River Cruises Festivals & Special Events Tours & Trip...

River Cruises Festivals & Special Events Tours & Trips

815 River Cruises trips. Tours from 159 tour companies. 392 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Festivals & Special Events
Christmas Markets Along the Rhine
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Castle, Koblenz, Strasbourg

Highlights

  • Visit Kaysersberg
  • Visit the nearby commune of Riquewihr, a renowned "wine village" known for its Rieslings
  • Enjoy a sightseeing tour by boat along Strasbourg's canals
  • Discover romantic Heidelberg, a historic university town
  • Explore Koblenz and stroll among the stalls of its wonderful Christmas Market
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I am a 12 time traveler with Grand Circle and OAT. But maybe no more. They are impossible to reach by phone without waiting for hours. I even tired their emergency phone number and was on hold for hours. What if I had been stranded in a foreign country? They cancelled my Eastern Europe to Black Sea Cruise in Sept 2021 and cited "covid" or "civil unrest" issues. Baloney. They cancelled because they did not sell out the cruise and lied about it to me. I know because I went with Viking during the same month with no excuses like Grand Circle gave me. Add to that they promised me a $1,000 credit on my next trip- which was to Antarctica in December. The invoice they sent me showed the credit- and 1 month later a new invoice arrived with the credit removed. Why? Another lie? Something is really wrong here with the company now and I would suggest be very careful with bookings as they are not the same company I traveled with for the past 12 years."

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Magnificent Europe (Christmas Cruise)
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3.7/5 Great
39 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Bamberg, Bavaria, Koblenz, Munich, Nuremberg, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Visit Medieval Gothic Cathedral at Cologne
  • Explore Regensburg
  • Discover Nuremberg
  • Explore Würzburg
  • Visit the Residenz Palace and gardens
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!"

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Christmas markets on the Danube
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3.7/5 Great
39 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Nuremberg, Prague, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Enjoy Christmas on Danube Crusing
  • Explore Linz, the second largest city in Austria.
  • Visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest
  • Enjoy 2 nights in Prague, then visit multiple Christmas Markets on the scenic river route from Nuremberg to Budapest

Themes

50 plus, Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Small Ship Cruise, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I’ve sailed with AmaWaterways 4 times. They are the best! You become family. I can’t wait to sail with them again!"

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Rhine Christmas Markets South
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5/5 Excellent
3 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Strasbourg

Highlights

  • Celebrate Christmas on Rhine Christmas Markets South
  • See the old Cathedral city, the World famous trade fairs.
  • Enjoy the history of more than 2000 years old Roman colony.
  • Observe on Strasbourg has played a significant role and had an eventful history
  • Points of interest are the St Martin and St Stephen cathedrals, the castle of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"See you tomorrow AROSA Bella & this will be our second time of cruise ship, first was AROSA Riva. Its gonna be fun & excitement!"

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A-ROSA DONNA - Danube New Years
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5/5 Excellent
3 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Bratislava, Budapest, Linz, Vienna, Wachau

Highlights

  • Celebrate New Years on board an A-ROSA cruise ship
  • See the historic city of Budapest, which consisted of three parts, before being combined to form a real centre
  • Visit Bratislava, often called the "Beauty on the Danube"
  • Enjoy the Vienna firework display at the stroke of midnight
  • Experience the unique character of Linz, the capital of Upper Austria

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"See you tomorrow AROSA Bella & this will be our second time of cruise ship, first was AROSA Riva. Its gonna be fun & excitement!"

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Truly Vietnam in 10 Days - Vietnam Top Package and Holidays
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5/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Da Nang, Ha Long Bay

Highlights

  • Visit Hanoi City Tour full day, enjoy local food and traditional cuisine
  • Visit Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Former capital of Vietnam, rowing a boat to exploring Karst Caves, You have time to feel the nature atmosphere of naturally wild stream
  • Discover Halong Bay, overnight on Cruise, visit 2 Big Caves in Halong bay found millions year ago where has a lots stalagmites and stalagtiled
  • Flight to Da Nang City, walking inside the Hoi An ancient town, see how local people live and enjoy some daily activities from local farmers
  • Flight to Hue , visit Hue Citadals
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Relaxing Retreats, Photography, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"One of my best tours I have ever joined. The trip was tough at times but the tour advisor, guide, support 24/7 team lvp and brilliant services gave all of us the encouragenment and advice to get us through each day on trip. Awsome, thoroughly recommended. We keep in touch for our next time in Vietnam. Thanks all"

