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10-NIGHT CRUISE/TOUR VACATION: 3-NIGHT PRAGUE TOUR & 7-NIGHT DANUBE CRUISE
Thursday, May 30 – Sunday, June 9, 2024
Day 1: Thursday, May 30
ARRIVE IN PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
You will be met upon arrival at Prague Airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
OVERNIGHT: Andaz Prague Hotel (3 Nights)
Day 2: Friday, May 31
PRAGUE SIGHTSEEING
This morning, meet your escort in the lobby. Our morning walking tour reveals why Prague, which was never bombed in WWII, is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through Old Town, dominated by the twin spires of St. Tyn Church. Stop at the iconic Astronomical Clock, built in 1399, where the saints come marching in, every hour on the hour! Then board our private tram car to Prague Castle and the adjacent Strahov Monastery, a stunning room holding the literary treasures of the Czech Republic. This afternoon is free to explore Prague’s Old Town, Wenceslas Square and charming cafes. Enjoy lunch on your own, with many restaurants and eateries all around. (B)
OPTIONAL TOUR: Enjoy a walking tour of Prague Castle.
Day 3: Saturday, June 1
PRAGUE / OPTIONAL TOURS
Today is at leisure to explore Prague on your own. Highly recommended is an optional walking tour of Old Town and the Jewish Quarter. Old Town, dominated by the huge spires of St. Tyn’s Church, has been the center of commercial life in Prague since the Middle Ages. Continue into the Jewish Quarter, Europe’s best preserved Jewish ghetto. Your guide will provide commentary about the history and insight about Prague’s history and its dynamic Jewish community. Or there is a more profound morning tour to the Terezin Memorial, a Czech national monument. This Napoleonic military fortress was converted by the Nazis into a WWII concentration camp. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner with Moravian wines at the renowned Restaurant Mlýnec, overlooking the Vltava River. (B,D)
NOTE: Tonight, smart casual dress please.
Day 4: Sunday, June 2
PRAGUE – ČESKÝ KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC – VILSHOFEN: EMBARKATION
Depart from Prague via motorcoach and enjoy a stop in Český Krumlov — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town of Český Krumlov is located in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. Situated on both banks of the Vltava (Moldau) river, the town was built below a magnificent castle founded in the 13th century. The river meander and rocky slopes of the castle hill are the most important elements which along with the link to the picturesque neighboring landscape, determine not only the impressive urban composition of the historic center but the dominating position of the castle as well. The Historic Center of Český Krumlov is an outstanding example of a small Central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over more than several centuries. Later this afternoon, continue to Vilshofen, where you will board AmaMagna, your luxury cruise ship. Cap the day off with an exclusive festive Oktoberfest celebration.
Board the ultra-luxurious AmaMagna. In the evening, be treated to a Bavarian Oktoberfest celebration complete with music, beer and sausages. (B,D)
Day 5: Monday, June 3
PASSAU, GERMANY
Join a walking tour and marvel at Passau’s Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or take a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress. You can also ride to Wernstein on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Tuesday, June 4
LINZ & GREIN, AUSTRIA
For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a fullday excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. Alternatively, join a walking tour through the old city center of Linz and by the Mozart House; or bike along the city’s famed “Cultural Mile” and the Danube. In the afternoon, you can visit the charming Czech mountain town of Český Krumlov. Later in the day, visit Greinburg Castle, the oldest residential castle in Austria. (B,L,D)
*not available with full day Salzburg
Day 7: Wednesday, June 5
MELK & SPITZ, AUSTRIA
In the morning, you can visit the 900 year old Melk Abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube, or get active with a bike to Marbach before returning to Melk and the ship for lunch. During the afternoon, journey to Spitz and take a guided excursion to Dürnstein to stroll along the cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower on a walking tour. Those who wish a more active adventure of the area can hike to the historic Dürnstein Fortress, cycle through Spitz, or hike around Spitz up to Rotes Tor. In the evening, be treated to an exclusive wine festival where you’ll enjoy some of the region’s famous wines. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Thursday, June 6
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Vienna offers a wealth of gems and your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city center, and then visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral; or discover Vienna by bike. During the afternoon, visit the Palace of Schönbrunn, an exquisite example of Baroque architecture and opulence. Built as the summer residence of the Habsburg Emperors and spanning an astounding 1,441 rooms, this Rococo palace soon became one of their favorite homes. Your visit will include a guided tour of the Imperial apartments, the carriage museum and the equally impressive gardens. (B,L,D)
TIP: Take a taxi or public transport and join one of the hourly walking tours (reservations required) of Vienna’s incredible equestrian institution the Spanish Riding School.
