineyards and estates.
TRAVELER WINTER 2015

23
AAA Traveler - Winter 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AAA Traveler - Winter 2015
