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19 Days Romance of the Rhine & Danube Europe River Cruise Tour Package
Duration: 19 Days / 18 Nights
Priced From: $6790 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: Jul, Aug
New for 2010, Romance of the Rhine & Danube combines the riverboat cruise portions of Strasbourg to Prague Serenade and The Blue Danube with two-night stays in Strasbourg and Budapest. The result is an extraordinary journey through five countries between France and Hungary - past castles, vineyards and historic villages all along the Rhine and Danube rivers to the glittering capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest - in the gracious style once reserved for the nobility… aboard the luxurious ms Swiss Sapphire. Walk in the footsteps of the rich and famous of long ago as you explore the glamorous spa town of Baden-Baden with its elegant casino, and discover what life was like in palaces like the Heidelberger Schloss, Würzberg's imposing Residenz, and Vienna's resplendent Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg. Feel history come alive as you explore medieval towns and villages such as Obernai, Miltenberg, Regensburg and Bamberg. Savor an authentic taste of the region during meals aboard ship and at specially selected restaurants ashore during your riverboat cruise; and sample fine wines of the Alsace, the renowned vintages of the Wachau Valley and the beers of Germany's Franconia region during tours and tastings. Two nights to discover Strasbourg and two nights to explore Budapest enrich this enchanting 19-day riverboat cruise experience.
Tour Itinerary
• Indicates cruise day
Day 1 - Welcome to Strasbourg
New-for-2010 Romance of the Rhine & Danube riverboat cruise begins at 6:00 PM at the Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Isle. Transfers from the airport in Strasbourg to the hotel are included. Please join us to meet your Directors and fellow travelers at our welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Meals:Dinner
LodgingSofitel Strasbourg Grande Isle, Strasbourg, France
Day 2 - Strasbourg old and new
As you'll discover today, Strasbourg has one foot firmly in the present and one foot rooted in the past. As the capital of the European Union, the EU Parliament district bustles with the in-the-moment business of modern-day government; see the impressive, modern Parliament buildings en route to the past this morning. Step into the medieval world of La Petite France, with its historic cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and meandering canals, during a walking tour with a local guide. Due to its 142-metre tower, Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral was once the tallest building in Europe; learn more about it and its other treasures during a visit today.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch
LodgingSofitel Strasbourg Grande Isle, Strasbourg, France
• Day 3 - Authentically Alsace
Head out of town this morning for a drive along the famous Route du Vin (Wine Road). Travel through enchanting Alsatian villages and past endless terraced vineyards that produce the area's renowned white wines on the way to the picturesque town of Obernai. Here, you'll enjoy lunch in a former manor house, complete with local wines offering a true taste of the Alsace region. Later, board the ms Swiss Sapphire to begin your riverboat cruise along the Rhine and Danube rivers. This evening, the Captain welcomes you aboard with a special reception in your honor.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 4 - Good times in Baden-Baden
Set in the foothills of Germany's Black Forest, the spa town of Baden-Baden, with its healing waters, has been a popular destination since Roman times and its thermal springs have been known for over 2,000 years. The likes of Queen Victoria, Brahms, Napoleon III and Marlene Dietrich have wandered its streets, "taken the waters" and played in its casino. After a walking tour during which you'll discover ruins of castles and Roman baths, visit the extravagantly beautiful Belle Epoque Casino, which has been the place to see and be seen for nobility and the elite for over 250 years.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 5 - It happens in Heidelberg
A full-day excursion to Heidelberg showcases many facets of this intriguing city, which has been a happening place for students since the University of Heidelberg was founded in 1386. Take in the charm of Old Town during a guided walking tour revealing Gothic gates and walls, Renaissance and Baroque homes and palaces... and life here in the 21st century. Ride a funicular up to the ruins of the famous Gothic-Renaissance castle, Heidelberger Schloss, Return to the ms Swiss Sapphire after lunch in a Heidelberg restaurant and some free time to explore the city on your own before your riverboat cruise continues on along the River Main.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 6 - Rollin' on the River Main
The opportunity to just kick back and relax on your riverboat cruise is yours this morning as your riverboat glides down the Main River bound for Bavaria. Or, see what fun things your Directors have up their sleeves, work out in the fitness center or find something to challenge you on the on-board Wii game system. Spend the afternoon exploring Miltenberg, with its hilltop castle, lively market square and half-timbered houses. Bavaria comes aboard ms Swiss Sapphire this evening for a special dinner spotlighting this lovely area of Germany.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 7 - Feel like royalty at the Residenz
By 1000 BC, the Celts had built a fortress, and in the 8th century, Charlemagne himself consecrated the cathedral that is the focal point of the historic and charming town of Würzburg. 90% of the town was destroyed in World War II and then painstakingly reconstructed by its citizens, most of whom were women at that time. The magnificent Würzburg Residenz, a beautiful complex of palaces begun in 1720 for the Würzburg prince-bishops, was completed, start-to-finish, almost within a single generation. During a tour today, you'll see a magnificent sequence of rooms containing a wonderful array of paintings, tapestries, furniture and other 18-century treasures. Return to the Residenz this evening for a memorable dinner in its wine cellar, complete with a wine tasting and entertainment - a highlight of your riverboat cruise!
