Central Europe
Day 1 ARRIVE IN FRANKFURT AREA, GERMANY Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2 FRANKFURT AREA–WEIMAR–BERLIN Our first stop today is in Weimar, one-time intellectual heart of Germany and host to such luminaries as Martin Luther, Cranach, Bach, Liszt, Schiller, and, of course, Goethe himself. It was at one time rightly known as the “Athens of Germany.” Continue through Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt all the way to Germany’s capital city, Berlin.
Today’s Distance: 357 mi/ 575 km (B)
Day 3 BERLIN On this morning’s included guided tour, learn how the city is no longer divided but every bit as fascinating. Once the city of contrasts with its West and East side separated into two different worlds by a wall, Berlin developed into a harmonious blend of old and new. It has preserved the old buildings, such as the State Opera House and Brandenburg Gate; its Neoclassic-style boulevards, such as the Kurfürstendamm and Unter den Linden. This is now complemented by brand new buildings in the most daring, contemporary architectural styles. It is once again Germany’s capital and one of Europe’s most lively and interesting cities. (B)
Day 4 BERLIN–POZNAN, POLAND–WARSAW Drive east to Poznan, one of Poland’s oldest trading districts, and admire its Renaissance market square. Continue to Warsaw, capital of Poland.
Today’s Distance: 367 mi/ 590 km (B)
Day 5 WARSAW The included sightseeing tour is an excellent introduction to Warsaw, magnificently reconstructed after wartime destruction. Today, its wide avenues contrast strikingly with the narrow lanes of the old section. (B,D)
Day 6 WARSAW–JASNA GÓRA–AUSCHWITZ–KRAKÓW Two encounters with history on your southbound journey today. First, Jasna Góra in Czestochowa, the monastery that withstood the repeated onslaught of overwhelming Swedish forces during the religious wars of the 17th century. Since then, its Black Madonna has become the country’s national symbol. In the afternoon, visit what is left of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, a chilling reminder of the Holocaust. Evening arrival in Kraków.
Today’s Distance: 289 mi/ 465 km (B,D)
Day 7 KRAKÓW This, they say, is Poland’s most beautiful city. For almost 500 years it was the country’s capital, and today, it is without a doubt its cultural capital. Join the included morning sightseeing in ancient Kraków, for centuries the residence of Polish kings. See the Market Square, the Jewish Quarter, St. Mary’s Church, and visit Wawel Cathedral. Enjoy free time later to explore this fascinating town on your own or go underground with an optional excursion to the Wieliczka salt mines. Descend to the first level of the mine for a sensory experience of beauty, color, and sound, and taste of salt on your lips. (B)
Day 8 KRAKÓW–BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Travel through three countries today. First, south to the Tatra Mountains of Poland, then through scenic Slovakia, and finally into Hungary. Your destination is Budapest, the liveliest Eastern European capital.
Today’s Distance: 245 mi/ 395 km (B,D)
Day 9 BUDAPEST Budapest is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, from Gothic to Baroque; Neoclassical to Art Nouveau, but also full of history, a food capital, and surprisingly rich in thermal waters. Discover all of this and more during the included guided city tour. Or discover a new perspective on an optional cruise on the Danube River with a drink to toast the timeless views of the Parliament, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Castle Hill. (B)
Day 10 BUDAPEST–BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA–VIENNA, AUSTRIA Journey northwest and cross the border into nearby Slovakia. Stop in Bratislava, its intriguing capital on the banks of the Danube, to explore the medieval Old Town. Continue west and enter Austria, arriving in magical Vienna.
Today’s Distance: 174 mi/ 280 km (B)
Day 11 VIENNA Join the included city sightseeing tour for an introduction to the major sights: the State Opera, Parliament, the ornate Rathaus (Town Hall), and views of the Hofburg Imperial Palace from Heroes’ Square. You’ll have plenty of time to discover Vienna on your own. (B)
Day 12 VIENNA–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Morning at leisure. This afternoon, cross the Czech border into Moravia, then through the rich farmlands of Bohemia to Prague.
