Rhine and Danube River cruise

ITINERARY -
Day 1.Arrival in Berlin, the new German capital. Meet your multilingual escort at the airport, then transfer to your centrally situated hotel for check-in. Stroll along one of Europe's most famous avenues, the Kurfürstendamm and see the Emperor William Memorial Church, a stark reminder of the ravages of war, but also elegant shops and boutiques and enticing pavement cafés. You must not miss one of the world's greatest stores, KDW or Department Store of the West. Dinner in the hotel.

Day 2. In the morning, depart for a half-day city sightseeing tour (incl.), taking in both East and West Berlin. After enjoying the modern sights of West Berlin, cross over into the former Russian Zone at Checkpoint Charlie, see the infamous Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate and the Avenue "Unter den Linden". Marvel at the outstanding museums and cathedrals before returning to the hotel. In the afternoon, drive the short distance to Potsdam to visit Frederick the Great's residence. Lying idyllically on the banks of the Havel Potsdam is famous for Castle Sanssouci (opt.). A guided visit will show you the wonderful works of art.

Day 3. Make an early start today and drive to Dresden, which suffered terribly in the 2nd world war but which has been rebuilt in the spirit of regeneration now so prevalent in the former East Germany. Half way through, stop in Meissen. Enjoy the guided tour of the world's most famous porcelain factory (opt.) and admire the variety of beautiful designs. Perhaps choose something to take home! Continue then to your hotel in Dresden

Day 4. Join in on our sightseeing tour (incl.) of Dresden. Splendidly situated on the banks of the Elbe, the city's main attraction is the Zwinger terrace, a wonderful collection of baroque pavilions, galleries and gardens. You also pass the Semper Opera and the Church of Our Lady. Enjoy some leisure time before departing for the Czech Republic, reaching Prague in the early evening. Dinner in the hotel

Day 5. In the morning, take a guided tour (incl.) of Prague, "The Golden City"! Visit the magnificent castle area with St. Vitus Cathedral and stroll down Golden Lane before going on a panoramic tour of the city, which Goethe called "the jewel in the world's crown". The afternoon is at leisure: perhaps to visit the fascinating Jewish quarter or to browse through some of the excellent shops

Day 6. Leave Prague and drive through the lovely countryside of Southern Bohemia en route for Nueremberg and board your Danube cruise ship . The AMADEUS Symphony leaves port at 6 p.m.

Day 7. City walk Regensburg at 1 pm and Bavarian evening on board included in your cruise program

Day 8. Morning city walk Passau included in your cruise program .In the afternoon optional excursion to Salzburg including lunch (by bus from Passau to Linz)

Day 9. Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley. The ship will dock in Emmersdorf. You can participate in the optional excursion Beauties of the Wachau (opt). It begins with a guided tour to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. From here continue by bus to Dürnstein. On a walking tour through Dürnstein discover the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you’ll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16thcentury town houses and wine taverns. After your return to Emmersdorf enjoy the cruise through the unforgettable landscape of the Wachau, passing Dürnstein and Krems. Arrive at Vienna, the capital of Austria in the evening.

Day 10. A guided sightseeing tour (incl) of Vienna includes the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephens Cathedral. In the afternoon you can participate in the optional excursion to Schönbrunn palace, one of Vienna’s most beautiful buildings.
After dinner possibility to participate in the optional excursion Sound of Vienna (opt.) to listen to the world famous music of Mozart and Strauss in one of the famous Viennese palais.

Day 11 - Arrival in Bratislava around noon and city tour of Bratislava included in your cruise program.

Day 12 Arrival to Budapest, the famous capital of Hungary, in the morning. After lunch enjoy the city sightseeing (incl.) which leads as well to historic Buda Castle, from 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 Fishermens Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. Tonight, gather on board for the Captain’s Gala Dinner with Gypsy violins during the harbor cruise through Budapest at night.

Day 13. Check- out after breakfast. End of program

DATES 2008

Airport transfer (including assistance at the airport) in Budapest: Euro 57 per person each way

Under 12 years of age 30% reduction on all prices when accompanied by 1 passenger paying full fare

DATES 2008

DECK