Abercrombie & Kent Redefines Small-Group River Cruising in Europe

Abercrombie & Kent Redefines Small-Group River Cruising in Europe
A&K guests explore in the company of no more than 24 like-minded travellers with a Resident Tour Director® who brings decades, if not a lifetime, of experience and knowledge. All off-ship sightseeing and dining is exclusive to the A&K group. Three new journeys include a New Year’s holiday cruise, the Rhine River and the Seine River featuring two of Europe’s most popular cities, London and Paris.

“We’ve enhanced our European river cruise itineraries to provide guests with a more intimate experience,” explains Abercrombie & Kent Vice President of Product Development, Louise Shumbris. “River cruises may have up to 150 other passengers, but we have planned exclusive shore excursions and delectable meals with no more than 24 guests, many off the ship at local restaurants. We also recognize that time on shore before and after the cruise is every bit as important as the cruise itself.”

New for 2017: Three new journeys along the Seine, Rhine, and Danube

• New Year’s Along the Danube – Ring in the New Year on the Danube, as you cruise through the illuminated city of Budapest. Join in a waltz lesson in Vienna with an experienced local instructor. Enjoy a hands-on Slovak cooking class in Bratislava and a Bavarian brewery tour. Nine days from $4,995

• Along the Rhine – Cruise through four countries, Holland, Germany, France and Switzerland. See Holland’s vibrant blooms firsthand at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction and a private tulip farm. Experience local food and wine during four specially-planned meals ashore, as well as a wine tasting in Cochem and an intimate tasting with a chocolatier in Basel. Enjoy overnight stays and sightseeing in Amsterdam and Basel. 10 days from $6,195

• London, Paris & a Seine River Cruise – Cruise the Seine River through the tranquil French countryside. Stay in centrally-located boutique hotels in London and Paris. Embark on Connections-exclusive, small-group shore excursions, including a private, before-hours visit to Churchill’s War Rooms in London and a full-day exploration of World War II’s Normandy invasion sites. See Monet’s Giverny and the final resting place of Van Gogh at Château d’Auvers. 13 days from $10,495.


The Advantages of A&K Boutique River Cruising

When plying Europe’s storied rivers, A&K only offers preferred cabins and suites, including those with walk-out balconies or French balconies with panoramic windows, on the Amadeus fleet. These include the sleek and spacious ‘Amadeus Silver,’ ‘Silver II’ and ‘Silver III’ and the brand new ‘Amadeus Provence,’ which launches in 2017.

Meals are always an intimate affair. When dining on board, the A&K group sits at reserved tables. Onshore, guests have the opportunity to dine at local restaurants in scenic settings, such as a “garden party” lunch at a villa in Budapest. In Beaune, they join a local sommelier in his home for lunch with a tasting of memorable vintage wines. Local wine and beer are always included at lunch and dinner, and every journey features a specially-arranged Chef’s Highlights dining event aboard ship with an exclusive tasting menu.

Extended touring is included before and after cruising, and A&K has selected smaller boutique properties that embody the unique traits of each destination, such as The Kensington in London, The Ring in Vienna or Munich’s Platzl Hotel. These distinctive properties, not available to larger groups, are centrally-located for easy access.

New for 2017

• Three new journeys along the Seine, Rhine, and Danube and a new river ship, 'Amadeus Provence'
• All shore excursions are exclusive to each Connections group
• Connections guests dine together at reserved tables on board and enjoy restaurants onshore on each journey
• Local wine and beer are now included at all lunches and dinners both on and off the ship

Abercrombie & Kent’s Connections European River Cruise Journeys deliver authentic, intimate experiences with on-the-ground support from six offices throughout Europe. For more information, contact your travel professional or go to www.abercrombiekent.com or call 800 554 7094 to speak with an A&K Travel Consultant.