The Blue Danube Discovery – 14 days

Budapest - Prague

Day 1 (Thurs.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Days 2 & 3 Budapest, Hungary. (Fri. & Sat.)

Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church are sights not to be missed. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for interesting outings and things to do.

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Day 4 Budapest. (Embarkation) (Sun.)

This afternoon, the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you aboard.

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Day 5 Budapest-Vienna, Austria. (Mon.)

A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as your 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.

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Day 6 Vienna. (Tues.)

Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna, you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay.

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Day 7 Durnstein-Melk. (Wed.)

Durnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Melk’s magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking!

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Day 8 Linz-Passau, Germany. (Thurs.)

Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, 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.

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Day 9 Regensburg. (Fri.)

Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall; the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL; and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. 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 12^th-century Alte Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen.)

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Day 10 Nuremberg. (Sat.)

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. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working.

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Day 11 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)-Prague, Czech Republic. (Sun.)

Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.”

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Days 12 & 13 Prague. (Mon. & Tues.)

Prague is a 1, 000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. Best-known treasures are the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE; 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. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for things to do.

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Day 14 Prague. (Wed.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day.

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