Today’s Distance: 208 mi/ 335 km (B,D)
Day 13 PRAGUE The wealth of Gothic and Baroque architecture perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. The included guided sightseeing features landmarks such as the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with the astronomical clock. If you wish to delve deeper into Czech history and culture, join the optional walking tour through Prague's Castle District. (B)
Day 14 PRAGUE–NUREMBERG–GERMANY, FRANKFURT AREA This morning visit Nuremberg with its pretty market square and Our Lady’s Church before heading towards the Frankfurt Area.
Today’s Distance: 323 mi/ 520 km (B,D)
Day 15 FRANKFURT AREA Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Vienna
Vienna is dominated by imperial castles and places: Schonbrunn, the magnificent summer residence, the Imperial Coach Collection, the Palm House, the Butterfly House, Belvedere Palace, magnificent state rooms in Hofburg, and the imperial crown in the Treasury. Stop by Ringstraße - the showplace of the monarchy built where Emperor Franz Joseph ordered the demolition of city walls. Important buildings include the State Opera, the Museums of Fine Arts and Natural History, Parliament, City Hall and Vienna University. The world capital of music. A long line of great composers Johann Strauss, Haydn and Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, Mahler and Schonberg all worked here. A city with splendid concert halls, such as the Golden Hall, from which the Philharmonic's New Year's Day concert is broadcast annually. International stars love to appear here in the State Opera, Volksoper, Konzerthaus, and at festivals like the Vienna Festival, the Klangbogen concerts during the Musical Summer, the Jazz Festval and the Haydn, Mozart and Schubert festivals.
Excursions
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours
This interesting city walk offers you an initial overview of the history, culture and achitecture of Vienna, taking you through the most beautiful and elegant streets and passing by some of the most famous sights of the city.
At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- The Imperial Palace, residence of the Habsburgs for nearly 650 years (outside)
- St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna's landmark (outside)
- State Opera House (outside)
- the Ringstrasse ('ring road')
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours
During this city walk "On the Traces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart", you discover Vienna's historic old town, passing by some of the most important locations of Mozart's life. This tour also includes a visit of the Mozart House. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Vienna's historic old town and former addresses of Mozart (outdoor)
- Visit of the Mozart House Vienna (indoor visit)
- St. Stephen's Cathedral (outdoor)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee Mozart House (visit with audio-guide)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the cruise ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours
This privately guided walking tour through Vienna's historic old town takes you to the Imperial Palace ('Hofburg'), to visit the Imperial Apartments and the fascinating Sisi Museum.
Highlights:
- Visit of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Apartments (indoor visit)
- Visit of the Sisi Museum (indoor visit)
- Augustinian Church
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 2,5-3 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Imperial Palace (Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major historical sights along the Ringstrasse, before taking you to the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg family.
Highlights:
- Main sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Schoenbrunn Palace, privately guided tour (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Schoenbrunn Palace (Highlight Tour)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours
In addition to the familiar Gothic and Baroque buildings, Art Nouveau has a fixed place in Viennese architecture. Naturally, this tour also covers further architecural epoques, such as modernity.
Highlights:
- Architecturally interesting sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
- Visit of the Vienna Secession (inside visit)
- Visit of the Kunst Haus Wien (insde visit)
- St. Charles's Church (outside)
- Hundertwasserhaus (outside)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Sunday; Morning or Afternoon
(Vienna Secession is closed on Monday!)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for Vienna Secession
- Entrance fee for Kunst Haus Wien
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours
From Tuesday to Friday (9am-1pm, excl. July), this package covers many interesting aspects of Vienna: Starting with a short Vienna Old Town City Walk, you follow your guide through the old town towards the Spanish Riding School, where you attend the Lippizaner's Morning Exercise, allowing an insight into the training of the Lipizzaner Horses and their riders. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.
Highlights:
- Overview of the history, culture and architecture of Vienna
- Vienna's historic old town (outside)
- Attendance of the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School (inside visit)
- Coffee break at the famous Café Central
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Tuesday to Friday, 9am - 1pm (excluding July)
Physical Activity Level: Light to Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
- One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fee for the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School
- Coffee break at Café Demel (1 hot drink, 1 piece of cake)
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
- Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)