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Rhine in Flames Extravaganza
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5/5 Excellent
4 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Experience the spectacular Rhine in Flames
  • Admire the Rhine Gorge
  • Explore the sights of Rudesheim
  • See historical Cologne

Themes

Relaxing Retreats, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from Miramar hotel in Bellaria great holiday , lovely Room but are at the back of hotel ,so if you want to see the great view of the Adriatic you need to upgrade before you go as there is no chance of this when you are there ,hotel was full ,food was good lots of choices but on one cake or fruit for sweets most hotels we have been in Italy they have ice-cream for deserts ��, they give you beach towels which we used and went on the great beach opposite hotel 15 euros for two beds and brolly �� we had a great time"

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New Year - Cities of Belgium
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5/5 Excellent
4 reviews
River Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Antwerp, Bruges

Highlights

  • Enjoy New Year’s Eve dinner on board, toasting the New Year at midnight and taking in a fireworks display in Rotterdam
  • On New Year’s Day, join your fellow passengers for a special Captain’s gala dinner! Visit beautiful Bruges and Ghent
  • Explore the magnificent city of Rotterdam
  • Take in Antwerp’s many sights

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Relaxing Retreats, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"Just returned from Miramar hotel in Bellaria great holiday , lovely Room but are at the back of hotel ,so if you want to see the great view of the Adriatic you need to upgrade before you go as there is no chance of this when you are there ,hotel was full ,food was good lots of choices but on one cake or fruit for sweets most hotels we have been in Italy they have ice-cream for deserts ��, they give you beach towels which we used and went on the great beach opposite hotel 15 euros for two beds and brolly �� we had a great time"

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Best of Cambodia: Siem Reap & Phnom Penh
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By Odynovo
premier
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They are able to handcraft custom trip plans in over 70 different destinations worldwide.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Phnom Penh , Siem Reap

Highlights

  • See the mysterious smiling faces of Bayon Temple
  • Catch the magical sunrise over the Angkor Wat
  • Ride a boat deep into the floating villages in the Tonle Sap Lake
  • Take in the stunning architecture of Royal Palace

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Relaxing Retreats, Photography

What travelers are saying

"I cannot say enough good things about Odynovo, both on the coordination end (we worked with Laura Li, who was fantastic!) to the on-site people (shout out to our airport contact in Cairo Hassan, our skilled driver Ahmed, our fun Cairo guide Mai, and our knowledgable Aswan/Luxor guide Hazem - BEST crew EVER!!!) who make your trip a seamless, safe, exciting, educational, and all-around transformative life highlight. This experience was seriously a bucket-list one for my husband and me, and I can NOT emphasize enough how important the Odynovo team was to making Egypt an infinitely easier context to navigate. If you've watched travel vloggers and social media influencers attempt to navigate Egypt on their own and complain about a negative experience, fear not - if you go with Odynovo, every. single. thing. will be taken care of. There is NOTHING to worry about, and the experience was entirely positive. The people, the food, the culture, the historical sites and stories - with Odynovo taking care of all the logistical details, these are the only things you need to focus on. I am full of gratitude for the experience I had in Egypt, and I credit Odynovo for it. I will absolutely use them in the future for other destinations, and I urge you to do the same. I know my Egypt experience would not have been nearly the same had I not gone with Odynovo. Check out our adventure here: https://youtu.be/vMlAmVk7vBY Also, a passionate recommendation from my experience: DEFINITELY make the trip to Abu Simbel!! It was a major highlight (we went in a private car that left Aswan around 9am since we'd flown in from Cairo that morning). We stopped at the High Dam first, so by the time we arrived at Abu Simbel, the tour busses were on their way back to Aswan, and we had the whole of the site almost entirely to ourselves. It was one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life. Do it. Stay the night in Abu Simbel if you can in order to avoid the crowds. It was amazing. ✨"

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Danube Bike & River Cruise: Budapest to Prague
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Budapest, Prague

Highlights

  • Unpack once, then bike and boat along the Danube in four countries and three cultural capitals—all on one trip.
  • Follow the car-free and scenic Danube and EuroVelo 6 bike paths in this bicycle-friendly region.
  • Enjoy an exclusive Viennese concert with the music of Strauss and Mozart.
  • Choose to be as active or relaxed as you wish from our menu of cycling routes and walking tours.
  • Visit one of the oldest breweries in the world in Weltenburg.