Day 9: Friday, June 7
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA
Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike to its gleaming castle. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Saturday, June 8
SCENIC CRUISING & BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
During the morning, sail toward Budapest, passing through the scenic Danube Bend where you’ll see some of Hungary’s oldest settlements, including Esztergom, Visegrád and Szentendre. Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture and tradition. Visit the Great Market Hall before going to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. You’ll see Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to the Fisherman’s Bastion and Mattias Church. As an alternative, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Sunday, June 9
BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Planning Your Travel: Transportation to the Budapest (BUD) airport for onward flights can be made on board your cruise ship with the cruise manager. Services subject to change without notice.
OPTIONAL: 2 NIGHT POST-CRUISE TOUR IN BUDAPEST
Sunday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Day 1: Sunday, June 9
BUDAPEST: ROYAL PALACE OF GODOLLO / LAZAR EQUESTRIAN ESTATE
Disembark the AmaMagna at 9am. We have a uniquely Hungarian sightseeing program today visiting two superb attractions outside the city. The Royal Palace of Godollo was the summer getaway for Emperor Franz Josef and his beloved queen Elizabeth, fondly called “Sisi” by Hungarians. After a tour of the palace visit the extraordinary Lazar Champions Estate. Here brothers Vilmos and Zoltan Lazar raise Hungary’s finest horses, including the beautiful white Lippinzan breed and the enormous Hungarian draft horses. Enjoy a phenomenal riding show by Hungarian hussars in traditional costume, followed by refreshments and an authentic and delicious country lunch. NOTE: Great photo opportunities here! This evening is at leisure.
TIP: Tonight stroll down Kazinczy Street and explore the lively Jewish Quarter’s night life. This is Budapest’s version of Bourbon Street with the many “Ruins” bars and night clubs.(B,L)
Overnight: Budapest Marriott Hotel (2 nights) OR simular
Day 2: Monday, June 10
BUDAPEST AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure to explore Budapest, arguably central Europe’s most substantive city. Budapest has been a crossroads between Europe and Asia since the time of Genghis Khan. Our tour desk in the hotel will offer optional tours to the Hungarian Parliament and Opera, the Szentendre Artist Village or an exploration of the city’s many Jewish sites and historical places. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at Aszú Étterem. (B,D)
Day 3: Tuesday, June 11
DEPART BUDAPEST
This morning check out of the hotel after breakfast. You will be transferred to Budapest International Airport for onward flights. (B)
PLEASE NOTE:
A reasonable degree of mobility is required for all passengers on this program. Most of the guided tours provided on your cruise are walking tours. Many historic villages in Europe are located on hilltops, where it is necessary to walk up and down hilly, cobblestone streets that may have narrow passageways. Ships docked in port are often rafted side-by-side to another river ship. Passengers are then required to ascend and descend flights of 12 or more stairs to walk up to observation deck, down to gang planks to enter or exit the rafted ships. To participate in tours and get on and off the ship, travelers must be able to walk unaccompanied.
Disabilities and Wheelchairs
Persons with a walking disability or an injury, or who require a wheelchair/scooter or other mobility device, must have another dedicated person traveling with them to assist/push etc. The ship’s crew and other cruise guests are not available to assist persons with limited mobility. On customized pre or post cruise land programs, the Expanding Horizons tour manager is authorized to remove, or ask to leave from the tour, any traveler incapable of, unwilling to, or impeding the overall movement and progress of the tour group.