24 Day Eastern Europe Explorer Tour & Jewels of Europe Cruise 2011 (Prague to Amsterdam)

DAY 1: Prague
You will be met at Prague International airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. This Bohemian metropolitan city situated on the banks of the River Vltava offers a blend of both old and new world’s which is sure to entice your appetite this evening over a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.

DAY 2: Prague (FB,HD)
This morning we will discover one of the truly magical cities of Europe – Prague on our Included tour. With our local guide we will walk around Hradcany Castle, visit St Vitus Church and 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 and provides the connection between the Old Town and Little Quarter. We then explore the Old Town Square, see the monument to the Protestant Reformer Jan Huss and witness the Astronomical clock strike the hour. This afternoon choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a bohemian glass tour to learn more about the customs of the world famous glassware. Rückl crystal is 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; or (2) a walking tour of Prague’s Communist era buildings and events. Step back in time to 1948 and re-live the history of these dark controlling years; or (3) a visit to the 13th century Gothic-style Jewish synagogue and its amazing cemetery. Built around 1270 this is the oldest synagogue in Europe. The cemetery has over 12,000 headstones dating back to 1478. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner of hearty Czech cuisine.

DAY 3: Prague – Berlin (FB,D)
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, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendour. On our Included guided 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 three nights. 

DAY 4: Berlin – Potsdam – Berlin (FB,HD)
This morning we journey to Potsdam, former residence of the Prussian Kings until 1918, where SCENIC ENRICH 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. Berlin has undergone an exciting transformation since reunification in 1989. SCENIC ENRICH 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. Checkpoint Charlie was once the notorious border crossing between the Soviet and American sectors, and witness to a number of dramatic events during the cold war.

DAY 5: Berlin (FB)
This morning choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Tours: (1) Checkpoint Charlie Museum, where you will learn the historic details of this notorious time in German history, such as the Berlin Wall and stories of those who risked their lives for freedom; or (2) A relaxing Cruise on the Spree River where you can view all the Berlin sites and fine architecture from the waterways. This afternoon Berlin is yours to explore on your own.

DAY 6: Berlin – Warsaw (FB,D)
This morning we are taken to the main train station for our Included journey to Warsaw aboard our first class rail carriage. Time en-route to relax and watch the rural scenery change from the evergreen forests and rolling hills of Germany to the broad agricultural farmland of western Poland. 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.

DAY 7: Warsaw (FB,HD)
Warsaw was largely destroyed in World War II, however the historic centre 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 the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE: (1) an excursion to Wilanow Palace - known as Poland’s Versailles; or (2) a magical tour exploring the mythical founders of Warsaw. SCENIC ENRICH 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.

DAY 8: Warsaw – Krakow (FB,D)
We travel to Czestochowa and admire the portrait of the ‘Black Madonna’, said to have been painted by St Luke and located in the beautiful 14th century Jasna Gora Paulite Monastery. 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 original glory.

DAY 9: Krakow (FB,HD)
Included 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. SCENIC ENRICH 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.

DAY 10: Krakow – Budapest (FB,D)
After breakfast we depart Krakow and cross the border into Slovakia, passing the 13th century Castle of Oravsky Hrad en-route to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. 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 14 night voyage, join your fellow guest for a Welcome Cocktail in the lounge.

DAY 11: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Tours: (1) Guided City tour; or (2) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (3) Visit the Communism Heritage and Memorial Park. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore before setting sail for Vienna.

DAY 12: Vienna (FB,L,D)
As you cruise the mighty Danube perhaps relax in one of the three lounge and viewing areas onboard. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein. Then an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

DAY 13: 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 or for the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE CHOICE: Self guided audio tour. Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) A guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; or (2) Visit the Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake; or (3) an excursion to Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava.

DAY 14: Dürnstein – Melk (FB,L,D)
This morning your ship docks in the picturesque town of Dürnstein. Enjoy time at leisure to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region or join us for a guided bike tour through the vine yards. Back on board your cruise, sail through the spectacular wine region of the Wachau Valley to the town of Melk, where we discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. During your Included visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to an exclusive SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks.

DAY 15: Linz – Passau (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; or (2) Visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’; or (3) an excursion to the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.

DAY 16: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Continuing our cruise along the Danube River we arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany’s finest preserved cities. You’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour.

DAY 17: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Be fascinated today as we cruise through and learn about the engineering feat of the locks which opened up these waterways. 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.

DAY 18: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Awake in Bamberg, one of Europe’s largest intact medieval centres. Bursting with character and charm and you will enjoy the sights on an Included tour with a local guide. As part of your Included tour, you will visit Zehnthasus, a private brewery established in 1533, where you’ll meet the cellar master and enjoy one of his finest brews.

DAY 19: Würzburg (FB,L,D)
Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A guided walking tour of including visit to Prince Bishop’s Residenza Palace; or (2) enjoy an excursion down the Romantic Road to unforgettable Rothenburg; or (3) A self guided Bicycle Tour.

DAY 20: Wertheim (FB,L,D)
Wertheim is well known for its glassworks and friendly people. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) a guided city tour; (2) a guided bicycle tour along the Main River; or (3) a guided hike along the Tauber River.

DAY 21: Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge – Marksburg Castle (FB,L,HD)
Today in Rüdesheim we board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Board a cable car for the trip to the 125-foot Niederwald Monument, overlooking the river. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castles and vine-covered slopes. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a Medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Set high above the banks of the Rhine this 12th Century castle is the only one never to have been destroyed. Enjoy a private tour of the castle before stepping back in time for a medieval feast.

DAY 22: Koblenz – Cologne (FB,L,D)
This morning cruise through the 2,000 year old town of Koblenz, situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, before setting sail through breathtaking scenery en-route to Cologne where your guide awaits you. Explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Perhaps sample the region’s most famous beer, ‘Kölsch’. Tonight we gather in the Crystal Dining Room for the Captain’s farewell Dinner.

DAY 23: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)
Our last morning of cruising before docking in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. With so much to enjoy choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A wonderful sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) a bicycle tour of Amsterdam; or (3) a visit to the windmills at Zaanse Schans. For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: Self guided audio tour. Tonight after dinner you may wish to join us on an Amsterdam by night tour, highlighting the colourful and fascinating streets and canals of this compact city.

DAY 24: Amsterdam (FB)
After breakfast this morning it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Our Scenic Tours Representative will take you to the airport.

• 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.