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This tour was one of our favorites. The tour leaders (Claudio and Tiziana) were great. The Dolomites and Italian Alps were breathtaking and the bike paths and towns were well chosen to give us a great appreciation of this Alpine countryside. Once out of Venice you really feel like you are in the country with beautiful mountains, alpine chalets and in some areas mostly German speaking residents. The biking was mostly flat with some crazy fun downhill rides. Almost all of the cycling was on bike paths, so very safe and quiet riding. As expected, VBT delivered a great tour with very good accommodations, good food and a really great group of travellers."

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Philippines (Bohol & Cebu): in 6 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours
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By Charlie The Traveler
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
Travelers report that traveling with CharlieTheTraveler is a life-changing experience, in the best possible way.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Apo Island, Badian, Bohol, Cebu City, Dumaguete, Manila, Oslob, Samboan

Highlights

  • Swimming with Whale Sharks
  • Swimming with Sea Turtles
  • Canyoneering & Cliff Jumping at Kawasan Falls
  • Climbing Waterfalls (a.k.a. Canyoning) at Aguinid Falls
  • Seeing Chocolate-Looking Hills
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Our trip to Iceland was absolutely stunning and Charlie the Traveler curated an amazing and adventurous trip for us that kept in mind all of the attractions that were on our list and many other gems this beautiful country has to offer. We hit a few roadblocks with our tours due to weather conditions and volcanic activity in the area, but Charlie The Traveler and his team were on it at every moment and were able to provide us with alternative tours that did not take away from the overall experience. His team is led by individuals that truly cares about your experience. If you need a perfect trip planned then Charlie the Traveler is the way to go. This trip has been absolutely perfect and can’t wait to come back and explore it again."

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Best of Istanbul & Cappadocia
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
For their reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness throughout the planning process and during every moment of your trip
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Bosphorus Strait, Ephesus, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Pamukkale, Topkapi Palace

Highlights

  • Hippodrome: Step into the grandeur of ancient entertainment at this colossal arena, where iconic monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk and the Bronze Serpentine Column stand as silent witnesses to centuries of spectacle.
  • Blue Mosque: Marvel at the timeless elegance of this architectural masterpiece, its azure tiles shimmering under the Istanbul sun, casting a spell of enchantment over the skyline.
  • Hagia Sophia: Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring magnificence of Byzantine architecture at this timeless symbol of divine wisdom. Adorned with breathtaking mosaics, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of human craftsmanship.
  • Basilica Cistern: Descend into the depths of history at this subterranean marvel, where ancient whispers echo amidst ornate columns and tranquil waters, offering a glimpse into Byzantine engineering genius.
  • Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of this bustling marketplace, where the aroma of exotic spices mingles with the vibrant tapestry of goods, beckoning adventurers and treasure seekers alike.
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Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Hiking & Walking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Excellent service"

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Heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia 10 Days
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By PrestiGo Asia
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
60 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Angkor Wat, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta, Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake

Highlights

  • Visit the world's largest religious monument complex, Angkor Wat, in Cambodia
  • Explore the historical significance in Cu Chi tunnel and cultural diversity of the Mekong Delta
  • Fall in love with the beauty of Ha Long Bay and its thousands of islands

Themes

Climbing & Mountaineering, Cultural, Family Friendly, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"We tried many special foods, and visited many beautiful temples. The traffic was so bad, but we also did other fun things to explore Thailand and had a great time every day of our trip. Thanks to Alex and Prestigo Asia for making it all happen!"

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8 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Festivals & Special Events

River Cruises Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
392  Reviews
See all River Cruises tour reviews
Excellent
75
Great
11
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
1
A

Australian Traveller

Feb 2020

Written on

Excellent tour of Cambodia

We enjoyed a week's tour of Cambodia (Siem Reap - Battambang - Phnon Penh) with Odynovo, with many attractions and activities included. It was easy to book online, a...

K

Kaeleigh

Mar 2022

More authentic experience than I would have booked on my own....

I had always been hesitant to try a group tour, because they seemed so stuffy and restricting. I like to do things off the beaten trail when I travel, and I try as b...

T

Tonita

Mar 2024

Written on

Awesome Philippine Adventure

Charlie provided incredible guides with great knowledge, stories and expertis...

K

Kimberley

Oct 2022

Written on

This trip had the right amount of relaxing and adventurous activities

My friend’s family is from Bohol and she was going to go visit them. She asked if I wanted to join, and of course I did! We planned to go for two weeks, but we wante...

