Danube Cruise  Prague to Budapest

Discover Prague and Cruise From Germany  to Budapest 

2012

Danube cruise # 8

.DAY 1, ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Arrive in Prague and optional transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city.

DAY 2, PRAGUE
Your morning’s sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with its historic city center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see Wenceslas Square and the Metronome overlooking the Vltava River before arriving at the1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle for a visit. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions. (B)

DAY 3, PRAGUE
Spend a day at your leisure or participate in an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII concentration camp, now a memorial to those who perished. (B)

DAY 4, PRAGUE – REGENSBURG, GERMANY – EMBARKATION – VILSHOFEN
This morning, depart Prague and stop in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, its Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch on your own, continue to the charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town of Vilshofen, where you will embark your luxurious ship. Later this afternoon, join your fellow passengers to celebrate “Oktoberfest” in Vilshofen. Relax at long tables and benches, enjoy traditional beers accompanied by Bavarian folk music, song and dance. (B,D)

DAY 5, VILSHOFEN – PASSAU
This morning you are free to explore Vilshofen’s beautiful old town before you cruise to Passau, where this afternoon you will have your choice of two different excursions. The first option is to take a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old fairy tale city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. Walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town where you will see the city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, which is home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative, experience this majestic city on a guided bike tour along the Inn River to Weinstein (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

DAY 6, LINZ, AUSTRIA – GMUNDEN
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Your walking tour guides you along the Landstrasse, to the city’s Main Square where you will see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column, the Landes Theatre and St. Martin’s Church, the oldest church in Austria. Return to the ship for brunch. This afternoon you have the choice of three different excursions. The fi rst option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Traunsee. The second option is to 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. The third choice is an excursion to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, MELK – KREMS (DÜRNSTEIN)
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau this morning to Melk. A guided tour will take you to Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. From here, continue cruising the beautiful Wachau valley to Krems. You will have the choice of two excursions this afternoon. The first is a motor coach ride to Dürnstein, where you will take a walking tour of the town’s medieval cobblestone streets, passing by 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche high above town. As an alternative, enjoy a guided bike tour from Krems to Dürnstein and back (capacity controlled). Tonight, after dinner on board, enjoy wine tasting at a local winery. Enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, VIENNA
During your morning city tour of Vienna, you will see the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take an optional tour to the Schönbrunn Palace. Tonight, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert in the “Music Capital of the World.” The ship moors in Vienna overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise to Bratislava, where you can choose from a walking tour which includes the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In the alternative, you can take a “Communist History Tour” of Bratislava, which includes architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and Soviet War Memorial. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, 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, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the famous Heroes’ Square and much more. After dinner, the ship will sail a special “Illuminations Cruise” past the illuminated river front of Budapest. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, BUDAPEST
Your cruise comes to an end , optional transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

REVERSE ITINERARY

DAY 1, ARRIVE IN BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Arrive in Budapest and optional transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception followed by dinner. (D)

DAY 2, BUDAPEST
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, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the famous Heroes’ Square and more. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

DAY 3, BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA – VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Wake up this morning in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. You have your choice of two tours today. The first option is a walking tour of the city’s major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. In the alternative, choose a “Communist Tour” that includes architectural landmarks such as the Radio Building, Liberty Square and the Soviet War Memorial. Later, you will have some free time before the ship cruises to Vienna, the music capital of the world. After dinner, enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert in one of the great formal concert houses of Imperial Vienna, such as the Hofburg Palace or Palais Auersperg. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, VIENNA
Savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna during your guided sightseeing tour, which will include the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and the historic St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. After dinner, experience a traditional “Viennese Wine and Music” evening in a wine village near Vienna. Enjoy the year’s newest vintage, surrounded by music and hospitality. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, DÜRNSTEIN – MELK
This morning arrive in Dürnstein, where you will take a walking tour along the town’s medieval cobblestone streets, passing by 16th century town houses and wine taverns. Marvel at the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Your tour will also include a wine tasting at a local vintner, where you will enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. As an alternative, explore the majestic Wachau Valley on a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Melk (capacity controlled). The ship arrives in Melk this afternoon, where you will tour the spectacular Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries. The ship moors overnight in Melk. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, LINZ – GMUNDEN
This morning the ship arrives in Linz, the second largest city in Austria. Your walking tour will take you along the Landstrasse to the city’s main square. You will see St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Marian Column, Landestheatre and St. Martin’s, the oldest church in Austria. Return to the ship for brunch. This afternoon you have the choice of three different excursions. The first option is a visit to the scenic “Salzkammergut” region, the Austrian Lake District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historic town of Gmunden, on the shore of Lake Traunsee. The second option is to 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. The third choice this afternoon is an excursion to Salzburg, where you will take a walking tour of the historic center, famous as the setting for the “Sound of Music” and as the birthplace of Mozart. Enjoy free time on your own, before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, PASSAU, GERMANY – VILSHOFEN
Early this morning, cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Your city tour takes you on an exploration of this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. Highlights include St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. As an alternative, explore the city on a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). This afternoon, the ship cruises to Vilshofen, a charming 1200-year-old Bavarian town on the confluence of the river Vils and the Danube. There, you’ll enjoy “Oktoberfest” in Vilshofen. Relax at long tables and benches, sampling local food and beer accompanied by Bavarian folk music, song and dance. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, VILSHOFEN – DISEMBARK – REGENSBURG – PRAGUE
This morning, disembark your ship in Vilshofen, and depart for Prague. Stop in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, where you will enjoy a walking tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore Regensburg’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing your motor coach transfer to Prague. Take in the scenic beauty of the countryside of Franconia and Bohemia before arriving at your hotel in Prague in the late afternoon. (B)

DAY 9, PRAGUE
Your morning's sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities, with its historic city center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 1,000 year-old Hradcany Castle and St. Vitus, before walking over to Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. Afterwards, walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of the day is at your leisure; perhaps visit the Wenceslas Square or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafes. This evening, an optional Folklore Dinner Show provides an opportunity to learn about Czech music, dance and traditions (B)

DAY 10, PRAGUE
Spend a day at your leisure to relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vltava 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 11, DEPART PRAGUE
Bid farewell to Prague and optional transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
 

Included features:

• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Prague including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Transfer from the Hotel in Prague to the Ship in Vilshofen
• 7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies (Twin Balconies on select vessels)
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Multiple Dining Venues on select vessels
• Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Special Highlights including Lectures, Theme Dinners, Cooking Demonstration, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Manager
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local Taxes

2012 Departure dates and prices (US$)

Port Charges: $147 per person

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price.

Single supplement for Land: $390 per person.

Prices are per person in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom with window.
To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person:

 

NOTE: Children are not accepted.

Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

The choices are:
Choice A: Two twin beds
Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size)

Ms Amalegro Amadante Amadagio Amacello Amadolce Amacerto Amalyra
cruiseship description