Venture of the beaten tourist path and follow the sparkling Danube River on an exploration of some of the most picturesque and interesting places in all of Europe. You’ll stop at charming riverside villages and bustling cosmopolitan cities in seven different countries, each with its own unique culture and history. In the quirky and beautiful city of Prague, you’ll discover a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. A walking tour features the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle, the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, and the whimsical Golden Lane. In lively Budapest, see the Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes Square, Gellert Hill, and Mathias Church, on a guided tour. With the illuminated city as a backdrop, a gypsy folklore group will give you a taste of Hungary’s rich, unique culture. The next port of call, Kalocsa, is a charming Magyar village known for its traditional Hungarian embroidery and the cultivation of paprika. Here, take an optional excursion to see an unforgettable horsemanship performance. You’ll also visit Belgrade, the economic, political and cultural capital of Serbia-Montenegro, formerly known as Yugoslavia. In this interesting city at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, you will enjoy a “Belgrade at Night” tour featuring the celebrated artists’ quarter. A highlight of the tour will be cruising through the “Iron Gate,” a two-mile gorge that lines the border between former Yugoslavia and Romania, winding narrowly between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains with spectacular views of the Transylvanian Alps. In Romania, explore the fascinating Danube Delta, an area of more than 2,500 miles that serves as a breeding ground for many different species of birds and flora. Your final stop is Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, where the culture is distinctly “Central European” while its wide boulevards evoke thoughts of Paris. 

• Experience the cultures of seven European countries in one journey.
• Spend some time exploring medieval Cesky Krumlov.
• Cruise through the "Iron Gate," passing the Carpathian Mountains.
• View the unique fauna and flora of the awesome Danube Delta.
• See Mathias Church on a sightseeing tour of Budapest.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Embark on the vacation of a lifetime! Sail through the heart of Europe - stopping at charming riverside villages and bustling cosmopolitan cities full of culture and history. Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2: Prague, Czech Republic - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Known as "The Golden City", this lovely, historic city boasts more than 500 towers and steeples, as well as many beautiful parks and gardens. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore this magical city. This evening, join your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3: Prague
Prague offers visitors a beguiling mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture that is colorful and unique, unlike any other city in the world. A walking tour of Prague features the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle, the former Royal Palace; the imposing St. Vitus Cathedral; and the colorful Golden Lane. Proceed to the 14th-century Charles Bridge, one of Prague's loveliest and most characteristic sights with its 16 arches and 30 statues. The afternoon is at leisure for you to independently explore Prague's Old Jewish Quarter and its historic cemetery, synagogues and museum. (B)

Day 4: Prague - Cesky Krumlov - Vienna, Austria - Board Cruise Ship
Travel through the picturesque Czech countryside to Cesky Krumlov, one of the most charming and romantic locations in all of Europe. Enjoy time exploring the town's medieval streets, riverbanks and castle. Later, continue on to the Austrian border and the capital city of Vienna to meet your ship. All aboard! Unpack once for a relaxing 7-night Danube River cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Princess. This brand new ship offers the newest technology, 81 spacious cabins with large windows, panoramic deck, terrace café, panorama salon and bar, fitness center, excellent cuisine and outstanding service. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner as the ship sails downstream en route to Budapest. (B, D)

Day 5: Budapest, Hungary
Enjoy breakfast before arriving in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. The magnificent buildings lining the right and left banks of the Danube are a view to remember! A guided sightseeing tour of this beautiful city features Fisherman's Bastion, Heroes Square, the neo-gothic Parliament building, Gellert Hill and Mathias Church, where the last two Hungarian kings were crowned. While cruising, enjoy glorious views of Budapest at night as a gypsy folklore group provides music and dancing for your entertainment. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Budapest - Kalocsa
This morning, the ship docks at Kalocsa, a charming Magyar village known for its traditional Hungarian embroidery and the cultivation of paprika, Hungary's famous spice. An optional excursion is available to a traditional "csarda" (farm) for an unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Belgrade, Serbia
Arrive in the early morning at Belgrade, the economic, political and cultural capital of Serbia-Montenegro, formerly known as Yugoslavia. This morning, join a city tour of Belgrade featuring the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress, with spectacular views of the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. You will see the oldest and most beautiful part of the city, as well as Saint Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in the world. After dinner, you may partake in the optional excursion "Belgrade by Night" which takes you to "Skadarlija", the well-known artists' quarter. Tonight, your river cruise continues towards Bulgaria. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Iron Gate
Enjoy breakfast, relax on the sun deck and admire the picturesque landscapes. Late morning, experience one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube, "Iron Gate". This two-mile long gorge lines the border between former Yugoslavia and Romania, winding narrowly between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains with spectacular views of the Transylvanian Alps. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Svistov, Bulgaria - Russe
Welcome to the Bulgarian town of Svistov. After breakfast, a full day optional excursion is offered to Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's former capital from 1186 until 1394. The ship continues to Russe and later, down stream for the Danube Delta. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Tulcea, Romania - Danube Delta
Your next destination is the city of Tulcea. Join an included morning excursion to the Danube Delta. Covering an area of more than 2,500 miles, the Danube Delta is a breeding ground for many different species of birds and fascinating flora. In the afternoon, the MS Amadeus Princess progresses along the St. George canal to the Black Sea. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a memorable gala dinner followed by entertainment. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Cernavoda - Disembark Ship - Bucharest
Cernavoda is your final cruise destination. Disembark and travel the Romanian countryside en route to Bucharest, Romania's capital city. A guided city tour allows you to experience the hustle and bustle of this capital city, which exudes a sense of "Central European" culture while its wide boulevards and vast buildings evoke thoughts of Paris. On your included tour, view the stone Arc de Triomphe commemorating WWI soldiers, Victory Square, the beautiful Patriarchal Cathedral, Revolution Square, and the House of the People, the world's second largest building after the Pentagon. Tonight's dinner will be served in a typical Romanian restaurant complete with local entertainment. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Bucharest - Tour Ends
(B)

Stay Another Night - Add a pre night stay in Prague. Prices start at $150 per person, double.

*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates may be available, please call us for information.

12 days, 26 meals
10 Buffet Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 9 Dinners

Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2, 3 - Hilton Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Day 4 - 10 - MS Amadeus Princess
Day 11 - Hilton Hotel, Bucharest, Romania

On some dates alternate hotels may be used

NOTES:

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