Itinerary:
July
26 - Arrive Budapest / Program Begins
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel, the Sofitel Atrium. The balance of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city. This evening, meet with other RSVP Vacations guests at the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
July 27 - Budapest
Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year old Matthias Church, St. Stephen's Basilica, distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at leisure. Perhaps explore the main square, ancient Buda, or stroll through the Statue Park. (B)
July 28 - Budapest/Embark River Empress
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest. This afternoon transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center
of the city. Step aboard and settle in for an enchanting week of cruising. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner. (B,D)
July 29 - Bratislava, Slovakia
Arrive in Slovakia today. A guided tour of Bratislava, Slovakia's capital, reveals the city's major sights. From imposing 13th century Bratislava Castle, you will enjoy breathtaking views overlooking three countries - Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. Your afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. Tonight enjoy an evening music performance on board. (B,L,D)
July 30 - Vienna, Austria
Arrive after breakfast and enjoy a day in captivating Vienna. A sightseeing tour includes Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse and St. Stephen's Cathedral. Then a free afternoon to stroll along Kärntnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an
optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
July 31 - Vienna, Austria
Another day in Vienna is yours to enjoy as you like. Relax by the pool on deck, stroll the city at your own pace or take one of the optional tours available, including a guided tour of Schonbrunn Palace. (B,L,D)
August 1 - Durnstein to Melk.
Cruise through the Wachau Valley this morning. Stop in Dürnstein and marvel at the Baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you will spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. At lunchtime, continue on a short cruise to Melk. A guided tour takes you to the town's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. An evening wine tasting highlights your visit to the lovely Wachau Valley. (B,L,D)
August 2 - Linz, Austria to Passau, Germany (Optional tour of
Salzberg
After breakfast, take an optional full day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and its "Sound of Music" sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where the Rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. At dinnertime, depart for Regensburg. (B,L,D)
August 3 - Regensburg, Germany
Morning arrival in beautiful Regensburg. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Later, continue up the Danube to Kelheim, where you will embark on a boat trip through the lovely Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey. (B,L,D)
August 4 - Passau, Germany to Prague, Czech Republic
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Prague. After checking in to your hotel, the Mariott.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
August 5 - Prague, Czech Republic
Today's sightseeing highlights the "Golden City." View the castle district, St. Vitus' Cathedral, Wenceslas Square and Golden Lane. Remainder of your day is at your leisure. (B)
August 6 - Prague, Czech Republic / Program Ends
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner - Indicates meals included in the program.
To book this tour and cruise, please call GATC Travel at (323) 650-5112
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