Prague to Strasbourg Serenade 2010 (Westbound)

Day 1 - Welcome to Prague
Tauck's newest Europe river cruise begins at 6:00 PM at the Hilton Old Town Prague. A transfer is included from Prague's Ruzyne Airport to the Hilton Old Town Prague. Meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Directors for a grand kickoff to your exciting Europe river cruise - tonight's royal welcome reception, tour and dinner at 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at the Prague Castle. (D)

Day 2 - Discovering past and present in Prague
Join your local guide for today's exploration of the Czech capital in Prague's ancient Hradcany (Castle) district, where you'll see 1,000-year-old Prague Castle's complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens. Walk along the famous Golden Lane, visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus and enjoy a Tauck Exclusive... a private tour of Strahov Monastery's grand Baroque libraries. You're free to spend the afternoon as you please in this "city of 100 spires," or join us if you like on a walking tour of Prague's Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge and Tyn Church - and the city's historic Jewish Quarter. Sample the culinary pleasures of Prague with dinner on your own tonight; the city's many fine restaurants and cafés feature a wide range of cuisines... and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings and beer the region has to offer. (B)

Day 3 - Regensburg revealed
Leave fascinating Prague and set out overland for Regensburg, Germany, a city with a really long history; humans first settled here on the banks of the River Danube during the Stone Age, and the Romans arrived around 90 AD. Regensburg bills itself as Germany's best-preserved medieval city, and you'll understand why when you explore the town during a walking tour; see the Stone Bridge over the Danube (completed in 1146), magnificent Dom St. Peter, the 15th-century Town Hall and the remains of the Roman wall with your local guide. This afternoon, board the ms Swiss Sapphire to begin your Europe river cruise, bound for Nürnberg via the Main-Danube Canal. The Captain welcomes you aboard with a special reception in your honor, followed by a welcome dinner tonight. (B,D)

Day 4 - The Main-Danube Canal and historic Nürnberg
It wasn't until 1992 that the dream of linking the North Sea to the Black Sea, and making a riverboat cruise all the way from Holland to Romania possible, was realized with the completion of the Main-Danube Canal. A local expert will tell you all about it as ms Swiss Sapphire transits the canal this morning. After docking in Nürnberg, disembark for an orientation tour of this significant Bavarian city, perhaps best known for its role during and after World War II. But Nürnberg also has a fascinating medieval heart, which you'll discover firsthand on a walking tour following a special lunch featuring entertainment at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Bamberg and cruising aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
What the Alsace is to wine in France (which you'll learn firsthand a bit later on your Europe river cruise), the Franconia region of Germany is to beer - and Bamberg, a charming city set atop seven hills, is living proof of it. Following a morning walking tour of Bamberg's Old Town, you'll have a chance to sample some of the excellent local brews during a brewery tour and beer tasting. Spend the afternoon gliding along the River Main, and participating in the on-board activities offered by your Tauck Directors - perhaps gaining some new insights on your Europe river cruise as ms Swiss Sapphire continues on to Würzburg. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Feel like royalty at the Residenz
By 1000 BC, the Celts had built a fortress, and in the 8th century, Charlemagne himself consecrated the cathedral that is the focal point of the historic and charming town of Würzburg. About 90% of the town was destroyed in World War II and then painstakingly reconstructed by its citizens - most of them women referred to as Trümmerfrauen ("rubble women"). You'll witness the results of their efforts on your visit today, which includes a tour of the Würzburg Residenz, a beautiful complex of palaces begun in 1720 for the Würzburg prince-bishops and completed, start-to-finish, almost within a single generation; its magnificent rooms contain a wonderful array of paintings, tapestries, furniture and other 18-century treasures. Following an afternoon at leisure aboard the ship, you'll return to the Residenz this evening for a memorable dinner in its wine cellar, complete with a wine tasting and entertainment - a highlight of your riverboat cruise! (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Rollin' on the River Main
Arrive this morning in the old Bavarian town of Miltenberg to discover its hilltop castle, lively market square and half-timbered houses on a walking tour and time to explore as you wish. Then enjoy an opportunity to just kick back and relax on your Europe river cruise this afternoon as your riverboat glides down the Main River. Or, see what fun surprises your Tauck Directors have up their sleeves, work out in the fitness center or find something to challenge you on the on-board Wii game system. Bavaria comes aboard ms Swiss Sapphire this evening for a special dinner spotlighting this lovely area of Germany. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - It happens in Heidelberg
Depart the riverboat for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg showcasing many facets of this intriguing city, which has been a happening place for students since the University of Heidelberg was founded in 1386. Take in the charm of Old Town during a guided walking tour revealing Gothic gates and walls, Renaissance and Baroque homes and palaces... and life here in the 21st century. Ride a funicular up to the ruins of the famous Gothic-Renaissance castle, Heidelberger Schloss. Have lunch in a Heidelberg restaurant and explore more of the city on your own before returning to the ms Swiss Sapphire this evening to continue your Europe river cruise. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Good times in Baden-Baden
Set in the foothills of Germany's Black Forest, the spa town of Baden-Baden, with its healing waters, has been a popular destination since Roman times and its thermal springs have been known for over 2,000 years; the likes of Queen Victoria, Brahms, Napoleon III and Marlene Dietrich have wandered its streets, "taken the waters" and played in its casino. On your visit today, local guides take you on a walking tour to discover ruins of castles and Roman baths, and check out the extravagantly beautiful Belle Epoque Casino, which has been the place to see and be seen for nobility and the elite for over 250 years. You may return to the ship or spend the afternoon in Baden-Baden as you please; this evening, the ms Swiss Sapphire sets off from Plittersdorf along the Rhine to Strasbourg in the Alsace region of France. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Authentically Alsace
Upon arriving in Strasbourg, head out of town this morning for a drive along the famous Route des Vins d'Alsace (Alsatian Wine Road), through enchanting Alsatian villages and past endless terraced vineyards that produce the area's renowned white wines on the way to the picturesque town of Obernai. Here, you'll enjoy lunch in a former manor house, complete with local wines offering a true taste of the Alsace region. Disembark ms Swiss Sapphire and bid your Captain and crew a fond adieu, as your Europe river cruise concludes and you begin a two-night stay in charming Strasbourg. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Strasbourg old and new
As you'll discover today, Strasbourg has one foot firmly in the present and one foot rooted in the past. As the capital of the European Union, the EU Parliament district bustles with the in-the-moment business of modern-day government; see the impressive, modern Parliament buildings en route to the past this morning. Step into the medieval world of La Petite France, with its historic cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and meandering canals, during a walking tour with a local guide. Due to its high tower, Strasbourg's Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady was the tallest building in the world for about 200 years; learn more about it and its other treasures during a visit today. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy the many pleasures of this historic Alsatian city which has become the "crossroads of Europe." (B)

