The Blue Danube

•   Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

Day 1: Arrive Prague
A transfer is included from Prague’s Ruzyne Airport to the Prague Marriott Hotel, ranked among the Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels of the World, for a memorable two-night stay in the historic “city of a hundred spires.” Tauck brings you inside Prague’s soaring cathedrals and city architectural riches with sightseeing hosted by local guides. Begin your amazing trip with a royal welcoming reception, tour and dinner at 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at Prague Castle. Immerse in an evening of classical cultural treasures – music and art played an important role in the aristocratic world of the Lobkowicz family.
Overnight: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Discover Past & Present Prague
Exquisite European architecture awaits on a guided excursion that takes you to the Hradcany (Castle) district and the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus. An exclusive private tour of the grand libraries of Strahov Monastery is a highlight. Spend time at leisure exploring the courtyards and squares of Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, or join us on a walking tour through ethereal Old Town; see the famous Astronomical Clock, Tyn Church, iconic Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Square. Lantern-lit streets set the mood for dinner on your own tonight, tempting with cafés and restaurants that serve up some of the region’s best dishes... schnitzels, dumplings, strudels, goulashes... paired with local wine and beer.
Overnight: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Regensburg, then Embark your Riverboat
Drive to the quintessential Bavarian town of Regensburg, Germany, nestled on the banks of the River Danube. Walking here is a delight, and is the only way to view its historic sights up-close. A local guide will lead the way as you see the town’s 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Germany’s oldest surviving stone bridge), the 15th-century Altes Rathaus (Town Hall), towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the Roman wall. Enjoy lunch on your own – this medieval town is famous for its Bavarian sausage – before embarking your riverboat; join us this evening for the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4: Picturesque Passau
One of our guests told us that The Blue Danube is like taking a magic carpet ride through a parade of picturesque places, getting on and off in towns that just beg to be explored! An early arrival in Passau this morning lets you do just that when we disembark for a walking tour with a local guide whose passion for his hometown makes your time spent there even more special. Sights include Dom St. Stephan (St. Stephan’s Cathedral) and its magnificent church organ, and the 14th-century Town Hall. Spend some free time in Passau, where pedestrian walkways take you through tunnels and archways and along ancient cobblestone streets – the town is located on a hill. Board your riverboat and spend the afternoon cruising to Linz, Austria; there’s entertainment on board this evening.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov
Your boat stays docked in Linz today, with a choice of how you spend your day – full-day excursions to Salzburg, Austria, or Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Salzburg on the Salzach River is the hometown of Austria’s beloved composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The setting for The Sound of Music, Salzburg is a parade of beautiful Baroque architecture, painted wrought-iron signage, ornate church towers and grand palaces. You’ll visit Mozart’s birthplace and the very cleverly designed Mirabell Gardens, with some free time in Salzburg before rejoining the riverboat for dinner. Alternatively, travel through beautiful wine-producing country to Cesky Krumlov. This town has earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site roster – and that’s the entire town – due to its incredibly well-preserved medieval heritage. A walking tour includes Krumlov Castle; the many steps are worth it to get a look at the mix of medieval, Renaissance and Rococo designs. Free time precedes your return to the riverboat.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Wachau Valley Cruise / Dürnstein
On-board commentary enriches this morning’s leisurely cruise past lush vineyards, fairy-tale castles and ancient monasteries in the Wachau Valley, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval landscapes – it is the perfect scenic appetizer for your stop in the charming little village of Dürnstein in Austria’s wine country. Take a closer look at its 16th-century Baroque houses and 13th-century Romanesque church as you stroll down its one main street or take an invigorating climb up the steps to the ruins of hilltop Kuenringerburg Castle for great views. A wine tasting back in town at an authentic tavern celebrates local cultural traditions and new friendships.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: The Imperial City of Vienna
Wake up in Vienna, inspiring romantic visions of “Old Europe.” A choice of sightseeing today features a tour of the Habsburgs’ Schönbrunn Palace, an architectural masterpiece and Austrian cultural treasure, or the amazing Imperial Apartments at the Hofburg, Austria’s official presidential residence. Nothing quite compares to the royal treatment – and pageantry – you will experience tonight at our private Imperial Evening in a historic Viennese palace. Welcome cocktails and dinner precede a spectacle of beautiful ball gowns, and a musical performance that celebrates the rich legacy of Mozart...