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 8 - Bound for Bamberg
Spend the morning participating in the on-board activities offered by your Directors and gaining some new insights about this part of the Main River during your riverboat cruise to Bamberg. What the Alsace is to wine in France, the Franconia region of Germany is to beer. Following a walking tour of Bamberg's Old Town, you'll have a chance to sample the excellent local brews during a brewery tour and beer tasting.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 9 - The Main-Danube Canal and historic Nürnberg
It wasn't until 1992 that the dream of linking the North Sea to the Black Sea, and making a riverboat cruise all the way from Holland to Romania possible, was realized with the completion of the Main-Danube Canal. A local expert will tell you all about it as ms Swiss Sapphire transits the canal this morning. After docking in Nürnberg, disembark for an orientation tour of this significant Bavarian city, perhaps best known for its role during and after World War II. But Nürnberg also has a fascinating medieval heart, as you'll discover on a walking tour following lunch and special entertainment at a local restaurant.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 10 - Regensburg revealed
Talk about a long history - humans settled on the banks of the Danube near Regensburg during the Stone Age and the Romans arrived around 90 AD. Regensburg bills itself as "Germany's best-preserved medieval city," and you'll understand why when you explore the town during a walking tour. Sightseeing in Old Town Regensburg today includes the Stone Bridge, completed in 1146, magnificent Dom St. Peter, the 15th-century Town Hall and remains of the Roman wall.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 11 - The "three river city" of Passau
Located on the Danube at the confluence of the Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is a treasure trove for history buffs, as the city began with a Roman fortress. Today a local guide shares residents' passion for lovely Passau with you during a walking tour through its cobbled streets. See the Town Hall, the 18th-century New Bishop's Residence and St. Stephen's Cathedral, the largest Baroque church north of the Alps. You'll have some free time to explore this German gem of a town, renowned for its many churches and exquisite stained glass, on your own before returning to the ship to continue your riverboat cruise.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 12 - Linz or Salzburg - it's your choice
When you awaken in Linz, the European Capital of Culture in 2009, this morning, the focus of your riverboat cruise switches to Austria. From just strolling through the Old Town to checking out its wonderful museums, the Botanical Garden - among the most beautiful in Europe - and historic landmarks, enjoy exploring Linz on your own. Or join us for a full-day excursion to lovely Salzburg, Mozart's hometown and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you'll feel the presence of days gone by as you view splendid examples of Baroque architecture, impressive palaces and grand churches; visit Old Town, Mirabell Gardens and Mozart's birthplace on a walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide. A classical music performance aboard ms Swiss Sapphire this evening rounds out another memorable day on your riverboat cruise.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 13 - The wonderful Wachau Valley
Austria's Wachau Valley seems straight out of a picture book; vine-covered hillsides, quaint villages, impressive structures and castle ruins line the riverbanks of this region of the Danube. Considered by many to be the most beautiful and historic stretch along the river, what you'll see around you today is a highlight of any riverboat cruise. Gain some insights about the valley from the commentary provided by your Directors as you glide along this morning. When you arrive in tiny Dürnstein, you'll find history all around you; along its one main street, there are Baroque houses and a 13th-century Romanesque church. Perhaps you'll climb the path up to Kuenringerburg Castle, where Richard the Lionhearted was imprisoned during the Crusades, to take in the spectacular view. Later, join us for a wine tasting in an authentic local tavern.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 14 - Viva Vienna
From the lilting strains of the waltz to the glory and grandeur of the Habsburgs, Vienna is absolutely enchanting. See how the other half lived long ago on a choice of two excursions today; tour the resplendent Schönbrunn Palace, opulent summer home of the Habsburgs, or imagine the lifestyle of the rich and famous when dining at court as you view the "domestic household treasures" in the Hofburg's Silver Room. Feel like royalty yourself at our Imperial Evening when you dine grandly and enjoy musical performances at a traditional Viennese palace.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 15 - Vienna as you please
During our time in Vienna, you've undoubtedly noticed a few places that you'd like to explore further and today is your chance to do just that before your riverboat cruise continues on. Back aboard ms Swiss Sapphire, you'll have an opportunity to visit the galley and see where and how the culinary magic that you've been enjoying happens, before partaking in a dinner offering an authentic taste of Slovakian cuisine, followed by a performance by a talented troupe of Slovakian dancers.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
• Day 16 - Slovakian surprises
Welcome to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. This fascinating city, once one of the most important in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is a true melting pot of the various nations and nationalities that have shaped it over the centuries. Many local residents fluently speak four languages - Slovak, German, Hungarian and "mishmash," a combination of words from each in a single sentence. Sightseeing today includes St. Martin's Cathedral, where Maria Theresa was crowned Queen of Hungary, National Philharmonic Hall, the National Opera House and the Primate's House. As you wander through Bratislava's streets, you may come upon some surprising local "residents" who may seem rather cold and unresponsive... but because they're statues, you couldn't expect them to be anything else! Join the Captain for his farewell reception and dinner this evening as your riverboat cruise nears its final destination, Budapest.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingAboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Day 17 - As your riverboat cruise concludes, Buda beckons
Arriving in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, bid farewell to ms Swiss Sapphire and set out to explore Buda, which occupies the hills on the west bank of the River Danube. A half-day guided tour of the beautiful Castle Quarter reveals such beloved landmarks as Fishermen's Bastion and 700-year-old Matthias Church. Dine tonight in your choice of the restaurants at your waterfront hotel, the InterContinental Budapest.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
LodgingInterContinental Budapest, Hungary
Day 18 - Passionate about Pest
On the flat lands on the east bank of the Danube lies Pest, with a personality all its own as you'll discover today. See the immense Parliament, one of the largest buildings in Europe; Andrassy Avenue, built to emulate the Champs-Elysées in Paris; Heroes' Square with its heroic equestrian statues; the chic shopping street, Váci Utca; and pay a special visit to the elegantly eclectic State Opera House. The remainder of the day is free to explore more of Budapest as you please.
Meals:Breakfast
LodgingInterContinental Budapest, Hungary
Day 19 - Homeward bound
Your riverboat cruise adventure along the Rhine and Danube ends in Budapest. An airport transfer from the Intercontinental Budapest to Ferihegy Airport is included; please allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
Meals:
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