Start your voyage with historic Prague, also called “the city of a hundred spires.” Celebrate the beauty and history of the Danube, Europe’s second largest river. Journey from Nuremberg on the Main- Danube Canal across the Continental Divide, and along the way, visit charming towns and marvel at beautiful vistas. Enter Austria and cruise through the lush Wachau wine region. Then, conclude your European river cruise vacation with two grand old capitals, magnificent Vienna and vibrant Budapest.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
DAY 1
DEPART USA Board your overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic.
DAY 2
ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.
DAY 3
PRAGUE Your morning's sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The evening is free to mingle with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the many charming cafés or restaurants in Prague. (B)
DAY 4
PRAGUE Spend a day at your leisure to relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. This afternoon, participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now serving as a memorial to those who perished. (B)
DAY 5
PRAGUE - KARLOVY VARY – NUREMBERG, GERMANY Depart from Prague after breakfast. Enjoy a short stop in Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Carlsbad, which is famous for its Bohemian Spas. After lunch, drive through the pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight, meet your fellow passengers at the Gala Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,D)
DAY 6
NUREMBERG - CROSSING THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE. Today, decide to either tour the medieval history of Nuremberg to see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, or join the “modern tour” of the city’s role in the 20th-century, see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. At lunchtime, return to the ship and cruise the Main Danube Canal to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level, where you cross Europe's Continental Divide, then start descending through stair-step locks. (B,L,D)
DAY 7
REGENSBURG This morning’s scenic cruising takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to arrive in magnificent Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort which was built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Or, in the alternative, take a tour of the Audi Car Factory. In the afternoon, you are free to join the optional excursion to beautiful Weltenburg Abbey in the Danube Gorge (seasonal). In the evening enjoy a musical performance on board. (B,L,D)
DAY 8
PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the Inn and Ilz Rivers join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy tale locale founded more than 2,000 years ago. Or, substitute the city tour with the optional excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music.” During your walking tour see Mozart’s birthplace. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. After dinner, take a walk through this delightful town, Austria's third largest city and a major river port. (B,L,D)
DAY 9
MELK - VIENNA Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early this morning. Your guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey. Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise the romantic Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna, the "City of Music" before dinner. Explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own and visit the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enjoy the optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
DAY 10
VIENNA Enjoy a guided city tour followed by free time in the city center, then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, enjoy your free time strolling along the main shopping street, Karntnerstrasse, or sampling some of Vienna’s famous pastries. In the alternative, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, which includes entrance to the Carriage Museum. Enjoy dinner as you continue your journey pass Slovakia and cruise overnight to Budapest, Hungary's vibrant capital. (B,L,D)
DAY 11
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica and Great Market Hall. Tonight enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner. Afterwards, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)
DAY 12
DEPART BUDAPEST Your fascinating cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
PRICES FROM
From: $3489 per person in double occupancy
FACTS
Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
2012 Departures: Aug 19, Sep 8, 16, 30, Oct 6, 28,31, Nov 3, 11
2013 Departures: Jun 8, 28 Jul 20, Aug 9,23, Se0pt 8, Oct 17,31
Type of services: Transfer from the Hotel in Prague to the Ship in Nuremberg; Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary; Use of Bicycles to explore on your own; Services of Professional Cruise Director .
Highlights: Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
Travel documents: Please visit our “Visa Info” page to inquire if you need a travel visa for this tour. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain proper travel documents for this tour.
Inclusions: 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation including daily Buffet Breakfast; Transfer from the Hotel to Ship; Deluxe Cruise Accommodation; Infotainment System in all Staterooms; All Meals included during Cruise ; Unlimited Red & White Wines with Dinner onboard the Ship
Not included: International and domestic airfares; airport departure taxes; tips of any kind; incidentals at hotels; any meals not included in the itinerary; alcoholic beverages with the exception of wine at dinner; souvenirs.
VISA INFORMATION
It is the travelers responsibility to have all proper travel documents which can include passports and foreign visas. Learn more here: Passport & Visa Information
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is highly recommended to protect your travel investment and for any emergencies that could occur while traveling. Learn more here: Travel Insurance
IMPORTANT NOTES
All rates are “From Prices”
and correspond to the lowest season in the year.
Expect moderate to high increases for high season
and holiday periods. Low season dates vary from
destination to destination. Please inquire for details.
All rates on this website are per person and based
on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.
If a hotel included in a program is not available
at the time of the reservation, we will substitute
it for a hotel of similar category.
Room and cabin upgrades are available at most hotels
and cruises. Please inquire at the time of reservation.
Most programs can be customized.
All itineraries are subject to change without notice.
Website is for research purposes only.
To receive an estimate, please contact Toll Free at 1-800-255-4266 us
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