The Blue Danube Discovery
$3549 $203 taxes
The delightful Danube sets the stage for this incredible journey as you sail through beautiful scenery and quaint towns. Begin in Budapest, Hungary, with two overnights, guided sightseeing, and a visit to imposing Fishermen’s Bastion. Enjoy Hungarian cuisine, explore its famous produce market—Central Market Hall, wander around the former Royal Palace grounds, explore its famous churches, or visit one of the many museums. Then, board your river cruise vessel and sail westward, with guided sightseeing in magical Vienna, Passau, and medieval Regensburg. Also take a guided walk in the charming town of Dürnstein and see the baroque Stiftskirche; visit the awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey in Melk and marvel at its beauty. Enjoy a wine tasting in Melk and a beer tasting in fascinating Nuremberg. Disembark your ship and travel to the “Golden City” of Prague for a final three overnights, guided sightseeing, and plenty of free time to discover the Hradcany Castle grounds, wander through Prague’s Jewish Quarter, shop for hand-cut crystal, savor authentic Czech dumplings, stand in the square where protestors demonstrated against Communism, or visit one of the many churches. All of this and more awaits you on this marvelous vacation!
Travel Best Bets Package Includes
- Roundtrip airfare from Vancouver to Budapest and return from Prague to Vancouver
- 2 nights Budapest hotel at InterContinental
- Deluxe 7 night cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest aboard Avalon Tranquility (July 19) or Avalon Tapestry (July 22)
- 3 nights Prague hotel at Hilton or InterContinental
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Meals: Full buffet breakfast in Budapest and Prague; Superb dining with meals on board featuring full breakfast with complimentary sparkling wine, lunch with complimentary soft drinks, and dinner including complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks; a welcome reception, Captain’s reception, and farewell dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements
- Sightseeing: As outlined in day-by-day itinerary below
- Budapest: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion; welcome reception
- Vienna: Guided sightseeing
- Dürnstein: Guided walk, see the Stiftskirche
- Melk: Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey; wine tasting
- Passau: Guided sightseeing
- Regensburg: Guided sightseeing
- Main Danube Canal: Cruise in the canal
- Nuremberg: Guided sightseeing; beer tasting
- Prague: Guided sightseeing, see the Astronomical Clock and visit Hradcany Castle grounds
July 19 – August 1 or July 22 – August 4 Book by June 26!
| Vancouver | Outside | French Balcony | Taxes & Fees |
| July 19 | $203 | ||
| July 22 | $255 |
| Optional add on Pre Paid Gratuity for $116 total per person |
*1 cabin left available
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s lively capital. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan metropolis.
Day 2 Budapest
Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Budapest (Embarkation)
This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 Budapest–Vienna, Austria
A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna—you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Dürnstein–Melk
Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon: Melk, whose magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view you have from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening you’ll be able to sample some of the Wachau Valley’s FAMOUS WINES. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Linz–Passau, Germany
Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses—all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic
Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.” (Breakfast)
Day 11 Prague
Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (Breakfast)
Day 12 Prague
A free day for you to explore the city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast)
Day 13 Prague
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Notes:
In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
Due to closure of locks on the Main Danube Canal for maintenance reasons, disembarkation for departures April 15 (Tapestry) and April 19 (Imagery) will be in Passau and there will be some modifications to the itinerary. Check with our travel consultants for more information.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); the responsibility for obtaining a visa rests with the traveler.
Not Included in the Vacation Price:
Passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your tour director, tour driver, local city guides; gratuities on ferries, trains and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol, beverages and food not on the regular table d’hôte menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant); optional excursions; porterage at airports; travel protection; excess baggage fees; all other items of a personal nature.
River Cruises
River cruising is, quite simply, the best way to see the world’s great cities. Here are the top 5 reasons that your next cruise should be a river cruise:
- Experience world class cities not accessible by ocean cruises.
- Unpack just once, no need to worry about maps or traffic congestion. Better than any bus tour!
- Flat-bottomed shape of river cruise ships ensures a safe and smooth ride without any worries about motion sickness.
- Sail directly to the heart of every destination, walk right off the ship and join the day’s activities.
- A more intimate experience, with only 130 to 300 fellow guests.
Call for details: 1-877-523-7823
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