Saga’s river cruising programme expands for 2009

The medieval cities and rolling countryside of central Europe have been long-time favourites for river-cruising holidays where the emphasis has been leisure and relaxation.

Saga Holidays, the leading travel company for the over 50s, has introduced seven new river cruises along the Seine, Elbe, Rhine and Danube to its 2009 programme - many of them exclusive to their customers, with a greater choice of single cabins than ever before at no extra cost. And with travel insurance and a UK travel service providing free rail or coach travel included in the price, these cruises give exceptional value.

The exclusive itineraries have been meticulously designed to reveal some of Europe’s mysterious and exotic regions, where fishermen tell tales and winding rivers unveil stunning beauty only seen from the side of a ship. Saga passengers will enjoy lazy hazy days along the majestic Middle Rhine and the Celebrated Danube, discovering pretty Dutch canals and romantic French rivers, and take in the stunning scenery and wine towns of the Moselle.

Among the new itineraries for 2009 which are exclusive to Saga passengers:

The Medieval Rhine and Main - aboard Amadeus Rhapsody - (June 12 and 20 and Sep 23 2009).
An inspiring journey through the middle Rhine - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - boasting a remarkable wealth of historic cities, medieval towns and ancient castles. Highlights include: Bamberg, Wurzburg, and Cologne, the medieval legacies of Wertheim and Miltenberg, and Siegfried’s Museum of Mechanical Music.

• 7 nights from £1049 per person based on two people sharing
• Flights from Heathrow to Munich, returning from Amsterdam with British Airways (23 September flights from Heathrow to Amsterdam, returning from Munich).

Vienna and the Wachau Valley - aboard Amadeus Rhapsody - (Jun 5 and 13 and Sep 30 2009).
Cruising through the glorious Wachau Valley is a must-do and combines popular highlights including the spectacular scenery of the UNESCO-protected Wachau region, the medieval legacies of Durnstein, Regensburg and Roth; and the historic monastery of Weltenburg.

• 7 nights from £949 per person based on two people sharing
• Flights from Heathrow to Vienna, returning from Munich with British Airways, (30 September flights from Heathrow to Munich, returning from Vienna).

Also new for 2009 (but not exclusive to Saga):

Blue Danube Odyssey - aboard Amadeus Royal - (Sep 21 2009).
Visit seven countries along endless beauty including Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria. Passengers are able to explore fascinating attractions including Puszta National Park in Hungary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Holiday highlights include an evening cruise of Budapest with onboard folklore programme; optional tours of Belgrade, Bucharest and other major attractions; and cruising through the famous Iron Gates.

• 15 Nights from £1949 per person based on two people sharing.
• Return flights from Heathrow to Vienna with British Airways.

A Journey through Flanders - aboard MS Princess - (Oct 10, 2009).
Just over the English Channel lies a distinctive region of tree-lined canals, historic towns and traditional villages. During this new cruise, MS Princess’ smaller dimensions enable her to navigate these unspoiled waterways which are seldom explored by standard size ships. Holiday highlights include: pretty St Omer, historic Doornik, sophisticated Lille, and optional excursions to Ghent and Audomarois National Park.

• 7 nights from £849 per person based on two people sharing.
• Return travel by ferry and coach.

Impressions of Paris and the Seine - aboard MV Cezanne - (May - Sep 2009).
From the iconic landmarks of Paris to picturesque locations in the unspoilt Normandy countryside, the River Seine is inextricably linked with the romantic heritage of France. Holiday highlights: the sights of Paris, Chateau Gaillard; and the chance to explore historic Rouen and Monet’s garden in Giverney.

• 7 nights from £1199 per person based on two people May 2 departure.
• Price includes early booking discount of £100 if booked before Feb 28, 2009.
• Based on return travel by Eurostar departing from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet to Gard du Nord in Paris.

For further information on Saga’s river cruises, log on to saga.co.uk/travel-shop.