Day 12 - Homeward bound
Your memorable Europe river cruise ends in Strasbourg, France. A transfer is included from the Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile to Strasbourg International Airport. (B)

• Two nights each in Strasbourg and Prague at five-star hotels in the heart of the cities
• Tauck Exclusive – A private tour of the beautiful Baroque libraries of Strahov Monastery in Prague
• Lunch at a former manor house in Obernai with local wine from the romantic Alsace region
• A special dinner, entertainment, and wine tasting in the wine cellars of Würzburg’s famous Residenz
• Tour and tasting at a historic Bamberg brewery
• A visit to the opulent Baden-Baden Casino
• A transit of the Main-Danube Canal, enhanced by an on-board lecture by a local expert
• Evenings of traditional entertainment aboard the riverboat, including a Bavarian-themed dinner

Tauck's newest Europe river cruise invites you to experience the romance of idyllic villages in the lush wine country of France's Alsace region... explore the magnificent medieval cathedral cities and colorful culture of Bavaria... and discover a remarkable mix of old and new during two-night stays in the ancient cities of Prague and Strasbourg! An extraordinary weeklong cruise aboard the state-of-the-art ms Swiss Sapphire winds its way past castles, vineyards and historic villages along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in the gracious style once reserved for the nobility. Walk in the footsteps of the rich and famous of long ago as you visit the glamorous spa town of Baden-Baden and its elegant Casino, enjoy an exclusive private tour of the Strahov Monastery libraries in Prague, and discover what royal life was like in palaces like the Heidelberger Schloss, Würzberg's imposing Residenz, and Prague Castle. Feel history come alive as you explore medieval towns and cities such as Obernai, Miltenberg, Regensburg and Bamberg. Savor an authentic taste of the region during meals aboard ship and at specially selected restaurants ashore during your riverboat cruise; and sample fine wines of the Alsace and the beers of Germany's Franconia region during tours and tastings. All this and more awaits on Tauck's new-for-2010 Prague to Strasbourg Serenade!

• Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director
• All private Tauck shore excursions – $740 Value!
• 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners – wine with dinner is included aboard the riverboat, and select meals will be in local restaurants
• Service charges, taxes, porterage, airport transfers and applicable fuel surcharges

Prague: Hilton Prague Old Town
Cruise: A standard outside cabin onboard the ms Swiss Sapphire
Strasbourg: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile

• Please ask your Vacations to Go travel counselor for more details.

* 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.