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TRAVEL ITINERARY
DAY 1: Depart
USA
Board your overnight flight to Hungary.
DAY 2: Arrive in Budapest, Hungary - Embarkation
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxurious river
cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at
the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D)
DAY 3: 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 Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s
Basilica, the famous Heroes’ Square and more. Your afternoon is
free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: Bratislava, Slovakia / Vienna, Austria
Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. You have your
choice of two tours today. The first option is a walking tour of the
city’s major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning
Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In the alternative,
choose a “Communist Tour” that includes architectural landmarks
such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and the Soviet War Memorial.
Later, you will have some free time before the ship cruises to Vienna,
the music capital of the world. After dinner, enjoy an optional Mozart
and Strauss concert in one of the great formal concert houses of Imperial
Vienna, such as the Hofburg Palace or Palais Auersperg. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: Vienna, Austria
Savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during your guided sightseeing
tour, which will include the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic
Ringstrasse and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The remainder
of the day is at your leisure. After dinner, experience a traditional “Viennese
Wine and Music” evening in a wine village near Vienna. Enjoy the
year’s newest vintage, surrounded by music and hospitality. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Durnstein, Austria / Melk, Austria
This morning arrive in Dürnstein, where you will take a walking
tour along the town’s medieval cobblestone streets, passing by
16th century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent
blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Your tour will also include
a wine tasting at a local vintner, where you will enjoy several different
wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of
laughter. As an alternative, explore the majestic Wachau Valley on a
guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The
ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, where you will tour the spectacular
Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. The ship
moors overnight in Melk. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Linz, Austria / Gemunden, Germany
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria.
Your walking tour will take you along the Landstrasse to the city’s
main square. You will see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column,
Landestheatre and St. Martin’s, the oldest church in Austria. Return
to the ship for brunch. This afternoon you have the choice of three different
excursions. The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region,
the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore
the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Traunsee. The second
option is to join an excursion to the Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. This
is a wonderfully preserved medieval town, nestled in the hills just over
the Austrian-Czech border. The third choice this afternoon is an excursion
to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center,
famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the
birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to
the ship. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: Passau, Germany / Vilshofen, Germany
Early this morning, cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany,
where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your city tour takes you
on an exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years
ago. Highlights include St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest
cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative, explore the city on
a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). This afternoon, the ship cruises
to Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town on the confluence
of the river Vils and the Danube. There, you’ll enjoy “Oktoberfest” in
Vilshofen. Relax at long tables and benches, sampling local food and
beer accompanied by Bavarian folk music, song and dance. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: Vilshofen, Germany / Disembark / Regensburg, Germany /
Prague, Czech Republic
This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen, and depart for Prague.
Stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities,
where you will enjoy a walking tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore
Regensburg’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing
your motor coach transfer to Prague. Take in the scenic beauty of the
countryside of Franconia and Bohemia before arriving at your hotel in
Prague in the late afternoon. (B)
DAY 10: Prague, Czech Republic
Your morning's sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one
of Europe's most attractive cities, with its historic city center recognized
as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 1,000 year-old Hradcany Castle
and St. Vitus, before walking over to Charles Bridge to the Old Market
Square. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square.
The balance of the day is at your leisure; perhaps visit the Wenceslas
Square or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafes. This evening,
an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about
Czech music, dance and traditions (B)
DAY 11: Prague
Spend a day at your leisure to relax and stroll through a museum or gallery,
wander along the banks of the Vltava 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 a memorial to those who perished. (B)
DAY 12: Depart Prague
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your homeward
flight.
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