DAY 1, DEPART USA
your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary
DAY 2, ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
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
Your morning sightseeing includes Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle, 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 much more. This afternoon, visit Christmas Markets during your free time before rejoining the ship for an evening cruise to Bratislava. (B,L,D)
DAY 4, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of the Slovak Republic. This morning's walking tour reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Later, there is time to explore on your own, before cruising this afternoon to Vienna, arriving tonight, just in time to explore the festive Christmas Markets at the Town Hall or join an optional evening Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, DURNSTEIN - MELK
Savor the baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during your morning guided sightseeing tour, including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, elegant Kartnerstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps, return to the Christmas Markets to sample a mug of gluhwein (warm spiced wine) and traditional gingerbread. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, DURNSTEIN - MELK
This morning, visit Durnstein, where you will marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. You will then cruise the Wachau Valley to Melk, location of the famous Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries, which you will tour this afternoon. The ship moors here tonight. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, LINZ - GMUNDEN
This morning arrive in Linz, Austria's second city. This morning you will tour the town, seeing its beautiful Baroque buildings, Main Square with delightful Christmas Markets and enjoy its environment friendly culture. This afternoon we visit the 'Salzkammergut' The World Heritage Unesco site The Austrian Lake District; and the town of Gmunden, on the beautiful 'Traunsee' Lake Traun. Here there is time to visit the picturesque Castle Ort with its beautiful details, Renaissance frescos and triangular inner courtyard, or enjoy a scenic cruise across the lake, or for the more adventurous you can take a cable car ride up Grunberg mountain for spectacular views over the lake.
CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC
We will also offer a choice of excursions in the afternoon. For those pax not wishing to visit the lake district we will have 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, LINZ - PASSAU, GERMANY - VILSHOFEN
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. You will also have time to join in the merriment at the beautiful Christmas Markets, renowned for local handicrafts and unusual holiday presents. This afternoon, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town, on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. For those that wish, you can join an optional tour this afternoon to Munich. Departing in mid morning from Passau you will drive to Munich arriving in time for lunch at the Hofbrauhaus. In the afternoon you will enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre, seeing its famous Town Hall with glockenspiel, located in Marienplatz and see Frauenkirche and 'devils footprint' before rejoining your fellow travelers in Vilshofen. Tonight everyone will enjoy 'Oktoberfest' in Vilshofen, oom-pah-pah band, music, song and dance Bavarian style. Long tables and benches with traditional beer, a perfect way to celebrate end your cruise. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, VILSHOFEN - REGENSBURG - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
This morning, depart Vilshofen after breakfast and stop in Regensburg, which is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. You will have time to explore the town on your own or visit Christmas Markets around the gothic cathedral. After lunch on your own, continue on to Prague. (B)
DAY 10, PRAGUE
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard and St. Vitus, and then walk over the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of the day is free to wander through the Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings, and ornaments. Mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafes or restaurants. (B)
DAY 11, PRAGUE
Today is a free day to return to the Christmas Markets, visit a museum or a gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River or shop for local handicrafts and art work. Why not join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B)
DAY 12, DEPART PRAGUE
farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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