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    Owing to recent flight price increases this package is scheduled for repricing. Submit a booking enquiry to receive up-to-date pricing for your travel plan without obligation.

    18 Days Budapest to Paris river cruise package from $10,896pp $8,499pp after Getaway Cash travel credits:

    • Return flights
    • 13-day Danube river cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg
    • Our special 4-day Paris package with top-class accommodation, Moulin Rouge, Le Louvre and more.

    Save more than $2,397 per person off retail. Limited FFV packages.

    Visit Vienna, Austria and many other beautiful places
    Visit Vienna, Austria and many other beautiful places

    FULL RETAIL VALUE: $10,896pp. YOU PAY FROM $8,399, SAVE UP TO $2,397pp.

    BOOKING ENQUIRY

    Trip Highlights

    When you think of European River cruising you think "expensive". If you book one of the trips offered in Australian newspapers, with flights, you can easily pay over $11,000 per person. But not with your Australian Escapes membership. This package gives you everything you can possibly want in a European holiday at a massive saving.

    Enjoy these highlights*:

    • You'll visit places like Budapest, Vienna, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Strasbourg and enjoy the best food and wine along the way.
    • Plus we'll send you to Paris for four nights and immerse you in a wonderful Parisien experience.
    • You'll start in Budapest with a night at the stunning Prestige Hotel then join the cruise for a trip of a lifetime.
    • In Stasbourg you'll board a fast train to Paris where you'll stay in Saint Germaine Des Pres, the ideal base for your next four nights.
    • With dinner at the Eiffel Tower, a cruise down the Seine river, The Moulin Rouge show, a visit to Le Louvre and more, you'll feel like you've had the best holiday possible.

    * Various itinerary options are available. See full itinerary for details. Package price varies according to season and departure city.

    Global Escapes Travel

    In the style of most Global Escapes Independent Traveler itineraries, this is a perfect blend of self-guided adventure and forward-planning to ensure that the main elements are organised in advance allowing for plenty of time to relax and take in each place you visit.

    Package Pricing

    FULL RETAIL VALUE

    $10,896pp

    SAVINGS APPLIED

    -$2,397

    YOU PAY FROM*

    $8,499

    SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 22%

    Discover the Travel Club Advantage

    Australian Escapes has been saving members money on their holidays now for over 20 years and we can do the same for you. You can start today for FREE!

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    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...

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    Inclusions

    "River cruises involve more interaction with the cultures, communities and people of the countries you're visiting, with plenty of stops and more shore time. The trip feels like a genuine travel experience."

    "Our trip was amazing, could not fault Australian Escapes. Accommodation - all boutique hotels throughout Europe, It was totally stress free. Two river cruises on Modigliani and Symphonies, staff were fun but efficient." Cherrie K.

    This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

    Package inclusions:

    • Return flights from Australia
    • 1 night top-class accommodation in Budapest
    • Private car airport transfer in Budapest
    • 13-day, 4-anchor river cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg
    • TGV train from Strasbourg to Paris
    • 4 nights' 4-star accommodation in central Paris with breakfast
    • Dinner for two at the Eiffel Tower
    • "City of Light" Seine River cruise
    • The Moulin Rouge show
    • Guided tour of Le Louvre

    "Upper Deck" package from only $500 more:

    • Upgrade to the top-level cruise deck for best views

    Standard cruise inclusions:

    • All meals and drinks included (with meals and at the bar)
    • Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
    • Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
    • Headsets are included for excursions
    • Official welcome from the captain and crew
    • Onboard activities
    • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
    • All port fees included

    Cruise highlights:

    • The Rhine, the Main and the Danube in one cruise: The combination of history, tradition and culture,a passionate encounter
    • From picturesque medieval towns to the imposing imperial and royal capitals
    • Discover:
      • Unique and romantic Budapest
      • Authentic Vienna
      • The charming medieval towns of Rothenburg, Nuremberg and Regensburg
      • Frankfurt, combining tradition and modernity

    All packages include:

    • Lonely Planet guides for Budapest and Paris
    • No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
    • Extra nights at industry wholesale price (using GCash travel credits)
    • Google Drive folder with soft copies of all travel documents
    • Comprehensive, printed itinerary
    • Personal travel consultant to help plan and customize your holiday
    • Option for best-in-class travel insurance at member price

    Carefully selected accommodation:

    Hotel standards

    Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

    Fully customisable:

    This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

    Special value:

    Lonely Planet Logo

    Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

    Budapest
    Paris

    You will receive these guides to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guides with you in your luggage.


