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Day 1, Fri. ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is
free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.
Day 2, Sat. BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a
splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks
of the river. Your tour also features 500-year old Matthias Church, St.
Stephen's Basilica, distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal
Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at your leisure. Perhaps
explore the main square, ancient Buda, or stroll through the Statue Park.
(B)
Day 3, Sun. BUDAPEST - EMBARK SHIP.
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join us on an optional Puszta
excursion. This afternoon transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship
docked in the center of the city. Tonight gather on board for a Gala
Welcome Dinner, as your ship cruises overnight to Vienna. (B,D)
Day 4 Mon. BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA - VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
Around midnight the ship slips away from Budapest and continues to
Slovakia. A guided morning tour of Bratislava reveals the city's major
sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and the
Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. From 13th century Bratislava Castle you'll
enjoy breathtaking views overlooking three countries - Slovakia, Austria
and Hungary. Free afternoon to shop or explore on your own. An eventful
day is followed by an evening filled with an enchanting music performance
on board. After midnight depart for Vienna. (B,L,D)
Day 5, Tue. VIENNA.
A wonderful day to savor the baroque elegance of romantic Vienna. A guided
sightseeing tour includes the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna
Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's
Cathedral. Free afternoon to stroll along Kärtnerstrasse or sample
Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight explore on your own or join an optional
tour to the Imperial Schöbrunn Palace. (B,L,D)
Day 6, Wed. DÜRNSTEIN - MELK.
Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Dürnstein and marvel
at the magnificent blue façade 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. At
lunchtime, continue on a short cruise to Melk. A guided tour takes you to
the town's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe's largest baroque
monasteries. An evening wine tasting highlights your visit to the Wachau
Valley. (B,L,D).
Day 7, Thu. LINZ - PASSAU, GERMANY.
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating
Salzburg and the Sound of Music sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to
Passau in Germany. In Passau the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube.
During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than
2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
Day 8, Fri. REGENSBURG.
Afternoon arrival in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval
cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights,
including the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient
Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the
oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore entertainers will
come on board for your delight. (B,L,D)
Day 09, Sat. NUREMBERG.
This morning enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely
cruise through the beautiful Altmuhl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal
straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of
modern engineering. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg,
capital of Franconia. See the storybook 900-year old ramparts that
surround this historic city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace
where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
Day 10, Sun. NUREMBERG -PILZEN, CZECH REPUBLIC - PRAGUE.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Prague. Your first stop is
Pilzen, world famous for beer. Here there is free time for lunch before
continuing onto Prague and the hotel. (B)
Day 11, Mon. PRAGUE.
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of
Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the thousand-year-old Hradcany
Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and Golden Lane, then walk through the Jewish
quarter to the Old Market Square. The evening is free to mix with the
locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the
charming cafés or restaurants. (B)
Day 12, Tue. PRAGUE.
Today is a free day, 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. Another consideration is to
travel further afield and take the optional tour or two. This morning why
not join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII labor camp,
now a memorial to those who perished. In the afternoon you can venture to
Konopiste, Palace and former home of the Emperors. (B)
Day 13, Wed. DEPART PRAGUE.
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your return flight
home. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in
Europe. (B)
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