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2006 Romantic Danube - Prague to Budapest (v. v.) - Sample
Itinerary:
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12 Day / 10 Night: 3 Night Prague Hotel Package + 7 Night Cruise
aboard MS Symphony or MS Artistry
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Day 01
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Day 02
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USA - PRAGUE:
Depart the US on your overnight flights to the Czech Republic.
PRAGUE:
Upon your arrival in Prague, transfer to your deluxe hotel and take time
to rest or to explore the charming cobblestone downtown area during a
leisurely walk on your own.
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Day 03
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PRAGUE:
Enjoy your sightseeing tour which quickly reveals why Prague is
considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. You will stop at the
thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle - the largest ancient castle in the
world, Prague's Old Town, the Jewish Ghettom and the other major sights
of this city with arich history. During the afternoon and evening, mix
with the locals at Wenceslaus Square or sample the local delicacies in
one of the charming cafes or restaurants. (B)
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Day 04
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PRAGUE:
A relaxing day to take a strall along the banks of the Vitava River, to
start your souvenir shopping or to do some more sightseeing. One of the
tourists' attractions is the Charles Bridge. Together with the most
beautiful panorama of the town, the bridge is admired by hundreds of
thousands of visitors every year.The simple beauty of the bridge is
enchanced by 30 statues and sculptural groups by the most renowned
sculptors. Since the Vltava River runs through the most precious
historical part of the town, visitors often take a short river cruise.
(B)
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Day 05
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PRAGUE - NUREMBERG - CRUISE:
After a free morning in Prague, drive by motorcoach through Germany's
pastoral countryside to Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Embark your
floating hotel and gather for a Welcome Dinner. The ship will moor
overnight in Nuremberg. (B, D)
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Day 06
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CRUISE - NUREMBERG:
Enjoy your morning sightseeing tour of this historic city with its
fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Upon return to
your vessel, you set sail and transit the Main-Danube Canal. Today you
reach the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level -
bfore descending again through stair-step locks. (B, L, D)
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Day 07
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CRUISE - REGENSBURG:
This morning takes you through the first stretch of the fascinating
Main-Danube Canal. In Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved
medieval cities, a guided tour will show you the ancient architectural
highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates
to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. After a relaxing afternoon at
sail, enjoy tonight's Bavarian falklore music presentation on board. (B,
L, D)
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Day 08
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CRUISE - PASSAU - LINZ:
After breakfast arrive in Passau, located at the conjunction of the Inn,
Ilz and Danube Rivers. During your walking tour, enjoy vistas of this
fairy-tail city which was founded more than 2,000 years ago.
Alternatively, you may want to take an optional full-day tour to
Salzburg and its most popular Sound of Music sights. For those staying
on board, relax on your way from Passau to Linz, Austria's third largest
city. (B, L, D)
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Day 09
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CRUISE - MELK - VIENNA:
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley early
this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine
Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. At lunchtime,
continue through the romantic Wachau Valley, dotted with magnificent
castles and charming riverside towns. In the late afternoon, you arrive
to Vienna, the "City of Music" and Austria's impressive capital. At
night, explore on your own or come along for an optional Mozart and
Strauss concert. (B, L, D)
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Day 10
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CRUISE - VIENNA - BRATISLAVA:
A guided sightseeing tour includes the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera
House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen's Cathedral. At lunch time, the
ship departs Vienna and sails on to nearby Slovakia. A guided tour of
Bratislava reveals the city's major sights. From the 13th-century
Bratislava Castle you will enjoy breathtaking views overlooking
Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. This eventful day will end with an
evening filled with enchanting music performed on board. Before
midnight, your floating hotel continues to its final port. (B, L, D)
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Day 11
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CRUISE - BUDAPEST:
Today's sightseeing tour will include historic Buda Castle, from where
you will have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread
over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year-old
Matthias Church, St. Stephen's Basilica, distinctive Fishermen's
Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. Your afternoon is
free to explore on your own. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Farewell
Dinner with "wailing" Gypsy violins. (B, L, D)
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Day 12
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Budapest - USA:
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flights home.
Land/Cruise and Cruise Only services end after breakfast. (B)
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