DAY 1 DEPART USA
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
DAY 2 ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free.
DAYS 3 AND 4 PRAGUE
Two days in the captivating city of Prague. This 1,000 year old capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a UNESCO listed site. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. See some of its best known treasures on a halfday sightseeing tour, including the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; Hradcany Castle courtyard; St. Vitus Cathedral; the Charles Bridge; and the Old Market Square. You have plenty of time free to explore on your own, browse through the shops for hand-cut crystal or souvenirs, relax in a cafe or restaurant, mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have other ideas and suggestions for things to do. (B daily)
DAY 5 PRAGUE / NUREMBURG, GERMANY / EMBARK SHIP
Depart Prague after breakfast. Stop in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, and enjoy some free time. This afternoon, drive through the pastoral countryside to Germany and on to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
DAY 6 NUREMBURG
Enjoy a guided tour of this historic city with its many fabulous Gothic churches and patrician houses. Nuremberg's traditions include its famous spice cookies called Lebkuchen, toy making and metal working. Watch from the Sun Deck as the ship sets sail this afternoon. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 REGENSBURG
This morning takes you through the final stretch of the Main Danube Canal. In the charming town of Regensburg, a walking tour will show you the highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 PASSAU / LINZ, AUSTRIA
Passau is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. Founded over 2,000 years ago, it is now a cultural center of Bavaria. An optional full day excursion to Salzburg and its most popular Sound of Music sights is available. For those staying on board, enjoy a scenic cruise from Passau into Austria and on to Linz. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 MELK / VIENNA
In Melk, visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. One of Europe's largest monasteries, the view from the terrace is breathtaking. Continue through the Wachau Valley to Vienna, the
'City of Music.' Tonight explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional concert. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 VIENNA
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer. Sightseeing includes lavish Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, stately Ringstrasse, the National Library and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. There is time to enjoy a delicious sachertorte or apfelstrudel in a cafe or to shop in the Karnterstrasse. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
In 1873, the twin cities of Buda and Pest joined with ancient
Obuda to form a new, unified city, Budapest. Spanning the banks of the Danube, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Seven bridges, including the Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fisherman's Bastion and the Matthias Church are sights not to be missed. There is also time to shop for peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and paprika. (B,L,D)
DAY 12 DEPART BUDAPEST
Transfer for your onward flight. (B) |
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