Prague to Strasbourg Serenade

 

•   Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

Day 1: Welcome to Prague
A transfer is included from Prague's Ruzyne Airport to the Hilton Old Town Prague. Meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Directors for a grand kickoff to your exciting Europe river cruise – tonight's royal welcome reception, tour and dinner at 16th-century Lobkowicz Palace at the Prague Castle.
Overnight: Hilton Prague Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Discovering past and present in Prague
Join your local guide for today's exploration of the Czech capital in Prague's ancient Hradcany (Castle) district, where you'll see 1,000-year-old Prague Castle's complex of palaces, courtyards and gardens. Walk along the famous Golden Lane, visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus and enjoy a Tauck Exclusive... a private tour of Strahov Monastery's grand Baroque libraries. You're free to spend the afternoon as you please in this "city of 100 spires," or join us if you like on a walking tour of Prague’s Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge and Tyn Church – and the city's historic Jewish Quarter. Sample the culinary pleasures of Prague with dinner on your own tonight; the city's many fine restaurants and cafés feature a wide range of cuisines... and some of the best schnitzels, goulashes, strudels, dumplings and beer the region has to offer.          
Overnight: Hilton Prague Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: • Regensburg revealed
Leave fascinating Prague and set out overland for Regensburg, Germany, a city with a really long history; humans first settled here on the banks of the River Danube during the Stone Age, and the Romans arrived around 90 AD. Regensburg bills itself as “Germany’s best-preserved medieval city,” and you’ll understand why when you explore the town during a walking tour; see the Stone Bridge over the Danube (completed in 1146), magnificent Dom St. Peter, the 15th-century Town Hall and the remains of the Roman wall with your local guide. This afternoon, board the ms Swiss Sapphire to begin your Europe river cruise, bound for Nürnberg via the Main-Danube Canal. The Captain welcomes you aboard with a special reception in your honor, followed by a welcome dinner tonight.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4: • The Main-Danube Canal and historic Nürnberg
It wasn’t until 1992 that the dream of linking the North Sea to the Black Sea, and making a riverboat cruise all the way from Holland to Romania possible, was realized with the completion of the Main-Danube Canal. A local expert will tell you all about it as ms Swiss Sapphire transits the canal this morning. After docking in Nürnberg, disembark for an orientation tour of this significant Bavarian city, perhaps best known for its role during and after World War II. But Nürnberg also has a fascinating medieval heart, which you’ll discover firsthand on a walking tour following a special lunch featuring entertainment at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: • Bamberg and cruising aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
What the Alsace is to wine in France (which you'll learn firsthand a bit later on your Europe river cruise), the Franconia region of Germany is to beer – and Bamberg, a charming city set atop seven hills, is living proof of it. Following a morning walking tour of Bamberg’s Old Town, you’ll have a chance to sample some of the excellent local brews during a brewery tour and beer tasting. Spend the afternoon gliding along the River Main, and participating in the on-board activities offered by your Tauck Directors – perhaps gaining some new insights on your Europe river cruise as ms Swiss Sapphire continues on to Würzburg. 
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: • Feel like royalty at the Residenz
By 1000 BC, the Celts had built a fortress, and in the 8th century, Charlemagne himself consecrated the cathedral that is the focal point of the historic and charming town of Würzburg. About 90% of the town was destroyed in World War II and then painstakingly reconstructed by its citizens – most of them women referred to as Trümmerfrauen ("rubble women"). You'll witness the results of their efforts on your visit today, which includes a tour of the Würzburg Residenz, a beautiful complex of palaces begun in 1720 for the Würzburg prince-bishops and completed, start-to-finish, almost within a single generation; its magnificent rooms contain a wonderful array of paintings, tapestries, furniture and other 18-century treasures. Following an afternoon at leisure aboard the ship, you'll return to the Residenz this evening for a memorable dinner in its wine cellar, complete with a wine tasting and entertainment – a highlight of your riverboat cruise!
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: • Rollin’ on the River Main
Arrive this morning in the old Bavarian town of Miltenberg to discover its hilltop castle, lively market square and half-timbered houses on a walking tour and time to explore as you wish. Then enjoy an opportunity to just kick back and relax on your Europe river cruise this afternoon as your riverboat glides down the Main River. Or, see what fun surprises your Tauck Directors have up their sleeves, work out in the fitness center or find something to challenge you on the on-board Wii game system. Bavaria comes aboard ms Swiss Sapphire this evening for a special dinner spotlighting this lovely area of Germany.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: • It happens in Heidelberg
Depart the riverboat for a full-day excursion to Heidelberg showcasing many facets of this intriguing city, which has been a happening place for students since the University of Heidelberg was founded in 1386. Take in the charm of Old Town during a guided walking tour revealing Gothic gates and walls, Renaissance and Baroque homes and palaces... and life here in the 21st century. Ride a funicular up to the ruins of the famous Gothic-Renaissance castle, Heidelberger Schloss. Have lunch in a Heidelberg restaurant and explore more of the city on your own before returning to the ms Swiss Sapphire this evening to continue your Europe river cruise.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: • Good times in Baden-Baden
Set in the foothills of Germany’s Black Forest, the spa town of Baden-Baden, with its healing waters, has been a popular destination since Roman times and its thermal springs have been known for over 2,000 years; the likes of Queen Victoria, Brahms, Napoleon III and Marlene Dietrich have wandered its streets, "taken the waters" and played in its casino. On your visit today, local guides take you on a walking tour to discover ruins of castles and Roman baths, and check out the extravagantly beautiful Belle Epoque Casino, which has been the place to see and be seen for nobility and the elite for over 250 years. You may return to the ship or spend the afternoon in Baden-Baden as you please; this evening, the ms Swiss Sapphire sets off from Plittersdorf along the Rhine to Strasbourg in the Alsace region of France.
Overnight: Aboard ms Swiss Sapphire
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Disembark; Strasbourg old and new
Upon arriving in Strasbourg – principal city of France's Alsace region – disembark ms Swiss Sapphire and bid your Captain and crew a fond adieu, as your Europe river cruise concludes and you begin a two-night stay in this charming city with one foot firmly in the present and one foot rooted in the past. As the capital of the European Union, the EU Parliament district bustles with the in-the-moment business of modern-day government; see the impressive, modern Parliament buildings en route to the past this morning. Step into the medieval world of La Petite France, with its historic cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and meandering canals, during a walking tour with a local guide. Due to its high tower, Strasbourg's Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady was the tallest building in the world for about 200 years; learn more about it and its other treasures during a visit today.
Overnight: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île, Strasbourg, France
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11: Authentically Alsace
Head out of town this morning for a drive along the famous Route des Vins d'Alsace (Alsatian Wine Road), through enchanting Alsatian villages and past endless terraced vineyards that produce the area’s renowned white wines on the way to the picturesque town of Obernai. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch in a former manor house, complete with local wines offering a true taste of the Alsace region. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy the many pleasures of this historic Alsatian city which has become the "crossroads of Europe."
Overnight: Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île, Strasbourg, France
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch

