|
Day 1-2: Budapest, Hungary. (Fri. & Sat.)
Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMENS BASTION and the MATTHIAS CHURCH are sights not to be missed. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for interesting outings and things to do. (BB)
Day 3: Budapest. (Embarkation) (Sun.)
This afternoon the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you on board. (BB,D)
Day 4: Budapest-Vienna, Austria. (Mon.)
A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise up river, and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, the border being the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria's capital, is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. (FB,L,D)
Day 5: Vienna. (Tue.)
Once the center of the mighty Hapsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Krntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood caf. An optional concert is available during your stay. (FB,L,D)
Day 6: Drnstein-Melk. (Wed.)
Drnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue faade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Melk's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! (FB,L,D)
Day 7: Linz-Passau, Germany. (Thu.)
Linz, Austria's third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with over 17,000 pipes. (FB,L,D)
Day 8: Regensburg. (Fri.)
Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and Porta Pretoriagates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria's cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany's oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Alte Wurstkche (Old Sausage Kitchen). The Thurn und Taxis family, who until the second half of the 19th century had the monopoly on the German postal services, owns the impressive St. Emmerammus Abbey buildings making up the THURN UND TAXIS CASTLE. (FB,L,D)
Day 9: Nuremberg. (Sat.)
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg's traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metal working. (FB,L,D)
Day 10: Nuremberg (Disembarkation)-Prague, Czech Republic. (Sun.)
Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the "Golden City." (FB)
Day 11 12: Prague. (Mon. & Tue.)
Prague is a 1,000-year old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are the Old Town's Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe, HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for things to do. (BB daily)
Day 13: Prague. (Wed.)
Your homebound flight from Prague today.
|
