River Cruise In Europe
Prague, Czech Republic - ...Europe Cruise Tour with Avalon WaterwaysPrague, Czech Republic - Second Day in Prague with Avalon Waterways. Prague Castle and St. Vitus's Cathedral in Prague, Czech Republic. cruises.about.com/od/europeanrivercruises/ss/Central-Europe...
From:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/czech-republic/prague
http://danube-river.com/maps/danube
http://mapcarta.com/Danube/Map
Rick Steve's Great advice! Packing light.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58HdRSTAFec
Also there are lots of pickpockets in heavy tourist areas! Like watching the clock change ! Don't carry valuables in shirt or pants pockets.But they also snatch extra bags you might set down. Be aware of your surroundings, look right at the people around you. Not always staring upward turning your head back and forth as looking sky ward, gawking up wards at the building tops:) That will draw the pick pockets to you! Mix it up to also people watching those coming close to you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR6q55xFrU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58HdRSTAFec
Also there are lots of pickpockets in heavy tourist areas! Like watching the clock change ! Don't carry valuables in shirt or pants pockets.But they also snatch extra bags you might set down. Be aware of your surroundings, look right at the people around you. Not always staring upward turning your head back and forth as looking sky ward, gawking up wards at the building tops:) That will draw the pick pockets to you! Mix it up to also people watching those coming close to you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR6q55xFrU
The Legendary Danube
11 days from Prague to Budapest From the splendor of Prague to the Gypsy violins of Budapest, you’ll treasure every moment of this memorable Danube River cruise. Enjoy three nights in Prague with guided sightseeing as well as time to explore this marvelous city on your own. Discover the Hradcany Castle grounds, wander through Prague’s Jewish Quarter, shop for hand-cut crystal, savor authentic Czech dumplings, stand in Wenceslaus square where protestors demonstrated against Communism, or visit one of the many churches. Then drive to Nuremberg and set sail for medieval Regensburg, Passau, Vienna, and Budapest, with guided sightseeing in each city. Sail through the fascinating Main Danube Canal and witness the scenic beauty as you cruise past quaint towns. Attend a beer tasting, tour Melk’s splendid Benedictine Abbey, and experience the music, art, culture, and historical sights in romantic Vienna—a memorable vacation!
http://www.gardnertravel.com/globustours/aus001m.htm
MEALS
Cruise: Deluxe 11-night cruise in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
Day 1 Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring.
Day 2 Prague
Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20th-century wars. A LOCAL GUIDE shows you its best-known treasures, such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square, an important meeting point and where people demonstrated against the communist regime; or watch performers on Charles Bridge. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Prague
Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Communist Museum; sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast)
Day 4 Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew for a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 Nuremberg
Although 90% of Nuremberg’s Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, choose from an included GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR and marvel at this thousand-year-old city’s medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a more specialized “NUREMBERG TRIALS” tour. During free time, be sure to make a wish at the beautiful fountain in the Hauptmarkt (main square). Legend says your wish will come true if you turn its gold ring three times. Then, enjoy a tranquil afternoon of cruising. Take in an interesting ONBOARD LECTURE about the engineering marvel that is the Main Danube Canal. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Regensburg
Arrive in Regensburg after breakfast. Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of “historic interest.” Architectural highlights of your GUIDED WALK include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built in the 13th century, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Wander through the city’s lanes and alleys to discover the many mansions with high towers. Wealthy families built these towers to emphasize their status and wealth during the Middle Ages, and many still remain today. Walk across the 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany. Grab a beer and enjoy an included SNACK at the Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants. Bask in the vibrant atmosphere and take in the remarkable views along the river. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Passau–Linz, Austria
This morning, dock in Passau. Uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge, Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Take in the highlights on the included GUIDED WALK. Then, sail to Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, which lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. Alternatively, take an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg to see the popular Sound of Music sights or to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rejoin the ship in Linz. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Melk–Vienna
This morning, enjoy an included GUIDED VISIT of Melk’s magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. You’ll be captivated by the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. The view from the terrace of the abbey over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! During lunchtime, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, the landmark of Dürnstein, before arriving in Vienna this evening. Known as the “City of Music,” it inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boy’s Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—plus, countless other sights shown to you by your Local Guide during your included CITY TOUR. Shop in the delightful pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! In the late afternoon, leave Vienna for Budapest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 Budapest, Hungary
Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s liveliest cities. Whether you’re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café, Budapest’s unique energy is positively palatable. On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, see the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen’s Bastion and 11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city’s eight bridges—many famous sights in and of themselves—which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, a symbol of Budapest built in 1849. Perhaps visit St. Stephen’s Basilica; shop at the Great Market Hall and purchase paprika at one of its 180 vendor stalls; wander around the Royal Palace grounds; or stroll along Váci utca, the main shopping street. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11 Budapest (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
11 days from Prague to Budapest From the splendor of Prague to the Gypsy violins of Budapest, you’ll treasure every moment of this memorable Danube River cruise. Enjoy three nights in Prague with guided sightseeing as well as time to explore this marvelous city on your own. Discover the Hradcany Castle grounds, wander through Prague’s Jewish Quarter, shop for hand-cut crystal, savor authentic Czech dumplings, stand in Wenceslaus square where protestors demonstrated against Communism, or visit one of the many churches. Then drive to Nuremberg and set sail for medieval Regensburg, Passau, Vienna, and Budapest, with guided sightseeing in each city. Sail through the fascinating Main Danube Canal and witness the scenic beauty as you cruise past quaint towns. Attend a beer tasting, tour Melk’s splendid Benedictine Abbey, and experience the music, art, culture, and historical sights in romantic Vienna—a memorable vacation!
