The Legendary Danube
October 28 — November 9, 2010
We’ll spend our first 2 nights in glorious Prague and get to know each other over a special welcome dinner. A private coach will take us on a tour of Prague’s main sites, and we’ll have a guided walking tour of the city’s historic downtown area. We’re in for a backstage visit at the magnificent Estates Theater, where Mozart conducted Don Giovanni and where opera, ballet, and classical concerts are still performed in one of Europe’s most beautiful theaters. We then transfer to our ship and begin to enjoy the magic of the Danube, especially at this time of year when colorful Fall foliage is on brilliant display!
Sailing leisurely through Austria’s legendary Wachau Wine Valley, we’ll stop for visits at the Wine Academy and a typical Wachau wine cellar in the city Melk, best known for its massive Baroque Benedictine monastery. On board the ship, we’ll attend an Austrian sweet wine lecture and tasting, and we’ll look forward to a food and wine paring gala dinner.
After arrival in Budapest and transfer to our hotel, there’s a little time off for shopping before our dinner at a celebrated restaurant. The next day we have private entrance to some of the most important sites of Budapest and a full day with our own guide.
13 days, 12 nights.
Day 1 (October 28)
Board your overnight transatlantic flight
Day 2 (October 29)—Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to glorious Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. This city straddles the Vltava River and its magnificent domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlight the city skyline. The day is free for relaxation and for exploring. Tonight our group will enjoy a special welcome dinner.
Day 3 (October 30)—Prague
Today we have a half-day private tour by motorcoach that includes Hradcany Castle, and our group will have private entry with a historian into the magnificent library room! After lunch, there is an afternoon walking tour of Prague’s historic downtown area, and we’ll have a chance to see the city’s famous astronomical clock and browse charming shops with hand-cut crystal or art books. We’ll also have a special backstage tour of The Estates Theater, where Mozart conducted Don Giovanni and where opera, ballet, and classical concerts are still performed in one of Europe’s most beautiful theaters.
Day 4 (October 31)—Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
After lunch, we drive to Nuremberg, where our river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, we meet our crew for a welcome reception.
Day 5 (November 1)—Nuremberg
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during World War II, much of the city has been restored to its original style. We’ll marvel at the fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include its Lebkuchen (soft gingerbread-style cookies), toy making, and metal working.
Day 6 (November 2)—Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved Medieval cities. Architectural highlights included on our tour are the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold Old Chapel, and the Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers!
Day 7 (November 3)—Passau–Linz, Austria
Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port.
Day 8 (November 4)—Melk–Vienna
Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, arrive in Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight.
Day 9 (November 5)—Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer! The lavish Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral are just a few of the sights. Since it’s best to waltz not rush through Vienna, take your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and dawdle over Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café.
Day 10 (November 6)—Budapest, Hungary
Today we arrive in Budapest. The afternoon is free for relaxing, wandering, and possibly shopping for the city's renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika, a sensational spice.
Day 11 (November 7)—Budapest
Today we transfer to our downtown hotel. Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and the MatthiasChurch are among many sights on our guided tour. This evening our group will enjoy a special farewell dinner. (although departure is not the next day)
Day 12 (November 8)—Budapest
Today our group has a guided full day tour and private entrance to some of the most important sights of Budapest.
Day 13 (November 9)—Budapest
After breakfast, it’s time to prepare for departure.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change becomes necessary, a substitute will be offered. In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
Wonderful dining on board with full breakfast, lunch, and dinner; a welcome reception, welcome dinner, and Captain’s dinner. Quality wines from Europe’s most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements.
Prices are subject to change based on Euro exchange rates. Air and insurance are available at an extra cost. Menus and Music reserves the right to cancel this tour if we do not have at least 5 couples. In this event all money will be refunded.
The final payments and cancellation penalties are as follows: Final payment is due 150 days prior to departure. We will determine by 150 days if the departure is guaranteed to go. Penalties 150 – 90 days: $250 penalty per person, if we find a replacement for your space. If no replacement is found, penalty is full amount of program. 89 – 60 days: $35% penalty if a replacement is found for your space. Under all situations, except cancellation of the tour by Menus and Music and/or Unique Travel, all money is non-refundable at 150 days prior to departure unless we can fill your space.
It is strongly recommended that insurance be taken at the time of booking. Insurance is not refundable, but it can be rolled over to a future booking of any type within one year of the date the policy is written. It is also advised that if you are buying your own air, you wait until we are inside of 150 days of departure to be sure the tour will be going. If you are using frequent flyer miles check with the airline what their policy is for re-banking your miles.
