Westbound
* Indicates cruise day
Day 1 - Begin your Eastern European tour in Bucharest
This memorable European tour starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest. A transfer is included from Bucharest Airport to the Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest in the heart of the city. Meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Directors at tonight's welcome reception and dinner at your storied hotel, a Bucharest landmark since 1914. Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest, Romania
Day 2 - Castles and monasteries in Romania
On a choice of sightseeing in Romania today, you may opt for a full day's excursion to tour Peles Castle in Sinaia, built for Romania's royal family in the 1880s. Or take off on a morning visit to isolated Snagov Monastery - set on a tiny island in the middle of a lake, and said to be the final resting place of Vlad Tepes, the historical model for the character of Dracula. Dinner is on your own tonight. Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest, Romania
* Day 3 - Bucharest or the Black Sea before boarding
More choices in sightseeing await you today. Before embarking your riverboat, you can choose to explore Bucharest and tour the massive People's Palace - home to the Romanian Parliament, and the world's second-largest building after the Pentagon - as well as visit the Romanian Athenaeum. Or drive to the resort town of Mamaia, set at the edge of the Black Sea, and stroll along Europe's only pure-white sand beaches. Then travel to Cernavoda and board ms Swiss Sapphire or ms Swiss Jewel to launch your lower Danube cruise. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 4 - Big day in Bulgaria
Arrive in Ruse, Bulgaria, for excursions to nearby towns. In Arbanassi, known for its richly ornamented architecture, you'll have an opportunity to meet and share local specialties with your Bulgarian contemporaries at a private, home-hosted lunch. Continue on to Bulgaria's medieval capital of Veliko Turnovo, whose ancient walled fortress and castle are set atop three hills overlooking the Yantra River. Rejoin the riverboat in Svishtov, and enjoy a Bulgarian cultural performance aboard ship this evening. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 5 - Danube cruising and Iconography Demonstration
Kick back and enjoy the views of fields and vineyards studded with medieval towns as the riverboat cruises the Danube through the scenic heartland of Eastern Europe today. Learn all about Iconography during an on-board lecture and demonstration prior to arriving in Vidin, where you can join us for a walking tour through its cobblestone streets. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 6 - King Decebalus and the Iron Gate of the Danube
On another relaxing day on your Eastern European tour, sail along the Bulgarian / Romanian border, enjoying great views of the Transylvanian Alps. As you cruise, keep an eye out for a kingly face carved into the Danube's rocky bank on the Romanian side; it's a monument to the 2nd-century Dacian King Decebalus, who defended his kingdom from the invading Romans - and it's the tallest rock sculpture in Europe. Glide through Romania's Kazan Narrows and the Iron Gate of the Danube, a spectacular two-mile-long series of gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, en route to Serbia. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 7 - Serbia's cosmopolitan capital, Belgrade
Dock in Belgrade, Serbia's modern capital at the juncture of the Danube and Sava rivers. Sightseeing includes visits to Tito's Memorial, St. Sava Church, and the formidable Kalemegdan Fortress. Also view busy Slavija Square (now one of the city's major squares, but once a large pool where residents hunted wild ducks!), Parliament, Republic Square and City Hall. Return to the riverboat, where a Serbian folkloric group entertains you this evening. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 8 - Discover Croatia's historic cities
Your European tour crosses the border from Serbia to Croatia and arrives in historic Vukovar. A mix of old and new, this venerable 10th-century city once showcased opulent 18th-century Baroque mansions, and now poignantly symbolizes the effects of the 1990s war as it rebuilds. Your riverboat continues on to Hungary tonight. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 9 - Baroque treasures, horses and folkways in Hungary
Continue your lower Danube cruise to Kalocsa, Hungary - known for its folk art and its paprika - where you'll visit the beautiful Baroque Bishop's Palace Library, housing one of the finest early collections in Europe. Visit the Equestrian Center in Solt to see Puszta horsemen demonstrating traditional skills; ride a horse-drawn wagon back to the riverboat, and enjoy cocktails and dinner aboard ship tonight as your European tour continues to Budapest. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 10 - Explore Budapest or relax at a spa
Arrive in Budapest, Hungary's fascinating capital divided by the Danube into the distinct sections of Buda and Pest. Relax on a visit to one of the city's famous spas, or take a sightseeing tour of this treasure trove of historic architecture; highlights include Heroes' Square and Fishermen's Bastion. This evening, your riverboat sets off for Slovakia for the next segment of your Eastern European tour. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 11 - Baroque in Bratislava
