Prague | |||||
Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary | |||||
11 days Fares from �2615 |
14 days Fares from �3360 | ||||
Aboard Swiss Crystal |
An enchanting journey from the heart of Franconia to Vienna and Budapest, following the blue ribbon of the Danube as it winds through stunning scenery in Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. You'll discover the essence of one of Europe's most fascinating rivers and enjoy a wealth of pleasures including superb architecture, picturesque towns and elegant shops and cafes. |
RC94 Cruise Itinerary |
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Wed 16 May London - Munich - Nuremberge | Fly from London to Munich and transfer to Nuremberg to join Swiss Crystal. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thu 17 May Nuremberg - Roth | Visit Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia, this morning. The city was one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Germany and the historic Old Town has been wonderfully restored since the end of World War II. There is also an opportunity to wander at leisure, perhaps trying some of the local specialities, "Lebkuchen" (gingerbread) or "Rostbratwuerst" (sausages). Rejoin the ship at Roth and sail on the Main-Danube Canal during the afternoon through the beautiful Lower Altmuehl Valley, arriving in Kelheim late evening. Join our Welcome Cocktail Party this evening. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fri 18 May Kelheim - Regensburg | We join the River Danube, arriving in Regensburg for a full day. Join a walking tour of the medieval town in the morning and get aquainted with its pretty narrow streets and open squares. In the afternoon why not take the chance to buy souvenirs, or just watch the world go by from a pavement cafe? We stay in port overnight. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sat 19 May Regensburg - Passau | Sail early morning to arrive in Passau after lunch. Disembark in the afternoon for our walking tour of the town, situated at the confluence of three rivers, the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. Many of the houses are in Italian style, typical of those found along the River Inn. During our excursion we visit the Cathedral of St Stephen, which houses the world�s largest church organ (17,388 pipes). An overnight in port gives the opportunity to dine ashore in this Baroque town. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sun 20 May Passau - Linz - Grein | Relax on deck and enjoy the wonderful scenery before crossing into Austria and arriving in Linz at lunchtime. Join our afternoon tour into the countryside to St Florian where we visit the abbey church, with its highly ornate stucco work and frescoes. Bruckner, who was the organist here from 1850 to 1855, is buried in the crypt. We overnight in the delightful village of Grein. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mon 21 May Grein - Melk - Duernstein | We sail through the Austrian countryside for Melk, arriving at lunchtime. Here we visit the Benedictine Abbey, a supreme example of Baroque architecture. The public rooms include the Marble Hall, magnificent Library and the Imperial Room. We also see the remarkable church, with its dazzling golden interior. Cruise along the Wachau before arriving in the picturesque town of Duernstein. Enjoy a wine tasting ashore this evening. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tue 22 May Duernstein - Vienna | Sail after breakfast for Vienna, for centuries one of the great capitals of Europe with many reminders of its glorious past carefully preserved. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent St Stephen�s Cathedral and see some of the city's elegant buildings including the Town Hall, Parliament and the Hofburg. Alternatively you may choose to explore at leisure or indulge in a slice of Sachertorte at one of Vienna's elegant cafes. This evening there will be an opportunity to attend a classical concert ashore in this "City of Music". | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wed 23 May Vienna - Bratislava | This morning we visit the sumptuous Baroque summer palace of Schoenbrunn. Frescoed ceilings, tapestries, crystal chandeliers and gilded ornaments adorn the interior, whilst outside there are beautifully kept French style gardens. Sail at lunchtime for Bratislava, the historic capital of Slovakia. We take a walking tour of the colourful Old Town, which has been beautifully restored in recent years. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thu 24 May Bratislava - Esztergom | We enter the Slovakian Gabcikovo Canal and Lock which bypasses the Danube for some 39 kilometres. Our visit this afternoon is to Esztergom, the town of St Stephen, first King of Hungary. Our excursion includes Hungary�s largest church, the neoclassical style Cathedral which dominates the town and affords wonderful views over the river. A local gypsy band will entertain us this evening following the Captain's Dinner. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fri 25 May Esztergom - Budapest | Sail during breakfast for the capital of Hungary. Enjoy the impressive river approach as we cruise around the "Danube Bend" and pass the imposing riverside Houses of Parliament. The city combines both eastern and western influences and is frequently referred to as the "Paris of Eastern Europe". In the afternoon we explore the Pest side of the city, including the vast Heroes' Square with its splendid Millennium Monument and the Museum of Fine Arts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sat 26 May Budapest - London | Disembark after breakfast and visit the Buda side of the city on Castle Hill including the Fisherman's Bastion, Matthias Church and Gellert Hill. "Cruise Only" passengers transfer to the airport for our return flight to London. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cruise & Tour RC94(NJ): Prague | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sat 26 May Budapest - Prague | After the morning's excursion, "Cruise & Tour" passengers fly from Budapest to Prague and transfer to the Art Nouveau style Esplanade Hotel where we stay for three nights. The remainder of the day will be at leisure. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sun 27 May Prague | We enjoy a walking tour taking in Wenceslas Square, the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Hall and the Jewish Quarter. Afternoon at leisure. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mon 28 May Prague | We drive through the Bohemian countryside to Kutna Hora, then return to Prague after lunch. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tue 29 May Prague - London | After our morning tour and lunch, transfer to the airport for our return flight to London. |
Please note Guest Speakers travel on the cruise portion of the holiday only.