Blue Danube Discovery: 14 Days Cruise Tour Spend 2 nights in Budapest, enjoy an unforgettable 7 night cruise, then relax for 3 nights in Prague See the very best of Europe's highlights and experience centuries of art, history and culture. From Budapest, a famous haven for musicians, writers and artists, cruise through the stunning cultural cities of Vienna, Passau and Regensburg. Along the way, visit magnificent cathedrals and baroque abbeys. Explore the charming Wachau Valley and traverse by cruise ship Europe's Continental Divide - made possible through the engineering masterpiece of the Main-Danube Canal. Treat yourself to fine cuisine and the great wines of the region. Take an optional excursion to Salzburg and celebrate the heritage of Mozart, one of the world's greatest composers. Inclusions Highlights Features Itinerary Dates Inclusions 2 nights hotel accommodations in Budapest with daily buffet breakfast 7 night deluxe cruise accommodations in an outside stateroom Infotainment system in all staterooms with Internet, movie and music library & English language TV stations Terry bathrobes and white-on-white plush bedding in all staterooms Superb dining with all meals included during your cruise Unlimited quality red & white wines from Europe's great wine regions with every dinner on board the ship Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner Transfer from the Ship in Nuremberg to the Hotel in Prague 3 nights hotel accommodations in Prague with daily buffet breakfast Daily sightseeing programs as outlined in the itinerary Use of Amalegro/Amadagio bicycles to explore All transfers with the purchase of cruise & air package All local taxes Special Notes Departures begin March 2007 through November 2007 from $2399.00. Please call for dates, rates and availability. Special Features Special highlights include Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, on board music performances and afternoon & evening piano music.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart USA
Board your overnight flight to Budapest.

Day 2 - Arrive in Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.

Day 3 - Budapest, Hungary
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 your leisure. Perhaps explore the main square, ancient Buda, or stroll through the Statue Park.

Day 4 - Budapest/Embark Ship
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join us on an optional Puszta excursion. This afternoon transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center of the city. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Welcome Dinner, as your ship cruises overnight to Vienna.

Day 5 - Vienna, Austria
Relax on board today as you cruise to Vienna, arriving late this afternoon in the "City of Music." Tonight explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert.

Day 6 - Vienna
A wonderful day to savor the baroque elegance of romantic Vienna. A guided sightseeing tour includes the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. Free afternoon to stroll along Kartnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight explore on your own or join an optional tour to the Imperial Schobrunn Palace.

Day 7 - Durnstein/Melk
Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Durnstein and marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the baroque Stiftskirche. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. 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 Wachau Valley.

Day 8 - Linz/Passau, Germany
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and the Sound of Music sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. In Passau the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago.

Day 9 - Regensburg
Afternoon arrival in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. 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. Tonight, folklore entertainers will come on board for your delight.

Day 10 - Nuremberg
This morning enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmuhl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. See the storybook 900-year old ramparts that surround this historic city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg.

Day 11 - Nuremberg/Pilzen, Czech Republic/Prague
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Prague. Your first stop is Pilzen, world famous for beer. Here there is free time for lunch before continuing onto Prague and the hotel.

Day 12 - Prague
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard, St. Vitus and Golden Lane, then walk through the Jewish quarter to the Old Market Square. The evening is free to mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, shop for souvenirs or enjoy one of the charming cafes or restaurants.

Day 13 - Prague
Today is a free day, relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. Another consideration is to travel further afield and take the optional tour or two. This morning why not join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII labor camp, now a memorial to those who perished. In the afternoon you can venture to Konopiste, Palace and former home of the Emperors.

Day 14 - Depart Prague
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Europe.

Travel Dates & Rates, Ask Agent

• Note: From pricing is per person based on double occupancy and does not include airfare. Itineraries are subject to change due to waterways conditions and are at the sole discretion of the captain.

Prices subject to change without notice until time of deposit. All dollar values not denoted as US or CA are in US Dollars.