The Blue Danube

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

Day 1: Arrive Budapest
A transfer is included from Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport to the InterContinental Budapest in the heart of Pest on the Danube’s eastern bank, across the river from the Royal Palace. Join us for a cocktail reception and dinner tonight at the grand Akademia Club in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.
Overnight: InterContinental Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Fascinating Pest
Hungary’s capital city is divided by the mighty Danube River into Buda and Pest. The architecture throughout Budapest is cause for amazement with its grandeur and style. Your guided city sightseeing tour of Pest this morning 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!
Overnight: InterContinental Budapest, Hungary
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Explore Buda / Embark Your Riverboat
Join us for a walking tour of the city’s Buda section, including Castle Hill, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Matthias Church (may be closed on some days), stopping for lunch at a popular local café. Embark your riverboat this afternoon for the start of your cruise. Meet the ship’s Captain at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Bratislava, Young at Heart
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. Cultural delights continue back aboard the riverboat with local entertainment and regional cuisine. Your cruise continues on to Vienna.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: The Imperial City of Vienna
Wake up in Vienna, Austria, one of Europe’s greatest cities and formerly the capital of the Habsburg Empire; the city inspires with romantic visions of “Old Europe” at virtually every turn. 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 6: Vienna on your own, then Cruise to Dürnstein
Spend the morning exploring some of the city’s opulent palaces, theatres and other cultural institutions – including over 100 museums – on your own. Much of Vienna is designated a pedestrian zone; walking is the best way to fully enjoy its many offerings! Have lunch on your own in the city or enjoy it back aboard your riverboat. A shuttle is available throughout the day to take you to and from the city and ship. Your riverboat cruises late this afternoon to lovely Dürnstein in Austria’s wine country for a late night arrival.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: A little Dürnstein, then a Wachau Valley Cruise
Welcome to the charming little village of Dürnstein,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. On-board commentary enriches this afternoon’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. Local Austrian entertainers come aboard ship this evening to share their talents and musical traditions in a wonderful performance before dinner. Your riverboat cruises to Linz tonight.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: 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 9: A Bit of Baroque in 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, then spend the afternoon cruising.
Overnight: Cruising aboard the Riverboat
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Regensburg / Prague
Disembark your riverboat in Regensburg for a guided walking tour of Old Town; see 12th-century Steinerne Brücke, towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the Roman wall. Have lunch on your own in this medieval town before departing for Prague for a two-night stay at a hotel ranked among the “Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels of the World," set in one of the city’s best locations.
Overnight: Prague Marriott Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 11: Prague, Past and Present
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 or join us on a walking tour through ethereal Old Town. Your journey ends with a farewell 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: Breakfast

Day 12: Journey Home
Tour ends: Prague, Czech Republic. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Prague Marriott Hotel to Prague’s Ruzyne Airport; you should allow a minimum of 3 hours for your flight check-in at the airport.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
6/7/2012 - 6/19/2012	$5,390
7/1/2012 - 7/13/2012	$4,690
8/16/2012 - 8/28/2012	$4,290
9/13/2012 - 9/25/2012	$5,390
9/27/2012 - 10/9/2012	$5,390
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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