Blue Danube Discovery

Blue Danube Discovery – Ms Amadagio & Ms Amalegro

Budapest, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Prague

Itinerary

Day 1. Arrive in Budapest.
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.
Two Night Stay: Budapest, Sofitel or Hilton Hotel.

Day 2. Budapest Sightseeing.
Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where you have splendid views of both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year old Matthias Church, St Stephen’s Basilica, distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvellous Royal Palace and much more. The afternoon is at leisure, maybe shop for renowned peasant embroidery and Herend porcelain or explore on your own.
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Day 3. Budapest – Embark ship.
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join us for an optional Puszta excursion. This afternoon, transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship ms Amadagio or ms Amalegro docked in the centre of the city, where your crew awaits to welcome you on board. Step aboard and settle in for an enchanting week of cruising. Tonight gather for a Welcome Dinner with Gypsy violinists.
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Day 4. Danube cruising – Vienna.
A beautiful day of cruising along the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise up river, and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch. Arrive in Vienna later this afternoon. After dinner, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own or come along for an optional concert of Mozart and Strauss waltzes.
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Day 5. Vienna Sightseeing.
Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer. Arrive after breakfast and enjoy a day in captivating Vienna. Sightseeing includes Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. There is time to shop in the Karntnerstrasse and to enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighbourhood cafe.
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Day 6. Dürnstein – Melk.
Cruise through the Wachau Valley and stop in Dürnstein, known for the Baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade. Above town you will spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. 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.
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Day 7. Linz – Passau.
After breakfast, take an optional full day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and its Sound of Music sights, or choose to stay on board and cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany, where the Rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairytale city, founded more than 2,000 years ago.
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Day 8. Regensburg.
This morning takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal. In magnificent Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, a tour will show you the 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.
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Day 9. Nuremberg.
This morning enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering. Enjoy a tour of this historic city with its fabulous Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. See the storybook 900-year old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during World War II, much of it was restored to its original style. Nuremberg’s traditions include its famous gingerbread, toy making and metal working. The ship moors overnight in Nuremberg.
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Day 10. Nuremberg – Plzen – Prague.
Disembark after breakfast and travel by motorcoach to Prague. On the way we visit the beer brewing town of Plzen for a brewery tour and free time. Arrive in Prague and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to start exploring this wonderful city.
Three Night Stay: Prague, Renaissance Hotel.
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Day 11. Prague Sightseeing.
The 1,000-year-old capital of the Czech Republic is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. See some of its best-known treasures on a half-day sightseeing tour, including the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock; Hradcany Castle; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. You have plenty of time to browse through the shops, relax in a cafe or restaurant, mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do in this exciting city.
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Day 12. Prague.
Enjoy another relaxing day at your leisure to explore on your own. Another consideration is to travel further afield for an optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII labour camp, now a war memorial to those who perished. In the afternoon, maybe travel to Konopiste, Palace and former home of the Emperors.
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Day 13. Depart Prague.
Your wonderful tour ends today after breakfast. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Europe.
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What’s Included

Day 13. Depart Prague.

• Walking tour of Dürnstein
• Tour Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey
• Walking tour Passau
• Guided tour of Regensburg
• City tour of Nuremberg
• Travel from Nuremberg to Prague
• Plzen brewery tour
• City tour of Prague

Finest Dining

• Daily breakfasts in Budapest and Prague
• All meals included whilst on board the ship
• Cocktail reception and Welcome Dinner on board
• Quality wines with dinner
• Special highlights including folklore performances, wine tastings, lectures, theme dinners, local festivities and on board music performances

Outstanding Places to Stay

• Two nights in Budapest
• 7 night cruise on board the ms Amadagio or ms Amalegro in an outside cabin
• On board amenities including bicycles, elevator, fitness centre, massage and beauty salon and souvenir shop
• Non-smoking ship (smoking only on Sun Deck)

Additional Information

• Single supplement available on application
• Tour Notes. Port charges – add A$180 per person
• Arrival/Departure Transfers on first and last day of package – add a$140 per person
• All departures are guaranteed
• Cruise Upgrades available Contact Us for further details
• Cruise operated in conjunction with Amadeus Waterways
• Pre/Post Tour Accommodation. We offer accommodation before and/or after your tour Contact Us for further details

Earlybird Savings

• Ask about our Early Booking discounts on cruises and airfares

The APT Difference

• Services of a professional Cruise Manager
• All English language on board
• 6-star service and facilities
• APT Ownership

Air$aver Airfares

• Enquire about our great airfares to Europe

Additional Information

• Europe River Cruising pdf
• Europe – What to Bring pdf
• Europe – While on Tour pdf
• Europe Travel Documents pdf
• Europe, ms Amadagio deckplan pdf
• Europe 0708 ms Amalegro Deckplan