Day 12: Homeward bound
Your memorable Europe river cruise ends in Strasbourg, France. A transfer is included from the Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île to Strasbourg International Airport.
Overnight:
Meals Included: Breakfast

Don't miss our current specials: Special Air Savings - Learn More Hurry! Air Savings End March 26! Special International Air Savings – Europe Book and deposit summertime departures of the following Tauck journeys to Europe by March 26, 2010 and save $2,000 per couple off Business Class Air ($1,000 off per person) from select U.S. cities. Savings are valid for travel between June 29 and September 5, 2010, subject to availability: •Treasures of the Aegean – 14 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Wind Star / Wind Spirit •Sicily, the Amalfi Coast & Rome – 11 days with a 7-night cruise aboard Le Ponant •Switzerland – 11 days featuring travel along Tauck’s scenic Yellow Roads •Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence & Rome – 10 days in Italy with all multiple-night stays •Paradors of Northern Spain – 14 days exploring culturally rich Iberia •The Best of Ireland – 13 days featuring iconic cultural treasures of the Emerald Isle •A Week In… Ireland – 8 days with a 2-night stay at Dromoland Castle •A Week In… Spain – 8 days from Barcelona to Andalucía, Seville and Madrid •A Week In… Scotland – 8 days with 2- and 3-night stays in Loch Lomond, Inverness & Edinburgh •Spain and Portugal – 14 days of Iberian pleasures and culinary treasures •Normandy, Brittany, Paris & the Loire Valley – 13 days showcasing joie de vivre •A Week In… London & Paris – 4 nights at a grand hotel in London and 3 nights in Paree •Castles & Kings: London to Paris – An 8-day family vacation alive with royal traditions Deposit must be paid at time of booking and certain restrictions apply. Valid on new bookings only and not combinable with other promotions; ask for details. Tauck Tour Deals Traveling with a group of friends or family can add to the joy of any journey. Book a group of 10 on any Tauck land journey or cruise and the 11th guest travels FREE. Book a group of 8 on any Tauck Bridges family adventure and the 9th guest travels FREE Tauck Single Specials For those seeking singles tours, we are pleased to offer special values on select departures to our guests who choose to travel solo. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you are among like-minded travelers and will have all the day-to-day details handled for you! While everyone is welcome, on these select dates we offer special arrangements to those traveling solo at a reduced cost. Tauck Single Specials in North America Best of the Canadian Rockies Michigan's Lakes & Mackinac Island Charleston/Savannah Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia San Fransisco, Sonoma & Napa Valleys Tauck Single Specials in Europe A Week in Ireland A Week in Spain Mediterranean Discovery Istanbul and the Black Sea Treasure of the Mediterranean Cruising Mediterranean Shores The Blue Danube Holland Belgium in Spring Strasbourg to Prague Serenade The Rhine and Moselle Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat Budapest to the Black Sea Classic Italy Bellissima Northern Italy Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence and Rome A Week in Paris and Provence Tauck Singles Specials in Latin America Panama Canal & Costa Rica
Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
7/6/2010 - 7/18/2010	$3,990
8/3/2010 - 8/15/2010	$3,990
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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Tauck Tour Deals

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