Dock today in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Bring your passport for a guided walking tour of this ancient city, on which you'll view several Baroque palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall and St. Martin's Cathedral, and visit the 13th-century Old Town Hall. Sample some regional fare in a local coffeehouse prior to returning to the riverboat. After setting off for magical Vienna to continue one of our popular Danube River cruises, enjoy a performance by talented Slovakian musicians and dancers aboard ship this evening. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 12 - Music and more in Imperial Vienna
Welcome to remarkable Vienna, Austria, the picture of 'Old World Europe;' get an overview on a morning sightseeing tour of this historic city that includes the Ringstrasse, the Opera House, City Hall and Parliament. Then choose a tour of Schonbrunn Palace, built to rival Versailles, or a tour of the Imperial Silver Room inside the Hofburg. Tonight, indulge in the royal treatment at a very special private Imperial Viennese evening in a traditional palace, which features a gala dinner and live Viennese music. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 13 - Explore Vienna and journey to Durnstein
Pursue your own interests this morning in Vienna - which boasts a rich architectural legacy from its centuries as the capital of the Habsburgs' empire, plus over a hundred museums - and then return to the riverboat. Your discovery of the Danube River cruises past castles and abbeys to medieval Durnstein, where you'll arrive late this evening. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 14 - Picturesque Durnstein and Wachau Valley cruise
Take a walking tour amidst Durnstein's lovely cobblestone streets, 16th-century houses, and former Augustinian monastery with our local guide today. High above this village sit the ruins of the castle fortress where England's King Richard the Lionhearted was held for ransom during the Crusades; during some free time, you may want to walk up to the ruins and take in magnificent views of the river and the town. Attend a wine tasting at a local winery before resuming your cruise through the Wachau Valley, Austria's lush wine-growing region, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes. Local Austrian musicians entertain you aboard ship tonight. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 15 - Salzburg sights or relax in Linz
Choose to enjoy the city of Linz, Austria, or take a full-day excursion to beautiful old Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with lovely Baroque architecture, and the hometown of 18th-century Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The day trip includes enchanting Mirabell Gardens, a visit to Mozart's birthplace, and a guided walking tour through the historic district, rich in ornate church towers and grand palaces. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
* Day 16 - Spend the day in Passau and cruise the Danube
Dock in the German town of Passau; take a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of this picturesque riverside town renowned for its four-story Baroque houses, exquisite stained glass and scores of churches. See the Altes Rathaus, the old town hall with 15th-century origins, murals on the facade and a glockenspiel in the tower. Return to the riverboat for lunch as you cruise past idyllic German landscapes to Regensburg. Tonight, celebrate this most enjoyable Eastern European tour with the Captain's gala farewell reception and dinner aboard the riverboat. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Day 17 - Disembark in ancient Regensburg and on to Prague
The Danube river cruise portion of your European tour concludes when you disembark your riverboat in the well-preserved Bavarian town of Regensburg, which began its long life as a Roman encampment many centuries ago. On a walking tour led by your enthusiastic local guide, you'll visit the Steinerne Brucke, a medieval stone bridge over the Danube, towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the town's Roman wall. Have lunch on your own and explore at leisure before driving to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic and the City of 100 Spires, where your hotel has been named one of the Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels of the World. Enjoy dinner tonight at your choice of select Prague restaurants. Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Day 18 - Discover the legacy of Prague
Begin your discovery of Prague - a vibrant city where ancient and modern, and east and west, converge - in the Hradcany (Castle) district today, where you'll see Prague Castle's 1,000-year-old complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens. Visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus and enjoy a Tauck-exclusive, private tour of Strahov Monastery's grand Baroque libraries. Spend the rest of the day exploring this fascinating metropolis as you please, or join us for a walking tour of Prague's Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the celebrated Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge - as well as historic Wenceslas Square. Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Day 19 - Homeward bound
Your European tour ends in Prague, Czech Republic. A transfer is included from the Prague Marriott Hotel to Prague's Ruzyne International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast |
|
