24 Day Eastern Explorer and River Cruise 2010

Day 1 Prague
You will be met at Prague International airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. 

Day 2 Prague
This morning we will discover one of the truly magical cities of Europe - Prague. With our local guide we will walk around Hradcany Castle, visit St Vitus Church and the Mala Strana and walk across the Charles Bridge.
We then explore the Old Town Square, see the monument to the Protestant Reformer Jan Huss and witness the Astronomical clock strike the hour. With so much to offer enjoy free time this afternoon to explore this bustling city at leisure. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner of hearty Czech cuisine. (FB,HD) 

Day 3 Prague
Enjoy your Scenic FreeChoice Inclusion at no extra cost. Choose from: (1) a bohemian glass tour to learn more about the customs of the world famous glassware; or (2) a walking tour of Prague’s Communist era buildings and events; or (3) a visit to the 13th century Gothic-style Jewish synagogue and its cemetery. (FB)
 
Day 4 Prague – Berlin
We depart Prague for Dresden, perhaps the greenest city in Germany. Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of Saxony. On our tour we see the Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, the Semper Opera House and visit the courtyards of the Zwinger. We continue our journey through the Spreewald forest to Germany’s capital, Berlin our home for the next two nights. (FB,D)
 
Day 5 Berlin
This morning we journey to Potsdam, former residence of the Prussian Kings until 1918, where our local expert historian on Potsdam shares his knowledge of the town and its history as we visit the Cecilienhof where the Potsdam Treaty was signed in 1945. After free time in Potsdam we return back to Berlin. We have arranged special entry to explore the renovated parliamentary building that was controversially set on fire in 1933. After our tour, we’ll enjoy coffee and cake whilst under the famous glass dome. This afternoon visit the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, Alexander Platz, drive ‘Unter den Linden’ and visit the former Checkpoint Charlie. (FB,HD)
 
Day 6 Berlin – Warsaw
This morning we are taken to the main train station for our journey to Warsaw aboard our first class rail carriage. We arrive this evening into Warsaw. Poland’s cultural, entertainment and financial capital was believed to be founded in the late 13th Century, when the Duke Boleshaw built a castle here overlooking the Vistula river. (FB,D)
 
Day 7 Warsaw
Warsaw was largely destroyed in World War II, however the historic center has been rebuilt and has attained UNESCO World Heritage status. We visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide this morning for a striking reminder of the suffering endured in WWII. We see the monument to the Ghetto heroes, the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial. Choose from: (1) an excursion to Wilanow Palace - known as Poland’s Versailles; or (2) a magical tour exploring the mythical founders of Warsaw. This evening an exclusive piano concert of Chopin music in Lazienki Palace, stunningly located on an island in a lake, is followed by dinner in one of Warsaw’s finest establishments. (FB,HD)
 
Day 8 Warsaw – Krakow
We travel to Czestochowa and admire the portrait of the ‘Black Madonna’. We continue to Auschwitz and visit the former concentration camp and its museum, for chilling reminders of the Holocaust in World War II. Early this evening we arrive in the city of Krakow. Poland’s former capital for nearly six centuries and largest city was one of the few Polish cities scarcely damaged in World War II allowing us to enjoy it in its original glory. (FB,D)
 
Day 9 Krakow
Sightseeing of this UNESCO World Heritage site includes a guided walking tour of the old town where we visit St. Mary’s Church, the Cloth Hall, the cathedral and castle on Wawel Hill. This afternoon we visit the nearby 800 year old Wieliczka Salt Mines. Our tour includes statues of historic and mythical figures, all sculpted by miners out of rock salt. This evening we will soak up the atmosphere of a Polish folklore show with dinner.(FB,HD) 

Day 10 Krakow – Budapest (Embarkation)

Day 11 Budapest 

Day 12 Vienna 

Day 13 Vienna 

Day 14 Dürnstein – Melk 

Day 15 Linz – Passau

Day 16 Regensburg 

Day 17 Nuremberg 

Day 18 Bamberg 

Day 19 Würzburg 

Day 20 Wertheim

Day 21 Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge 

Day 22 Coblenz - Cologne 

Day 23 Amsterdam 

Day 24 Amsterdam (Disembark)

• Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your fellow travelers and Tour Director at your centrally located Prague hotel
• Take a guided walk over the Charles Bridge from Hradcany Castle
• Take a guided tour of Prague
• Enjoy a typical Czech highlight dinner and entertainment
• Tour Dresden and visit the courtyards of the Zwinger
• Enjoy a guided tour of Berlin
• Visit Checkpoint Charlie and drive ‘Unter den Linden’ in Berlin
• Enjoy a dinner of German delicacies at a fine restaurant in Potsdammer Platz
• Take a guided tour of Warsaw
• Visit the Paulite Monastery at Jasna Gora
• Take a guided tour of Auschwitz including a visit to its museum
• Enjoy a guided tour of Krakow
• Visit the underground Wieliczka Salt Mines near Krakow for a guided tour
• Enjoy a Polish folklore show with dinner at a fine restaurant in Krakow
• Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner
• Discover Cologne during a guided walking tour of one of Germany’s oldest cities, including a tasting of the locally brewed specialty beer ‘Kölsch’
• Sail through the spectacular Rhine Gorge past the famous Lorelei Rock
• A local Zither music player performs for your entertainment on board
• Arrive in Rüdesheim and board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and ride the cable car to Niederwald Monument
• Witness a spectacular glass blowing demonstration on board
• Guided sightseeing in one of Europe’s best preserved towns – Bamberg
• Be entertained by a Bavarian music group performance
• Tour of Nuremberg including a guided tour of the Trial Sites
• Afternoon sightseeing tour of Regensburg, visit Thurn und Taxis Castle and see the Old Chapel
• Guided tour of Melk including entry to the magnificent 11th century Melk Benedictine Abbey
• Sail through the Wachau Valley enjoying live commentary as you glide by stunning scenery
• Vanilla Kipferl baking demonstration on board
• Morning guided sightseeing tour of Austria’s capital Vienna including a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Enjoy a traditional Hungarian Folklore performance on board your cruise
• Tour both sides of the mighty Danube in historic Budapest with a local guide visiting Heroes’ Square, Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion
• Captain’s farewell cocktail reception and farewell dinner

• State-of-the-art facilities
• Five star hotel accommodations
• Exclusive sightseeing tours inclusions
• Vacation price includes ALL gratuities.
• Quality European wines served with dinner onboard
• Private butler service
• Spacious Private Balcony Suites
• Evenings of entertainment in memorable settings
• Unique Scenic FreeChoice activities
• Free time to explore beautiful historic landmarks
• Exclusive teak deck open air lounge
• On board spa area

Prague: Radisson SAS Alcron
Berlin: Ritz Carlton
Warsaw: Westin Warsaw
Krakow: Sheraton Krakow
Cruising: Category E outside cabin onboard a Scenic Tours ship

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Port charges are not included in the prices shown above.
• Entry to the Reichstag is not always possible due to State functions.
• 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.