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  The Romantic Danube
2010   
 

12 Days - Spend 3 nights in Prague, then enjoy a fascinating cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest
  Detailed Itinerary  
 

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 a memorial to those who perished. (B)

DAY 5, PRAGUE – REGENSBURG, GERMANY - EMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN
This morning, depart Prague after breakfast and stop in Regensburg, which is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. After lunch on your own, continue your drive to the charming 1200-year old Bavarian town of Vilshofen, on the confluence of the Vils and Danube river. Here, docked in the center of town, your luxurious ship awaits you. Later this afternoon, join your fellow passengers as we celebrate “Oktoberfest” in Vilshofen. Beer, oom-pah-pah band, song and dance Bavarian style, is a perfect way to celebrate the start of your cruise. (B,D)

DAY 6, VILSHOFEN - PASSAU
This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town, located directly on the banks of the Danube and the Vils. From the river the old town gives the impression of a floating peninsula. In the background above the town the imposing double-towers of the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg dominate the scenery. During lunch you will cruise to Passau, where this afternoon you will enjoy a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city. Due to its unique position on the Danube, Passau has been given the nickname, “Venice on the Danube.” In the alternative, join an optional all-day excursion to Munich. Departing mid-morning from Vilshofen you will drive to Munich arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon your guide will lead a walking tour of the historic city center. Highlights include the famous Town Hall with glockenspiel, located in Marienplatz as well as Frauenkirche and “devils footprint.” The tour also includes entrance to the BMW Museum and BMW World. Rejoin the ship in Passau. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, LINZ, AUSTRIA - GMUNDEN
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. You will enjoy Brunch on board, followed by a walking tour of this historic city. This afternoon we visit the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Austrian Lake District and the town of Gmunden, on the beautiful “Traunsee” Lake Traun. Here there is time to enjoy a scenic cruise across the lake. For the more adventurous, you can take a cable car ride up Grünberg mountain for spectacular views over the lake. Those passengers not wishing to visit the Lake District can 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. Also available is an optional excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and setting for the “Sound of Music.” (B,L,D)

DAY 8, MELK – KREMS (DÜRNSTEIN)
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. From here, continue cruising the beautiful Wachau valley to Krems, where you will take a motor coach for a visit to Dürnstein. Enjoy a walking tour through cobblestone streets that reveal Dürnstein’s quaint 16th-century town houses and taverns. A guided bicycle tour from Melk to Durnstein is also available (capacity controlled). Tonight, after dinner on board, you will sample the local wine as we visit a local “weingut” in Krems for wine tasting. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, VIENNA
Enjoy a guided city tour of Vienna, followed by free time in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy an optional excursion to the Schönbrunn Palace and the Carriage Museum. Or simply use your free afternoon to stroll along the main shopping street, Kärntnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
This afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise to Bratislava, where you can choose from a “Communist Tour” or a walking tour which reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The remainder of the day is free to shop or explore on your own. Tonight, there is an evening music performance on board. (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 Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. Tonight, enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner with Gypsy music. Afterwards, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, BUDAPEST
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

 
 
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