http://www.gardnertravel.com/globustours/aus001m.htm
MEALS
- Meals are indicated by breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions with sparkling wine and canapés
- Welcome dinner
- Daily Afternoon Tea
- Daily Night Fare
- Local chef dinner
- Farewell dinner
- Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; soft drinks with lunch; and wine, beer, or soft drinks with dinner are included daily on board your vessel
Cruise: Deluxe 11-night cruise in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
Day 1 Arrive in Prague, Czech Republic
Welcome to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. This fascinating city straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires, and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. The remainder of the day is free to start exploring.
Day 2 Prague
Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20th-century wars. A LOCAL GUIDE shows you its best-known treasures, such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square, an important meeting point and where people demonstrated against the communist regime; or watch performers on Charles Bridge. (Breakfast)
Day 3 Prague
Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Communist Museum; sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast)
Day 4 Prague–Nuremberg, Germany (Embarkation)
After lunch, drive to Nuremberg, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew for a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 Nuremberg
Although 90% of Nuremberg’s Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, choose from an included GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR and marvel at this thousand-year-old city’s medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle), or join a more specialized “NUREMBERG TRIALS” tour. During free time, be sure to make a wish at the beautiful fountain in the Hauptmarkt (main square). Legend says your wish will come true if you turn its gold ring three times. Then, enjoy a tranquil afternoon of cruising. Take in an interesting ONBOARD LECTURE about the engineering marvel that is the Main Danube Canal. Before dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Regensburg
Arrive in Regensburg after breakfast. Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of “historic interest.” Architectural highlights of your GUIDED WALK include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built in the 13th century, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Wander through the city’s lanes and alleys to discover the many mansions with high towers. Wealthy families built these towers to emphasize their status and wealth during the Middle Ages, and many still remain today. Walk across the 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany. Grab a beer and enjoy an included SNACK at the Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants. Bask in the vibrant atmosphere and take in the remarkable views along the river. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Passau–Linz, Austria
This morning, dock in Passau. Uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge, Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Take in the highlights on the included GUIDED WALK. Then, sail to Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, which lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. Alternatively, take an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg to see the popular Sound of Music sights or to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rejoin the ship in Linz. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Melk–Vienna
This morning, enjoy an included GUIDED VISIT of Melk’s magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. You’ll be captivated by the splendor of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. The view from the terrace of the abbey over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! During lunchtime, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, the landmark of Dürnstein, before arriving in Vienna this evening. Known as the “City of Music,” it inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Vienna
Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boy’s Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral—plus, countless other sights shown to you by your Local Guide during your included CITY TOUR. Shop in the delightful pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! In the late afternoon, leave Vienna for Budapest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 Budapest, Hungary
Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s liveliest cities. Whether you’re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café, Budapest’s unique energy is positively palatable. On your GUIDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR, see the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen’s Bastion and 11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city’s eight bridges—many famous sights in and of themselves—which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, a symbol of Budapest built in 1849. Perhaps visit St. Stephen’s Basilica; shop at the Great Market Hall and purchase paprika at one of its 180 vendor stalls; wander around the Royal Palace grounds; or stroll along Váci utca, the main shopping street. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11 Budapest (Disembarkation)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
SHIPS THAT WERE BUILT AROUND YOU.
