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EUROPE
Eastern Europe Escapade & Splendours of Europe River Cruise
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Inclusions
Departure Dates
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The cruise and/or tour map shown is provided as a guide only.
The actual route of the cruise or tour may vary.
Tour Summary
Tour name: Eastern Europe Escapade & Splendours of Europe River Cruise
Tour code: EGRE  
Days: 24  
Overview:

  
Varied Itinerary
Cecilienhof Palace closed  Tour code: EGRE.4
Tour Itinerary
Day 1Arrive Prague
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred* to your centrally located hotel.
Three Night Stay: Prague
Day 2Prague Sightseeing (FB,HD)
This morning we will be whisked back to the time when Mozart composed his music as we visit one of his favourite cities. Walk around HdracanyCastle and across the CharlesBridge spanning the river Vlatva. Visit the Old Town square, witness the Astronomical clock strike the hour and see the monument to the Protestant Reformer – Jan Huss. We also visit St Vitus Church and admire Our Lady of Tyn Cathedral. After a break for lunch we will take a tour in the steps of Mozart with our local guide who will take us to the St Nikolas Church where the Requiem Mass for Mozart was performed. Finally the day is completed with a bohemian glass tour where you can learn more about this world famous glass and the skills behind it. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner of Czech cuisine in a tavern accompanied by some excellent Pilsen beer or local wines.
Day 3Prague day at leisure (FB)
Today is free for you to explore Prague or you may choose to purchase one of the extra-sightseeing activities. Choose from (1) a walking tour in the footsteps of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; or (2) a visit to the Jewish synagogue and cemetery; or (3) Cesky Krumlov, one of the most beautiful towns in Europe, where the old town centre has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 4Prague – Dresden – Berlin, Germany (FB,D)
On leaving Prague drive along the Elbe valley to Dresden, known as Florence on the Elbe. Here we will see the Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, the Semper Opera house and visit the courtyards of Zwinger Palace and the Green Vault with its collection of Meissen porcelain. Continue via the Spreewald forest before arriving in Germany’s capital – Berlin. 
Two Night Stay : Berlin
Day 5Berlin Sightseeing & at leisure (FB)
The re-unification of Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 saw the city transform into the impressive and exciting metropolis that it is today. We see the new Reichstag, the Brandenberg Gate, State Opera House and Alexander Platz – and of course we will drive ‘Unter den Linden’. As a reminder of Berlin’s secret past, we visit former Checkpoint Charlie and its museum as well as other sites associated with the era of the Iron Curtain. It’s then a short drive to Potsdam to see the palace of Frederick the Great and visit the Cecelienhof where the Potsdam Treaty was signed.
Day 6Berlin – TRAIN – Warsaw, Poland (FB)
This morning we will be taken to the main train station where we board our first class carriage for the journey across the heart of Poland and into Polish Capital of Warsaw. Time en route to relax and watch the scenery pass by, arriving into Warsaw early afternoon.
Two Night Stay: Warsaw
Day 7Warsaw Sightseeing & at leisure (FB,HD)
Today we experience a miracle of reconstruction and conservation. Our guided sightseeing tour reveals the historic centre where much of the Old Town was rebuilt after the war. Memories of Polanski’s film ‘The Pianist’ come to mind as we visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide. We see the monument to the Ghetto heroes, the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial. Then we take an excursion to Wilanow Palace, known as Poland’s Versailles, residence of Polish King Sobieski – Victor of Vienna. This evening enjoy a highlight dinner in one of Warsaw’s local restaurants.
Day 8Warsaw – Czestochowa – Auschwitz – Krakow (FB)
This morning we drive to Czestochowa to visit the beautiful 14th century Paulite Monastery at Jasna Gora.  This is the home of the portrait of Our Lady, the 'Black Madonna' thought to have been painted by St. Luke. Next, on a more sombre note, we visit the Concentration Camp at Auschwitz and its chilling reminders of the atrocities of World War II. Finally we approach the picture-postcard medieval city of Krakow, the former Royal capital, nestled in the valley of the river Vistula.
Two Night Stay: Krakow
Day 9Krakow Sightseeing & at leisure (FB,HD)
Sightseeing of this imposing medieval city includes the cathedral and castle on Wawel Hill and on a walking tour of the old town we visit St Mary’s Church and the Cloth Hall. An exciting highlight is our visit to the nearby the 800 year old Wielicka Salt Mines – the greatest tourist attraction in southern Poland. Here you will wonder at the glistening chandeliers of pure crystal salt as well as many other fascinating salt sculptures. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop in the medieval centre or simply relax. This evening enjoy a highlight dinner in one of Krakow’s local restaurants.
Day 10Krakow – Budapest Embarkation (FB,HD)
Today we journey past the Castle of Oravsky Hrad and over the Tatra Mountains, through Slovakia and into Budapest, the capital of Hungary. A warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Evergreen Tours river cruise ship. This evening join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail reception followed by a traditional Hungarian Welcome dinner.
Day 11Budapest (FB,L,D)
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan cities. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex with Fishermans's Bastion and the Matthias Church, and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest.
Day 12Bratislava - Vienna (FB,L,D)
Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. Set on the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, the city embodies various cultures – primarily Celtic, Roman and Slavic. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. After lunch relax and enjoy the scenery as we cruise along the Danube towards Vienna the “City of Waltzes”. This evening in Vienna you have the option (own expense) to attend a Viennese concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss.
Day 13Vienna (FB,L,D)