    * All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

    Your Itinerary

    From Budapest to Strasbourg, enjoy a unique cruise crossing three rivers and four countries. From the Danube to the Rhine via the Main, you will be dazzled by the beauty of landscapes but also by the sweetness of these rivers that form a link between people, cultures and traditions. Hungary, Austria, Germany and France will unveil their history and rich heritage for an unforgettable trans-European getaway. Join one of Europe’s largest river cruise companies for this unique river cruise experience...

    Cabins
    After dinner, retire to your private cabin in comfort for the night: all our tastefully decorated cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, central heating, shower/toilets, satellite TV, safe, hairdryers— and each gives you a view of the river.

    "Things that matter most: experienced and friendly staff and crew, clean and comfortable cabins and beds, reliable and safe ships, excellent food, incredible itineraries."

    Lounge area and sun deck
    The lounge bar is good place to spend time indoors with friends, or enjoy some entertainment. The sun deck of each boat offers a panoramic view of the landscape’s beauty as you cruise. A great place to relax outdoors and enjoy the weather sipping a glass of wine.

    Crew
    We have a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of almost 1,000 people on our European river cruises, whose conviviality, attentiveness and professionalism ensures that your voyage will be comfortable and pleasurable. Our staff and crews speak French, English and many of them speak other major European languages as well. So you’ll be in the heart of European culture and charm, but you’ll always be able to find someone who understands you.

    "We wander for distraction but we travel for fulfillment" - Hilaire Belloc

    DAY 1: ARRIVE BUDAPEST (1 NIGHT HOTEL, 2 NIGHTS CRUISE SHIP)


    Budapest

    Arrive in Budapest and be picked up at the airport by your waiting driver. Tonight you'll stay at one of our featured hotels, the Prestige Hotel (or similar) where you can relax and unwind from your flight. Depending on arrival time, you can spend the night out at a local restaurant. (The hotel accommodation component is supplied by Global Escapes Travel.)

    DAY 2: BUDAPEST

    Passengers are welcome to board the cruise ship from 6:00 pm. After comfortably settling into your cabin, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an excursion for both packages: An evening of traditional entertainment in Belgrade.

    DAY 3: BUDAPEST - VIENNA


    Cruising on the Danube River

    Join us for the excursions proposed:
    CLASSIC: Guided tour of Budapest.
    DISCOVERY: Discover Budapest by bike. You'll bike down the streets of Budapest and past the most renowned sites and locations of the city.

    We'll return on board in Esztergom. In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own exploring the former capital of Hungary. The city is full of treasures such as the Neo-classical basilica and former Royal palace. We'll return on board and depart for Vienna. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

    DAY 4: VIENNA

    Upon arriving in Vienna, join us for an excursion for both packages: A visit to the Hofburg Palace, former residence of the Hapsburgs. Tonight, join us on an excursion for both packages: Tour Vienna by night.

    DAY 5: VIENNA


    Vienna

    This morning, join us for the excursions proposed:
    CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial family, followed by a panoramic tour of Vienna.
    DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living, music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1).

    After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion: Horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town and the famous Ring road in Vienna. This evening, join us on an optional excursion (not included in packages): Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.) Our ship will depart at midnight.

    DAY 6: MELK - PASSAU

    We'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley this morning, arriving in Melk in the morning. We'll then set off on an excursion for both packages: Tour of Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board and cruise towards Passau. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.

    DAY 7: PASSAU


    Passau, Germany

    We'll set out to explore Passau in the company of hostess, strolling the narrow romantic streets and admiring is Baroque-style buildings. We'll then cruise to Regensburg through the night.

    DAY 8: REGENSBURG - HILPOSTEIN

    Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Regensburg and the Walhalla hall of fame which overhangs the river. We'll return on board in Kelheim and cruise the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to Hilpostein.

    DAY 9: HILPOSTEIN - NUREMBERG - BAMBERG


    Gorgeous Nuremberg

    We'll arrive in Nuremberg in the morning. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of the city and tasting of its famous gingerbread. We'll return on board in Erlangen and start sailing towards Bamberg. Our ship will cruise through the night.

    DAY 10: BAMBERG - ROTHENBURG

    We'll spend this morning cruising to Schweinfurt. Join us on an excursion for both packages: Tour of Rothenburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany. This magnificent walled town located on the historic Roman Road has managed to keep its authentic charm. We'll return on board in Kitzingen. Our ship will cruise through the night.