The Suite Ships of Avalon have revolutionized the way people river cruise. Our spacious, innovative Panorama SuitesSM are some of the largest in river cruising, featuring our unique Open-Air Balconies® with giant wall-to-wall windows that provide spectacular views.
And once you leave your room you will find that same attention to detail everywhere on board. You'll also find fewer people. Which means more space everywhere you go.
More space. Bigger views. More comfort.
http://www.avalonwaterways.com/
The Suite Ships of Avalon have revolutionized the way people river cruise. Our spacious, innovative Panorama SuitesSM are some of the largest in river cruising, featuring our unique Open-Air Balconies® with giant wall-to-wall windows that provide spectacular views.
And once you leave your room you will find that same attention to detail everywhere on board. You'll also find fewer people. Which means more space everywhere you go.
More space. Bigger views. More comfort.
http://www.avalonwaterways.com/
ABOVE: A couple enjoys the view from an Avalon cruise on the Danube. INSET BELOW: A stateroom and a junior suite's bathroom on the Avalon Artistry.
http://www.avalonwaterways.com/Europe-Rivers/Danube/
Avalon Waterways is a river-cruising line owned by Globus, a tour operator with more than 75 years of experience in Europe. Avalon focuses on the U.S. and Canadian market, with cruises on modern vessels built since 2007. (Two new "suite ships" joined the fleet in 2013, and three more will enter service in 2014.)
Avalon's ships feature oversized cabins and state-of-the-art amenities such as sliding glass doors, fitness rooms, free Internet access, and--in Royal Suites--complimentary iPads. Restaurants have open seating, and passengers are served wine, beer, or soft drinks at lunch and dinner without charge.
European itineraries range from four to 24 days in length, with travel on the waterways of Holland and Belgium, France, Germany, and Central Europe. Some itineraries include land tours before or after the river cruise. Avalon also has a number of "theme cruises" scheduled for 2014, including a Beer Tasting Cruise, a Jewish Heritage Cruise, a World War II History Cruise, and Wine and Culinary Cruises.
Cruise line's Web site: Avalon Waterways
INCLUDED FEATURES
- It's about you. You are the reason we've used our 80-plus years of travel expertise to design the very best river cruise experience. Inspired by you, we've taken everything special about river cruising and made it even better. Here are some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships.
- Panoramic windows throughout every ship.
- Elegant, contemporary design throughout.
- Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
- Headsets for shore excursions.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
- Personalized room options & excursions.
- Space to relax & unwind
- Premium coffees, cappuccinos and lattes.
- Coffee self-serve beverage station.
- A lounge serving premium spirits.
- Maintain your routine in the fitness center.
- The Comfort Collection BedsSM.
- Premium L'Occitane bath amenities.
- Daily early- and late-riser breakfast.
- Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine.
- Complimentary juices with breakfast.
- Made-to-order egg station at breakfast.
- Complimentary soft drinks with lunch.
- Al fresco lunches on the Sky Bistro.
- Chef-inspired regional recipes.
- Four-course dinners with open seating.
- Nightly choice of appetizers, entrées, desserts or cheese.
- Complimentary regional wines at dinner.
- Free soft drinks or beer with dinner.
- Night Fare served at 10:30 p.m.
- Remarkable service throughout the cruise.
- English-speaking crew.
- Non-smoking interior.
- Large bathrooms - showers w/ glass doors.
- Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels.
- Spacious 3-door closets for ample storage.
- Alternative dinners of light regional specialties and wines in the Panorama Bistro on Suite ShipsSM.
- And, much more.
The Legendary Danube
11 days from Prague to Budapest From the splendor of Prague to the Gypsy violins of Budapest, you’ll treasure every moment of this memorable Danube River cruise. Enjoy three nights in Prague with guided sightseeing as well as time to explore this marvelous city on your own. Discover the Hradcany Castle grounds, wander through Prague’s Jewish Quarter, shop for hand-cut crystal, savor authentic Czech dumplings, stand in Wenceslaus square where protestors demonstrated against Communism, or visit one of the many churches. Then drive to Nuremberg and set sail for medieval Regensburg, Passau, Vienna, and Budapest, with guided sightseeing in each city. Sail through the fascinating Main Danube Canal and witness the scenic beauty as you cruise past quaint towns. Attend a beer tasting, tour Melk’s splendid Benedictine Abbey, and experience the music, art, culture, and historical sights in romantic Vienna—a memorable vacation!
To:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/hungary/budapest
https://www.youtube.com/user/Hungary
http://danube-river.com/