11 Day Gems of Europe River Cruise and Prague 2011 (Prague to Budapest)

DAY 1: Prague
Welcome to Prague. You will be met at the airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink this evening with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Three Night Special Stay: Prague

DAY 2: Prague (FB)
Prague is possibly Europe’s most attractive city. This morning with our local guide we will walk around the Mala Strana and walk across the Charles Bridge. One of the most familiar sights in Prague, the Charles Bridge was commissioned in 1357 by Charles IV after the Judith Bridge was destroyed by floods. We continue our guided touring to the Old Town where we concluded our tour at the foot of the Astronomical clock.

DAY 3: Prague (FB)
Enjoy exploring this magnificent city at your leisure where your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your day. You may wish to visit the Old Jewish Cemetery and Gothic Synagogue, built around 1270 or visit one of the many museums Prague has to offer. If crystal is your thing then perhaps you may choose to visit Ruckl crystal, linked to a 300 year long tradition in glass making as a family and today manufactures an extensive range of leaded crystal in a wide variety of decorations.

DAY 4: Prague – Nuremberg (FB,D)
Today we journey by coach to Nuremberg. On arrival you will be personally welcomed by our friendly dedicated staff onboard your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’. After unpacking for the start of your 7 night voyage, join your fellow guest for a Welcome Cocktail in the lounge.

DAY 5: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
History opens up today as you take a privileged Included guided tour of Nuremberg’s old town. See the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle before heading off to visit the Nuremberg Rallies site and self guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre. Enjoy the Captain’s welcome dinner this evening.

DAY 6: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Be fascinated today as we cruise through the last stretch of the Main-Danube Canal and learn about the engineering of the step locks and how this construction has opened up the waterways from the Rhine Delta in Holland to the Danube Delta in the Black Sea. Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and you’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour. Witness the beautiful white and gold Old Chapel before walking over the stone bridge across the Danube for a view of the cityscape.

DAY 7: Passau – Linz (FB,L,D)
Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries all offering their own unique charm: (1) A guided tour of Passau followed by a relaxing afternoon of cruising through the European Alps; or (2) Visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’ and birthplace of Mozart; or (3) a full day excursion to the beautiful medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. Appreciate the incredible value as you savour your discoveries tonight perhaps over an intimate dinner at Scenic’s exclusive Portobello’s fine dining restaurant.

DAY 8: Melk – Dürnstein – Vienna (FB,L,D)
This morning your Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ glides through the spectacular wine region of the Wachau Valley to the picturesque Dürnstein. From here we will visit the nearby town of Melk where we discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. During your visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to an exclusive SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks. Back in Dürnstein you will have leisure time to explore one of those most enchanting villages in the region or you may wish to join us for a guided bike tour through the vineyards. Tonight our cruise ship arrives in Vienna.

DAY 9: Vienna (FB,L,D)
To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: Self guided audio tour. Following the city tour you may choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) A fabulous guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer palace of the Hapsburgs; or (2) Visit the State Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake in a famous Viennese café. Afterwards enjoy time at leisure with your Cruise Director on hand to enhance your experience. Perhaps, visit one of the many museums on offer or shop along the famous “Kartnerstrausse”. Tonight be enchanted by the charm of Viennese fine arts and culture. SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein before an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

DAY 10: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Guided City tour of both Buda and Pest highlighting the cites finest attractions; or (2) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (3) Relive the history of Hungary’s Communist past and pay tribute to its regime victims at the Museum and Memorial Park dedicated to this era. Tonight celebrate with Folklore music before a wonderful farewell dinner.

DAY 11: Budapest (FB)
After breakfast this morning it’s time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship. Your Scenic Tours Representative will transfer you to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.

• Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner
• On board entertainment program
• Tour of Nuremberg including a guided tour of the Trial Sites
• Sightseeing tour of Regensburg, visit Thurn and 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
• Guided sightseeing tour of Austria’s capital Vienna including a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral
• Tour both sides of the mighty Danube in historic Budapest with a local guide visiting Heroes’ Square, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion
• Captain’s farewell cocktail reception and dinner

• 24 superb meals including 10 Full Buffet Breakfasts (FB), 6 Lunches (L), 1 Highlight Dinner (HD)
  and 7 Dinners (D)
• 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 
• 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

Category E outside cabin onboard a Scenic Tours ship

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Port charges are not included in the prices shown above.
• 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.