D

Dale

Oct 2022

Written on

This was a great getaway

I felt comfortable booking through CharlieTheTraveler. I could not find a single negative review of the company. They also offered an amazing Philippines vacation wi...

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River Cruises Tour Selection Trips

  • Find the right cabin: If you value space, look for cabins that are at least 170 square feet in size.
  • Read the fine print to check what’s included: To judge the best value as opposed to just the lowest price, watch for how many “extras” are included in the base rate – such as port excursions, alcohol, balcony cabins and even free international airfare – that could add considerably to the cost if purchased separately.  
  • Avoid unnecessary expense: You could easily find yourself paying premium prices for luxuries that you might not be interested in: butler service, for example, or unlimited top-brand spirits, or crystal chandeliers in the lobby.  
  • Evaluate the shore excursions: The quality of port excursions (which may or may not be included in the base price) is especially crucial on river cruises, since you’ll be spending more time on shore than you do on ocean-going vessels.
  • Check out the guides: Knowledgeable, personable guides – who speak good English – can add immeasurably to your enjoyment, as can well-planned side trips to nearby cities, towns, wineries, or historic sites.
  • Book as early as possible: If you don’t want to lose out on that balcony cabin you’ve been eyeing, or on some nice early-booking discounts, get your deposit down as soon as possible. Demand is outpacing supply in Europe, especially, so booking a year in advance is necessary on some lines.
  • Consider the clientele: Some cruise lines attract a wide-ranging international clientele, while others appeal mainly to Americans. Similarly, some river cruise lines market almost exclusively to ages 50 and up, while others also cater to younger passengers, including families.
  • Compare and contrast the itineraries: While many itineraries may appear similar for the same rivers, some lines may offer more time in port, some less, or offer a few different ports and side-trip options than their competitors.  
  • Review the dining options: On some ships, everyone eats at the same time in one dining room, while others offer several dining choices both as to venues – including alfresco dining -- and hours. Table size can vary, too.  
  • Weigh the costs of going solo: If you plan on traveling alone on your cruise, check into the cruise lines’ policies on charging for single supplements, and whether or not they will match you with a same-sex roommate if you’d like to avoid the extra charge.

Additional details

River cruising is an extremely popular mode of travel, especially among older travelers. It's perfect for a relaxing getaway that you can make as active or as laid back as you wish - participating in shore excursions, or simply staying on board watching the world go by from your balcony. 

Only unpack once, and enjoy the slow travel approach!

Classic River Cruise Destinations

Europe dominates when it comes to a “classic” river cruise experience. Sailing in luxury past forested banks, with castles and small villages poking out - enjoying fine european wines and in depth lectures aboard - this is the pinnacle vision of a classic European River Cruise.

Some of the most classic destinations for a European River Cruise include:

1. The Danube River - When most people think of a river cruise, they probably think of the Danube. Among the longest rivers in Europe, the “Beautiful Blue Danube” covers 10 countries and is one of them most popular river cruise destinations for seniors and baby boomers.

Danube River Cruises are either eastbound, typically beginning in Germany and ending in Prague or Budapest, or westbound - departing from Prague or Budapest and ending in Germany.

2. The Rhine RiverRather than flowing in an east-west direction, the Rhine is great for travelers interested in a north-south view of western Europe. Covering 6 countries, the Rhine will visit Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, the Rhine.

3. The Douro RiverPortugal's Douro is a great destination for wine lovers, especially port wine. It’s one of the shorter rivers travelers can choose for a river cruise, covering the Iberian Peninsula. Douro River cruises are usually heavily weighted in Portugal, with a little bit of time in Spain.

Exotic and Adventurous River Cruise Destinations

1. The Nile River - The Nile River is a popular river cruise destination for adventurous travelers who love history and are more interested in interesting port stops and archaeological tours than a luxury travel experience. When you travel down the Nile, be prepared to be transported as you pass by ancient sites, learning about the mysteries of Egypt and the essential role the Nile has played over the centuries.

2. The Mekong River - Flowing through the heart of Vietnam, travelers who take a river cruise down the Mekong are treated to many classic Southeast Asian views. You’ll see beautiful green rice paddies, small villages, and mountainous terrain, as well as visit major cities and cultural sites.

3. The Amazon River - The Amazon is another kind of river cruise all together, great for young adventurous travelers and anyone wishing to expand their comfort zone. You’ll encounter plenty of unique wildlife, both on the water and on the shore, and have the opportunity to learn about the Amazon’s incredible biodiversity from knowledgeable local guides.

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