This is a magnificent journey through the former Habsburg Empire. It visits five of Europe’s most intriguing cities, from Munich with its many historic highlights and Marienplatz to the “Golden City” of Prague to visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle grounds, St. Vitus Cathedral, and more. Travel via Bratislava in the Slovak Republic, where lunch with local specialties awaits you, to Budapest in Hungary and Vienna in Austria. In both cities, a Local Guide will take you into the main cathedrals, and in Vienna, enjoy an entire day at leisure, which gives you the possibility to visit Schönbrunn Palace. A romantic cruise on the Danube River (departures March 30-October 19) includes kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake), then enter Sound of Music country on your way to Salzburg, where your guided walking tour includes Mozart’s birthplace. A special treat is a taste of a popular local candy, chocolate Mozartkugeln, and dinner at an area restaurant to try out traditional dishes. Then, journey by high-speed train to Berlin for three overnights and guided sightseeing that features the restored Reichstag, Charlottenburg Palace, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, a picture stop at Brandenburg Gate, and so much more!
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Day 1
Time to rest or to start exploring the Bavarian capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
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Day 2
An orientation tour of Germany’s “Secret Capital” features the Olympic Stadium, 1,000-foot-high Television Tower, and MARIENPLATZ in the historic heart of the city. Later, head for the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and travel to Prague, the “Golden City.” This evening, why not join an optional outing to explore Prague by night? (B,D)
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Day 3
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive capitals. Visit the HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS. Also see St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Town, the Jewish ghetto, and the ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all Europe. Afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)
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Day 4
Into Moravia, where Napoleon established his headquarters during the Battle of Austerlitz. Around lunchtime, reach Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Afterwards, follow the course of the Danube River to Budapest. (B,D)
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Day 5
Your Local Guide takes you through Eastern Europe’s most cosmopolitan city. See elegant Andrassy Avenue, the Thermal Baths, and the world’s second-largest Jewish synagogue. From the lacy lookout towers of Fishermen’s Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling city. Then, visit the 13th-century MATTHIAS CORONATION CHURCH and Heroes’ Square. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, a delectable optional Hungarian specialty dinner can be arranged. (B)
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Day 6
This morning, drive through the Hungarian plains to Vienna, once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire. Meet your Local Guide and start your afternoon sightseeing with vistas of Prater Park with its giant Ferris wheel, and the United Nations City on the banks of the Danube River. Then, drive along Ring Boulevard, pass the State Opera House, the Jewish quarter, and stop at the Hofburg Palace, winter residence of the Austrian Imperial family. Marvel at the impressive courtyards and famous Heldenplatz and visit awesome ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. An optional excursion to the wine village of Grinzing is available. (B)
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Day 7
A whole day at leisure gives you the opportunity to join exciting optional excursions, such as the Vienna Woods, historic Schönbrunn Palace, a concert, or just explore this magnificent city on your own. (B)
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Day 8
A scenic day! Enjoy a leisurely DANUBE CRUISE (March 30-October 5 departures) along the most scenic section of the river. No landscape is more typically Austrian than the Sound of Music lakeland of the Salzkammergut on your way to Salzburg. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
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Day 9
A pleasant stroll with a Local Guide takes you through the historical center. Admire exquisite MIRABELL GARDENS, the Great Festival Hall, ST. PETER’S CHURCHYARD, the monumental Domplatz and Mozart’s birthplace in the charming Getreidegasse. Taste a traditional local specialty, a chocolate Mozart Kugel, before returning to Munich. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner and, as a finale to this exciting vacation, you may want to sample a stein of beer at the famous Hofbräuhaus. (B,D)
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Day 10
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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MUNICHWelcome dinner; orientation including Marienplatz; farewell dinnerPRAGUEGuided sightseeing, Astronomical Clock, visit the Hradcany Castle groundsBRATISLAVA[LF] Visit the capital of Slovakia and enjoy a special lunch at a local restaurantBUDAPESTGuided sightseeing, a panoramic view from Fishermen’s Bastion, visit Matthias Coronation ChurchVIENNAGuided sightseeing, visit St. Stephen’s CathedralDANUBE CRUISE(Departures April 6-October 19) [LF] Enjoy Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) on boardSALZBURGGuided sightseeing, visit Mirabell Gardens and St. Peter’s Churchyard; [LF] taste the traditional Mozartkugeln; a special dinner with wine at a local restaurantHeadsets throughout the tour
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MUNICH Le Méridien (SF)PRAGUE Yasmin (F)BUDAPEST Radisson Blu Beke (SF)VIENNA Austria Trend Doppio (SF)SALZBURG Crowne Plaza The Pitter (SF)
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Full buffet breakfast daily (B); 1 lunch (L) in Bratislava; 5 three-course dinners (D), including welcome and farewell dinners in Munich and a special dinner with wine in Salzburg
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NOTE:- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
- December 21 Departure - Christmas Eve in Budapest.
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Prices based on double room occupancy.Single room supplement:$554.No triple room reduction.Extra nights per person in Munich:in single room $162, in twin $102, in triple $95.2014 departures are subject to itinerary and price modification. Details will be available in September 2013.
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RSE|Imperial Splendors with Berlin
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Imperial Splendors
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Motorcoach with free Wi-Fi; boat cruise
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This is a magnificent journey through the former Habsburg Empire. It visits five of Europe’s most intriguing cities, from Munich with its many historic highlights and Marienplatz to the “Golden City” of Prague to visit the 1,000-year-old Hradcany Castle grounds, St. Vitus Cathedral, and more. Travel via Bratislava in the Slovak Republic, where lunch with local specialties awaits you, to Budapest in Hungary and Vienna in Austria. In both cities, a Local Guide will take you into the main cathedrals, and in Vienna, enjoy an entire day at leisure, which gives you the possibility to visit Schönbrunn Palace. A romantic cruise on the Danube River (departures March 30-October 19) includes kaffee and kuchen (coffee and cake), then enter Sound of Music country on your way to Salzburg, where your guided walking tour includes Mozart’s birthplace. A special treat is a taste of a popular local candy, chocolate Mozartkugeln, and dinner at an area restaurant to try out traditional dishes. Then, journey by high-speed train to Berlin for three overnights and guided sightseeing that features the restored Reichstag, Charlottenburg Palace, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Memorial, a picture stop at Brandenburg Gate, and so much more!
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