Vienna the “City of Waltzes”. Today, on a comprehensive half-day tour, we explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see Vienna’s world-famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. You’ll then visit the Belvedere Palace and gardens, the palace at the heart of Vienna, was once the Baroque summer residence of the renowned general and art connoisseur Prince Eugene. This afternoon is at leisure to stroll the main shopping street or as an option (own expense) a visit to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace.
Day 14Dürnstein – Melk (FB,L,D)
Dürnstein is one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau valley and on to Melk, home to an imposing 900-year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and spectacular fresco ceilings and offers spectacular views of the Danube.
Day 15Linz – Passau (FB,L,D)
Today there is the opportunity to take an optional tour (own expense) to either 1) Salzburg, birth place of Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music”, or 2) the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.
Day 16Regensburg – Weltenburg (FB,L,D)
Dating back to settlement in 500BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and its architectural gems are testament to its long history and past grandeur. Your guided tour visits the Old Chapel, the Thurn and Taxis Castle, and the medieval stone bridge across the Danube, which is a wonderful place to view the cityscape of red roofs, churches, towers, turrets and townhouses from the 12th to 14th centuries. After lunch, we embark on a motorcoach tour to the spectacular Benedictine abbey of Weltenburg, the oldest monastery in Bavaria, founded around 600 AD. by the monks of St. Columbanus. The monastery’s brewery is the oldest still existing brewery in the world, and is famous for its dark ale, which is still produced by the monks.
Day 17Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. This morning we explore this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. You’ll see the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle rising above the old quarter enclosed by thick walls punctuated with 80 towers. We then join a guided tour of the fascinating Nuremberg Rallies and Trial Sites which were part of the aftermath of WWII.
Day 18Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Relax onboard this morning as we cruise through the Main-Danube Canal, arriving after lunch at our destination, Bamberg. Feel the magic of the past as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide today. Boasting one of Europe’s largest intact medieval town centres, Bamberg is bursting with original character and charm. At the centre of the town is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. Around 2,400 listed buildings and the centuries-old garden quarter form a special cultural heritage. Admire hundreds of building façades richly decorated in fascinating detail with spectacular ornamentation.
Day 19Würzburg (FB,L,D)
Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road", Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. After lunch we join our guide for a walking tour of Würzburg and visit the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour highlights the palace’s unique staircase, elaborate 18th century frescoes and the amazing 3-dimensional stuccowork.
Day 20Wertheim - Miltenberg (FB,L,D)
Today we cruise into Wertheim, a beautiful town known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people. The highlight today will be a walk through the medieval city along its cobblestone streets and discovering the traditional methods of Wertheim’s glassblowing tradition in a private demonstration. Return to the ship for lunch, as we continue the journey onto a picturesque village on the Main River, Miltenberg. The village creates an imitable feeling of Bavarian life in medieval times and the Old Town is lined with well-preserved half-timbered buildings. The gothic Merchant Hall is an impressive symbol of past affluence created by trade from river traffic.
Day 21Rüdesheim – Koblenz (FB,L,D)
After breakfast we arrive at Rudesheim, one of Germany’s most popular towns. Join the “Winzerexpress” mini-train ride to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Instrument Museum, where your guided tour features displays of self-playing instruments. On your way back to the ship see the huge Niederwald monument depicting the mythical figure of Germania and stroll along the Drosselgasse, a giant pedestrian street lined with wine taverns, shops and restaurants.Today’s cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Keep your camera at the ready as around every bend there are stunning vistas of castles perched above steep vine-covered slopes. We’ll also pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured to their doom onto treacherous rocks by enchanted temptresses. In the late afternoon we arrive into the beautiful 2,000 year old townsite of Koblenz, located at the intersection of the Rhine and the Moselle Rivers. Tonight after dinner, you will have time to take a walk and explore the village.
Day 22Cologne (FB,L,D)
After a morning of scenic cruising along the Rhine we arrive in Cologne. Founded by the Romans, Cologne is Germany's oldest city and is famous for its magnificent World-heritage listed Gothic Cathedral. Join your guide this morning and explore the city including the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments.
Day 23Amsterdam (FB,L,HD)
Welcome to Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, a fascinating 700 year old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and cafés. This afternoon, we join a glass top canal boat cruise and explore Amsterdam’s maze of canals.  Cruise past 16th century merchant houses and charming churches, dating back to Holland’s Golden Age. We continue our sightseeing with a visit to the world-famous Van Gogh Museum, containing the worlds largest collection of Van Gogh paintings, for a first hand appreciation of the Dutchman’s artistic genius. This evening join your fellow travellers for a Captain’s Farewell dinner.
Day 24Disembarkation – Depart Amsterdam (FB)
After breakfast it’s time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer* to the airport for you onward or homebound flight.

NOTE: On the Reverse itinerary (Amsterdam – Budapest), all tours will be included, however actual port sequence and times may vary.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary. 
Tour itinerary is valid from 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2010 and is subject to change. Enquire for itinerary details that fall outside of these dates. If you have booked on a tour please refer to the itinerary provided in your tour documentation or on Tour Personaliser for any changes that have been made.


Evergreen Tours (a division of Scenic Tours Pty Ltd)
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