DANUBE RIVER CRUISE
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Danube River Cruise
And Land Tour
1 extra day & night in Budapest to rest, relax and get acquainted with the city, plus 3 extra days & nights in Munich; includes visits to Salzburg, Neuschwanstein Castle, and tour of Munich.
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Our first night is in Budapest, the next 7 days and nights will be aboard our river boat as we cruise up the legendary Danube River stopping at small towns as well as touring Vienna and Budapest. The last three days we will spend in Munich visiting local and nearby sites of interest, including Salzburg, Austria, Neuschwanstein Castle and the many interesting sights of Munich such as Olympic Park. We’ll visit the sight of the 1972 Olympics where members of the Israeli team were murdered by terrorists.
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We work hard to provide you with the best value possible. Our tours provide more visits to places of interest for the money than anyone else we know. Price includes airfare, pre and post cruise tour, and of course, the 7day Danube River Cruise.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Overnight Flight to Budapest
Day 2
Budapest.
Check into our hotel, relax a bit and then get an overview of this culturally, rich city. Tonight we will have dinner on our own and then retire early to catch up on some needed sleep.
Day 3
Budapest, Hungary
Wake up refreshed this morning and enjoy a wonderful, casual breakfast. Afterwards we will transfer to our ship, get checked in and explore more of Budapest. High on our list of places to visit is The Great Market Hall which is still one of the main markets for locals offering everything from fine linens to locally grown foods. Be sure to buy some paprika to take home. The Market Hall boasts a “food court” that attracts many city dwellers. Tonight we will celebrate our first night on our ship with a traditional Hungarian dinner. (Dinner)
Day 4
Budapest, Hungary
Today we see highlights of the once separate towns of Buda and Pest, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, walk along Castle Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Enjoy lunch on board your ship, with the rest of the day to explore on your own. You may wish to visit the Art Nouveau Gellért Spa, or one of the many other lavish facilities in this “City of Healing Waters.” Return to your ship for a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Bratislava, Slovakia
Arrive in Bratislava this afternoon and embark on a walking tour of Slovakia’s charming capital with a long and fascinating history. It is the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary. See attractions like the medieval Town Hall complex and fortifications at Michael’s Tower, the baroque Jesuit Church and Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, and pass by several Hapsburg-era baroque palaces before returning to your ship. This evening you can relax or take a walk before our late departure. Bratislava is outdoor friendly and has beautiful river-side promenades. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6
Vienna, Austria
Today we tour the Austrian capital of Vienna. Ride along the Ringstrasse, which replaced the city walls in the mid-19th century. See some of the city’s baroque architecture, including the world-famous Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is yours to further explore. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Or you may take an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, the “Versailles of Vienna,” erected in 1778 and graced by a number of formal gardens, Grecian statuary, the world’s oldest zoo and Roman ruins. After dinner, relax or enjoy an optional classical concert. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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Day 7
Krems, Austria
Today’s highlight is an exclusive visit of the splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig, a working monastery for more than 900 years. Participate in an exclusive visitor program at Göttweig, created to provide an understanding of the daily business of the venerable institution. You may also take an invigorating bicycle ride through the Wachau Valley before returning to your ship. This afternoon, enjoy scenic sailing as we cruise toward Linz. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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Day 8
Linz, Austria
Wake up in Linz this morning and set off to explore this cultural gem by mini-train and on foot. Ride along the Danube’s south bank and take in the sights; see the Brucknerhaus concert hall, Linz Castle and the Market Hall, where Mozart wrote the Linz Symphony, followed by a walking tour of the city’s Old Quarter. Alternatively, join a full day optional excursion to the beautiful Bohemian town of ÄŒeský Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the baroque and Renaissance buildings and the town’s charming streets, brimming with cafés, shops and galleries. Return on board for dinner and a late-evening departure. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9
Passau, Germany
Arrive this morning in Passau, at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Your guided walk along the town’s narrow streets takes you through Old Town and past traditional patrician houses. Admire the New Bishop’s Residence and see the impressive baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral; its ornate interior is home to the Europe’s largest church organ. Enjoy an onboard lunch but return to the city to further explore on your own before dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10
Munich, Germany
This morning, after another hearty breakfast, we will disembark from our ship and board our, luxury coach for the 2 hour drive to Salzburg. Austria. The main part of Old (historical) Salzburg is small, with just 3 pedestrian friendly streets. We will see the home of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as well as many of the sights where “The Sound of Music” was filmed. No kidding, take a video of someone you love running through the arbor, just as Maria did. Late in the afternoon we will take our coach to Munich where we will spend the next three nights.
Day 11
Munich
Today begins with a provided, full breakfast at our hotel after which we again board our private coach for a scenic ride to Neuschwanstein Castle at the foot of the Alps. The castle is really a fairytale dream come to life; it was the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty. On our way back to Munich we will stop in the town of Fussen for a quick walk through and again at Wieskirche, a wonderous, beautiful, breath-taking rococo church, designed in the late 1740s. Tonight we will experience a special treat as we visit the famed Munich Hofbrauhaus beer garden for a late dinner on our own. It is loud, it is entertaining, it is German, it is fun.
Day12
Munich
Today will be our last day and it will be filled with a full, comprehensive tour of Munich. So many things to see! Olympicpark, the English Gardens, a view of Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz, and the The Rathaus-Glockenspiel
Day 13
Munich
This morning we will transfer from our hotel to Munich’s Franz Josef Strauss International Airport for our flight home.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
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Round trip airfare originating from Charlotte, NC
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While on Board-
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7 nights luxury accommodations
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All meals
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Internet and Wi-Fi access
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Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
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Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
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Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
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Immersive tours at every destination
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While on Land Tour-
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4 nights in first class hotels
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Full, hot breakfast each morning
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All ground transportation
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Entrance fees where applicable
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Gratuities for local tour guides
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
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Passport
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Travel protection – quote available upon request. Note, to be covered by pre-existing condition, the full premium payment must be received within 10 days of making your trip deposit payment.
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Gratuities while on board ship
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Lunches & dinners on land tour
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Personal purchases
