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16 Days Magnificent Europe Tour Package
Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Priced From: $3,649 pp Dbl. Occ.
Dates: Apr, Jun, Jul, Aug, Oct /08
This grand 16-day vacation takes you from Amsterdam to Budapest. Begin with a canal cruise past Amsterdam’s 16th-century merchant houses, then cruise to Cologne for a guided tour. You’ll sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the legendary Lorelei rock to Rüdesheim, then cruise along the meandering Main River for a stop in picturesque Miltenberg. There’s sightseeing in Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, and Passau. Stop in Melk and Dürnstein before reaching Vienna, where you’ll enjoy city sightseeing and time on your own. Stop in Bratislava for a guided tour before ending your vacation with guided sightseeing and free time to explore the twin cities of Buda and Pest.
Itinerary
Day 1
Board your overnight flight to Budapest.
Day 2 Budapest, Hungary. (Embarkation)
Welcome to Hungary’s exciting capital city! This afternoon, the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard. (D)
Day 3 Budapest
Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven 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. (FB,L,D)
Day 4 Bratislava, Slovakia
Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace, as well as the Gothic cathedral of ST. MARTIN, should not be missed. (FB,L,D)
Day 5 Vienna, Austria
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital 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. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available tonight. (FB,L,D).
Day 6 Dürnstein–Melk
Dürnstein, 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! (FB,L,D)
Day 7 Linz–Passau, Germany
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. (FB,L,D)
Day 8 Regensburg
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 12th-century Alte Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (FB,L,D)
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. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (FB,L,D)
Day 10 Bamberg
Medieval Bamberg with its breathtaking cathedral, Old Town Hall straddling the river, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (FB,L,D)
Day 11 Würzburg
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. (FB,L,D)
Day 12 Miltenberg
Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and Renaissance houses and the Gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. (FB,L,D)
Day 13 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge
Pretty Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Explore the Drosselgasse, pick up some souvenirs, and be sure to try one of the vintages in any of the little wine taverns. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs lured enchanted sailors to their doom. (FB,L,D)
Day 14 Cologne, Germany
Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent Gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns, and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original “eau de cologne.” (FB,L,D)
Day 15 Amsterdam, Holland
Holland’s delightful 700-year-old capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. (FB,L,D)
Day 16 Amsterdam. (Disembarkation)
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)
Highlights
BUDAPEST
Guided sightseeing
Visit Fishermen's Bastion
Welcome reception
BRATISLAVA
Guided sightseeing
Visit St. Martin’s Cathedral
VIENNA
Guided sightseeing
DÜRNSTEIN
Guided sightseeing
MELK
Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey
PASSAU
Guided sightseeing
REGENSBURG
Guided sightseeing
Visit the Old Chapel
NUREMBERG
Guided sightseeing
BAMBERG
Guided sightseeing
WÜRZBURG
Guided sightseeing; visit the Residenz
MILTENBERG
Guided sightseeing
RÜDESHEIM
“Winzerexpress” mini train
Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
COLOGNE
Guided sightseeing
AMSTERDAM
Canal cruise
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.
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Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
10/08
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