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Vienna / Cruise to Slovakia
Spend some time pursuing what interests you most in Vienna today – outstanding museums, magnificent boulevards, the intriguing Prater... the choice is yours. Return to the riverboat for an afternoon cruise to neighboring Slovakia. Dinner tonight introduces you to a glimpse of daily life in Slovakia with a taste of regional cuisine and an on-board performance by a talented troupe of Slovakian dancers.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Bratislava / Danube Cruise
Our local expert, Martin Sloboda, shares insider anecdotes about Bratislava before you embark on a walking tour of this cobblestoned, vehicle-free city. See 17 centuries of history eloquently chronicled in its 13th-century Old Town Hall, Baroque Habsburg-era palaces, the Opera House, Slovak Philharmonic Hall, and St. Martin’s Cathedral, site of the coronation of many Hungarian kings and queens, and sample some of Slovakia’s delectable almond pastry at a local café. Back aboard ship, get ready to celebrate tomorrow’s arrival in Budapest and the end of your Danube riverboat cruise – with the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Disembark Budapest / Explore Buda
Disembark this morning in Budapest, Hungary’s capital, divided by the mighty Danube River into Buda and Pest. The architecture throughout Budapest is cause for amazement with its grandeur and style. A guided walking tour of the city’s Buda section includes Castle Hill, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Church (may be closed on some days), with lunch at a local café. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are free.
Overnight: InterContinental Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11: Fascinating Pest
Your tour of Pest includes patriotic Heroes’ Square, Váci Utca, the Parliament building, tree-lined Andrássy Avenue, where magnificent mansions and villas reflect some of Europe’s most elegant 19th-century architecture, and a special visit to Hungary’s State Opera House. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore – so much to see, from unique museums to an amazing zoo! Budapest has acquired quite an excellent reputation for its cuisine; tonight’s special farewell dinner is at the grand Akademia Club in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
Overnight: InterContinental Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12: Journey Home
Tour ends: Budapest, Hungary. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Budapest Marriott Hotel to Budapest Ferihegy Airport; you should allow a minimum of three hours for check-in at the airport.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Don't miss our current specials: Tauck Tour Special Offer Whether you choose to explore Europe on a Tauck "Yellow Roads of Europe" land journey, sail away on our award-winning European river cruises, find yourself someplace new on a Tauck Culturious trip or share the joy of European travel with your family on a Tauck Bridges adventure, your Tauck travel experience is built around these "cornerstones": Personalized Service We take care of every detail on your Tauck European vacation so you connect with the destination and experience the genuine emotion, the camaraderie, the little things that comprise day-to-day European life.   Quality Experience Tauck's expertise and local access provide guests with the best possible travel experience in Europe, including exclusive cultural events, fine hotels in the best locations and dining featuring authentic regional cuisine. Inclusive Value One up-front price with virtually everything included – no hidden costs, no surprises, no options sold on tour.   Peace of Mind Purchasing clarity – you know the quality of Tauck's travel experiences and full cost before you leave home. TAKE OFF WITH TAUCK makes flying to Europe easy with one flat up-front air price of $1,290 per person economy or $3,290 per person business and other benefits!* Call us today for more information!
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
5/17/2012 - 5/29/2012	$5,390
5/31/2012 - 6/12/2012	$5,390
6/14/2012 - 6/26/2012	$5,390
6/28/2012 - 7/10/2012	$5,390
7/8/2012 - 7/20/2012	$4,290
7/12/2012 - 7/24/2012	$4,290
7/26/2012 - 8/7/2012	$4,290
8/9/2012 - 8/21/2012	$4,290
8/23/2012 - 9/4/2012	$4,490
9/6/2012 - 9/18/2012	$5,390
9/20/2012 - 10/2/2012	$5,390
10/4/2012 - 10/16/2012	$4,990
10/18/2012 - 10/30/2012	$4,290
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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