Europe & Bohemia – 21-Day Escorted Tour (2023)

 

A Grand Journey Through the Heart of Europe – Hosted by Stephen Jennings

 

In July 2023, I had the pleasure of escorting a wonderful group of Hawke’s Bay travellers on a 29-day journey through Europe and Bohemia — a tour that combined luxury river cruising, guided sightseeing, and the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery.

 

Our adventure began in Amsterdam, where we boarded APT’s elegant ms AmaStella for a 14-night European river cruise. Drifting along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, we passed fairytale castles, vineyard-covered hills, and historic towns that felt frozen in time.

 

Each day brought something new - from Germany’s medieval cities and Vienna’s music and grandeur, to Budapest’s glowing skyline reflected across the water. After disembarking, we continued overland through Slovakia and Poland, visiting Krakow, Auschwitz, Brno, and finishing in Prague, where gothic spires and cobblestone streets made the perfect finale to an unforgettable journey.

 

 

Highlights from the Journey

 

  • Cruising the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers aboard ms AmaStella

  • Guided city tours in Vienna, Budapest, Nuremberg, and Regensburg

  • Visiting Krakow’s Old Town, the Auschwitz memorial, and Wieliczka Salt Mine

  • Exploring Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square

  • Relaxed days onboard with fine dining, local wine, and panoramic river views

  • Shared laughter, connection, and discovery with travellers from Napier and Hawke’s Bay

 

 

About the Tour

 

  • Duration: 29 days

  • Departure: 5 July 2023 from Napier

  • Return: 2 August 2023

  • Operated by: APT

  • Group Size: Minimum 16 guests

  • Inclusions:

     

    • Return airfares ex Napier (Singapore Airlines)

    • 14-night luxury European river cruise aboard ms AmaStella

    • 4–5 star accommodation on land

    • All meals onboard, daily breakfast, and selected dinners ashore

    • Transfers, porterage, local guides, and sightseeing entry fees

    • Comfortable long-haul coach travel through Bohemia

    • Fully escorted and hosted by Stephen Jennings, YOU Travel Napier

 

 

A Few Words from Stephen

 

“There’s something special about river cruising — the pace slows down, and every bend brings another view that feels like it’s been waiting just for you. Watching our group experience the charm of Europe together, from coffee in Vienna to laughter in Prague, was pure joy.”

 

 

Looking Ahead

 

Travelling through Europe by river remains one of my favourite ways to see the world.

If this kind of experience speaks to you, keep an eye on our Stephen’s Guided Tours Hub for future escorted journeys departing from Napier.

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