THE ROMANTIC DANUBE

Departures

Historically, people lived close to the rivers in Europe, since they were the principal routes of commerce and trade. The mighty Danube, flowing from the Alps to the Black Sea, forms the backbone of Austria and Hungary. Join us as we sail from Nuremberg over the Main/Danube Canal and through the heart of these lands, discovering great cities, magnificent palaces and monasteries, picturesque medieval walled towns and some of the most spectacular river scenery in the world. Our journey will begin with three days in Prague, felt by many to be the most beautiful city in Europe and conclude in Budapest, which is fast gaining a similar reputation.

Planned with you in mind, this cruise moves at a leisurely pace, with most nights spent in port ensuring a restful night and days filled with scenic cruising and exciting ports of call. Virtually everything is included: most meals, all tips, all taxes, all gratuities, even your shore excursions, leaving you free to enjoy every minute of your cruise. Call today to reserve your places.

Itinerary

September 17, Thursday : Depart CANADA
Tour members from across Canada gather for the overnight flights to Prague with Air Canada/Lufthansa.

September 18, Friday : PRAGUE
On arrival in Prague, we will be met and transferred to the President Hotel (or similar), our home for the next 3 nights. The balance of the day is at leisure, with time to explore the Czech Republic’s vibrant capital on our own.
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September 19, Saturday : PRAGUE
Morning sightseeing will introduce us to the “City of a Hundred Spires”. Prague’s 1,000 year history is reflected in its architectural splendors – St Vitus’ Cathedral, Tyl Theatre, where Mozart conducted Don Giovanni, and Hradcany Castle, perched high above the Vltava River. The afternoon and evening are free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, to shop for souvenirs, to enjoy one of the charming cafes or restaurants or to take in a local concert.
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September 20, Sunday : PRAGUE
This day has been left completely free to do a little shopping, to enjoy a walk through town or to find a sidewalk café from which to enjoy a tourist’s favourite pastime - people watching. Be sure to explore the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, to take a stroll across the statue-lined 14th century Charles Bridge and to visit some of the city’s magnificent museums and art galleries.
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September 21, Monday : PRAGUE / NUREMBERG
This morning we drive to the Bohemian spa centre of Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name - Carlsbad. Following a break for lunch we will continue into Germany to Nuremberg where we embark on the Amadeus Amadante, our home for the next week. There will be time to get settled before our Welcome Dinner.
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September 22, Tuesday: NUREMBERG / DIETFURT
We are taken on a guided walking tour this morning. The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is filled with gothic churches and traditional half-timbered houses. Although nearly destroyed during World War II, the protective city walls still feature some of the ancient moats, tall watchtowers and grand gateways. Nuremberg was long known for its metal and toy craftsmanship, and the city’s modern historical significance can be traced to its role as the location for the post-World War II war crimes trials of the Nazis at the Palace of Justice. At lunchtime, we begin our cruise up the recently completed Main-Danube Canal, ascending through a series of huge man-made locks to reach the highest point of our cruise, some 1332 feet above sea level.
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September 23, Wednesday : REGENSBURG
This morning we continue along the final stretch of the Main/Danube Canal to Regensburg, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities and the oldest city along the Danube. Its history dates back to its founding by Marcus Aurelius, more than 2,000 years ago. Amidst its many architectural highlights are the Old Stone Bridge, constructed in the 12th century, and St Peter’s Cathedral, with its single remaining Romanesque tower around which the new gothic cathedral was constructed. There will be free time this afternoon with an optional excursion available to the Danube Gorge. Back on board this evening we shall enjoy a musical performance as we cruise.
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September 24, Thursday : PASSAU / LINZ
Set at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers, enchanting Passau is home to charming cobblestone streets, elegantly coloured building facades and graceful arcades. Founded by the Celts more than 2,000 years ago, it is one of Bavaria’s oldest centres. Passau’s baroque St Stephan’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes (it is still used for concerts). Enjoy a walking tour of the city or members can join an optional excursion to Salzburg. Those staying with the ship will enjoy scenic cruising en route to Linz, where we will have free time after dinner this evening.
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September 25, Friday : MELK / VIENNA
Set amidst an important wine-growing region, the charming city of Melk lies at the confluence of the Danube and Melk Rivers, in the heart of the Wachau Valley and is home to an imposing 900 year old baroque Benedictine Abbey set on a dramatic hilltop. This architectural treasure has 365 windows, one for each day of the year, and its beautiful library houses medieval manuscripts and marvelous frescoes by Paul Troger. After our included shore excursion we sail to Vienna, the “City of Waltzes”, arriving in the late afternoon. This evening we can take in an optional Mozart and Strauss concert in the city.
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September 26, Saturday : VIENNA
The capital city of Austria, Vienna is considered the centre of classical music, where Strauss, Beethoven and Mozart composed many of their finest pieces. On our morning excursion we will visit the national Library and view the lavish Hofburg Palace, the very impressive Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse and magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral. This afternoon we have free time to further explore this grand city before we sail downstream past Slovakia en route to Budapest.
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September 27, Sunday : BUDAPEST
The enchanting and exotic capital of Hungary straddles the banks of the Danube and is divided into two distinct parts, traditional Buda and more modern Pest. It is aptly called the “Paris of the East”, for its beautiful architecture. Our afternoon tour of the old city features amazing examples of architecture such as Buda Castle, the baroque Parliament Building and the Chain Bridge. Highlights include the marvelous Royal Palace, the unique Fisherman’s Bastion, 500 year old Matthias Church, and St Stephen’s Basilica. Tonight, gather on board for our Farewell Dinner.
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September 28, Monday : Return to CANADA
Our journey draws to a close as we catch our flights home.
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All cabin categories are subject to availability at time of booking - book early for best choice. Singles are extremely limited and rate includes single room at the hotel in Prague. All prices are based on costs, fees and exchange rates effective April 2008 and are subject to change.

Tour Costs (CDN$/person)

Prices from other cities are also available. Cruise costs based on sharing an outside twin cabin (Cat E on Piano Deck Centre)

Activity Level TWO - Members should be aware that cobblestones are used in many European cities, making walking more difficult. Many evenings our riverboat will be berthed close enough to walk into town.

Your tour price and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($225 per person). This insurance carries restrictions on pre-existing conditions - please discuss the insurance with our staff. See our website for more information. The deposit is refundable until April 20, 2009. Final payment is due June 17, 2009.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $1000 per person to Craig Travel's office.