    DAY 11: WÜRZBURG - WERTHEIM


    Stroll the lively streets of Wertheim

    Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Würzburg and the former Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. We'll return on board in Karlstadt. Our ship will cruise through the night.

    DAY 12: WERTHEIM - MILTENBERG - ASCHAFFENBURG

    We'll set out to explore Miltenberg in the company of our hostess and discover this charming, very typical German village. Its marketplace surrounded by half-timbered houses, its Grande Rue and former Town Hall make Miltenberg a unique town and the "pearl of the Main". We'll cruise to Aschaffenburg.

    DAY 13: ASCHAFFENBURG - FRANKFURT - MAINZ


    Frankfurt

    Our ship will depart for Frankfurt. Join us for the excursions proposed:
    CLASSIC: Tour of Frankfurt.
    DISCOVERY: Panoramic tour of Frankfurt and ascent of the Main Tower.
    We'll return on board and cruise to Mainz. Gutenberg's hometown, Mainz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main and is a perfect blend of past and present. Its age-old cathedral is not to be missed. You'll be able to explore the city in the company of our hostess. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.

    DAY 14: MAINZ - STRASBOURG - PARIS (4 NIGHTS)

    Enjoy buffet breakfast on board as we cruise towards Strasbourg, passing through two impressive locks on the Rhine, Iffezheim and Gambsheim. We'll reach Strasbourg at 2:00 p.m. and disembark after lunch. (End of cruise.)

    This afternoon you’ll travel via the TGV high-speed train to Paris. It takes just 1 hour 45 minutes for this train to go from Strasbourg to Paris. The safety figures for the TGV system are exceptional; there have been no fatalities in high-speed operation since service started in 1981. Today TGV trains accumulate of the order of 50 billion passenger-kilometres per year on lignes à grande vitesse (high-speed lines) alone. 1.2 billion passengers have travelled on the TGV.

    You’ll arrive in Paris early enough to be able to spend some time enjoying the first evening stolling by the river Seine.

    Included: 4 nights’ 4-star+ accommodation, Eiffel Tower dinner for two, Seine River Cruise tickets for two, tickets for two to The Moulin Rouge show.

    Why I Love Paris
    By Catherine Le Nevez, Writer

    “Paris’ grandeur is inspiring but what I love most about the city is its intimacy. Its quartiers (quarters) are like a patchwork of villages, and while it’s one of the world’s major metropolises – with all of the culture and facilities that go with it – there’s a real sense of community at the local shops, markets and cafes that hasn’t changed since my childhood. Yet because every little ‘village’ has its own evolving character, I’m constantly discovering and rediscovering hidden corners of the city.”

    DAYS 15 TO 17: PARIS


    Moulin Rouge

    Here’s your opportunity to really get to know Paris, "the city of light". Your Lonely Planet guide is your best help to decide how you will spend your time. Rest in the afternoon of Day 15 because tonight you’ll be dining at the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant at Eiffel Tower, followed by a river cruise and the most famous cabaret show in the world, Feerie at The Moulin Rouge.

    Small-Group Mona Lisa & Best of the Louvre Tour: See if you can catch the eye of the mysterious Mona Lisa on this engaging tour that hits all the highlights of France's most famous museum. With a group of no more than 6 people and an art-loving expert to lead the way, scope out masterpieces like the Venus de Milo on this short and sweet tour of the Louvre's must-see works.

    Paris package highlights:

    • 4 nights' staying in the beautiful St Germain Des Pres area of Paris within walking distance of the main attractions
    • Visit the Louvre to see masterpieces like the Mona Lisa & Venus de Milo
    • Enjoy a sumptuous French dinner at the Eiffel Tower joning a small group
    • Take an evening cruise down the Seine river and see the Eiffel Tower lit up
    • Be mesmerized by the Moulin Rouge show (optional Palace of Versailles tour)
    • Have plenty of free time to explore other parts of Paris

    Refer to your Lonely Planet guide for things to see and do. Top of the list must be Musee D’Orsay (entry fee applies), the world’s greatest museum of impressionist art. Here are some other suggestions:

    City of love, fashion capital, literary paradise… Paris has many different guises. And while museum entry can be steep and fine dining comes at a premium, the French capital can also be a cheap date. Whether you go weak at the knees for soaring church spires or want to rub elbows at an authentic French market, let yourself be seduced by... Lonely Planet's top 20 free things to see and do

    DAY 18: RETURN TO AUSTRALIA

    It’s time to say farewell to Paris and the beautiful cities and towns you've experienced on your European holiday.

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