Tour Details - A TASTE OF THE DANUBE WITH BUDAPEST & VIENNA EXTENSION - CATEGORY E
A TASTE OF THE DANUBE WITH BUDAPEST & VIENNA EXTENSION - CATEGORY E
DISCOUNTS ON EVERY TOUR, UP TO 10% !!!
Tour Duration: 9 days Tour Code: WBV3-E2012 Tour Type: Prices From: A$2219 [Tour Dates]
Tour Itinerary
Day
Description
1
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's lively capital! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring Eastern Europe's most cosmopolitan metropolis.
2
BUDAPEST Budapest straddles both banks of the Danube, with seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connecting ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN'S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (B)
3
BUDAPEST (EMBARKATION) This morning you can explore this vibrant city at your own pace. In the afternoon, transfer to your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D)
4
BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA A morning to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. As you cruise upriver, Hungary is on your left and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace as well as gothic ST. MARTIN'S CATHEDRAL should not be missed. (B,L,D)
5
DURNSTEIN, AUSTRIA-MELK This morning our first stop is Durnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade, lying right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England's King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. Explore this picturesque little town on your own or choose from a number of optional excursions. 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! (B,L,D)
6
LINZ-GREIN Linz, Austria's third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. Culture is an important part of life in Linz. The composer Anton Bruckner lived here and Mozart's Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. Choose from a variety of optional activities today. In the late afternoon, arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, which is nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle and tour the highlights with a Local Guide. The turreted houses on the main square make excellent photo material. (B,L,D
7
VIENNA (DISEMBARKATION) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse or simply savor the atmosphere of the "City of Music" while enjoying a slice of Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel. (B)
8
VIENNA A full day at leisure in this fascinating city! (B)
9
VIENNA Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
CRUISE: Deluxe 4-night cruise from Budapest to Vienna in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds (CATEGORY E) BUDAPEST: Welcome reception BRATISLAVA: Guided sightseeing, visit St. Martin's Cathedral DURNSTEIN: See the Stiftskirche MELK: Guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey GREIN: Guided sightseeing BUDAPEST EXTENSION: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen's Bastion; services of a Local Host VIENNA EXTENSION: Guided sightseeing; services of a Local Host MEALS: Superb dining on board daily, featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, Captain's reception and farewell dinner; quality wines from Europe' most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements. Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the cruise description.
Meals Breakfast - 8 Lunch - 3 Dinner - 4
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Cost
Description
19
EUR
Name:BUDAPEST'S NIGHT LIGHTS Location:BUDAPEST Details:Buda and Pest two cities of the same capital divided by the river Danube and connected by beautiful bridges like the "Chain Bridge" or the "Elisabeth Bridge". Join your local expert on a drive up to the hills of Buda for a breathtaking view overlooking the roofs of Budapest, and the latest gossip in town.
34
EUR
Name:COMMUNIST BUDAPEST Location:BUDAPEST Details:From 1947 to 1989, the Hungarian Communist Party held sway. Although the regime was not as deferential to the Soviet Union, the collective economy and fear of the secret police shaped the lives of Hungarian citizens. Today the former headquarters of the AVH, the dreaded secret police, are a museum. Budapest was clearly tied to the East in the bipolar Cold War world. Still, there are vestiges of Lenin's legacy. Our local experts will explain why on the lawn beyond the Hungarian Parliament flies a flag with a hole in the centre.
59
EUR
Name:HUNGARIAN PUSZTA FARM WITH HORSE SHOW AND LUNCH Location:BUDAPEST Details:Admire the unsurpassed qualities of the Hungarian Equestrian virtue at an active stud farm on the Great Hungarian Plain. Enjoy the sight of the proud horses as they lead the festive procession. Take a typical country wagon ride and learn about the life on the typical Hungarian farm. Experience the well-known Hungarian hospitality in the most natural environment of the Puszta Farm. The Hungarians have been inseparable from their horses for more than a thousand years. Do not miss this unique opportunity to experience the Hungarian countryside and its authentic ways.
49
EUR
Name:ROYAL WALTZ CONCERT Location:VIENNA Details:Would a stay in Vienna be the same if you were not able to listen to the tunes of the "Blue Danube Waltz" or the "Radetzky" March? Your Cruise Director will accompany you to one of Vienna's famous Concert Halls. Avalon will make preferred seating arrangements. In order to celebrate this evening in style, have a glass of sparkling wine in the intermission, before you listen to the famous tunes brought to you by opera singers and watch the elegant ballet dancers as they interpret some of the most well known classical tunes from Vienna.
44
EUR
Name:A VISIT OF SCHONBRUNN IMPERIAL PALACE Location:VIENNA Details:Schonbrunn, the former summer residence of the Imperial family, is considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. The Habsburgs resided here for the better part of the year in numerous rooms to house the large Imperial family in addition to representational rooms. Emperor Franz Joseph, who later married the enchanting Sisi and reigned from 1848 to 1916, was born here in 1830. The monarch spent his last years entirely in the palace, which became the property of the new Republic of Austria only two years after his death. Today, the palace is part of UNESCO's cultural heritage due to its historic importance, its unique grounds and its splendid furnishings. Follow our local expert and visit Empress Sisi's former summer residence, afterwards take your time to stroll through the park or enjoy a demonstration of how the famous Viennese Apple Strudel is made - Samples to taste included.
49
EUR
Name:DINNER AT THE IMPERIAL HUNTING LODGE Location:VIENNA Details:The Viennese appreciate the fine points of life and right up there with waltzing is eating. Tonight, let us invite you to a truly extraordinary place, full of surprises and one of the closely guarded Viennese secrets - a former hunting lodge of the Habsburg Imperial Family and since 1843 an old-fashioned, family-run restaurant, that throughout the years became a real local institution. The interior is both rustic and cosy with a maze of atmospheric dining rooms, the menu features delicious Austrian specialties and live musicians ramble through the world of operetta, waltz and typical Viennese Schrammel (or local "evergreens") music as you dine. From Marlene Dietrich to Henry Kissinger, from Liz Taylor to Judy Garland, from Clark Gable to Robert Redford - plenty of illustrious and prominent guests passing through Vienna, were traditionally invited here by the city mayors; find a minute in between your courses to admire hundreds of signed pictures of various celebrities that cover the walls. Tradition, fun and enviable experience for everyone!
29
EUR
Name:AUSTRIAN CROWN JEWELS Location:VIENNA Details:Fascinating treasures from the possessions of the Habsburgs, among them a "unicorn" almost two and a half meters long, are exhibited here together with the crown of Emperor Rudolf II (1552-1612). The orb and sceptre, the insignia of the imperial house of Austria, were symbols of might and dignity for centuries. These pieces are set with valuable jewels; they and the intricately worked jewellery are not only witnesses of history, they are also worth a fortune. Let yourself be overwhelmed by the magnificent riches of the once so mighty Habsburgs.
Optional Excursions
