Blue Danube Discovery 2010

Day 1: Depart USA for Hungary
Depart your hometown and fly through the night to Budapest. Enjoy inflight entertainment as you start your cruising vacation. 

Day 2: Arrive Budapest
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax or do some exploring of this charming city on your own. The hilly city of Buda and the flat city of Pest were joined in 1873 by the building of the Chain Bridge, the first to provide a crossing over the River Danube. Budapest bears the influence of many different cultures including Romans, Magyars and Turks; it was part of the Habsburg Empire until 1914. 

Day 3: Explore Budapest
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour to see the principal places of interest in this city of over two million. See some of the seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elizabeth Bridges, which connect Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. In Buda see Castle Hill where the Royal Palace complex is located. Survey the Danube and Pest from the viewing terrace of the Fisherman’s Bastion. Pass the historic Matthias Church with its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the pedestrianized Vaci utca, stroll along the Danube Embankment or try one of the famous Turkish baths. (BB) 

Day 4: Embark on your Ship
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest for further exploring on your own. In the afternoon, transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship to travel upriver and discover the enchanting scenery on the banks of the River Danube. Step aboard for a welcome by your crew, who will help you prepare for a luxurious week of cruising. Settle into your cabin, which will be your home for the next week, and explore the facilities of the compact river ship. Tonight gather with your fellow travelers for a cocktail reception and gala welcome dinner. (BB, D)

Day 5: Hungary & Slovakia
Enjoy a relaxing day on the Danube as you glide between Hungary on your left and Slovakia on your right. 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 the 13th century Bratislava Castle enjoy breathtaking views across three countries - Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. The afternoon is free and in the evening enjoy an enchanting musical performance on board. (B, L, D) 

Day 6: Vienna Highlights
Until World War I Vienna was the capital of the mighty Habsburg Empire. The historic city center was built by Emperor Franz Josef in the 1860’s. Sightseeing includes the lavish Hofburg Palace, the world-famous Vienna State Opera House and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its colorful ceramic roof tiles. You will have free time to shop in Kärntnerstrasse and visit Sacher Café, home of the Sachertorte, or one of the many other cozy cafés. (B, L, D) 

Day 7: Wachau Valley
Cruise through the Wachau Valley, a beautiful stretch of the Danube with steep hills, quaint baroque villages, ancient monuments, and over 50 wineries. Stop in Dürnstein for a walking tour to see 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Above the town you can spot the castle ruins where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned in 1192. Continue to Melk for a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries. Back on board, an evening wine tasting highlights your visit to the Wachau Valley. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Passau or Salzburg
Cruise through Upper Austria and into Germany to Passau, where the Rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Built on a narrow rocky tongue of land between the Danube and the Inn, Passau faces the wooded cliffs and the fortress of Oberhaus on the left bank of the Danube. If you wish, take an optional full day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and its “Sound of Music” sights. Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart and is the site of internationally famous music and drama festivals. Salt mining has historically been important to the city and today is full of charming houses and quaint streets. (B, L, D) 

Day 9: Regensburg
Arrive in Regensburg in the afternoon for a tour of 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 10: Nuremberg
Travel through the final stretch of the Main- Danube Canal, completed in 1992 by linking the Rhine to the Danube River. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during World War II. See the storybook 900-year old ramparts, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B, L, D) 

Day 11: Disembarkation & Prague
Your cruise has come to an end so disembark after breakfast and take the three-hour trip to Prague. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. The 1,000-year-old capital Prague is Europe’s best-preserved city, having escaped bombing during World War II. The River Vltava divides the city in two with the Castle Quarter and Little Quarter on the west and the Old Town and New Town on the east. These four areas were distinct towns until 1800 and the Charles Bridge, linking the two halves was the only bridge until 1850. (B) 

Day 12: Prague Touring
Take a half-day sightseeing tour to see the important places in the city center. Visit the Old Town Square to see the 13th century Town Hall with its intricate Astronomical Clock; Hradcany Castle, home to Czech rulers for over 1,000 years; St. Vitus’ Cathedral, which was started in 1344 and finally finished in 1929; and Charles Bridge, the statue-lined bridge linking the Old Town to the Castle Quarter. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do in this exciting city. (BB) 

Day 13: Prague at Leisure
Enjoy a full day on your own to discover more of this delightful city. With its long history, the city offers a wealth of museums, galleries, churches, palaces and gardens. You may like to visit St. Nicholas Church, built in the finest and most ornate high Baroque style. If you prefer something modern, view the Dancing House, designed by the contemporary architect, Frank Gehry. There are plenty of cafés and bars where you may like to sit and watch the locals going about their business. Walk through Wenceslas Square with its huge equestrian statue and buildings of many different styles. (BB) 

Day 14: Depart Prague
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Prague. (BB)

• Airport transfers when CIE Tours books your air tickets
• Transfer from Budapest hotel to ship and from Nuremberg to Prague hotel
• Transportation by private deluxe air-conditioned motor coach throughout land tour
• Services of a professional Englishspeaking tour director/cruise manager
• Superior first class hotels with private bath/shower for 5 nights
• 7-night deluxe cruise accommodation
• 5 buffet breakfasts in hotels (BB) and 7 full breakfasts (B) on board ship
• 7 dinners (D) and 6 lunches (L) on board ship
• Quality wines served with dinner on board ship
• Cocktail reception and welcome dinner on first evening of cruise
• Sightseeing tours as detailed in itinerary
• Onboard amenities and nightly piano entertainment on board
• Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person

Budapest: Kempinski Corvinus Hotel 
Danube River: Category E deluxe outside stateroom onboard MS Amacello or Amadolce
Prague: Hotel President or Hotel Renaissance

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Port charges of $133 apply.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Whenever air-inclusive prices are displayed, these prices do not include government taxes and fees, which are additional. Air prices are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Air-inclusive prices include air from a major U.S. gateway; air from other U.S. airports is available at an additional cost. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package, at the price quoted.