A Taste Of The Danube 2011 (Vienna to Budapest with Pre Stay Vienna and Post Budapest)

Day 1 Arrive in Vienna, Austria 
(Fri.) Welcome to Vienna, Austria’s capital, which is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The remainder of the day is yours to start exploring this elegant city.

Day 2 Vienna
(Sat.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)

Day 3 Vienna (Embarkation)
(Sun.) Time today to do some window shopping along the Kärntnerstrasse and perhaps enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. This afternoon, transfer to your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D)

Day 4 Melk–Dürnstein
(Mon.) Today is dedicated to the beautiful and romantic Wachau Valley, where so much of the excellent Austrian wines are grown and produced. This morning, visit the impressive BENEDICTINE ABBEY of Melk, which towers over the town. Lounge on the Sky Deck with a glass of white wine while enjoying the scenery as you sail to Dürnstein, whose baroque blue and white Stiftskirche stands right on the river bank. Explore on your own or choose one of a variety of optional excursions your Cruise Director will propose. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Bratislava, Slovakia
(Tue.) Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace as well as gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL should not be missed. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Budapest, Hungary (Disembarkation)
(Wed.) 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 FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church are among the many sights a Local Guide will show you. This afternoon you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. (B)

Day 7 Budapest. 
(Thu.) A free day to enjoy Hungary’s exciting capital. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for many things to do. (B)

Day 8 Budapest. 
(Fri.) Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

• CRUISE: Deluxe 3-night cruise from Vienna to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• VIENNA: Welcome reception; Guided sightseeing; services of a Local Host
• MELK: Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey
• DÜRNSTEIN: See the Stiftskirche
• BRATISLAVA: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin’s Cathedral
• BUDAPEST EXTENSION: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion; services of a Local Host

Discover the fascinating Danube with its charming small towns and exciting cities on this river cruise vacation. Begin with guided sightseeing and a 2-night city stay in Vienna, the “City of Music,” for a more comprehensive experience. Then, board your ship and begin exploring the natural beauty of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Visit Melk’s impressive Benedictine Abbey, see Dürnstein’s baroque Stiftskirche, and enjoy guided sightseeing in Slovakia’s vibrant capital of Bratislava. Your journey concludes with two overnights in exciting Budapest, including guided sightseeing and an inside visit of Fishermen’s Bastion.

• Superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements. Vienna & Budapest Extensions: Full buffet breakfast (B); complimentary regional wine, beer, or soft drinks with all onboard dinners; complimentary coffee and tea available throughout the day
• Deluxe cruise in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• Services of a professional Cruise Director
• Onboard lectures, activities & nightly piano music
• Sightseeing with Local Guides
• Headsets for all guided shore excursions
• Inside visits as shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges, where applicable

Vienna: Hilton Stadtpark (D), 
Budapest: InterContinental (D)
Cruising: Category E cabin onboard Avalon Tapestry

Extra nights per person in Vienna:
in single room $210, in twin room $128

Extra nights per person in Budapest:
Departures May 5 - June 25 & Oct 13 - Oct 15: in single room $260, in twin room $142
Departures Aug 11 - Aug 13: in single room $210, in twin room $115

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Port charges of $42 per person are not included in the prices shown above.
• Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not available.
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• 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.